Trondenes Historical Center — Attraction in Harstad

Quick bus ride from central bus station. The museum has very comprehensive displays of Harstad’s history from 500 through WWII. Good video about the medieval church that was built here and was one of the largest in the area (you may need to ask the staff to start it for you). There's a lot to see in the museum since it covers such a long period; nicely laid out with combination of objects, recreations of scenes, and excellent descriptive signage. Although the section about Harstad's WWII role revealed a little known (at least to most Americans) aspect of Norway's war experience, I learned a lot about the early, early development and then Harstad's role as a trading/fishing center. Very good museum.

There’s a recreation of a medieval farm village next to the museum so I wandered around there - a stave church, sod house and rooster enclosure. Then I walked to the medieval church (5 minutes away), which unfortunately closed so I’m glad I watched the movie at the museum. The hours are usually 11 am - 2 pm, so you have to plan...

Interesting exhibitions showing timeline of history in the region. Some signs etc only in Norwegian but a lot in English. Take a translator with you to read these texts. Some of the monitors were not working which was a pity. Admission price is a bit high (NOK190 for adults - seniors NOK170). The farm is interesting for kids but you do not see too much of great interest except perhaps for the stave church if you have not...

Fabulous museum. Loved the artful and thoughtful layout...sounds, floor and ceiling... look everywhere bec surprising artifacts, including something in the floor that might be a mummy of an early resident. Beautiful Firestove greets you and a lovely snack bar seating area with a steller view of water and mountains will take your breath away. Light a candle there. The nearby Trondenes church, so charming....