View the Midnight Sun in Narvik

Mattias Frederiksson

Narvik offers outstanding hiking trails

Trond Blomie-rallarveien

Narvik - the gate to Arctic experiences

PallJacobsen-Narvik Safari

Narvikfjellet creates the perfect setting for alpine skiing in the winter

Kjelke-Narvikfjellet

Arctic adventure stays in Narvik

Arctic Dome-Winternarvikadventures

View the Midnight Sun in Narvik

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The Narvik Region is full of contrasts, surrounded by breathtaking nature, steep mountains and deep fjords everywhere you look.

According to scientists, Narvik is located in the centre of the Hålogaland historical region, which can be translated as The Land of the Northern Lights . The Narvik Region offers a range of Arctic experiences. The dramatic WW2 history will please every history lover and those who didn`t realise they were history lovers. You`ll find a lot of activities in the Narvik region, and we can promise, as a guest, you won`t be disappointed if you are looking for classic Arctic experiences such as husky-sledging, skiing, snowshoeing and skiing. The famous cable car takes you to the mountain restaurant `656 mas`. You can go from the city centre, be transported only 15 minutes into the wilderness, and get more insight into the Sami culture. Or how about learning to drive your dog team with huskies? You can choose the urban Arctic life with the comforts of shopping and fine dining or do it the Arctic Way—join the multiple excursions Narvik offers.

Narvikfjellet is a world-class skiing destination

Close to Narvik, you can visi t Narvikfjellet , where you can go skiing in winter and hiking in summer. You can take the Fjellheisen to the top; from here, you have a fantastic view—one of the greatest in Norway.

In February 2019, it opened a brand new cable car. In four minutes, it takes you to the top of the mountain. At the top, you will find an excellent Mountain restaurant. Narvik has applied to host the World Championships in skiing in 2027. It is Norway`s most urban ski area for families and off-piste skiers.

The Ofoten railway 

Narvik is the end station on the Ofotbanen line, which is connected to the Swedish railway network. The line is 43 kilometres between Narvik harbour and the national border with Sweden. Thanks to the ice-free waters of Ofotfjord, Narvik became the centre for the export of iron mined in northern Sweden, and the railway was completed between Narvik and Kiruna.

The railway is also vital for transporting goods between southern and northern Norway and is considered one of Europe´s most beautiful railway lines. 

Explore Narvik in the world war ll

The German forces occupied Narvik for over four years and were the scene of bitter fighting. The Narvik War Museum displays this.

  • Discover the Northern Lights in Narvik
  • Go skiing in Narvik
  • 10 most popular places in the Arctic

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Getting there

Find routes to this destination.

Coordinates

  • Lattitude: 68.438498
  • Longitude: 17.427261

Top Attractions in Narvik

Narvikfjellet - World Class Skiing Destination

Narvikfjellet - World Class Skiing Destination

Narvik War Museum

Narvik War Museum

Polar Park

Reasons to Visit Narvik

Northern Lights in Narvik

Northern Lights in Narvik

Midnight Sun in Narvik

Midnight Sun in Narvik

Skiing in Narvik

Skiing in Narvik

Good to know.

Culture & War History in Narvik

Culture & War History in Narvik

Narvik is the gateway to the Arctic

Narvik is the gateway to the Arctic

Discover nearby narvik.

Vesterålen

Lofoten Islands

Tromsø

The Northern Light Guide

Northern Light in the Nordic Countries

Northern Light in the Nordic Countries

Nordic Northern Lights Destinations

Nordic Northern Lights Destinations

Romance under the Northern Lights

Romance under the Northern Lights

Northern Light Activities

Northern Light Activities

Good to Know Before You Go

Good to Know Before You Go

Getting to the Northern Light Destinations

Getting to the Northern Light Destinations

Discover narvik.

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Heritage & Culture in Northern Norway

The Sami National Museum

The Sami National Museum

The Vega Archipelago

The Vega Archipelago

Rock Art of Alta

Rock Art of Alta

Lofotr Viking Museum

Lofotr Viking Museum

The Polar Museum in Tromsø

The Polar Museum in Tromsø

Sami Parliament

Sami Parliament

Special hotels.

Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel

Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel

The Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel in Norway is situated in idyllic surroundings next...

Kirkenes Snowhotel

Kirkenes Snowhotel

SNOWHOTEL KIRKENES welcomes everyone for an unforgettable hotel experience wi...

Arctic Panorama Lodge

Arctic Panorama Lodge

Welcome at the Arctic Panorama Lodge in Norway surrounded by majestic mountai...

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The first large battlle of WWII was fought in Narvik. The modern city boasts 1500 metre high mountains rising directly from the fjord, magnificent skiing and a breathtaking railway to Sweden.

Narvik was the location of a large battle in World War Two

Narvik owes its existence to the shipping of iron ore from Kiruna in Sweden, and during the Second World War the port of Narvik became a strategic target. In spring 1940, Norwegian, British, French and Polish forces therefore fought against Nazi Germany for two months in one of WWII’s largest initial battles.

Ski from mountain top to fjord below

From up on Narvikfjellet Mountain, you can ski downhill a thousand metres of elevation to the fjord and city below. In fact, you can choose to ski among five different sites in Norway and Sweden using a single ski pass!

Follow the Rallarveien Trail

The landscape in Ofoten, the Narvik, region, consists of fjords and majestic peaks, best seen on a sight-seeing tour via the Ofotbanen Railway in Narvik or from the breathtakingly beautiful golf course, from the Rallarveien Trail and from narrow suspension bridges over the fjord.

3 exiting Narvik experiences

Rallarveien in narvik is a historic hike for nature lovers, narvik is where aurora crosses borders, the war museum in narvik, 3 fun activities in narvik, northern lights at njalasouka, the ofoten railway in narvik crosses norway in one hour, dogsledding at jevningen farm.

Reliving the drama of the Battle of Narvik in 1940 at the excellently presented Narvik War Museum © Michael Ulriksen

Visit Narvik

Visit Narvik assists you with activities and attraction in Narvik and around

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Narvik Travel Guide: Top Tips and Things to Do & See

Narvik is a port town in Northern Norway , built in the late 1800s as a mining port serving the iron ore mines of Kiruna , Sweden. Even today the trains carrying the iron ore travel daily to Narvik, but the scenic railway called Ofoten Line or Iron Ore Line also carries passengers, through the wonderful route of the Arctic Circle Train that goes from Stockholm to Narvik passing through the Lapland villages of Abisko and Kiruna .

Narvik is one of the main gateways to Northern Norway , being located in the surroundings of the Lofoten Islands and the Vesterålen Islands . From here pass travelers from Sweden on their way to Tromsø , the Lofoten Islands and the beautiful areas of the far north. But Narvik is also a very popular destination for skiing and winter sports, making it one of the most attractive towns in the region.

What you will find in this travel guide to Narvik:

Narvik: Interesting Facts and Things to Know

Best things to do in narvik, best outdoor activities to do in narvik, best things to see and do around narvik, best restaurants in narvik, how to get to narvik, main connections to and from narvik.

Narvik is located in Northern Norway , 200 km north of the Arctic Circle , in Nordland County. It rises at the mouth of the Ofotfjord and its branch, called Rombaksfjord , while behind it rise the mighty Fagernesfjellet and Frammeasen mountains.

Narvik was founded in 1887 as an all-year ice free port for the Kiruna Iron Mines , located in the heart of Swedish Lapland, as the ports on the Swedish Gulf of Bothnia are frozen in winter and therefore not usable for shipping iron ore. The works for the construction of the port began in 1882 , parallel to those for the construction of the railway called Ofotbanen , which connects the port of Narvik with Riksgränsen, where the border with Sweden is located.

From here the railway called the Iron Ore Line continues to Kiruna , passing through Abisko , and then continues towards the mining town of Gällivare and ends in Luleå , on the Gulf of Bothnia. The railway still carries over 15 million tons of iron a year extracted from the Kiruna Mine, the largest underground iron ore mine in the world.

