Sandtorg

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Sandtorg is a village and former municipality in Troms county, Norway.

The municipality was created by a split from Trondenes July 1, 1926. At that time Sandtorg had a population of 4,224.

On January 1, 1964 Sandtorg was incorporated into Harstad municipality (along with Trondenes). Prior to the merger Sandtorg had a population of 7,512.

From the early 13th century there was a tradingpost at Sandtorgholmen. This location became more important in the late 18th century when pilot services was added for foreign and local ships. The trading post continued to be a focal point of Sandtorg until 1945 when the Norwegian Army's communication services took over the facilities after the German occupation (1940-45). The army returned Sandtorgholmen to civilian use in the 1990s. Today the Sandtorgholmen trading post features a hotel with a harbor restaurant and meeting facilities.

A large feature of Sandtorg is also the mountain Sætertind, which is 1,095 meters high and located at 68°35′12″N 16°21′38″E / 68.58667, 16.36056.

A significant modern leader of Sandtorg was Bjarne Berg-Sæther(1919-). He was the mayor from 1948 to 1964. He was also the first mayor of the combined city of Trondernes, Sandtorg and Harstad, which occurred in 1964 (and therefore also the last mayor of Sandtorg). During his 20 years after 2nd World War, boat building factories at Rødskjæret was added, lighted ski tracks and a community cultural house was built, and Sandtorg's population almost doubled. Today, Sandtorg is a community in transition from farming, fishing and meat production to a commuter community with a significant part of the population working in the nearest major town Harstad (37 km).

Coordinates: 68°34′N, 16°31′E