Valhall Hotel Harstad

Valhall is an adventure centre located on the island Krottoy just outside Harstad in Northern Norway. We offer a wide range of experiences in the world's northernmost archipelago, and accommodation in a newly renovated building that used to be part of a coastal military fort.

Observe the Northern Lights from Krottoy
With virtually no interfering light sources, Krottoy offers an unique opportunity to get a good view of the Northern Lights. In large cities there is often some degree of light pollution, a general glow of light caused by street lights and other human made light sources. On Krottoy very little light is emitted from the ground, which makes ideal conditions for observing the stars and Northern Lights across the night sky.

Panoramic view from Kollen
From the highest point on Krottoy there is a panoramic view of the ocean, Andoya and Senja (the second largest island in Norway). Here you can observe the Northern Lights in their full glory, dancing across the night sky while quickly changing in form and intensity. In daylight, this hill also gives you a good view of the hundreds of small islands and skerries that form the northernmost archipelago in Norway. Krykkjeberget, the largest breeding place for kittiwakes in Europe with more than 10 000 breeding couples, is located on one of these islands — easily reached by boat from Krottoy.

You can get to Krottoy, by Boat, as we are on a island, We arrange the transportation for you. There also 3 times daily Boat at Krottoy. see Hurtigruten

Our own restaurant can offer you an exciting night summer or winter, with our special

About Krottoy
Krottoy is the sixth largest island in the municipality of Bjarkoy. It is connected to the neighbor island Meloyvaer by a bridge. Meloyvaer once served as a social meeting point for people living on the two islands. It had a grocery store and post office, and the local boat arrived three times a week. From about the year 1900, iron ore was extracted from the mine on Meloyvaer — and a total of 70 to 80 people were employed as miners until a major fire led to the closing of the mine in 1929. Except for mining, fishing and agriculture were the chief means of livelihood for the people living on Krottoy and Meloyvaer.

Before the bridge was raised in 1976, people living on Krottoy depended on boats to reach Meloyvaer, whether they were in need of groceries or had to catch the local boat to Harstad. Children living on Krottoy had to travel by boat every day to attend the elementary school on Meloyvaer. The school was closed in 1985. At most, 88 people were living permanently on Krottoy.

The Norwegian Defence Force's presence on Krottoy
During the World War II, German soldiers were stationed on the island. The location of Krottoy made it an important island for the Norwegian Defence Force. In 1958, they bought property on the island to build a military fort. The fort, built in the 1960s, consisted of a signal and radar station. This was a strategic location during the Cold War, as hostile boats heading for Harstad could easily be spotted on approach. About 30 years later, a modern coastal fort was built. It was completed in 1989, and housed at most about 400 men who participated in exercises in the area. The fort was closed in 1999.

Krottoy and Meloyvaer today
Today there are 15 inhabitants on Krottoy and Meloyvaer combined. Krottoy is a pearl in the island kingdom of Bjarkoy, with multiple sandy white beaches where you can kick back, relax and dream away. Great fishing spots between the small islands, magnificent hiking opportunities, a diverse flora and fauna, some animals so tame that they can be watched up close — these are some of the wonderful experiences Krottoy can offer.

You are welcome with your children, as we have special rooms for families and special bed for small children. There many activities for your children.