Some passenger trains also operate on the Iron Ore Line , in particular the Arctic Train that runs all 43 km of the Ofoten Line , from Narvik to Riksgränsen, and the Arctic Circle Train that goes from Stockholm to Narvik , passing through Kiruna and Abisko .

Narvik Things to Do

The works were initially carried out by an English company interested in investing in the mine and Narvik was called Victoriahavn , the Port of Victoria, dedicated to Queen Victoria. From 1898 the works passed to the Swedish and Norwegian companies, who renamed the city Narvik. In 1902 the construction of the port ended and the new town of Narvik began to welcome the workers with their families. The railway line brought great economic development to the city.

The mining port activity was interrupted during the Second World War , when Narvik was invaded by German troops and several battles were fought between the Germans and the British just off the Narvik coast. After the reconstruction, the mining port of Narvik resumed operation and still plays a key role in the local economy today.

Narvik is also an important gateway to Northern Norway , where train travelers from Sweden arrive on their way to Tromsø . But it is also one of the main starting points for visiting the Lofoten Islands and the Vesterålen Islands , which lie just northwest of Narvik .

In Narvik there are some car rental companies that allow you to rent a car to explore the beautiful surroundings , famous for being among the most beautiful in Norway. In about 3 hours of driving you reach Tromsø or the amazing Senja region. Also in 3 hours you can reach Svolvær , the largest town in the Lofoten Islands . The availability of rental cars in Narvik is quite limited, so it is highly advisable to book ahead of time, you can do so on a reputable website such as Rentalcars or Discovercars , where you can easily find the best deals.

Narvikfjellet cable car

Narvik is a popular destination for skiers and winter sports enthusiasts. One of the main attractions is the cable car that takes you up to Mount Narvikfjellet , 656 meters above the fjord.

The Narvikfjellet Cable Car takes only 4 minutes to get to the upper station, on the top of Narvikfjellet, from where you can have a fantastic view of the fjord, the town of Narvik and the surrounding mountains.

On the top there are panoramic terraces and areas where you can sit and relax while enjoying the view. For this reason, the Narvikfjellet Cable Car is very popular in the summer, to admire the spectacle of the midnight sun, but also in the winter, when people come here not only to ski, but also to spot the Northern Lights .

From the upper station there are several paths for hiking or mountain biking in summer, while in winter there is an important and very well-equipped ski facility. There are slopes of different difficulty levels and ski lifts that lead up to the top of Mount Linken , at an altitude of 1000 meters, from where you can ski down a slope of medium difficulty. In addition to alpine or cross-country skiing , there are slopes for tobogganing and paths for walks with snowshoes.

At the top there is also a café-restaurant, the Fjellheisrestauranten , where you can warm up with a hot drink or try some local specialties. Locals love their waffles with brown cheese, sour cream, and jam. You can also reach the restaurant and the upper station by walking on the dirt road that starts near the lower station. It takes about an hour to get to the top and the road is open from May to November when there is no snow.

Narvik Town Norway

Narvik War Museum

The Narvik War Museum is located along the main road E6, near the tourist office, and traces the history of Northern Norway during the Second World War.

Its interesting exhibits cover the period from 1940 to 1945, starting with the famous Naval Battles of Narvik . In fact, on April 9, 1940, the German troops conquered the port of the city, but the next day they were attacked from the sea by the ships of the British Navy which in a few days completely destroyed the German forces.

The Narvik War Museum also chronicles the period of the Nazi invasion of Norway and the occupation up to 1945, with photographs, interactive exhibits and films. The museum also boasts interesting permanent and temporary exhibits, featuring uniforms, medals, helmets and weapons, with sections devoted to POW camps and the impact of war on civilian lives.

The Arctic Train and the Ofotbanen (Ofoten Railway)

The Ofotbanen (Ofoten Railway) is Norway’s northernmost railway, is 43km long and runs from the port of Narvik to the Swedish border town of Riksgränsen , where the railway line continues to the Swedish villages of Abisko (famous for being one of the best places in the world for sighting the Northern Lights ) and Kiruna . From here it continues to Gällivare and Luleå, while a branch runs through all of Sweden to Stockholm.

The Ofoten Railway is now also one of Narvik’s main attractions, and even if you don’t feel like taking a long journey to the wilds of Swedish Lapland, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery along the stretch from Narvik to the border by taking the Arctic Train .

The train (recommended in summer or in the few hours of winter light) crosses landscapes of incredible beauty, valleys with rushing rivers and waterfalls, ancient bridges and tunnels. The railway goes up the fjord through forests and mountains to Bjørnefjell , 500 meters above sea level. Tickets can be purchased directly at Narvik Train Station.

Narvik museum

The Narvik Museum is located near the town square and is housed in the former administration building of the NSB, the Norwegian railway company. The building is a house from 1902, with a yellow and red facade and a garden from which you have a nice view of the city and the harbor.

The museum tells the history of Narvik, its port, and the construction of the Ofoten Railway . It also tells about the local culture and the life of the locals, especially the sailors and harbor workers. You will also be able to board an old steam train and see a collection of artifacts found in the harbor.

Narvik Motor Museum

Narvik is also home to the small Narvik Motor Museum , dedicated to the history of vehicles. It is located near the Narvik War Museum, along the E6 road, and boasts an interesting collection of vintage cars, buses, tractors and caravans. The exhibition is complemented by descriptive panels and photographs of antique cars, as well as model trains and ferries.

Polar Park Arctic Wildlife Center

Located halfway between Narvik and Tromso, the exciting Polar Park is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in the region. It is located in the small village of Bardu , about an hour’s drive from Narvik, and is a kind of huge zoo dedicated to Arctic wildlife.

Don’t expect the classic zoo though, because there are no cages here, but the animals are free in their Arctic habitat. There are just several enclosures, such as the bear enclosure, the wolf enclosure, and so on. Fences are very large areas of the park, and walking along the paths between the fences you will be able to spot the different friendly guests of the park.

Here you will find many wild animals that normally live in sub-arctic regions, such as bears , wolves , lynxes , arctic foxes but also moose , deer and reindeer . The park is open all year round and also organizes guided tours, but keep in mind that in winter the bears hibernate and therefore will not be visible.

Rallarveien Narvik Hiking Trail

Hike along the Rallarveien

The Rallarveien of the Ofotbanen is one of the most popular hiking routes from Narvik, and is an old construction road built in the early 1900s. The Rallarveien , which means “The Navvy Road” , runs from Narvik to Kiruna and was used for the works of the Ofotbanen .

The road is about 50 km long and after the end of the works it fell into disuse, only recently has it been rediscovered as a hiking route. Although the entire route starts from Abisko (in Sweden), the most famous stretches are from Bjørnfell (15 km long) and from Katterat (7 km long). Along the way it is still possible to see some remnants of old workers’ villages, including an old power plant and former dynamite warehouses.

The Rallarveien should not be confused with a similar hiking route called Rallarvegen , located along the Bergensbanen , near Bergen.

The old village of Rombaksbotn

The two most famous sections of the Rallarveien trail lead to the old village of Rombaksbotn on the Rombaken fjord. About 500 people lived here from 1898 to 1903, mainly Ofotbanen workers, and there was even a hotel, a grocery store, a police station and a bowling alley. It is said that there was even a brothel.

After the end of the Ofot Line’s works, the town was gradually abandoned, and destroyed first by a fire and then by a flood. It was never rebuilt and today only ruins remain. Although there is practically nothing to see, it is the arrival point of the most popular excursions in the area.

Hike from Bjørnfjell to Rombaksbotn

The trail starts from Björnfjell Station , near the Swedish border, accessible by Arctic Train (or any other train along the line between Narvik and Abisko). The trail is 15 km long and passes through a beautiful natural landscape, with waterfalls and beautiful views of the fjord and the surrounding mountains. Along the way there are several information panels on the history of the railway line and its construction.

The excursion is easy and suitable for the whole family. In Rombaksbotn you can choose whether to go back on foot, or take the boat which takes an hour to return to Narvik.

