Harstad is a city located in Troms og Finnmark county in northern Norway, on an island in the Vesterålen archipelago. Known for its scenic location along the coast and its relatively mild climate, Harstad is an important cultural, commercial and tourist centre in the Norwegian Arctic region.
The city offers a mix of history and nature: it is famous for the Trondenes Historical Centre and the 14th-century Trondenes Church, the northernmost of the medieval stone churches. In the surrounding area, the landscape is characterised by spectacular fjords, mountains and ample opportunities for hiking, fishing and outdoor sports.
Harstad is also an ideal destination for experiences related to the midnight sun in summer and the northern lights in winter. Every year, the city hosts the Harstad Culture Festival, an event celebrating music, art and local traditions.
Car
Day 5 — Senja → Alta
Alta, located in the Finnmark region of northern Norway, is a fascinating and unique destination that combines unspoilt nature, Sami culture and extraordinary natural phenomena. Known as the 'city of the northern lights', Alta is one of the best places in the world to observe this celestial spectacle, thanks to its location and relatively stable climate.
Winter in Alta offers unforgettable experiences: from husky sleigh rides and snowmobile tours through snowy landscapes to encounters with the Sami traditions, the ancient inhabitants of the region, who welcome visitors in their typical lavvu tents to tell stories, legends and teach about their culture. Alta is also home to the famous Cathedral of the Aurora Borealis, a modern and iconic piece of architecture that celebrates this natural phenomenon with its wrap-around design and lights that recall the colours of the night sky.
Alta's beauty also extends into the summer season, when the midnight sun relentlessly illuminates the landscape. Visitors can explore the Alta canyon, the largest in Scandinavia, and visit the prehistoric site of the Alta rock carvings, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which tells the story of the area's first inhabitants, dating back more than 7,000 years.
Whether you are a lover of adventure, culture or simply want to relax surrounded by Arctic nature, Alta offers a variety of authentic and immersive experiences for every type of traveller.