Harstad is located on Norway's largest island and is near Vesterålen and Lofoten.
People have lived here since Viking times and just outside one of the largest towns in northern Norway is Trondenes Farm which dates back to the Viking and Middle Ages. Meet the people who re-enact life 800 years ago, taste their food and hear their stories.
A stave church, a copy of King Øystein's church which has been open since the summer of 2019, was also built on the farm. Stave churches are Norway's most important contribution to European architecture. Close by, you will find Trondenes Church, the world's northernmost church from medieval times with 700–800 years old liturgical art.
Just outside the town centre and up towards the mountains, the ski slopes await. There are cross-country trails, downhill slopes and off-piste ski runs. Beyond the town and out to sea, the joys of the sea await.
And if you'd like culture in addition to nature, Harstad is the place. Harstad is, among other things, the home of the Arctic Arts Festival (Festspillene i Nord-Norge). In addition, Harstad is called the capital of northern Norway, and Norway's national cake, Kvæfjordkake, comes from the area. It's something to look forward to.
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A family-friendly town, and the gateway to Senja's more challenging outdoors.
