Harstad

Norway

Witness the midnight sun painting the Arctic sky in ethereal shades of gold while exploring this charming northern Norwegian port town.

💱 Currency Norwegian Krone (NOK)

🗣 Language Norwegian

🕐 Time Zone CET (UTC+1)

☀️ Best Time to Visit Jan–Mar

🚢 Typical Duration 12-14 nights

💰 Price Range $2,789-$9,690 per person

⚓ Port Type Port of Call

🚤 Tender Port No

Gateway to Arctic Norway's natural wonders, offering access to the Northern Lights, midnight sun, and pristine fjord landscapes in one of Europe's most remote and scenic regions.

Cruises that visit Harstad

Build Your Day in Harstad

Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.

Ships typically depart around 11:00 PM

Usually about 15 hours ashore

My ship arrives around: Getting around:

Sjøkanten Senter The only shops that attract some visitors are Jula and XXL. Shopping mall · ★ 4.3 · 2k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM

Thon Senter Kanebogen Large shopping mall with a big parking and supermarket Shopping mall · ★ 4.3 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM

Egon Tldr: Nice staff and good food but for a price Restaurant · ★ 4 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 11 AM

Obs Harstad By fare the greatest selection on fruits and vegetables Hypermarket · ★ 4.4 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 AM

Home Hotel Arcticus I went for dinner and it was delicious but no service. Hotel · ★ 4.2 · 1k

Grottebadet AS Fun, lovely and good service! Water park · ★ 4.2 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 6:30 AM

Big Horn Steakhouse restaurant Harstad Amazing food 😍 Cookie dough and peanut cheesecake blew our taste buds away! Restaurant · ★ 4.2 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 4 PM

Bysenteret Harstad In-store shopping Shopping mall · ★ 3.7 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM

Trondenes Church Sensibly combined with the two museums next door. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 1k

Trondenes Historical Center A tour of a museum of the area and superb surroundings in deep snow. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 11 AM

Folkeparken Great area for walking and cycling Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 0k

Røkenes Gård Restaurant og Gjestehus Wonderland, excellent and exceptional Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 4 PM

City Bar & Diner We had a few beers, rock music was playing but it was easy to talk anyways. Grill · ★ 3.9 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 12 PM

Gois Restaurant og Cocktailbar Fantastic food, superb drinks, and excellent staff 🥰 Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 3 PM

Kasfjord City - Mini Town Cute community project, well maintained and it has expanded over the years. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 0k

Harstad kulturhus AS Cultural center · ★ 4.5 · 0k

Umami Harstad The food and wine are the absolute focus in very pleasant surroundings. Fine Dining · ★ 4.9 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 6:30 PM

O'Learys Pub og Restaurant Harstad Great people good food Restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 4 PM

Masala Indisk restaurant Very good dishes and great service with an unforgettable waitress. Indian · ★ 4.6 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 3 PM

Bar Harstad Only one big minus that they does have garderob. Bar · ★ 4 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 PM

The inn Utheim This is the pub to have good drink and fun Pub · ★ 4.3 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 PM

Nordlændingen Pub & Bar Harstad Awesome atmosphere, good music, great people. Pub · ★ 4 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 PM Fri

Adolfkanonen Great sight to see. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.3 · 0k

Tv-Tårnet Great experience Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 0k

Alti Harstad Nice shopping mall, with bars, restaurants and a bowling Shopping mall · ★ 4.3 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM

XXL Harstad Its exactly what it appears to be. Sporting goods store · ★ 4.2 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM

BARK Spiseri og Bar Delicious food, prepared in a open kitchen, good staff and chill atmosphere. Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 3 PM

Generalhagen Park · ★ 4.4 · 0k

Bar Bassit Clean and great place to be. Bar · ★ 4.2 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 5 PM

TAPP Bar Harstad Service and the environment- niiiice! Brewpub · ★ 4.5 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 5 PM

Søstrene Grene In-store shopping Home goods store · ★ 4.1 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM

HJEMME HOS OSS Fantastic shop for all your kitchen needs 😁 Home goods store · ★ 4.9 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM

Husmannsstua Gastropub Great location with wonderful service and great food. Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 12 PM

Lorry Scene & Event No takeout·No delivery Live music bar · ★ 4.3 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 PM Fri

The Social Bar & Bistro The place was very clean, and the staff was friendly! Restaurant · ★ 4.2 · 0k 🕐 Temporarily closed

Gansåstoppen Nord (Mot Harstad sentrum) Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 0k

Harstad Sentrum AS Outdoor activity organiser · ★ 4.3 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 AM

Trondenes fort Historical landmark · ★ 3.6 · 0k

Thors Nice place for an evening beer Bar · ★ 4.6 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 6 PM

Høyer Harstad In-store shopping·Curbside pickup Clothing store · ★ 3.4 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM

Street Art Harstad Industrial zone. Tourist attraction · ★ 5 · 0k

Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.

Next Departures from Harstad

About Harstad

Harstad serves as a scenic port of call in Norway's Arctic north, welcoming passengers from four major cruise lines including Viking Ocean Cruises, Holland America Line, Oceania Cruises, and Explora Journeys. With 19 upcoming cruises typically ranging from 12 nights in duration, this Norwegian port offers excellent access to some of the region's most sought-after destinations, including Tromsø, Alta, Bergen, and Narvik. The peak season runs from January through March and again in June and August, making it a prime destination for both winter Northern Lights seekers and summer Arctic explorers.

During your time in port, you'll discover a charming Arctic town with genuine Scandinavian character. The dramatic mountain backdrop and pristine coastal setting provide stunning photo opportunities, while the town's compact size makes it easy to explore on foot. Whether you're interested in local culture, outdoor activities, or simply soaking in the unique Arctic atmosphere, Harstad offers an authentic Norwegian experience that complements your cruise itinerary perfectly.

Trondenes Historical Medieval Castle

Explore Norway's northernmost medieval castle, perched dramatically on a peninsula overlooking Harstad. This 14th-century fortress offers fascinating exhibits on Viking history and Arctic warfare, with stunning views across the fjord. The scenic walk to the castle takes you through authentic Norwegian coastal landscapes that have remained virtually unchanged for centuries.

Arctic Arctic Char & Local Seafood

Savor fresh Arctic char, king crab, and halibut at harborside restaurants showcasing Harstad's fishing heritage. Local chefs prepare traditional Norwegian dishes using ingredients caught in nearby waters that morning. Don't miss the creamy fish soup or smoked salmon—authentic flavors that define Northern Norwegian cuisine.

Midnight Sun & Northern Lights Magic

Experience the ethereal midnight sun during summer months, when daylight stretches nearly 24 hours, or chase the dancing Northern Lights during winter visits. Harstad's Arctic location offers unobstructed views of these natural phenomena from accessible vantage points near the port, creating unforgettable photographic moments.

Harstad Market & Local Crafts

Browse the vibrant harborside market for handmade Norwegian sweaters, local artwork, and traditional crafts created by regional artisans. The market reflects Harstad's maritime culture with unique souvenirs unavailable elsewhere—from hand-knitted mittens to locally-produced Arctic delicacies perfect for bringing home authentic Norwegian treasures.

Arctic Wildlife & Fjord Kayaking

Paddle through pristine Arctic fjords spotting white-tailed eagles, seals, and Arctic terns in their natural habitat. Local outfitters offer guided kayak tours departing directly from the port, providing intimate encounters with Harstad's untamed coastal wilderness and dramatic mountain backdrops within just a few hours.