Hailing from Osterøy, he joined Norwegian Premier League team Brann in June 1998 despite interest from big clubs like PSV Eindhoven, Leeds United and Manchester United, with whom he had a trial in December 1997.

During 2001–02, Erlend Hanstveit converted to defence, settling in the left back position, where he has played since.

In early December 2008, he joined Celtic on a week-long trial but failed to win a contract with the Scottish Premier League club.

During the winter break of 2008–09 he joined the Belgian team KAA Gent, coached by Michel Preud'homme.

[3] On 24 August 2011 it was announced that Hanstveit would be joining Swedish club Helsingborgs IF on a free transfer.