Things to see and do Harstad

The Adolf Guns are the greatest guns in the world. They were built by the German occupiers during the Second World War and installed in the stronghold of Trondenes. Today, four are still in place but only one is fully preserved and maintained (in working order). These are the largest naval guns placed ashore during the Second World War in the whole of Europe. They formed Hitler's most powerful battery on his Atlantic Wall. Remembrance of a heavy and traumatic period for northern Norway as well.

The historic centre of Trondenes is a museum of regional history covering a vast period, from the Stone Age to the present day. An important part of the exhibitions are devoted to the Vikings and the Middle Ages. The museum is very interactive. It is situated in an absolutely beautiful setting by the water, 3 kilometres from the centre of Harstad. The place is ideal for a break after the visit; there is a restaurant, a café and a souvenir shop.

The Gothic church was built around 1250 on a site that dates back to Viking times. Around the church lie the remains of fortifications used to protect an earlier wooden church. To the east of the church lies a small lake. According to legend, the first Christians in Northern Norway were baptized in its waters. A rather relaxing place to have a picnic with the family for example. The church itself is also very pretty and surprisingly quite bright and airy, with its upper gallery and black and white tiled floor.