Hike from Katterat to Rombaksbotn

The trail starts from Katterat Station , accessible by train from Narvik, and is about 7km long, mostly downhill. Here too you can enjoy beautiful views of the fjord or the mountains, what you will see is practically the same as on the previous route. There are also information panels on the various historical remains you will encounter along the way, mainly remains of buildings used in the early 1900s for the construction of the railway.

Upon arrival, you can decide to go back, or take the boat that takes you back to Narvik in an hour.

Boat from Rombaksbotn to Narvik and Other Practical Information

The Rallarveien hiking trail is doable all year round, but it is advisable to do it between May and October, when the snow has melted, there are more hikers along the way and it is possible to go back by boat.

In summer there are some boats that go from Rombaksbotn to Narvik or from Rombaksbotn to Sildvik and from there you can go by bus to Narvik. This saves you from having to walk back along the Rallarveien to a train station. Prices start at NOK 600 per person. For more information and reservations you’ll ask to the Narvik tourist office.

While sailing the fjord you will also be able to see the remains of the famous German destroyer Z2 Georg Thiele , who was shipwrecked during one of the epic Narvik Naval Battles of 1940.

If you decide to go in the months of October to May keep in mind that the terrain will be difficult and the weather is unpredictable. Plus you’ll have to walk back, with little or no daylight hours. So make sure you are very well equipped.

Narvik Fjord

Ofotfjorden Cruise

If hiking isn’t your thing, you may want to opt for a more comfortable cruise on the Narvik fjord, called Ofotfjorden . The boats that connect Narvik with Rombaksbotn in fact make a round trip, so they are an excellent opportunity for a nice fjord cruise.

Norway’s Best’s (a local tour operator) boats operate the Fjord Cruise Narvik from May to September. The cruise lasts a couple of hours (round trip) and it is also possible to bring your own bike on the boat. It is a great way to comfortably admire the beauty of the fjord, surrounded by high mountains and picturesque coves.

Skiing on the Narvikfjellet

In winter Narvik is one of the main ski destinations in Norway. On the top of Mount Narvikfjellet there are top-level ski facilities, easily reachable with the cable car that leaves right in the city center.

Mount Narvikfjellet is very popular with families, as it offers slopes of various difficulty levels, including those for children and beginners. There are chairlifts and ski lifts that take you to the top of the summit, where you can also find restaurants and bars.

Spot the Northern Lights

Narvik is located at roughly the same latitude as the Lofoten Islands and the famous Swedish resorts of Abisko and Kiruna , renowned for being among the best places in the world to spot the Northern Lights .

Although Narvik does not have the same excellent weather conditions as the latter, because being on the coast it is more likely to have cloudy skies, it is still a good place to spot the Northern Lights. The only precaution is to get as far away as possible from the city center and the coast.

From November to March it is possible to spot the Northern Lights in Narvik , perhaps from the summit of Mount Narvikfjellet or from the more remote areas of Ofotfjorden . The best solution in Narvik is to stay overnight at Narvik Adventures AS , which offers an unforgettable experience in wonderful transparent and heated domes located in one of the most scenic places in Narvikfjellet, with a crazy view of Narvik and the fjord.

Narvik Northern Lights

Otherwise you could enjoy a great stay in remote areas of Norwegian or Swedish Lapland , just a few kilometers from Narvik. Guesthouse Huskyfarm Innset is located about 100 km from Narvik, on the banks of a beautiful lake set in a breathtaking landscape. It offers great accommodations in a typical Norwegian mountain farm . You will also get to know their 80 sled dogs and maybe join one of their expedition style dogsled tours into the north norwegian wilderness.

If you have enough time to explore the region, you might want to take a trip to some of the beautiful villages of Swedish Lapland , which are just 40km from Narvik. In Riksgränsen , just past the border between Norway and Sweden and easily accessible by the E10 road, is the beautiful Arctic Lodge , which offers excellent apartments in an area perfect for winter sports and for spotting the Northern Lights.

Or you could spend a few nights in the beautiful village of Abisko , the heart of Swedish Lapland , famous for being one of the best places in the world to spot the Northern Lights , thanks to the abundance of clear skies and perfect weather conditions in the area. Here is also the famous Aurora Sky Station , an observatory located on the top of a mountain, which is reputed to be the perfect place to spot the Northern Lights . It can be reached by cable car from the STF Abisko Turiststation , which is a wonderful mountain retreat that has been active for over 100 years and offers excellent accommodation in private rooms or cottages.

Narvik is an excellent gateway to the Lofoten Islands and the Vesterålen Islands , famous for being one of the best places in the world for whale watching . However, to visit these wonderful regions of Norway it is advisable to travel with your own car.

Narvik Airport is located just halfway between the city center and the first towns of the Lofoten or Vesterålen Islands , just go west along the E10 road , which passes right in front of Narvik Airport. Many travelers choose to rent a car directly at the airport and then explore the stunning landscapes around Narvik on their own. You can find the best deals on reliable sites like Rentalcars or Discovercars , so you can book your car and find it ready for pickup upon your arrival at Narvik Airport.

There is also a convenient and inexpensive hotel close to Narvik Airport, the Sure Hotel by Best Western Harstad Narvik Airport , which offers good accommodation with breakfast and free private parking.

Narvik is also well connected with Sweden, both via the E10 road and the Ofot Line , which is mainly operated by Swedish railways. In fact, the station operates trains only to and from Sweden, in addition to the Arctic Train that goes as far as the Norway-Sweden border and back.

For this reason it might be a good idea to take a few-days trip to the beautiful places of Swedish Lapland , such as Abisko and Kiruna , where there is also one of the most famous Ice Hotels in the world . Abisko is located about 80 km from Narvik, while Kiruna about 170 km from Narvik. Both Abisko and Kiruna can also be reached by the famous Artic Circle Train , a night train that runs from Stockholm to Narvik and vice versa.

Abisko (Sweden)

Abisko is 80 km from Narvik and is well connected both by road E10 and by train (about 2 hours). Abisko is one of the most famous resorts in northern Sweden, it is famous for cross-country skiing , for its enchanting hiking trails and for being one of the best places in the world to admire the Northern Lights, being in the center of the Aurora Oval and boasting the clearest sky in all of Scandinavia.

Being a small village, there is no light pollution, and there is also the opportunity to admire the aurora from the Aurora Sky Station , located on top of a mountain accessible by cable car, from which you can enjoy a breathtaking view.

Abisko National Park is one of Sweden’s most famous and boasts hundreds of kilometers of hiking trails, many of which are open all year round. With a little luck, you can also spot some wild animals, such as arctic foxes, reindeer and moose.

The best place to stay in Abisko is the legendary STF Abisko Turiststation , one of the first mountain huts built by Swedish explorers in these remote lands of Lapland. It offers excellent and comfortable accommodation, a restaurant serving Lappish specialties, and is the best starting point for excursions in the area.

Kiruna (Sweden)

The city of Kiruna is located about 170 km from Narvik, but it is the very reason that Narvik was built. In fact, the largest iron ore mine in the world is located here, which is why the railway and the port city of Narvik were built.

Kiruna is a desolate mining town in the heart of Lapland, connected to Narvik and Stockholm by the Arctic Circle Train (approximately 3 hours) and the E10 road (2.5 hours by car). There is also the local bus 91 operated by Länstrafikens which goes from Kiruna to Narvik (and back) in about 4 hours, only in the months between June and September and between February and April.

There are not many tourist attractions in Kiruna, but it is the base for a large number of excursions in the surrounding region. It is also a unique opportunity in the world to see a still active mining town in the far north. Here most of the inhabitants are mine workers, and mining influences the fate of the city. Just think of the fact that in recent years they have been dismantling the city and moving it , house by house, several kilometers further north west in order to enlarge the mine.

Some buildings are torn down, but most, especially the historic ones like the town hall and the church, are simply dismantled piece by piece and then rebuilt a little further. The mine is active, but it is possible to visit a small part of it by participating in an organized tour that can be booked at the tourist office, located in the main square of Kiruna.

