Walking Routes in Harstad

Let’s have a walk

Fresh air? Arctic scenery? Fjords and archipelago?

Whichever way you decide to do your walking in Harstad, you can stroll along the harbor or go for a week long hike. It is up to you!

In the city center you can walk through cozy streets with wooden houses and continue along the harbor towards the Trondenes peninsula. You can also go for days at marked tracks and stay at the huts along the road. Ask the tourist information in Harstad for advice regarding the renting of the keys. In Harstad - all you need is good hiking shoes and you are good to go! 

Folkeparken

If you continue towards the hospital at St. Olavs gate you reach Folkeparken, the “peoples park”. This is an area where you find small lakes to feed the ducks, as well as hour long hikes on the mountains near the city – such as Middagsfjellet, “the dinner mountain”.

In Folkeparken you can also use the little shelters for free. All you need is to bring matches and something for the grill. 

Hiking with a view!

If you have a car you can easily access fantastic walking and hiking areas just outside the city. From the Aun mountain, only 30 minutes drive from the city center, you can reach the top Keipen after only 30 minutes hiking. From here you are 490 metres above sea level – which goes straight down from the top!

Here you can enjoy a wonderful view of the Grytøya mountains as well as the mountains by Vesterålen. Another great hike is to the top Elgen, the “moose”. This is also near the Aun mountain towards Elgsnes and takes approximately 1 hour to walk before you reach the top. At the top you are at 534 meters above sea level – and the view will astound you! 

The islands with its peaks

Only a short ferry ride away from Stornes until Bjørnerå and you reach the island Grytøya. Not only do they grow vegetables and flowers – they also grow mountains! (so to speak). Some of the tops you can reach by hiking are Toppen, the “peak” and Nona. Nona is over 1000 metres above sea level and for the advanced hiker.

When at Grytøya, you can also take the ferry across to the island Bjarkøya and explore its peaks or visit the cozy villages at Grytøya – Lundenes, Grøtavær and Alvestad. Other neighbor island are Rolløya island and Andørja island. Did you know that Andørja is the island in northern Europe with most mountain peaks? In total 11 peaks above 1000 meters!