Harstad, Norway

Travel to the edge of the Earth

Quaint, primary-colored houses and church steeples peek out from a treed hillside surrounding deep blue Atlantic waters, welcoming you to this beautiful Nordic port. Named after the old farm for which the city was built on, Harstad is more popularly known to locals as “The Pearl of Vågsfjorden.”

The land of the midnight sun, Norway experiences a full 24 hours of daylight during the summer months between May and July. The most darkness you might experience is when the sun dips just below the horizon, so take advantage of this phenomena by exploring the edge of the Arctic Circle to the fullest.

Harstad's city center and harbor feature plenty of points of interest for history buffs. A traditional center during the Viking Age, Iron Age, the Norwegian Armed Forces during the Second World War, today the town serves as the capital of the North Norway oil industry.

Hike Harstad’s highest mountain, Sætertinden, to take in views 3,593 feet above sea level. Explore the icy Atlantic waters with a fishing tour. Immerse yourself in Scandinavian spa culture with a trip to the Grottebadet Waterpark to explore its caves, waterfalls, therapeutic pools, Jacuzzis, and more. Or, simply take a bike ride to experience native Norwegian life in the busy town streets.

So far off the map, yet so ingrained in history, Harstad is the city you didn’t know you needed to visit.