Kiruna is also the gateway to the wonderful Swedish Lapland , here you can taste delicious Swedish and Lappish meat or fish specialties. While in the surrounding villages it is possible to spot the Northern Lights , visit Sami camps , and enjoy plenty of outdoor activities , such as dog sledding or reindeer sledding . Around Kiruna there are several traditional reindeer herds of the Sami people, which are the perfect opportunity to discover their traditions and culture, hear interesting stories and take a reindeer sleigh ride.

In the nearby village of Jukkasjärvi , reachable by local bus from Kiruna or by taxi or car, is the fabulous Icehotel , one of the most famous and scenic in the world. This ice hotel boasts wonderful ice suite accommodations, featuring hand-carved ice design and sculptures. Plus there are ice restaurants and bars , as well as great heated Nordic rooms and chalets. It is the ideal place for an unforgettable stay in the heart of Lapland.

Another wonderful place is the Arctic Gourmet Cabin , located in the village of Kaalasjärvi , about 20 km from Kiruna. It offers wonderful accommodations in rooms with lake view, surrounded by nature, in a perfect place to spot the Northern Lights. But the highlight here is the cuisine of Jhonas, the owner, who can be your personal chef and will cook excellent specialties of the traditional local cuisine.

Kiruna Ice Hotel

Arctic Circle Train from Stockholm to Narvik

Narvik is directly connected to Stockholm by the Arctic Circle Train , a night train that departs from Stockholm Central Station at 5pm and arrives in Narvik at 1pm the next day.

This 20-hour journey is undoubtedly one of the best experiences to do in Sweden, making it very popular with travelers exploring Swedish Lapland . The Arctic Circle Train is included in the Interrail Global Pass , so if you are considering an Interrail trip in Scandinavia you may want to include this route on your itinerary.

The Arctic Circle Train also stops in Kiruna and Abisko, so you could interrupt your journey and spend a few days there, then catch the train or bus to Narvik a few days later. The Arctic Circle Train passes through landscapes of indescribable beauty, and is worth doing in any season. In winter, however, bear in mind that due to the few hours of light you won’t see much, but it’s still worth it.

Arctic Train from Narvik to Bjørnfjell

Another popular tourist route is the Arctic Train , the train that runs along the railway line from Narvik to the Swedish border town Bjørnfjell , located over 500 meters above sea level. This 43km train journey passes through beautiful landscapes and offers stunning views of the fjord and surrounding mountains along the historic Ofotbanen railway. The same section is covered by the Arctic Circle Train of the Swedish Railways, but this train only runs on the Norwegian section of the railway.

The train leaves from Narvik Central Station twice a day, at 12.00 and 5.15pm. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes one way. To return to Narvik from Bjørnfjell there are two trains, at 1.15pm and 6.25pm. Going from Narvik to Bjørnfjell secure a seat on the left and return to the right for the best views.

The ticket price starts from 520 NOK per person and can be purchased at Narvik Train Station or onboard the train. Alternatively, you could buy a ticket for the Arctic Circle Train from Narvik to Bjørnfjell on the Swedish Railways website, for less than half the price of the Arctic Train. The two trains travel exactly the same route.

Fiskehallen

The Fiskehallen Restaurant is located in the city center of Narvik, next to the AMFI shopping center, near the main road E6. The restaurant offers excellent fish specialties, including delicious fish soups and even whale steaks. There are also less daring dishes, such as Fish & Chips and mussels.

Linken Restaurant & Bar

The Linken Restaurant & Bar is located along the E6 near Bromsgård and is the restaurant of the Quality Hotel Grand Royal . It is an elegant, refined and modern restaurant, located on the rooftop of the hotel with a beautiful view of the city. It serves excellent local specialties in a refined way, with also vegetarian and international cuisine options. They also have a good choice of wines.

Fjellheisrestauranten

The Fjellheisrestauranten is located right on the top of the Narvikfjellet mountain, accessible by cable car from Narvik. It is open all year round, and is very popular in winter, when people come here to rest and relax after a day of skiing. It boasts good city views and serves good international cuisine including burgers, pizza and sandwiches.

Getting to Narvik by Plane

The nearest airport is Harstad-Narvik Airport which is located 60 km from the city, in Evenes . There are several flights from Oslo , Trondheim , Bodø and Tromsø . Approx. 100 km from Narvik there is also Bardufoss Airport , which mainly operates domestic flights.

To go from Narvik Airport to the city center there is a bus operated by Flybussen (approximately 1.5 hours) which leaves right in front of the terminal. Tickets must be purchased online in advance. There is a Flybussen bus also from Bardufoss Airport to Narvik city center.

Getting to Narvik by Bus

Narvik Bus Station is located on the west side of the city, near the AMFI shopping center. There are connections with Tromsø (4 hours), Bodø (6 hours) and Fauske (5 hours). There are also buses to the Lofoten Islands , to Svolvær (4 hours) or to Å (with change in Leknes).

There are also direct buses to Abisko (1.5 hours) and which continue onwards to Kiruna (3 hours from Abisko).

Getting to Narvik by Train

Narvik is the last railway station in Northern Norway. It is not served by trains from Norway , only from Sweden. There are trains arriving from Luleå (7 hours) or there is the night train (Arctic Circle Train) which goes from Stockholm to Narvik in 20 hours. Both trains stop in Kiruna and Abisko. The route runs along the Ofotbanen scenic railway.

From Tromsø to Narvik

From Tromsø to Narvik there is a direct bus N.100 which leaves from Tromsø Prostneset Bus Station and takes 4 hours to get to Narvik Bus Station.

From Bodø to Narvik

You can go from Bodø to Narvik (and vice versa) with Bus 100 operated by Reis Nordland, which takes around 6.15 hours from Bodø Central Bus Station to Narvik Bus Station.

From Narvik to the Lofoten Islands

From Narvik Bus Station there are some direct local buses to Svolvær (4 hours) or to Å (changing at Leknes).

From Kiruna or Abisko to Narvik

Kiruna and Abisko are connected with Narvik by the railway line. From Kiruna to Narvik it takes 3 hours and the same train stops in Abisko (2 hours).

From Oslo to Narvik

The best way to get from Oslo to Narvik is by plane. There are direct flights operated by Norwegian and SAS and others with a stopover in Tromsø . An alternative could be to take the train to Trondheim and from there to Fauske , from where a bus to Narvik leaves (5 hours).

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Our accommodations

Scandic narvik.

Enjoy a bird's eye view over Narvik, the Ofotfjord and the surrounding mountains from our sky bar on the 16th floor. Enjoy nature experiences, northern lights hunting and the midnight sun, or try skiing, diving and golf.

Thon Hotel Narvik

Narvik is situated on a peninsula surrounded by mighty mountains, deep in the Ofotfjorden. It's idyllically located and with a view of the Ofotfjord. The country is at its second narrowest here, so you can cross Norway within a day's march. Hotel Narvik provides beautiful accommodations close to Narvikfjellet with a view of the fjord.

The Northern Lights Train

With a rich history and breathtaking nature, Narvik has something to offer all year round.

During winter, many bright clear skies offer the chance to spot strong and bright Northern Lights occurrences, and The Northern Lights Train will take you far up in the mountains to witness it. This journey offers an amazing experience far away from the bright city lights where you can catch the Green Lady dancing in the sky. 

The first stop on this journey is Bjørnfjell, the border station to Sweden. After a short stay at Bjørnfjell, we travel to Katterat station. Here we will continue our chase 374 metres above sea level while we explore the area and listen to Northern Lights stories. At Katterat station, we will make a campfire and serve pastries while enjoying warm beverages and looking at a once-in-a-lifetime view.

Travel on Norway’s northernmost railway

Experience a desolate, wild and beautiful landscape, the arctic train.

Take a ride on the Arctic Train and enjoy wild and dramatic landscapes on a 43-kilometre ride along the Ofoten Railway. Visit the museums and learn all about the city’s WW2 history. Explore the surrounding mountains – go hiking during summer or tackle the hills on skis during winter.

