The area now makes up the eastern part of Tjeldsund Municipality, surrounding the Grovfjorden.

The administrative center of the former municipality was the village of Grov where Astafjord Church is located.

[7][8] Historically, Astafjord was a prestegjeld that encompassed a large part of southern Troms county, including the present-day municipalities of Bardu, Gratangen, Ibestad, Lavangen, Salangen, and most of Tjeldsund.

At the time of the municipal dissolution, it was part of the Skånland Church prestegjeld within the Trondenes prosti (deanery) in the Diocese of Nord-Hålogaland.

Here is a list of people who have held this position:[12] The municipal council (Herredsstyre) of Astafjord was made up of 15 representatives that were elected to four year terms.