Harstad – at the heart of Northern Norway - Sortland – the blue city

A Taste of Vesterålen

Excursion

Price from £115

Difficulty level

Level 1: Suitable for everyone.

Booking code

HR-HRD9A

Duration

4 hours 15 minutes

Notes

Read practical information below

trondenes_church_harstad_sortland_norway_hgr_86364_photo_photo_competition
  • Enjoy a sightseeing tour of the town of Harstad

  • Visit the medieval church and the historical centre of Trondenes

  • Take in the view of fjords, steep mountains, and idyllic agricultural landscapes

  • Enjoy a piece of freshly baked waffle, lefse and a cup of coffee as you cross the fjord.

We’ll begin our excursion with a short sightseeing tour of the streets of Harstad. This is the third largest community in Northern Norway with a history connected to herring fishing, the military, and in more recent times, offshore oil.  

On a clear day, you should be able to spot Trondenes peninsula to the north of the town. Here, you’ll visit a white 13th century medieval stone church, the northernmost of its kind in the world. We’ll drop in at the Trondenes Historical Centre which displays objects discovered in the region throughout history, from the early Stone Age through to Viking times, the Middle Ages, and the present day.  The museum also has a reconstructed farmstead dating from around 1200 with a granary, forge and stave church.

From Trondenes, the bus will take us for a scenic drive across Hinnøya Island to meet our ferry at Gullesfjord. On board, savour a hot drink and freshly made waffles and lefse along with the views. The tour then continues by bus along Sigerfjord to Sortland where you’ll rejoin your ship.

Practical information

  • Disembarking port: Harstad

  • Embarking port: Sortland

  • Available: 2 Jan - 31 Dec, except 25 Dec

  • Transportation: Bus/ferry

  • Meals: Coffee or tea and cakes

  • Clothes: Comfortable shoes, warm and windproof clothing

Excursion can also be combined with: