Harstad

The cultural capital of the north

Bring your hiking boots and experience Harstad’s cultural attractions and nearby nature on foot. Explore the coast in a kayak, or join one of the many diving trips in the Norwegian Sea.

The town of Harstad enjoys a scenic and strategic location on Norway’s largest island Hinnøya, with close proximity to Lofoten to the west, Narvik to the east, Tromsø to the north, and Bodø to the south.

Harstad is a municipality comprised entirely of islands, and also covers a large number of smaller islands and islets, offering white sandy beaches and fine fishing and bathing spots.

The long, bright summer days are perfect if you like hiking in the mountains and forests. This is also the place to visit if you want to go on deep-sea rafting trips or archipelago safaris in rigid inflatable boats (RIBs). You can see historic settlements on islets, where the fjord meets the open sea, or experience the huge kittiwake cliff on the island of Helløya. There are several options for getting to Harstad.

When you visit Harstad, you will discover a pleasant town and a surrounding area with a rich array of culture and nature-based experiences. Harstad is a mix of old and contemporary architecture which, in combination with the town’s many cafés and restaurants, provide a good atmosphere.

If you are looking for an adventure, a scuba diving trip to the ship wreck Belgica just outside of Harstad is a great option. Local dive shops will help you with equipment and classes.

In the last week of June, Harstad hosts the annual Festival of Northern Norway, a cultural celebration featuring a mix of amateur and professional artists.

Find more inspiration on Harstad’s official website.

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visitharstad.com

Kayaking in the Harstad archipelago

TI Bergsmo

Sunset in Harstad

Frank Andreassen / www.nordnorge.com

Archipelago safari by RIB boats

Jan-Erik Kristoffersen

Midnight sun in Harstad

Nettfoto.no

Find activities and attractions

Go for a hike in the surrounding nature, try fishing or kayaking under the midnight sun, or enjoy Harstad’s many cultural attractions.

Credits

Harstad.
Photo: Tommy Simonsen

Things to do in Harstad

Credits

Harstad.
Photo: Tommy Simonsen

Where to stay in Harstad

Food and drink

Getting here and around

Get in-depth travel information on Harstad’s official website.

By train

NSB (the Norwegian State Railways) offers daily train departures between Oslo and Fauske in Nordland, with onward travel to Harstad by connecting bus.

Ad: Check out NSB’s webpage for prices and timetables.
By car

If you are driving, follow E6 to Bognes and take the ferry to Lødingen. From Lødingen, follow E10 and Rv83 to Harstad.

From Narvik, follow E6 to Bjerkvik. From Bjerkvik, take E10 to Tjeldsundbrua bridge and then Rv83 to Harstad.

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By boat

Harstad has excellent express boat connections with Tromsø, located about 3 hours away, and to the island kingdom outside of Harstad – Bjarkøy and Senja.

North- and southbound ships from Hurtigruten, The Norwegian Coastal Voyage, meet daily in Harstad.

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By bus

Express buses take you between Harstad and Fauske, Narvik, and Lofoten.
Local travel

Local buses traffic the area in and around Harstad.
By plane

There are several daily flights from Oslo Airport to Harstad/Narvik Airport, with onward connections. Flight time is 90 minutes.

The drive to Harstad from the airport takes around 40 minutes. An airport express bus is available.

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Transportation offers

Northern lights forecast

Seasons and climate

Due to the temperate waters of the Gulf Stream, Harstad has a much milder climate than other parts of the world at the same latitude, such as Alaska and Greenland.
The coastal climate in Harstad makes the winters mild and the summers relatively cool.
The coldest months are January, February and December, with an average temperature of -4 °C.
The warmest month is July, with an average temperature of 13 °C.
October is the wettest month, with an average rainfall of 46 millimetres.
In Harstad you can experience Northern lights in the winter months and Midnight sun all summer.
Get the latest weather forecast on yr.no.

Safety in the mountains

Return to hike another day

Norway is an incredible place to explore, with untamed mythical landscapes, mountains, valleys, and fjords. Before you enter the outdoors, get familiar with the nine simple rules of the Norwegian mountain code to help you stay safe.

Plan your trip and inform others about the route you have selected.
Adapt the planned routes according to ability and conditions.
Pay attention to the weather and the avalanche warnings.
Be prepared for bad weather and frost, even on short trips.
Bring the necessary equipment so you can help yourself and others.
Choose safe routes. Recognize avalanche terrain and unsafe ice.
Use a map and a compass. Always know where you are.
Don’t be ashamed to turn around.
Conserve your energy and seek shelter if necessary.

Read the mountain code with supplementary comments.

Harstad also offers …

There is no need to wait until you’re here to find out what you’d like to do. Filter your search and check out the offers below.

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The cultural capital of the north

Find activities and attractions

Where to stay in Harstad

Food and drink

Getting here and around

By train

By car

By boat

By bus

Local travel

By plane