In the middle of Norway, surrounded by mighty mountain scenery and a beautiful archipelago, Harstad awaits with varied experiences and activities – both summer and winter. Explore the archipelago by RIB boat, land big fish, kayak or explore the mountains on foot – there are activities for everyone.
You should also come to Harstad on an empty stomach because the city has become a real food mecca! With its close proximity to the sea, seafood is a natural part of the menu in the city’s eateries and in the fjords around Harstad, they fish for everything from cod and halibut to tusk and tasty shellfish. Local produce is also served with an international twist – so foodies are likely to be in their element here!
Here are some tips for things to experience in one of northern Norway’s best destinations:
Out in nature
Chasing the Northern Lights
If you visit Harstad between August and April, there is usually a good chance to experience the spectacular Northern Lights. Aktiv Events organises a Northern Lights tour that takes you in a tracked vehicle up to Aurora Summit Lodge, located at the top of Sollifjellet and around 15 minutes from the Harstad city centre. The beautiful lights can also be seen from one of Harstad’s numerous vantage points or from the window of your hotel room if you're lucky!
Midnight sun
'We don't sleep away the summer nights!', as the folk song goes, so it’s a good thing Harstad has midnight sun between May and July! It’s daylight around the clock and it's easy to get a bit confused about the time. But who cares when you can go fishing in the middle of the night, hike in the mountains or explore a quiet archipelago in a kayak – whenever you want.
Mountain hike to Aunfjellet and the Keipen viewpoint
If you hike to the top of Keipen, which is around 500 metres above sea level, you will be rewarded with fantastic views of Andøya and Grytøya. From the starting point at Aunfjellet, it is around a half an hour to an hour’s walk to the top and if you're lucky, you may see both the reindeer herd that live here or an eagle flying by. Aktiv Events organises guided tours to Keipen all year round. Another lovely tour (and popular photo spot) takes you to Elgen, is located on the small peninsula between Kasfjorden and Toppsundet, around eight kilometres from the Harstad city centre.
Food and drinks
Umami Harstad
The word 'umami' means 'pleasant savoury taste' in Japanese, which is exactly how the chefs at Umami prepare the dishes. And with success, as Umami has been named Northern Norway’s best restaurant and listed at theVery fine level in the White Guide Nordic. The food is served as a set menu that changes according to the season and is based on local ingredients from nature’s own pantry.
Gois
Looking for a taste of Thailand? Gois Restaurant & Cocktailbar is the place to be. The restaurant serves authentic Thai cuisine inspired by the recipes of the owner’s mother and grandmother to take you on a culinary journey to the Far East. The menu includes dishes like chicken satay, green curry and pad Thai and the restaurant also serves beer, wine and cocktails.
Bakerinnen
If you're in the mood for fresh pastries, go to Bakerinnen, said to have 'devilishly' good cakes, buns and bread. At this small artisan bakery with café, the buns are rolled by hand and you can be sure that real butter and whole milk are used in the dough. Real pastries in other words! The menu also includes lunch dishes, delicious cakes and locally roasted coffee.
Museums and attractions
The Adolf Gun
Interested in history? Then you should check out the Adolf cannon at Trondenes Fort. Built by the German occupying forces in 1943, it had a range of over 50 kilometres and is so large that an adult can fit in the gun's barrel. You must book a guided tour in advance, which includes the possibility to go down into the museum's weapon bunker.
Learn about Harstad’s history
At Trondenes Historiske Senter, located around three kilometres from the city centre, you can learn about the history of Harstad, from the proud Viking Age and the Middle Ages to the dark days of World War II. Next door is also Trondenes Middelaldergård.
Adventurous water park
Northern Norway's water temperatures may not be warm enough for all water enthusiasts, but at the Grottebadet water park located inside the mountain (!) in the middle of the Harstad city centre, it’s summer all year round! You can have fun in grottos and waterfalls, try the obstacle course in the water and slide down the waterslides – or simply relax in the sauna.
Group activities
Archipelago tour on a RIB boat
Ready to feel the sea spray in the face and wind in your hair? Harstad’s beautiful archipelago is best experienced zooming around in a RIB boat. B&B Touring organises a variety of tours that combine spectacular wildlife and nature experiences with fast-paced action and stories about the Vikings and wartime told by knowledgeable guides. One of the most popular tours goes to Krykkjeberget in Sundsvollsundet, where kittiwakes often appear – in addition to sea eagles, dolphins, killer whales and porpoises. An unforgettable experience!
Hunting for the big fish
When visiting Harstad, it’s almost a 'must' to try your luck at fishing! Here you can catch everything from saithe and halibut to mackerel, catfish and cusk. Join Arctic Waters on a 'catch and cook' trip and catch your own fish and then prepare it for dinner or go on a four-hour fishing trip with the MK Nordbuen, whose captain promises to take you to his best fishing spots.
Sollifjellet Ski Resort
Around a 15-minute drive from Thon Hotel Harstad is the Sollifjellet Ski Resort, with slopes suitable for skiers of all ages. This family-friendly resort has 5 slopes totalling 7.3 kilometres, as well as a toboggan run and café. The season normally runs from December to mid-May.
Magical cave walk
Around 20 minutes by car from Harstad, you can go on a spectacular walk to Trollkirka on Evenes. Despite its name, this is not a church, but beautiful limestone caves with underground waterfalls and rivers. With safety equipment and excellent guidance from Aktiv Events, you can rappel down underground, where 'troll' coffee and tea are served made from natural spring water from the mountains before the tour continues along the river towards Trollfossen.
Zen at sea
If you want to get close to nature – and really explore Harstad’s archipelago – you should try kayaking. There’s almost nothing more magical than floating across still water surrounded by majestic nature. ArctiConcepts rents out kayaks and organises guided tours. How about a tour under the midnight sun? Or a trip to bright white sandy beaches and secluded coves? Harstad is known as a paddling paradise for good reason!
On two wheels
Whether you have a lot of cycling experience or it’s been many years since the last time you rode a bike, Harstad has great opportunities for experiences on two wheels. And with an electric bike, it’s even more fun to see Harstad from the seat of a bike. ArctiConcepts organises a tour that starts on asphalt in the city before continuing along exciting forest trails. Along the way, you enjoy a nice break and outdoor lunch prepared on a campfire.
When you stay at Thon Hotel Harstad, you can combine your stay with unforgettable activities. We are happy to help if you have any questions or want to organise excursions.