From the end of May to the end of July the midnight sun provides endless bright nights allowing you to explore the Arctic sceneries all night long.

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Narvik

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Narvik has a double personality. On the one hand, its location is spectacular, pincered by islands to the west and mountains in every other direction, while spectacular fjords stretch north and south. At the same time, heavy industry casts a pall of ugliness over the rather scruffy downtown area – the town was founded in 1902 as the port for the coal-mining town of Kiruna in Swedish Lapland and the trans-shipment facility bisecting the city still loads several million tonnes of ore annually from train wagons on to ships.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Ofoten Museum

Ofoten Museum

This museum tells of Narvik's farming, fishing, railway-building and ore trans-shipment heritage. There's a rolling film about the Ofotbanen Railway and…

Water Spout

Water Spout

No, Narvik can't claim geothermal activity. But locals reckon that its water is the purest in the land. Each day at 1pm and 9pm from May to September, a…

Red Cross War Museum

Red Cross War Museum

This small but revealing museum illustrates the military campaigns fought hereabouts in the early years of WWII. The presentation may not be flash but it…

Main Cemetery

Main Cemetery

In this cemetery, beside the E6 on the north side of town, are monuments to the French and Polish troops who fought alongside the Norwegians on land, and…

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Narvik is our northernmost destination surrounded by exciting history and a beautiful Arctic landscape. Experience the Midnight Sun in the summer or the Northern Lights in the winter. Learn about the area’s interesting wartime history on a journey on the Arctic Train or use the train to combine a visit to Narvik with winter adventures in Riksgränsen in Sweden. Did you know this is the easiest place to walk across Norway?

visit norway narvik

The Arctic Train

Welcome aboard the Arctic train on the 43-kilometer-long Ofoten Line. Norway's northernmost railway runs from Narvik to Abisko in Sweden with views to the arctic landscape with spectacular views from fjord to summits.

From NOK 520,-

Two girls and a boy looks at a display case showing a soldier and a gun.

Narvik War Museum

A visit to Narvik War Museum is a must for history enthusiasts. It tells the stories of war. Firstly Nazi-Germany's attack on Northern-Norway and the situation during occupation, but also universal consequences of war.

From NOK 130,-

A boy does a backflip on skis next to the Narvik cable car. Views of the fjord, islands and mountains.

Narvik Cable Car

Experience the fantastic views of Narvik and the surrounding fjords and mountains from Narvik Cable Car. Mt. Narvikfjellet at 656 masl is a good starting point for arctic outdoor adventures.

From NOK 230,-

Exterior of the Quality Hotel Grand Royal in Narvik.

Quality Hotel Grand Royal

Located in the heart of Narvik, a city with rich and fascinating history, Quality Hotel Grand Royal offers comfortable stay in modern style. Here are two restaurants and a sky bar to wind down after a day of adventures.

From NOK 1090,-

visit norway narvik

Camp 291 is a new and modern accommodation consisting of 9 design cabins located in undisturbed surroundings below Narvik Cabin in Narvikfjellet.

From NOK 2900,-

A train on the Ofot line on a sunny autumn day

The Arctic Train on the Ofot Line: 10 historical facts

A train journey with The Arctic Train from Narvik goes through stunning arctic nature. But the journey on the Ofot Railway Line is also a travel through dramatic history. Read our 10 historical facts to learn more.

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Should Narvik Be On Your Northern Norway Itinerary?

July 5, 2018 by Silvia 15 Comments

At least that’s the question Dan and I were asking each other when planning out our Northern Norway road trip. I had been to Narvik before , on a day trip from Abisko, Sweden, but while it made for a nice escape from Sweden (I mean, obviously), I wasn’t sure if it was worth spending a couple of nights there.

things to do in Narvik, Northern Norway including where to go, where to eat, and where to stay in Narvik

In the end I think we made the right decision, though not for the reasons I had expected.

Probably the best thing about Narvik is the stunning landscape surrounding the town. And that’s not saying anything bad about the town itself – it’s just that the mountains around Narvik are  so  beautiful.

In fact we could tell we were getting close to Narvik when the landscape got really dramatic.

Kjerringstraumen Bridge Efjord bridges outside Narvik, Northern Norway

So of course we wanted to go hiking! But when we woke up the next morning in Narvik the weather was, well, not exactly hiking weather. On the bright side, Dan finally got to experience snow on his birthday!

We scrapped our hiking plans and instead came up with a list of things to do in Narvik that would keep us warm and cosy.

First up: a train ride!

One of the great things about Narvik is that it’s on a train line, even though the Norwegian train line ends some 300 kilometers south of Narvik in Bodø. Instead Narvik is connected to Sweden through the Ofoten line, which many say is one of the most spectacular rail journeys in Scandinavia.

The Ofotbanen was originally built to transport iron ore from Sweden to the coast, but now there’s a passenger train as well that gives you easy access to Sweden. You could even take the train all the way down to Stockholm if you wanted.

Dan and I didn’t want to go to Stockholm, but we did go just over the border to Riksgränsen, where we waited about ten minutes to catch the train back to Narvik.  The total journey took exactly 2 hours, and we each paid 110 SEK round trip. You can book tickets and check the timetable here .

narvik riksgransen train ofoten line view

And then when we got back to Narvik we decided to go for another ride, this time on a cable car.

The cable car up Narvikfjellet costs 200 kroner roundtrip and takes 8 minutes each way.

cable car gondolbanen narvikfjellet narvik norway

And then at the top there’s a restaurant and bar where you can enjoy the beautiful view over Narvik. In the winter you can watch for the Northern Lights, and in the summer you can admire the midnight sun.

narvikfjellet restaurant and bar narvik in june

Well, in theory you can see the midnight sun. If the skies had been clearer we would have had a late dinner up here and stayed to see the midnight sun. Though the clouds did end up parting briefly for us!

midnight sun narvikfjellet narvik norway

Then when we got back to town we set off in search of a cosy cafe for some coffee and birthday cake. We ended up at Astrupgården Cafe , a beautifully decorated little cafe with lots of delicious cake. I definitely recommend coming here if you’re ever in Narvik!

Astrupgården Cafe narvik norway

And then for dinner we ate at  Rallar’n Pub & Kro , mostly out of convenience because it was right next to our hotel, but it actually ended up being one of my favorite meals of the trip, and the staff were so sweet and friendly. Dan had the brown cheese ice cream for dessert, which he raved about – and I just had to trust him because blech, brown cheese.

We ended the night at Narvikguten Pub , which might have been a mistake because the atmosphere was so lovely there and everyone so friendly that we walked home feeling a little bit sad that we don’t live somewhere with any nice pubs. Maybe one day though!

So, what’s the verdict? Is Narvik worth a stop on your Northern Norway itinerary?

While the town itself just seems like a gray industrial town, I actually really loved my time there. What the weather lacked in warmth the people more than made up for, and I especially loved taking the Ofoten train and the cable car up Narvikfjellet.

But perhaps the best part of Narvik is that it’s positioned perfectly between Abisko, Sweden, aka the best place in Europe to see the Northern Lights , and Lofoten, aka the most beautiful place in Norway . So not only will you get to see this cool Northern Norwegian town and its beautiful surroundings, but afterwards you can easily hop on a train over to Abisko, or drive down to Lofoten – or both!

Where to stay in Narvik

If you really want a unique experience, consider staying in Narvik’s amazing Arctic Dome . It’s amazing in the winter, when you can see the Northern Lights from the comfort (and warmth!) of the dome, while in the summer there are amazing views out over Narvik. You can read about my stay in the Arctic Dome here .

But on this trip Dan and I stayed at the Quality Hotel Grand Royal, which I also could not recommend more highly. The location downtown is perfect, as it’s close to the town center but also on the side with the train station and cable car, and the staff at reception were probably the friendliest reception staff I’ve met in Norway. Check prices and availability here

quality hotel grand narvik

And of course the restaurant next door where we had dinner was really great, and there’s also a rooftop restaurant and bar which is supposed to have wonderful views over Narvik.

