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Sjøgata 3, 9405 Harstad
Experience autumn at its best
Fewer tourists, a pleasant climate, better accessibility, fantastic colors and ideal northern lights conditions. Everything is a little easier in the fall. Experience the pearl of the Vågsfjord in golden autumn colors during the bare-ground season – Welcome to Harstad.
Dark Aurora – less snow, less light pollution.
Many people associate the Northern Lights with snow and cold. And yes, the Northern Lights are best here north of the Arctic Circle, and it can get cold here! Snow is the natural consequence. But did you know that the Northern Lights are just as strong, if not better, in the fall?
The Earth's tilt is most perpendicular during the period September/October. This causes the northern lights to be stronger, known as the Russel–McPherron effect. (https://earthsky.org/sun/aurora-season-auroras-equinox-connection/)
To be able to see the Northern Lights, one of the most important things is to be in a dark place, with a clear and dark sky. All light pollution affects how strongly we can see the Northern Lights. Snow on the ground, amazingly, reflects light so that the Northern Lights appear weaker.
The combination of increased northern lights activity and less light pollution leads to what we guides here in Harstad call "Dark Aurora". Fantastic northern lights with dark silhouettes. Northern lights in the fall are some of the best there is!
Northern Lights guarantee with Explore Harstad
The best way to ensure a fantastic Northern Lights experience is to book a tour with us. We offer small group tours and know the area inside and out.
If we are unable to find the Northern Lights, we offer full refund or rebooking until another day.
The Adolf Cannon – one of the world's largest cannons awaits at Trondenes.
During the war, Harstad was an important and strategic area for protecting the iron ore exports from Narvik. The ore that flowed through Narvik was one of the most important resources for the German war industry.
To secure this important export, the Germans chose to place the gigantic ship's gun SK 34 40,6 CM, better known as the "Adolfkanonen", at Trondenes.
The barrel of the cannon alone weighs over 150.000 kg, and with a range of 56 kilometers, the cannon could hit targets in the Ofotfjord in Narvik.
Most coastal batteries in Norway were abandoned after the war, but the Adolf gun was put into service by the Norwegian Armed Forces. The last shot was fired in 1957, and the gun has been maintained since then.
See the cannon from the inside
A tour of the Adolf Cannon is a unique experience. Cannon experts will take you through the entire facility – the ammunition room, engine room, loading ramp, and into the tower itself where you can see how the cannon was loaded and fired.
Join a tour with Explore Harstad and see the cannon with your own eyes.
Trondenes Kirke
Trondenes Halvøya is a treasure trove of northern Norwegian culture and history. In stunning surroundings right by the Vågsfjorden stands the world's northernmost medieval stone church. Trondenes Church was completed in the 1400th century, but archaeologists and historians do not quite agree on when the construction work began. All we know is that it took a long time – over 200 years.
For a long time, the church was the northernmost bastion of Christianity on the border with pagan lands. The church became a symbol of the region's prosperity as a result of the stockfish trade. The thick walls, the Gothic style and the church art inside - all financed by stockfish - bear witness to this.
Discover the church's secrets on a guided tour
There are many secrets and treasures hidden behind the church's large wooden doors. The church has been a meeting place for the local community in Northern Norway for over 600 years. Tours take place every day at 5:00 PM and provide a unique insight into the history and life north of the Arctic Circle.
Harstad-Autumn by bike
The roads in autumn are ice and snow-free. Autumn is perfect for a road trip in Northern Norway, also on two wheels. In Harstad itself, cycling is a fantastic way to get around, to popular hiking destinations such as Folkeparken, Gangsåstoppen or the fantastic view from the TV Tower.
But, Harstad is located on Hinnøya, Norway's largest mainland island, and is surrounded by island paradise that is perfect for exploring by bike. Take a ferry or speedboat straight from the city center to get to Bjarkøy, Grytøy, Ibestad - or all the way out to Finnsnes to discover Senja. The possibilities for cycling are many in Harstad!
Bike rental right in the city center
Bikes can be ordered in advance online and picked up at the Harstad Visitor Centre in the city centre. Alternatively, just drop by and bring one! Opening hours in the autumn are Monday – Friday 10:00 – 16:00, Saturdays 10:00 – 15:00.
Note: If you need bicycles on a Sunday, it must be arranged in advance.
Recommended excursions
Do you have any questions?
Contact us at booking@exploreharstad.no | +47 950 94 200