Harstad

The municipality has approximately 23.100 inhabitants a covers a area of 371,8 km2 and is North Noway's cultural power center. That's also why the "Festspillene i Nord-Norge" (International Music Festival in North Norway) are held every year in Harstad. The city is located on Norway's largest Island, Hinnøya, and the town is surrounded by some of the most beautiful skerries and adventures in Norway.

You'll also experience that the Harstad region is a centre of opportunities. You can experience the adventure island of Senja by direct ferry from Harstad, the whale safari from Andenes, the killer whale safari in Tysfjord and day trips to Lofoten. Or simply put the perfect starting point for a number of adventures. The Coastal Steamer (Hurtigruten) has daily departures. See the pictures from the Coastal Steamer taken by one of our passengers.

A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE

The World´s Most Beautiful Voyage is a voyage like no other. Nothing can compare with it. Nothing about this journey will resemble anything you have ever experienced before. A ticket for the Coastal Steamer is a ticket to the theatre, an 11-day drama in which new acts constantly unfold all around you.

THE ADOLF GUN

The world's largest land-based gun.

ANNA ROGDE

The world's oldest schooner still in operation, dating from 1868. The "Anna Rogde" will have 13 regular sailings in the summer of 1997 (see activities/sightseeing). She may also be hired for day trips, trips to the Lofoten Islands, killer whale safaris, social events, voyages, etc.

ST. SUNNIVA

Roman Catholic Church, St. Sunniva, is a wooden church dating from 1893.

HARSTAD CHURCH

Modern church built in 1958 in traditional style.

TRONDENES CHURCH

The world’s most northerly stone church, dating back to the late Middle Ages (1250). The church is set in scenic surroundings 3 km outside Harstad. It boasts several treasures and a beautiful interior.

GRYTØY BYGDETUN

Grytøy Bygdetun at Lundenes. Old buildings with an atmosphere, preserved as an original 19th century farm.

SANDTORG BYGDETUN

Collection of old buildings with dwelling house and prison dating from the 19th century. Cow and sheep house, stable and smithy.

HANS EGEDES MINNE

A Chapel at Elgsnes, about 30 km from Harstad.

KJØTTA

Kjøtta is an island approximately 3 km in size and is located northeast of Harstad - about 20 min. by boat. Daily calls with Gapøy except Saturdays. You can rent rooms with 2 or more beds, cooking possibilities, WC, shower and laundry facilities in a common room. Separate floating pier and rentals of small boats with or without engine, or larger boats with operator for great fishing trips. You can clean and prepare your catch on the quay, and freezing facilities are available. Kjøtta Sjøcamp will be adapted for wheelchair users, including a scenic trail. Kjøtta is the perfect starting point to experience the beautiful archipelago.

GRØTAVÆR BRYGGE

Grøtavær Brygge is located in beautiful surroundings in the fishing hamlet of Grøtavær, which is rich in traditions. Accommodation and meals in the enterprise's main building, 1 km from the wharf. Fully licensed. Private parties organised in two unique attics, with sea food on the menu. Room for 250 guest (advance reservations). Café on the wharf. Boats for hire. Local guide available for boat trips, on request. Opportunities for fishing trips with larger boat and skipper. Gutting and preparation of fish on the wharf. Enjoy horses, goats, sheep, rabbits, hens and a cock. Riding. Hiking trips on marked paths.

HAGAN BRYGGE

The wharf was built at the end of the last century, and has been a centre for mending of fishing nets, sale of baits, and steam boats. At present, Hagan Brygge is a cultural-historical gem used for various events.

RØKENES FARM

The venerable Røkenes Gård is an estate with main building dating from 1750. It is located 6 km north of Harstad. The estate, which has been in the same family's possession since 1670, is an old North-Norwegian trade centre with a royal licence from 1777 to deal in cargo boats and to run a guesthouse - with a duty to serve spirits - as they said at the time. Wonderful setting for lunch, dinner, meetings, etc.

TRONDENES HISTORICAL CENTRE

Experience North Norwegian history and culture at Trondenes Historical Centre! Trondenes Historical Centre is located in a picturesque area close to Trondnes Church and only 3 km from Harstad city centre. Visit out exhisibitions that give you a glimpse into North Norway's and Hålogaland's exciting history via unique original objects, specially composed music and mutivision, smells and pictures. Hear stories from the Viking- and Middle Ages, up until WW II and today's urban community. The exhibition is texted in Norwegian, English and German.

Facilities: Enjoy coffee, lunch or dinner at the Tronus Cafè / Restaurant that has a dining terrace and panorama view toward the mountains, sea and seaward approach to Harstad. Give and souveinr shop with large assorment of items. Rooms can be rented for meetings and special occasions.

VERTSHUSET NORDLÆNDINGEN



Vertshuset Nordlændingen is located in the venerable building of Giævergården (built in 1891) on the outskirts of Harstad town centre, near the arts centre. Nordlændingen has developed into a throbbing centre for coastal culture in our region - meals, beverages and entertainment/live music served in genuine, North-Norwegian surroundings.

STATOILHYDRO

StatoilHydro has its largest activities in Norway. The company's head office is in Stavanger, with corporate functions located in both Stavanger and Oslo. Furthermore, StatoilHydro has activities in a number of locations in Norway. We are the largest operator on the Norwegian continental shelf, and a license holder in numerous oil and gas fields.

Our onshore facilities in Norway are active within such areas as gas treatment, crude oil reception, refinement and methanol production. StatoilHydro also has the technical responsibility for the world’s most extensive subsea pipeline system for the transport of gas.

StatoilHydro has over 500 service stations in Norway and additionally sells heating products, electricity, propane and lubrication products.

MIDNIGHT SUN

We have the Midnight Sun in our region from 20th May - 20th July. During this period, the sun stays above the horizon, and it is light 24 hours a day. The sky must be clear and there must be unobstructed visibility northwards in order to see the Midnight Sun. A summer night on the fjord or in the mountains is an experience not to be missed, you can go fishing in the fjord, which contains splendid variation of fish, or you can take a walk in the wilderness surrounding.

NORTHERN LIGHTS

Aurora Borealis is the Latin name for the Northern Lights – solar winds that meet the atmosphere in a zone around the magnetic North Pole. The Northern Lights are only visible when the sky is dark and clear, from August to April, and they are most intense from 10 pm to midnight. The region on the 700 northern latitude is a fantastic place for experiencing the beautiful and intense play of colours given off by the Northern Lights.

POLAR NIGHT

The dark time, or the long, dark Polar Night, lasts from 30th November - 12th January - there is only a twilight-dusk type of light (the blue light) for a few hours during the middle of the day. This does not mean that it becomes totally dark, however. The aurora borealis trails its multicoloured banner across the sky and the moon lights the scene just like the nightlight of Our Lord. The experience of the winter with the uniqueness of the light, the northern lights and snow is fantastic. Especially beautiful is the blue light southwards, just before it becomes dark.

FISHING

Deep sea fishing enthusiasts can take a fishing trip out on the ocean. You can fish for salmon, sea trout and Arctic trout. Be aware that there are a number of special rules in regards to fishing. Remember to purchase a fishing licence.

GOLF

Harstad Golfclub is a golf course with 9 holes and a variation of difficulties. The course lies around Røkenes Farm, approximately 4 km north from Harstad City Center.