Harstad

Located on the picturesque island of Hinnøya in Northern Norway, this city serves as the cultural hub of the region and an ideal starting point for exploring Arctic beauty. If you are planning to travel to Harstad, you will be pleased with the variety of convenient routes connecting this area to major transport hubs. When considering how to get to Harstad, travellers can choose between flying, taking a bus, or driving, as well as using maritime transport, turning the journey itself into an exciting adventure.

The fastest and most convenient way to reach the region is by air. The city is served by Harstad/Narvik Airport, known as Evenes (EVE), which is located approximately 45 kilometres from the centre of Harstad.

This air hub receives regular direct flights from Oslo, as well as aircraft from other major cities in Norway, such as Trondheim or Bodø. Upon arrival, travellers can easily reach the city via a comfortable express bus (travel time is about 50 minutes), take a taxi, or rent a car directly at the terminal.

There is no direct railway connection to Harstad, as the complex terrain and the island location of the city limit the development of tracks in this region. The nearest major railway hubs are located in Narvik, which can be reached via Sweden, and in the city of Bodø, which is the final station of the northern railway line of Norway.

To complete the journey, tourists will need to transfer to a bus or an express boat connecting these stations to the destination. Although such a combined route takes more time, it turns into a truly scenic tour, allowing you to enjoy views of the Arctic tundra and fjords from the train window.

Bus services connect Harstad with the picturesque corners of the Vesterålen region, turning a standard transfer into a panoramic excursion. The popular route from Andenes, covering about 120 kilometres, takes approximately 4 hours, allowing you to enjoy the rugged beauty of the coast. Equally fascinating is the trip from Stokmarknes: covering 140 kilometres will take about 3.5 hours, during which views of fjords and islands will alternate outside the window.

For travellers heading from the mainland, a convenient option is the service from Bardufoss; this route of about 120 kilometres usually takes 2.5 hours. Buses in Norway are distinguished by a high level of comfort and punctuality, so the journey along the winding northern roads is smooth and relaxing.

A self-drive journey turns the road to Harstad into a distinct adventure, granting the freedom to stop at any viewpoint. The drive from Stokmarknes will take about 2.5 hours; during this time, you will cover approximately 140 kilometres on high-quality but winding roads. The route from Andenes will require a little more time — about 3.5–4 hours, allowing you to leisurely enjoy the northern landscapes.

If you are heading from mainland Bardufoss, expect to spend about 1 hour and 50 minutes on the road, covering a distance of 120 kilometres through picturesque passes. Intercity taxis in Norway are available but are considered an expensive luxury and can cost several thousand kroner, so renting a car often becomes a more cost-effective and flexible solution for tourists.

Thorough preparation for a trip to Northern Norway ensures that neither the changeable climate nor local peculiarities will spoil your plans. To make your visit to Harstad as comfortable as possible, we have compiled a list of important practical recommendations for you.

• Equipment. The weather in this region can change several times a day. The main principle in clothing is layering. Even in summer, be sure to take a windproof jacket, a fleece sweater, and comfortable waterproof shoes for walking on rough terrain.
• Money and Payment. Norway is one of the most "cashless" countries in the world. Bank cards are accepted everywhere: in buses, museums, cafes, and even in small kiosks. Cash kroner may only be needed in exceptional cases, so there is no need to exchange large sums.
• Alcohol Regulations. If you plan to purchase alcoholic beverages, please be aware of the strict regulations. Wine and spirits are sold exclusively in specialized state-run Vinmonopolet shops, which close early on weekdays and are often closed on Sundays. Regular supermarkets only sell light beer and only until specific times (usually until 20:00 on weekdays and 18:00 on Saturdays).
• Drinking Water. You do not need to spend money on bottled water. Tap water in Harstad, as in the entire country, undergoes strict quality control; it is very pure and delicious. Feel free to drink it from the tap.
• Language and Communication. There is practically no language barrier here. Most Norwegians speak fluent English, so communicating in a hotel, shop, or on the street will not be difficult.
• Seasonal Features. If you are travelling in summer, be sure to bring a dense sleep mask: the polar day means the sun shines even at night, which can interfere with rest. In winter, it is critically important to wear reflectors on your clothes, as lighting on country roads may be absent.
• Sockets and Connectivity. The standard European voltage of 230 V and Type F sockets (standard European two-pin plugs) are used here. Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, cafes, and public places, and 4G/5G mobile coverage works stably even in remote areas.

Following these simple rules will help you avoid everyday difficulties and fully focus on the beauty of northern nature and cultural discoveries.