Arctic culture
In the cultural cities of Tromsø and Harstad, you can experience local and international artistic and cultural expression. You will discover all the art forms, often distinguished by their Arctic origins. Troms is a meeting point of the Saami, Kven and Norwegian cultures. Tromsø has residents from all corners of the globe and is renowned for its student life and pulsating night life. Tromsø also boasts many excellent restaurants serving dishes based on Arctic ingredients.

Exciting areas
The fairytale island of Senja offers a rich variation in nature and the attractions and activities on offer. Norway’s second largest island is situated mid-way between Tromsø and Harstad. Senja has ferry connections to Brensholmen and Andenes, as well as a bridge connecting it with the mainland. The Lyngen Alps offer high alpine nature, while Bardu and Målselv are home to one of Europe’s last remaining wildernesses.

Elvebåtsenteret (The River Boat Centre) offers trips in traditional river boats on the Reisa River to places like the picturesque Mollisfossen waterfall. A fantastic trip in a beautiful natural landscape: elvebaat.no

Trondenes Church is the northernmost Medieval stone church of Norway, situated in Harstad. Though frequently mentioned as a 13th century church, dating based on dendrochronology places its completion shortly after 1434. Compared to the other ten north Norwegian Medieval stone churches, Trondenes church is well preserved and the exterior is close to the original state. The nave is 22.6 meters long and the chancel is 13.5 meters, making it one of the largest medieval churches of rural Norway. In the late Medieval period, Trondenes served as the main church centre of Northern Norway.

The church is especially known for its rich decorations, including three gothic triptychs, one of which is made by the German hanseatic artist Bernt Notke. The baroque pulpit is equipped with an hourglass to prevent the minister from holding too long sermons. The organ dates from the late 18th century. In the choir section, one can see remnants of medieval frescoes.

The church is probably the third church on the site, the first stave church was built in the 11th century, the second in the 12th. The second church was fortified with stone walls and ramparts, remnants of which can be seen around the church.

The church used to have a little turret, which was demolished. Now the bells are rung from a little tower in the graveyeard.