I visited Narvik in collaboration with Northern Norway and Visit Narvik

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July 5, 2018 at 8:11 pm

So much snow! In June! Now I get why my Tromsø were complaining :).

That pretty red sofa you sat on in Astrupgården Café looks exactly like the one in my favourite Swedish-themed coffee shop here in Utrecht! I’d feel right at home there :).

Silvia says

July 9, 2018 at 11:14 am

Haha it must be a sign that you need to visit Narvik!

July 6, 2018 at 8:52 pm

Brown Cheese Ice Cream! This sounds so awesome 🙂

July 9, 2018 at 11:13 am

Ooooh you HAVE to try it next time you’re in Narvik!

nina brigou says

July 7, 2018 at 1:00 pm

That looks amazing! I just got back for a month of roadtripping (and hiking) in Norway, be we didn’t get anywhere near there. I would love to go that far up north, it looks stunning out there 😮

July 9, 2018 at 11:12 am

Yeah the north really is something special. You’ll have to come back again someday!

Kelsey says

July 10, 2018 at 3:30 am

I went to Narvik back in January, and I absolutely loved it!!! Granted, that’s the only place in Norway I’ve ever been, so I doubt I even know what I’m talking about. We did the train ride from Abisko in Sweden, and the whole ride was SOOOO pretty – worth it for that alone. Thanks for sharing – next time I head up that way I’ll have to try to ride the cable cars!

July 11, 2018 at 8:10 pm

If you only see one place in Norway I think Narvik is an excellent choice! Especially with that gorgeous train ride. I’m so happy you enjoyed it too!

July 24, 2018 at 7:04 pm

New post of wonderful way of writing , Amazing photos , I’m glad to be one of your follower , you are the best

October 16, 2018 at 12:46 pm

Hej! Great blog post. I am trying to plan a trip from Stockholm to Narvik via Abisko. Would you recommend going to Narvik for just a day (I am planning on staying in Abisko for two)?

October 18, 2018 at 7:47 pm

I think a day will be fine!

December 19, 2018 at 11:14 pm

hello i am heading to narvik in late december (freezing and dark i know!) and as the cable car is now closed, is there another place you know of to view the northern lights maybe? preferably not part of an expensive tour. thanks!

December 21, 2018 at 2:31 pm

You can actually just walk up the mountain where the cable car is and get the same view for free!

Jessie says

January 9, 2019 at 3:41 am

Can you rent a car in Narvik and drive down to southern norway, dropping it off in Oslo or somewhere? I’m looking into car rentals but I cannot find a company that lets you pick up and drop off at different locations, starting in Narvik. Any help is appreciated! 🙂

February 8, 2019 at 8:57 am

Hey, thanks so much for this post! I’m planning to go to Narvik on 21 Feb and have been really looking for things to do there! All your ideas I’ve explored as possibilities and now definitely know I will do those things! So looking forward to the trip now!

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Once a full-time nomad, I'm now trying to find a balance between continuing to explore off the beaten path places around the world while also building a home in Norway. Want to know more? Head to my About page !

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Reaching new heights, 10 fantastic things to do in narvik.

by Sarah Gallo | May 4, 2020 | Europe , Norway , Western Europe | 3 comments

a girl stands overlooking a mountain range

Swedish Railways & Evenes Airport [How To Get To Narvik]

Narvik is very easily accessible despite the fact that it’s above the Arctic Circle. The best ways to get to Narvik are as follows:

  • Swedish Railways: If you’re coming from Sweden, Swedish Railways is definitely your best option! We personally boarded the train from Kiruna to Narvik, Norway. What we didn’t realize when we booked our tickets was that the train ride would be a sightseeing activity in and of itself; watch as the geography changes from the flatlands to the mountains and be sure to have a camera in hand! I highly recommend taking this route. 
  • Fly to Evenes Airport: Evenes Airport is about 45 minutes from Narvik city center, and serves Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim, Bodo, Andenes, and Tromso by direct flight. There are multiple flights daily, and the main carriers are SAS and Norwegian Air. At the end of our trip, we flew from Evenes Airport to Oslo Airport, where we made a connection for our International flights home. Search the best deals on flights here.

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Take in the views on Swedish Railways from Kiruna, Sweden to Narvik, Norway

Narvik Car Rental [Hertz Narvik]

The thing about Norway is that it’s very spread out, so renting a car is absolutely crucial if you want to explore outside of the city center! You will find car rentals available at the Evenes Airport and within the city. After researching all of our options for Narvik car rentals, we decided to rent our car from Hertz Narvik, and couldn’t have been happier! Their communication was superb, signing the agreements was quick and easy, and they had a large variety of cars on site. Hertz Narvik is particularly well-known for having great winter car options, which was incredibly important to us. We ended up with a Nissan SUV and it drove as smooth as could be, even on narrow icy roads. We will certainly be renting with Hertz Narvik next time we are in the region, and urge you to do so as well! Secure the best rental car deals in Narvik here. 

a hertz rental car in narvik, norway

Things to do in Narvik

Now that you’ve made it to Narvik and have the keys to your rental car, it’s time to get out and explore!

1. Sleep in an Arctic Dome. The Arctic Dome is located just five minutes from city center, and offers a fantastic view over the city of Narvik and the surrounding mountains! The dome is only partially covered so that you can take in the views without sacrificing your warmth. It is a fun, quirky, and comfortable way to experience Narvik. If you have a clear night, you may even have the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights dance overhead! 

inside the arctic dome narvik

2. Go Dogsledding. Deep Forest Husky will take you “deep” into the forests of Gratangen. You will have the ability to drive your own dog team, however, I must admit that I preferred sitting on the dog sled over steering! Unlike other dog sled experiences that I have had, I loved that this experience brought us up right beside the mountains; talk about a beautiful backdrop! 

dogsledding in narvik

3. Experience a Sami Northern Lights Ceremony: Following the dog sled, I recommend sticking around to experience a traditional Sami Northern Lights ceremony. The experience is held in a warm lavvo (a Sami tent) by a Sami shaman, and paired with a chaga tea and a local Sami dish. It was absolutely fascinating! We learned of the relationship between the Sami, nature, and the Aurora Borealis; in fact, we watched our Sami shaman call on the Northern Lights. No, he didn’t snap his fingers and “turn on” the Northern Lights but, rather, the Sami believe that the souls of their ancestors live in the Northern Lights. 

sami_experience_narvik

4. Take the Cable Car. Narvik looks best from above! The Cable Car at Narvikfjellet offers spectacular views of Narvik and the surrounding areas, no matter what time of year you visit. Interested in skiing? This is the place! Looking for a hike? You bet there are hiking trails! Just want to take in the views? There’s no better spot! 

a girl stands at Narvikfjellet

5. Eat a Linken Waffle. Any country that says “it’s always waffle-time” is bound to steal my carb-loving heart. Actually, most of Norway’s waffles are even served in the shape of a heart too! The famous Linken Waffle is served with jam, sour cream, and brown cheese… and absolutely delicious. Waffles can be found just about anytime, anywhere, as they are such a staple in Norwegian culture. We had our first Linken Waffle at the Narvikfjellet Restaurant with the most beautiful views, so I’d say that our first Norwegian waffle experience was a top notch! 

linken waffle made with love in norway

6. Pop into the War Museum. When thinking of World War II, very rarely do we think of Norway. Growing up, I never learned about the Battles of Narvik from April 9 to June 8, 1940. The Nazis invaded Narvik because they provided an ice-free harbor from which to transport the iron ore coming from Kiruna, Sweden. The War Museum walks each visitor through the Battles of Narvik and the lasting effects that it has had on Norway today.  

war museum narvik

7. Snowshoe in the Mountains. I couldn’t recommend snowshoeing enough! Our epic snowshoe with Anna from Narvik Aktiv very well may have been my favorite experience in Narvik. Rather than following a specific trail, we clipped on snowshoes, grabbed our poles, and took off hiking in the backcountry. There was something incredibly freeing about making our own way through untouched snow up a mountain. We ultimately found ourselves on top of Olbogfjellet, which offered absolutely outstanding views! It’s definitely windy up there though, so make sure you bring an extra layer for the mountaintop. 

a couple snowshoes in the norwegian mountains

8. Have a Local Meal at Fiskekroken. Fiskekroken is one of the most popular fish restaurants in the city. It’s a laid back atmosphere with a variety of delicious dishes and Norwegian delicacies. I had the “Signature Dish” of grilled boknafisk, green pea purée, beetroot sauce, crispy cured whale, and potatoes, and it was the perfect choice. 

