Sandtorgholmen | Northern Norway

Sandtorgholmen Hotel, BW Signature Collection, is located on a peninsula in idyllic surroundings along the strait that separates the island, Hinnøya, from the mainland. The hotel is built around an old trading post, and you will find it about 30 km south of Harstad and about 28 km from the airport (Harstad/Narvik Airport, Evenes). This is the place to be for adventure-seekers looking for a hotel experience out of the ordinary, surrounded by breathtaking nature.

Sleep in historic surroundings, wake up in breathtaking nature

When we said that Sandtorgholmen is a hotel experience out of the ordinary, we meant it!

The wharfside building dates to 1906. The wharfside has a newly renovated outdoor area where you can enjoy the view of the beautiful landscape, and each room has its own unique style, inspired by the history of Sandtorgholmen. With names like “Poståpneriet” (“The Post Station”), “Prins Gustav”, etc., they are naturally decorated and furnished in keeping with the historical theme. The inspiration behind the room “Prins Gustav” stems from King Oscar II of Norway-Sweden’s stopover in 1873, on his famous voyage to Northern Norway.

The oldest building on the property, dating back to 1750, is the old storehouse “Stabburet” –  the only building that survived the three fires on Sandtorgholmen, the last one in 1906.

It has been rehabilitated into a beautiful “bridal suite”, which has proved to be a good start to marriage for many. So far, the present hosts at Sandtorgholmen have provided hospitality for 93 couples, and to their knowledge, all of them are still married!
If you are looking for a truly unique experience, you can stay at Storgården (the main building), an elegant, white-painted timber house in a Swiss chalet style that was built in 1906. The reception rooms have recently been restored to their original splendor, and the entire project has taken 27 students and two teachers two-and-a-half years to complete all the painting.

Facilities and services at Sandtorgholmen hotel

Sandtorghholmen wine cellar 

The Malaga cellar is an earth cellar that was used for storing wine and spirits in the 18th century. It is the oldest wine cellar of its kind in Northern Norway. In 1770, Sandtorgholmen was the first in the southern county to be granted a license to sell wine and liquor. Naturally, this proved a huge magnet, and Sandtorgholmen soon became an important center for the sailing ships trading up and down the coast.

Deep sea fishing

The hotel offers fishing trips for groups of up to 6 people in their own boat with a driver.

Unwind in the sauna

Catch a moment of peace in the outdoor sauna with a spectacular view over Tjelsundet.

Things to do when staying at Sandtorgholmen

Sandtorgholmen is in the municipality of Harstad.
Harstad is ideally placed between the fjords and mountain ranges in Northern Norway – a Mecca for outdoor enthusiasts. It is also perfect to use as your base for your holiday in Northern Norway. With great public transport connections to Senja, Lofoten, Tromsø, and Vesterålen, it is often called the basecamp of Northern Norway.

Go hiking along one of the many spectacular routes, explore the archipelago on your own, or just relax in one of the picturesque spots throughout the region. Enjoy the Midnight Sun or Northern Lights that Northern Norway is known for.

Experience the region’s most breathtaking view of fjords and mountains on Keipen:

Keipen is a popular hike among the locals in Harstad and is just one of the many hikes you can indulge in when visiting. You reach the top of Keipen after about an hour of easy hiking. From 500 meters above the sea, you get an amazing panorama view of Toppsundet, Kasfjord, and Andfjord. On the other side, you have a view of the steep mountains of Grytøya.

If you want to experience the unique Norwegian nature, dominated by deep fjords and steep mountainsides, then this moderate hiking trail is for you.

Kayaking in Harstad

Harstad is the place to be for everyone who loves the sea, and what better way to explore the archipelago than by kayak. The natural surroundings, atmosphere, light, and wildlife will all provide you with an unforgettable experience.

White-tailed eagles, otters, and seals can be observed at close range in their natural habitats. It is also likely that you will get a greeting from a pod of porpoises. Paddling beneath the midnight sun on a calm summer night is the perfect way to unwind. Reward yourself with some Instagram-friendly moments.

Harstad is the perfect place to view the Northern Lights

Harstad is ideally placed when it comes to seeing the Northern Lights, as the Northern Lights Oval around the magnetic North Pole passes 100 km overhead in Harstad.

During winter, the beautiful veil that dances across the night sky will blow you away– whether you visit one of the many popular Aurora Spots or see the Northern Lights from your hotel window when gazing out over the awe-inspiring archipelago.

Experience the famous midnight sun:

Harstad enjoys the Midnight Sun from the 21^st of May to the 21^st of July, thus it does not set for two whole months.

Like a prolonged sunset and sunrise all at once, this natural phenomenon colors heaven and earth in a reddish yellow light during the summer.