Narvik: Ofotbanen, Fjord and Mountains
Accommodation in Narvik
Narvik between railway, mountains and fjord
In Narvik, railway history, outdoor activities and views of the Arctic landscape come together. You could, for example, focus your stay on museums and the history of the Ofotbanen railway, or make hiking and winter sports the main focus. These differences can help guide your search for a holiday apartment in Narvik: think about which experiences you want to shape your trip.
Narvik Station is on the Ofoten Line. Trains run from there towards Kiruna, Luleå, Stockholm and Gothenburg in Sweden. The railway was built to transport iron ore from the mines near Kiruna to Narvik’s ice-free port, and opened in 1902. It was of strategic importance during the Battle of Narvik in 1940. This makes it possible to discover the railway not only as a transport link, but also as an important part of the town’s history.
Hiking trails, recreation areas and skiing
There are nine areas in Narvik municipality that are protected under nature conservation or biodiversity legislation. Tøttadalen is one of Narvik’s major designated recreation areas. It is also home to Taraldsviktoppen, an easy mountain hike close to town with views of Narvik, the fjord and the surrounding mountains. If you want to include a hike in your holiday, this is a specific option that doesn’t require you to plan your entire stay around a single type of outing.
The Navvy Road also offers a glimpse into railway history: this historic construction road was built in connection with work on the Ofoten Line in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, it is used by hikers and cyclists. The day trip “Hike across Norway” combines a train ride on the Ofotbanen with a hike along the Navvy Road; from Rombaksbotn, the return journey is by boat and bus. If you would prefer a scenic train ride, you can travel on the Arctic Train along the Ofotbanen. The route offers views of the ice-blue Rombaksfjord, high mountains and striking waterfalls.
For winter sports, Narvik Ski Resort offers alpine terrain and freeride opportunities close to town. It has 16 slopes and 6 lifts, including family-friendly slopes and a terrain park; there are also views of the Ofotfjord. This variety can help you choose the focus of your trip: you can prioritise the slopes and alpine terrain, or Narvik’s railway, hiking and cultural experiences.
Museums and traces of history
The Narvik War Museum is in the centre of Narvik, at Kongens gate 39. It tells the story of the Battle of Narvik in April 1940 and the five-year German occupation that followed. The Narvik Museum, by contrast, focuses on the construction and operation of the Ofoten Line, and the journey of the iron ore from Kiruna to Narvik’s ice-free port. Its ways of presenting the story include slide shows, models and films; there is also a train ride in an authentic railcar. The museum park offers views of the harbour, LKAB’s shipping facilities and the town below.
Another trace of history can be found at Brennholtet: an elk figure was carved into the rock there about 5,000 years ago. The rock carvings are protected under Norway’s Cultural Heritage Act of 1978. Brennholtet is about 1 km from Narvik centre and can be reached on foot in around 12 minutes. A visit there can therefore also be combined with exploring the town centre.
In the surrounding area, Ballangen Museum is housed in the former administrative building of Bjørkaasen Gruber, dating from 1919. Its collections include objects related to mining, agriculture, schooling and everyday domestic life. Skjomen Golf Park is also nearby, at the end of the Skjomenfjord. Its setting offers views of the Skjoma and the Frostisen glacier.
Town life and other experiences
A stay in Narvik can also include cafés, bakeries, restaurants and pubs. The food on offer includes seafood and local flavours. For a quieter experience, the Arctic Sauna in the harbour offers warmth and sea bathing. The centrally located tourist information centre provides maps, brochures, magazines and other practical information for exploring the region.
If you would like to explore the choice of places within this destination further, you can also find Narvik, Ankenesstrand, Bjerkvik and Elvegard.
For the wider travel overview: Nordland.
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