Warning: count(): Parameter must be an array or an object that implements Countable in /var/www/vhosts/h229865.host332.alfahosting-server.de/html/wp-content/plugins/post-plugin-library/common_functions.php on line 174
Tuesday, 7 October 2014 - 01:00 pm (CET/MEZ) Berlin | Author/Destination: Category/Kategorie: Uncategorized Warning: count(): Parameter must be an array or an object that implements Countable in /var/www/vhosts/h229865.host332.alfahosting-server.de/html/wp-content/plugins/post-plugin-library/common_functions.php on line 174 Reading Time: 3minutes
Harstad is the second-most populated municipality in Troms county. It is mostly located on the large island of Hinnøya. The municipal center is the town of Harstad, the most populous town in Central Hålogaland, and the third-largest in all of Northern Norway. The town was incorporated in 1904. In recent years, a 3000-year-old bronze axe and a 2600-year-old bronze collar have been found at the Trondenes peninsula, just north of the city center. These, together with the burial cairns built close to the sea, are indications of a well-developed Bronze Age culture in the Harstad area.
The city is most likely named after the old Harstad farm (Old NorseHarðarstaðir), since it is built on its ground. The first element is (probably) the genitive case of the male name Hörðr, and the last element is staðir which means “homestead” or “farm”.
The oil industry of North Norway is centered in Harstad; including Statoils main office for a new operational area for Northern Norway, the DNV office for Northern Norway, as well as other regional offices including Total E&P, Det Norske Oljeselskap ASA and Aibel. Harstad also has shipyards and other industries that are important for the economy. Harstad and the surrounding area have traditionally been among the most productive agricultural regions in Northern Norway. The old seabed, now dry land due to isostatic rebound (up to 60 to 80 metres or 200 to 260 feet above sea level), creating fertile soil that is well-suited for farming.
