FINN OSS
Sjøgata 3, 9405 Harstad
Itinerary
08:00 - 08:30
1Departure from Pier
08:30 - 09:00
2Trondenes Church
09:00 - 09:45
3Trondenes Museum
09:45 - 10:20
4Drive to Kvæfjord
10:20 - 10:35
5Straumen Photostop
10:35 - 11:00
6Drive to Ferry
11:00 - 11:20
7Gullesfjord Ferry
11:20 - 12:00
8Drive to Photostop
12:00 - 12:30
9Arrival Sortland
Harstad
Harstad is the third-largest town in Northern Norway, with around 25,000 inhabitants in the town and surrounding areas. Although officially founded in 1904, people have lived here for centuries. Modern Harstad grew around its natural harbour during the rise of the steamship era, becoming an important hub for trade and transport along the northern coast.
The town’s development was closely tied to steamship pioneer and first mayor Rikard Kaarbø, often referred to as the “founding father” of Harstad. Under his leadership, the town expanded rapidly as a centre for commerce and maritime activity. Today, shipping, trade, and industry remain at the heart of Harstad’s identity.
Trondenes Church
Trondenes Church is the northernmost medieval stone church in the world and one of Northern Norway’s most important historical landmarks. Built between the 13th and 15th centuries, the church stood at the outer edge of medieval Christendom and served as both a religious and cultural stronghold in the Arctic.
Construction took more than 200 years to complete, funded largely by the prosperous stockfish trade that connected Northern Norway to the rest of Europe. Today, the church belongs to the Protestant tradition, but its richly decorated choir and preserved medieval artwork still reflect its Catholic heritage.
Trondenes Historical Centre
Trondenes Historical Centre opened in 1997 and offers a fascinating journey through Arctic history, from the Stone Age to post-war Northern Norway in the 1950s. Through immersive exhibitions, visitors can explore how people lived, worked, and survived in the far north over thousands of years.
Outside the museum, the reconstructed Trondenes Medieval Farm transports visitors back to the year 1221. Here you can meet costumed inhabitants, visit a reconstructed stave church, explore the blacksmith’s workshop, and step inside an “årestue” — a traditional earth house based on archaeological discoveries from the region.
Straumen
Straumen is a scenic tidal current located in the beautiful Kvæfjord region. The name “Straumen” translates to “the current” or “the stream” in Norwegian, reflecting the powerful movement of water between the fjord and inland lake.
As the tides change, the direction of the current shifts, creating a unique meeting point between saltwater and freshwater. These nutrient-rich conditions are ideal for blue mussels, which locals traditionally harvest during the summer months.
Refsnes–Flesnes Ferry
The Refsnes–Flesnes Ferry crosses the beautiful Gullesfjord and serves as an important connection for local communities on both sides of the fjord. For a long time, the ferry has linked the villages of Refsnes and Flesnes, making daily travel and trade possible in this coastal region.
For many locals, the ferry is more than just transportation — it is also a social meeting place. Passengers often gather in the onboard café for a coffee and a slice of the famous Kvæfjord Cake, widely known as Norway’s national cake, before disembarking on their side of the fjord.
Sortland
Sortland is the largest town in the Vesterålen region, with a population of around 10,000 people. The town has a long history, with its church first mentioned in written records as early as 1370.
During the 17th century, Sortland grew into an important trading and boatbuilding centre for Northern Norway. Today, the town is best known as “The Blue Town” — a nickname inspired by a public art initiative that transformed many of the town’s buildings with striking shad
FOOD & FIRE – MATOPPLEVELSE
FROKOSTCRUISE MED HAVILA
SKIUTLEIE HARSTAD
ARCTIC FLOATING
SAMISKE OPPLEVELSER
SYKKELUTLEIE HARSTAD
FJORDSAFARI MED RIB
HESTERIDNING
ADOLFKANONEN
TRONDENES KIRKE – Guidet Omvisning
BYVANDRING
TRONDENES
VIKINGØYA BJARKØY
HENGEKØYE UTLEIE
SUP-BOARD UTLEIE
KAJAKKUTLEIE
BOBILCAMPING
GROTTEVANDRING
TOPPTUR TIL KEIPEN
KAJAKKURS
MIDNATTSOLPADLING
GUIDET PADLETUR