Harstad; Thursday, 07 May, 2026

90 minutes of the 2-hour journey were a repeat of the previous day – which was starting to feel a little to familiar on this trip, but it did mean I got to go back across the spectacular Tjeldsundbrua and could see the view from the other side. Once over the road roughly followed the coast, though in places diving in land for long stretches, before finally reaching Harstad less than 30 minutes after crossing the bridge.

From the bus station I walked the short distance over to my hotel and checked in, perfectly in time for some fika (coffee and cake), and then after freshening up I popped back down for the start of dinner service rather than waiting for later. I’m glad I did as by the time I’d finished people were circling looking for a free table.

I grabbed my camera and headed out into town to go for a little wander to take in some of the views of the city in the bright evening light. I started by heading along the Havnepromenaden that runs past the hotel and round to the next quay along the harbourside, before heading back inland to explore more of the city centre.

I had a long wander around Harstad, eventually finding myself back on the Havnepromenaden taking in photos from both the Hurtigrutekaia and the Hurtigbåtkai before wandering back towards the hotel, stopping to take in the very impressive statue of a walrus which forms part of an art trail that runs along the harbour promenade.

As I was back at the hotel, I decided to call it a night and headed up to my room, hoping that the curtains would be a little more effective than the previous evenings ones.