Harstad

Travel Guide

Harstad which includes a coastal town and general coastal views
Harstad featuring a coastal town and signage
Harstad featuring a bay or harbor and a coastal town
Harstad featuring general coastal views and a coastal town
Harstad featuring a marina, a coastal town and general coastal views

This town and region of the same name share exciting northern Norway experiences, from Viking heritage to coastal islets and rugged mountains.

Harstad is a town amid the coastal mountains and fjords on Hinnøya, an island in Troms County. Spend long, light-filled summer days exploring the region’s heritage trails that reveal Viking history, charming old farmsteads and long-standing culinary traditions. Don your hiking boots and discover the mountains or step aboard a boat to explore the archipelago. In winter, experience the beauty of polar nights and soak in the town’s steaming underground baths.

The second-largest town in Troms County, Harstad has a compact city center facing out onto the Norwegian Sea. Walk through the town to admire its brightly colored heritage façades. The area is known for delicious smoked salmon and fresh strawberries. North of the town lies Grottebadet, an indoor water park nestled into the subterranean caves. Swim in heated pools or relax in the hot tub and sauna.

Check out the Trondenes Peninsula north of town. This scenic piece of coastline was the playground for the notorious Viking chieftain Tore Hund. Visit the 13th-century Trondenes ChurchOpens in a new window to see one of the world’s most northern medieval churches. The Trondenes Historical CentreOpens in a new window brings the region’s history to life through films, exhibits and interactive displays, housed in a pretty sod-roofed waterfront building. Møysalen National Park provides opportunities to explore Hinnøya’s wilderness.

Set sail on Anna Rodge, one of the world’s oldest seafaring schooners for a fun-filled whale-spotting or fishing safari. Check out the island of Krøttøy to see Viking monuments or embark on a rafting trip and follow the fjord to the open ocean. Hike from cabin to cabin across the peaks of the region. In winter, explore the cross-country skiing trails.

Harstad is easily accessible by plane, car and boat. Fly into Evenes Airport, a 40-minute bus ride from town. An express boat connects Harstad with Finnsnes and TromsøOpens in a new window. The region has varied accommodations options, from townhouses and hotels to secluded camping sites. Experience Norway’s exciting cultural traditions and cuisine during Harstad’s annual Festival of Northern Norway in June.

Thon Hotel Harstad
Thon Hotel Harstad
3.5 out of 5
Sjogata 11, Harstad
The price is ¥16,933 per night from Aug 4 to Aug 5
¥16,933
¥18,965 total
Aug 4 - Aug 5
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Harstad. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and room service. Popular attractions Mountain Hike to Hinnstein and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (659 reviews)
"I especially like that it was right across from the harbor and within walking distance to the ferry to Kjøtta."

Reviewed on Jun 30, 2025

Thon Hotel Harstad
Quality Hotel Harstad
Quality Hotel Harstad
3 out of 5
ANNA ELISABETHS GATE 8, Harstad
The price is ¥16,093 per night from Aug 2 to Aug 3
¥16,093
¥18,064 total
Aug 2 - Aug 3
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Harstad. Enjoy free breakfast, a 24-hour fitness center, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Footsteps ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (212 reviews)
Terrific hotel, really enjoyed our stay
"This was a great base for our short stay in Harstad. Very central, comfortable rooms, terrific breakfast, nice staff."

Reviewed on Jun 28, 2025

Quality Hotel Harstad
F2 Hotel Harstad
F2 Hotel Harstad
3 out of 5
Fjordgata 2, Harstad
Fully refundable
The price is ¥8,152 per night from Jul 30 to Jul 31
¥8,152
¥9,227 total
Jul 30 - Jul 31
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Harstad. Enjoy free WiFi and housekeeping. Popular attractions Footsteps of the Vikings and The Archipelago by Bike are located ...
8/10 Very Good! (646 reviews)
"A basic hotel in a great (central) location. My standard single room was on the 6th floor facing the water to the south-east. It was very quiet (no traffic noise or from other guests) and, being light all night, glorious to lie in bed looking out through the picture windows at the seagulls and district ..."

Reviewed on Jun 29, 2025

F2 Hotel Harstad
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
8 Person Holiday Home in Sandsøy
8 Person Holiday Home in Sandsøy
3 out of 5
Harstad
Stay at this 3-star vacation home in Harstad. Enjoy in-room washers/dryers and an in-room coffeemaker.
8 Person Holiday Home in Sandsøy
Holiday Home in Bjarkøy
Holiday Home in Bjarkøy
2.5 out of 5
Harstad
Stay at this vacation home in Harstad. Enjoy free parking and a garden.
Holiday Home in Bjarkøy
Harstad Apartments
Harstad Apartments
3.5 out of 5
Marcus Pedersens vei 9, Harstad, Troms
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Harstad. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Grottebadet Waterpark and Footsteps ...
"Litt dyrt for en person, men jeg hadde ikke så mye valg siden alle hoteller var fullbooket. Plus for TV pakke. Minus for WiFi, som jeg opplevd som treg og ustabil."

Reviewed on Jun 19, 2019

Harstad Apartments
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Harstad