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

A Taste of Vesterålen

Excursion

Price from $164

Difficulty level

Level 1: Easy - suitable for most people

Booking code

HR-HRD9A

Duration

4 hours, 15 minutes

Notes

Read practical information below

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  • 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 can spot the Trondenes Peninsula to the north of 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 Center, which displays objects discovered in the region throughout history, from the early Stone Age through the Viking era and the Middle Ages, to 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 the Gullesfjord. On board, wrap your hands around a hot drink and enjoy freshly made waffles and lefse along with fantastic views. The tour then continues along the Sigerfjord by bus to Sortland, where you will rejoin your ship.

Practical information

  • Disembarking port: Harstad

  • Embarking port: Sortland

  • Available: January 2–December 31, except December 25

  • Transportation: Bus/ferry

  • Meals: Coffee or tea and cakes

  • Clothes: Comfortable shoes, warm and windproof clothing

Excursion can also be combined with: