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 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 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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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 boat

By plane

Transportation offers