Live in Harstad

Harstad municipality is an exciting and diverse municipality in Troms and Finnmark county. The municipality has almost 25,000 inhabitants, of which over 21,000 live in the urban area of Harstad. The municipality has a great location on the east side of Hinnøya, with a view over fjords and mountains. Harstad is a city with a rich cultural life, a varied business sector and many attractive tourist destinations. 

Harstad has many offers for those who are interested in culture. Here you will find Harstad Cultural House, which is one of Northern Norway’s largest cultural houses with a wide program of theater, music, dance and film. You can also visit Galleri Nord-Norge, which shows contemporary art from the region. Harstad also has its own cultural school that offers education in music, dance, theater and visual art for children and young people. In addition, Harstad has several festivals and events that attract audiences from all over the country, such as Festspillene i Nord-Norge, Ilios festival for contemporary music, Bakgården rock festival and Harstad Pride. 

Harstad is also a good starting point for experiencing the nature in the area. The municipality has many great recreational areas that are used a lot by the population. There are suitable areas for both mountain sports and ordinary family trips. Mushroom and berry picking are also great opportunities. Some of the most popular tourist destinations in Harstad are Trondenes Church, which is Norway’s oldest stone church from the Middle Ages, Trondenes Historical Center, which tells about the history of the region from the Viking Age to today, Adolfkanonen, which is one of the world’s largest land-based cannons from World War II, and Grottebadet, which is an indoor water park built into the mountain. 

Harstad also has a varied business sector, with both public and private sectors. The municipality is an important trade and service center for the region, with many shops, restaurants, hotels and other services. Harstad also has a strong industrial and oil activity, with among others Aibel, Kværner Verdal and Equinor as large employers. In addition, Harstad has a growing knowledge and innovation sector, with among others UiT Norway’s Arctic University, Harstad Technology Park and Harstad Business Association as actors. 

Harstad is a good municipality to live and work in for people of all ages. The municipality has a good upbringing offer, with many kindergartens and schools of high quality. The municipality also has a good health and care offer, with among others Harstad Hospital, several doctor’s offices and home services. The municipality also has a good action apparatus when needed, with among others preventive forum, volunteer center and NAV . Harstad is the first city in Norway that has received the status of Safe Community, which means that the municipality works systematically to prevent injuries and accidents. 

Do you want to move to Harstad municipality? Then you will become part of an attractive city with a vibrant cultural life, a dynamic business sector and a beautiful nature. Harstad is a city that has something for everyone, whether you are interested in history, art, sport or outdoor life. Harstad is a city that is attractive throughout life!