FAQ about Harstad city

Here you can find frequently asked questions about Harstad city.

Where is the closest tourist information, and what are the opening hours?
Visit Harstad is located in the city centre, 200 m from pier 1 and 600 m from pier 2. See www.visitharstad.com.

Where is the nearest shopping area from the pier?
1. Bertheusgården in city centre at Fjordgata, 100 m from pier 1, 500 m from pier 2, and 5 km from pier 3.
2. Bysenteret Harstad, in city centre at Richard Kaarbøs plass 1, same distances as above.
3. Sjøkanten senter at Seljestad, 500 m from pier 1, 100 m from pier 2, and 4 km from pier 3.
4. Amfi Kanebogen, 3,5 km from pier 1, 3 km from pier 2 and 1 km from pier 3.

What are the shops opening hours?
Normally 10 AM till 8 PM on weekdays, 10 AM till 6 PM on Saturdays, closed on Sundays. However, Sunday openings of a number of shops can be arranged through Visit Harstad

Are credit cards and travellers cheques accepted in shops?
All creditcards accepted. Travellers cheques – does anyone use them anymore?

Where is the nearest bank or ATM from the pier?
Large number of ATMs available in citycentre and at shopping centres. Distances: See above.

What are the bank opening hours?
Normally 9 AM til 3 PM on weekdays, closed Saturdays and Sundays.

What kind of souvenirs can guests expect to purchase?
Everything from local food, locally produced knitware, knives, jewellery – to more mainstream Norwegian artifacts (flags, trolls, books, etc.).

What should be at the top of my shopping list of products best bought in the city?
Sporting goods (large chain and local niche stores with very high quality), clothes (local niche stores, esp. in city centre), locally produced food

Should guests barter for prices?
No prohibition, but it is not normal in Norway.

If I am here for the first time, what are the top things I must see/do?
Many top sites/activities, all guided/full service:

• Trondenes church (northernmost stone church in the world from the 13th century with art from 14th and 15th century)
• Trondenes Historical centre with exhibitions of the rich Viking age heritage from this area and a reconstruction of a local farm from 1250 with reenactment
• The Adolf guns museum at Trondenes (the worlds largest coastal artillery gun from WW II – still fully operational)
• Keipen – a fantastic easy hike on a nearby mountain with stunning views 
• RIB tours with eaglesafari, birdwatching, lunch stop in the archipelago
• Elgsnes – a farm dating back to 17th century, but with visible heritage back to the Stone Age, combined with spectacular local food on the white beach
• Polar Zoo, see the animals of the Arctic in their natural habitats (no cages!). Guided bus tours of 6 hours through stunning scenery)
• The Lofoten Archipelago (guided bus tours of 8 hrs in stunning scenery)
• Boat trip with Anna Rogde, the world’s oldest sailing scooner from 1867, with guides, spectacular views and local culinary highlights
• All sorts of winter activities: Fantastic aurora borealis tours, fun in the snow (sledging, snow shoe walks, etc) all combined with food and hot drinks
• Norway’s second largest national arts festival (Artic Arts Festival) the final week of June every year. Activities with world renowned artist of all kinds of arts/culture practically 24/7 under the Midnight Sun
• Røkenes Farm, a farm from the 18th century, run by the 10th generation – showing rural life as it was then and today – with an excellent kitchen serving local specialities of great culinary quality.

What are the architectural highlights including modern buildings?
Trondenes medieval church, jugend style beautiful major buildings in the city centre, the brand new Northen Norway headquarters of Equinor (former Statoil), Harstad church and Harstad cinema from the 1960s (same architect as made the Ishavskatedralen in Tromsø), the original wooden city houses from the 19th and early 20th century – beautifully restored, and typical post war (WWII) city architecture in the north.

What are the top active things to do?
Hiking in Folkeparken (Peoples park), swimming in Grottebadet (swim park inside a mountain), bicycle park (enduro) in Blåbærhaugen, numerous hiking trails in the area

What are the city’s best kept secrets?
Swimming outside at Kanebogen or Grasholman beaches, hiking to ytre Aun, kayak in the archipelago

What local specialty food or drink should I taste to get the real local flavour?
Kvæfjordkake, also known as the worlds best cake, Norwegian lefse, fish gratin at Bark Eatery and Bar, strawberries from Kvæfjord during season 

What are the top boutique shopping experiences?
Several niche boutiques in the city centre

List some historic or contemporary celebrities residents of the city.
Tore Hund - famous Viking Chieftain, Ola, Kari and Lars Bremnes – singer/songwriter family, Hans Egede – first missionary to Greenland

List unusual collections or collectors of artefacts and memorabilia.
Outsider Art at Trastad Collections, Harr gallery at Røkenes Farm

What is the name of the closest airport, and how far is it from the pier? 
Evenes, 30 – 40 minutes from the pier. Norway’s 3rd longest runway, 747-capable. Excellent for turn-arounds.

What is the name of the closest train station, and how far is it from the pier?
No trains in Harstad. Nearest is Narvik, 1,5 hrs drive.

What are the top hotels in the city?
Scandic, Clarion Collection, Thon, F2 – all within a couple of hundred meters from the city centre pier.

Best local and luxury restaurant?
Umami Harstad – rated very fine level in White Guide 2018. Hans Egedes gate 12, 9405 Harstad Open Tuesday – Saturday, 18:00 – 24:00. Reservations only. Ca 250 m from pier 1, 500 m from pier 2, and 5 km from pier 3.

Are there any churches nearby?
Trondenes Church – northernmost stone church from the Middle Ages. Trondenesveien 128, 9404 Harstad Open on request all year. 3,5 km from the pier. Harstad Church – Åsveien, 9405 Harstad. Open on request all year. 950 m from the pier. Kanebogen Church - Fredlyveien 1, 9411 Harstad. Open on request all year. 3,5 km from pier city centre

What is the nearest UNESCO site and how far is it from the pier? 
Not available during cruise stop in Harstad