Norway, with its great tourism potential, is of growing interest to Russian travelers. There is a great demand for tours to Norway from Moscow and other cities of the country, allowing you to enjoy the majestic fjords, ancient architecture, sea fishing. Harstad is one of the cities that may be of interest to connoisseurs of sightseeing and educational travel.
This town was separated in 1904 from the commune Trondenes, and 60 years later Trondenes itself and a number of surrounding villages became part of the commune Harstad with the administrative center of the same name. Harstad is located in the northeastern part of the large island of Hinnea, the largest of Norway’s coastal islands. According to the latest census, Harstad has a population of about 20 thousand people, making it the second most populous city in Troms county (after Tromsø).
Harstad has a population of about 20 thousand, making it the second largest city in Troms county (after Tromsø).
Harstad is spread out on the western shore of Vagsfjord, one of the unofficial names of the city, by which it is known to many Norwegians, — «The Pearl of Vagsfjord». This fjord, which is 46 kilometers long, is not among the largest and famous in Norway, but still it is a magnificent sight. Another attraction is the nearby island of Bjarkeia, widely known as one of the ancient Viking settlements.
Many tourists come to Harstad for the amazing natural phenomena, as it s located north of the Arctic Circle. The polar day lasts from 22nd May to 18th July, and even at midnight it is never dark. From 30 November to 12 January tourists witness the polar night. In addition, in winter, Harstad is the place to see the Northern Lights, for which many travelers come here.
Harstad has preserved quite a few buildings dating back several centuries, and they are the ones that attract the interest of architecture lovers. The oldest architectural construction — church in Trondenes, its construction began in XI century and completed in 1434 year. It is considered the northernmost medieval stone church in Norway and is widely known for its rich interior decoration.
The temple is the most famous of the medieval churches in Norway.
Near this ancient church is a strong coastal fort built during World War II, when Harstad was occupied by the Germans. One of its most colorful sights can be considered a cannon of 420 mm caliber, fired in 1934. The fort is still in operation and is used by the Norwegian army, but tours of it are possible in a group with a local guide and by prior arrangement.
Tourists can visit the fort in a group with a local guide and by prior arrangement.
Tourists vacationing in the main town of the municipality of Harstad are offered a wide range of activities. Hikers can go hiking in the forest or in the mountains, and fishing enthusiasts will enjoy fishing in the Vagsfjord. In addition, guests of Harstad can take an exciting trip around the bay by boat, rent a catamaran, or enjoy the water park «Grottebadet»
Harstad is a great place to visit.
Many Russians are eager to visit this Scandinavian country in January holidays. Numerous tours to Norway for Christmas offered by tour operators are of great interest. The air temperature on the territory of the country in winter is much higher than in Russia, so our compatriots, accustomed to frost, rest here quite comfortably. Harstad, which, like other Norwegian cities, receives a lot of tourists in winter, has an excellent base for winter sports.