HARSTAD NORWAY

The city of Harstad in Northern Norway is strategically placed on Norway’s largest island of Hinnøya and serves as the gateway to Vesterålen and Lofoten.

Harstad was a Viking and Medieval power center. Today, the city is known for delicious food and lively cultural scene.

 

The basin around the Vågsfjorden fjord is rich fertile farmland and was the trade connection with the Sami people north and east of Harstad  that could provide pelts and furs to be traded in the south. The leading clans could thus maintain an independent position against the kings of Norway trying to get their hands on the valuable trade links.  

 

The highest mountain in Harstad Norway is Sætertinden,  which is 3,593 feet above sea level.  It is located near the village of Sandtorg in southern Harstad. The 1,352 feet tall mountain, Nupen, is located in the northwestern part of the municipality on the border with Kvæfjord.

 

I cruised into Harstad aboard the Norwegian Star on Tuesday June 13, 2023, docking at 7:30am.  The ship was cleared and I stepped ashore at 8:30am. Forecast for the day was 48 degrees and cloudy. 

Sailing into Harstad

 

I had two objectives for the day - a visit to Sor-Trom Museum and the Trondenes Church. 

 

Upon leaving the port I walked across the street to the Harstad Byterminal (bus terminal).  Bus stop #9 is located here and would be the closest stop to the port.  

Bus Terminal with bus stop #9 in the foreground

Inquiring at the bus terminal l discovered that the ticket machine wasn’t working so I was directed to the pier terminal building which is located about a block down the street on the right hand side.  As you are facing the front of the building go to the right to make your ticket purchase.

 

I bought a 24-hour senior bus pass at a cost of 41NOK or $4.07USD as of this writing.   With ticket in hand I walked to bus stop #10 shown above.  

 

 

The Harstad local bus routes and schedules can be found here.

 

Note:  Buses with "ikke I trafikk" displayed are OUT OF SERVICE. 

Numerous buses make a stop at the #10 bus stop.  Here you can board bus #10, #12, #14, #15, #16 and #17.  I stepped aboard the first bus that came by – bus #11 to Ruggevika, about a 30 minute ride.   

 

Bus #11 route to Ruggevika

Once I arrived in Ruggevika I remained on the bus, returning to Harstad city center and then continuing on to Samagata bus stop.

Bus #11 Ruggevika stop back through Harstad to Samagata stop

 

Once again I simply stayed on the bus, this time getting off at the Harstad Byterminal (bus station).  

 

 I then boarded bus #10 to the Stangnes bus stop. 

 

Bus #10 Harstad bus terminal to Stangnes bus stop

Remaining on the bus at Stangnes I returned to Harstand city center but remained on board bus #10 and proceeded to the Trondenes stop.  This would be the stop for the Trondenes Historical Center and would include Sor-Troms Museum and Trondenes Church. 

 

Bus #10 from Stangnes to Trondenes kirke bus stop

At the Sør-Troms Museum you can experience 1000 years of the region’s history through comprehensive exhibitions that ranges from the Stone Age to the 1950s with a focus on the Vikings and Middle Ages, the industrial revolution, the everyday history of farming and fishing, World War II & post-war history.  Outside, you will find the Trondenes medieval farm where you can view and experience daily life around the year 1200, with its buildings, acre and livestock.

 

Walking to the Museum

 

Sor-Troms Historical Center and Museum

 

From the museum it's a short walk to the Trondenes Church.  The building is a stark white, stone church built in a long church style around the year 1435 using plans drawn up by an unknown architect. The church seats about 300 people and is the northern most medieval stone church in Norway.  

 

Compared to the other ten north Norwegian medieval stone churches, Trondenes Church is well preserved, the exterior condition still close to the original state. The nave is 74 feet long and the chancel is 44 feet, making it one of the largest medieval churches of rural Norway. In the late medieval period, Trondenes served as the main church center of Northern Norway.

The church is best known for its rich decorations, including three gothic triptychs,  The baroque pulpit is equipped with an hourglass to allow the minister to time long sermons. The organ dates from the late 18th century. In the choir section, one can see remnants of medieval frescoes.

 

Here are a few final random photos from my time in Harstad.  

Telephone booth converted to a book exchange

 

Time was slipping quickly by so time to make my way back to the port and re-board the Norwegian Star.  My steps for today registered 6,624 feet for 2.8 miles.  I found myself back aboard the ship just in time for Happy Hour.