A meal at Fiskekroken in Narvik

9. Check out the Polar Park. The Polar Park is the world’s most northern animal park. You could spend hours walking around trying to spot the bears, moose, reindeer, and wolves, but my personally favorite was the Lynx. It was such a beautiful creature and didn’t appear scared of humans. The Polar Park is particularly well-known for its wolf visit where you get up close and personal with the wolves on site, on the wolf’s terms of course. We, unfortunately, weren’t able to partake in the wolf visit this time around, but hopefully next time! 

a close up of a lynx at the polar park in narvik

10. Stay at Garsnes Brygge. Hop in that rental car and drive about an hour north to Garsnes Brygge in Salangen, Norway. In Norway it’s particularly important to fully immerse yourself in nature, and the Fisherman’s Cottages at Garsnes Brygge allow you exactly that. The cottages are fully equipped and located directly on the fjord. If you’re looking to wind down, you can even rent out the jacuzzi and keep your fingers crossed that you’ll see the Northern Lights overhead. Garsnes Brygge is also a fantastic place to stop and enjoy if you’re road tripping from Narvik to Dyroy or Senja. 

A girl stands outside Garsnes Brygge in Narvik, northern Norway

Arctic Dome

Deep forest husky, narvikfjellet, narvik aktiv, fiskekroken, garsnes brygge, know before you visit narvik, packing for narvik.

Now that you have a map on hand and have read about all of the things to do in Narvik, make sure you’re prepared! While you definitely need the right gear and layers, I highly recommend Hestra Gloves , Floa Baselayers , LOWA Boots , and Burton Snow Pants . All of the gear I linked to, I own and recommend personally. Of course, there are many more things that I recommend packing for your trip though, and I highly recommend that you check out my “ 137 Travel Essentials ” to pack for your trip to Narvik. 

The Best Travel Card for your Visit to Narvik

Before you leave for your next trip, I highly recommend opening a free Charles Schwab High Yield Investor Checking account. I know that might sound a bit overwhelming, but don’t worry, you don’t need to be an investor to open an account! This provides you with your own Schwab Bank Visa Platinum Debit Card, which offers a ton of benefits both at home and overseas. I’ve been using a Charles Schwab Debit Card since 2011, and it’s honestly the best free travel card out there. Why is that so? Well, you can withdraw from any ATM around the world, and Charles Schwab will reimburse you any ATM fees! They also don’t charge foreign transaction fees either, which is, of course, important when you travel. It’s also worth noting that there is no minimum balance requirement and that they offer free online transfers between accounts (so it’s totally fine if you have another credit card, debit card, or bank account with another company) Open your Charles Schwab account today – FOR FREE – by following this link. 

Purchase Travel Insurance for your Trip to Narvik

I hope you don’t embark without travel insurance! If you do, you better think again. Travel insurance is arguably the most important thing to have on hand (after your passports and visas) for a trip like this. I’ve had to use my travel insurance multiple times on the road, even though I’m healthy. You never know when something might happen; take comfort in knowing that whether your flight gets cancelled or you wind up sick and in the hospital, you will be covered. I recommend World Nomads Travel Insurance for each and every one of you travelers. You can get a free quote here. Do note: I learned on this trip that Travel Insurance does not cover pandemics and I do not recommend traveling during the currently COVID-19 outbreak. 

Interested in “10 Fantastic Things To Do In Narvik?” Pin It Please!

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Matt R

My wife and I LOVE to travel. We hadn’t considered traveling to Narvik before, but after reading about your amazing experience, I’m adding it to our bucket list! I can’t wait to checkout it out once it’s safe to do so.

JC in NY

Very comprehensive information. Thanks

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Visit Narvik where nature and history meet

Visit narvik, a unique destination in norway, narvik is situated in northern norway, above the arctic circle at 68° north. the city boasts dramatic world war ii history, the ofotbanen railway line to kiruna and spectacular arctic scenery where you can enjoy lots of nature-based experiences, making it a unique destination..

Map of Narvik

What to do in Narvik?

Narvik is in the heart of the Ofotfjord and surrounded by 1,500 m high mountains rising directly from the fjord. 

The city is also at the foot of Narvikfjellet: a cable car takes you from 200m to 1,006m in 10 minutes! 

In winter, Narvikfjellet Ski Resort offers excellent off-piste ski conditions and one of Scandinavia’s largest fall heights. 

If you go up on a fine summer’s night, you will enjoy majestic views of the fjord under the golden rays of the Midnight Sun.

Narvik is in the heart of the Ofotfjord and surrounded by 1,500 m high mountains rising directly from the fjord. The city is also at the foot of Narvikfjellet: a cable car takes you from 200m to 1,006m in 10 minutes! In winter, Narvikfjellet Ski Resort offers excellent off-piste ski conditions and one of Scandinavia’s largest fall heights. If you go up on a fine summer’s night, you will enjoy majestic views of the fjord under the golden rays of the Midnight Sun.

Take a trip to Polar Park, the world’s northernmost animal park

Take a trip to Polar Park from Narvik (transports to go and come back, plus entrance ticket included), and get to know our Arctic animals such as the lynx, moose, bear, reindeer, wolf, the arctic fox, among many others.

A day not to forget!

Tours in Narvik

Outside of the city, lots of fun adventures await. 

You can visit Polar Park , the world’s northernmost animal park, where you can observe Arctic animals such as moose, reindeer and muskox as well as Norway’s four largest predators (brown bear, lynx, wolf and wolverine). 

If you are looking for Snowmobile tours in the Narvik area, join our Fast-paced arctic fun with snowmobile from Narvik , where you will snowmobile in the Målselv area.

Dog sledding in Narvik

A dog sledding trip is also a must-do when travelling to the Arctic.

Take part in a self-drive husky dog sledding tour on a fun and easy trail in the beautiful mountain valley of Målselv, about two hours away from Narvik.  

visit norway narvik

Take a trip to Polar Park from Narvik (transport to go and come back, plus entrance ticket included), and get to know our Arctic animals such as the lynx, moose, bear, reindeer, wolf, the arctic fox, among many others. A day not to forget!

Lynx in Polar Park

You can visit Polar Park, the world’s northernmost animal park, where you can observe Arctic animals such as moose, reindeer and muskox as well as Norway’s four largest predators (brown bear, lynx, wolf and wolverine). 

You can also go on a dog sledding tour with our Visit Sami family and dog sledding tour, located 45 minutes away from Narvik, where you can enjoy the tranquility of the wilderness.

visit norway narvik

How to get to Narvik?

Narvik is a hub in Northern Norway and is easily accessible by plane (Evenes Airport), bus, car or train. 

From Tromsø:

If you are in Tromsø and wish to travel to Narvik (or the other way around) during the winter time (December to March), we recommend you take the Arctic Route , as we have a daily bus route between these two locations, with several stops along the way.

Other ways:

Taking the train from Narvik to Kiruna (Swedish Lapland) on the Ofoten Line will be a highlight of any trip in the Arctic as this 42 km route is considered one of the most beautiful train journeys in Europe. 

This trip takes you through a wild and dramatic landscape from fjord to the alpine mountains found in the Abisko National Park. The Ofoten railway line, built at the end of the 19 th century, is historical as it was originally used to transport iron ore from Kiruna to the ice-free port of Narvik.

During the summertime:

Between the 15th of June and the 31st of August , you can join the summer Arctic Route Narvik – Lofoten – Narvik , on a comfortable bus. This route takes you from Narvik all the way to Å i Lofoten, daily, in both directions. With a total of 11 stops and a total duration of 11.5 hours, enjoy the beautiful scenario during this route. There are several photostops along the way where you can breath the fresh Arctic air, strech your legs, take photos and buy food and drinks.

You can either buy a single ticket or a travel pass (4, 7 or 19 days). The travel pass can also be used on the route Tromsø – Lofoten – Tromsø , allowing you to travel between both routes and visit more places!

During the Second World War (WWII), the Nazis sought to gain control of the railway so they could export the precious iron to use in the weapons industry. Owing to its strategic location, Narvik was targeted during the first large battle of WWII: the Narvik Campaign (1940). Along your way, you will see remnants of the Battle of Narvik. You can also learn more about this chapter of history at the Narvik War Museum .

Learn more about Narvik and its history. You can take the Arctic Route bus from Tromsø to Narvik (both ways) and take this interesting city our of your bucket list!

Check all activities, tours and routes here.

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  2. All activities in the Narvikregion

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  3. Welcome to Narvik in the hearth of Northern Norway

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  4. Narvik turismo: Qué visitar en Narvik, Nordland, 2021| Viaja con Expedia

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  5. Narvik

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  6. Go skiing under the northern lights in Narvik

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COMMENTS

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    Driving in Norway is truly a beautiful experience, offering stunning landscapes and many scenic drives. One way to get to Narvik is by car, either via E6, which is Norway's main north-south road, or via E10 from Lofoten or Sweden. Both of these routes offer breathtaking views and the opportunity to take in the natural beauty of the region.

  2. Plan your trip to Narvik

    The city of Narvik is located in Northern Norway, and it is surrounded by majestic nature.Tall mountains soar above the blue Ofotfjord, and they are perfect for hiking and skiing. In winter the northern lights dance across the night sky, while the midnight sun ensures long, bright summer nights.. From Narvik, you can jump on one of the world's most beautiful train journeys along the Ofoten ...

  3. Top 10 things to do in the Narvik region

    When planning your visit to the captivating Narvik region in northern Norway, finding the perfect accommodation is key to immersing yourself in the natural beauty and unique experiences this area has to offer. From cozy cabins to comfortable hotels, the Narvik region provides a range of options to suit every traveler's preferences.

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    Sounds harmless, right? But during the Second World War, the Ofoten Line was one of the reasons why Narvik was on the Germans' map of places to conquer in Norway -. They invaded the region on 9 April in 1940 and, for two months, the battle was fought in what was a faraway place at the time. The troops did not only face each other but also ...

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    Narvik Summer Highlights. Whether you're an adventure seeker, a nature enthusiast, or a history buff, the region offers a myriad of raw experiences. North of the ordinary, where fjord meets mountain, you'll find Narvik. The scenic summer destination in Northern Norway with exceptional opportunities for families seeking quality time, friends ...

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    Narvik has applied to host the World Championships in skiing in 2027. It is Norway`s most urban ski area for families and off-piste skiers. The Ofoten railway . Narvik is the end station on the Ofotbanen line, which is connected to the Swedish railway network. The line is 43 kilometres between Narvik harbour and the national border with Sweden.

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    In fact, you can choose to ski among five different sites in Norway and Sweden using a single ski pass! Follow the Rallarveien Trail The landscape in Ofoten, the Narvik, region, consists of fjords and majestic peaks, best seen on a sight-seeing tour via the Ofotbanen Railway in Narvik or from the breathtakingly beautiful golf course, from the ...

  8. Narvik Travel Guide: Top Tips and Things to Do & See

    Narvik is a port town in Northern Norway, built in the late 1800s as a mining port serving the iron ore mines of Kiruna, Sweden.Even today the trains carrying the iron ore travel daily to Narvik, but the scenic railway called Ofoten Line or Iron Ore Line also carries passengers, through the wonderful route of the Arctic Circle Train that goes from Stockholm to Narvik passing through the ...

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    Narvik is situated on a peninsula surrounded by mighty mountains, deep in the Ofotfjorden. It's idyllically located and with a view of the Ofotfjord. The country is at its second narrowest here, so you can cross Norway within a day's march. Hotel Narvik provides beautiful accommodations close to Narvikfjellet with a view of the fjord.

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    Narvik. Narvik is our northernmost destination surrounded by exciting history and a beautiful Arctic landscape. Experience the Midnight Sun in the summer or the Northern Lights in the winter. Learn about the area's interesting wartime history on a journey on the Arctic Train or use the train to combine a visit to Narvik with winter adventures ...

  12. Tourist information

    Visit the tourist information office in Kjøpsvik. Monday - Friday 08-15. Our opening hours will be longer during certain events, and shorter during holidays. Please contact us for more information. +47 769 12 000. [email protected]. The tourist information office is located in The 4th Corner building, in the heart of Narvik.

  13. THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Narvik (2024)

    3. Narvik Museum. 54. History Museums. Narvik Museum tells the stories of Ofoten line Railway construction and operation, of mining concern LKAB's iron ore transport over the harbour of Narvik, and the town of Narvik's 100 years long history…. 4. Trinigon 3. 6. Points of Interest & Landmarks.

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    The cable car up Narvikfjellet costs 200 kroner roundtrip and takes 8 minutes each way. And then at the top there's a restaurant and bar where you can enjoy the beautiful view over Narvik. In the winter you can watch for the Northern Lights, and in the summer you can admire the midnight sun. Well, in theory you can see the midnight sun.

  15. City guide Narvik

    Located well above the Arctic circle in Northern Norway, Narvik is approximately 1,555 kilometres from Oslo and 897 kilometres from Trondheim.This quiet, unassuming city is a perfect day-trip option from Tromsø, as the route can be driven in about 1,5 hours.Due to its latitude, Narvik is a fantastic location for those chasing the Northern Lights on their trip to Norway.

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    It is a fun, quirky, and comfortable way to experience Narvik. If you have a clear night, you may even have the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights dance overhead! A look inside our Arctic Dome in Narvik. 2. Go Dogsledding. Deep Forest Husky will take you "deep" into the forests of Gratangen.

  17. Visit Narvik, A Unique Destination In Norway

    Visit Narvik, a unique destination in Norway Narvik is situated in Northern Norway, above the Arctic Circle at 68° North. The city boasts dramatic World War II history, the Ofotbanen railway line to Kiruna and spectacular Arctic scenery where you can enjoy lots of nature-based experiences, making it a unique destination. ...

  18. Attractions

    Learn more about the Narvik campaign, the Battle of Narvik, and WWII during your visit. Tourist information. Getting here. Our partners. FAQ. Postbox 338. 8505 Narvik. Norway [email protected] +47 76 96 56 00. Information. Cruise Arrivals. Photobank . Design Manual . Sustainable Destination. Eco-Lighthouse. Terms & Conditions.

  19. 7 Things To Do In Narvik, Norway's Emerging Arctic Destination

    Narvik War Museum is a must-visit in Narvik, Norway. David Nikel. For keen war historians, a visit to the war cemetery on the northern side of the city is worth the walk.

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    143. from $103/night. Narvik Hotel Wivel. 54. from $98/night. Quality Hotel Grand Royal. 470. from $114/night. Thon Partner Hotel Narvik.

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    Welcome to the Mushroom Inspection in Narvik! Bring your basket and have your mushrooms checked by experts. Everyone is welcome, and the inspection is free for all. No registration is required. We will also have a small mushroom exhibit. The location is not yet 100% confirmed, so stay tuned for where in the city center the inspection will take place. Information will be posted here. Join us ...

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    The most common way to travel to Narvik is by air, but it's also possible to travel by rail or bus. A large number of cruise ships call to Narvik annually. ... 8505 Narvik. Norway [email protected] +47 76 96 56 00. Information. Cruise Arrivals. Photobank . Design Manual . Sustainable Destination. Eco-Lighthouse. Terms & Conditions. Agent Login.