Located in northern Norway, this Arctic town sits on a fjord surrounded by mountains. Visitors can explore World War II history, ride cable cars for panoramic views, and experience the Arctic wilderness.
Narvik, a small city in northern Norway, sits nestled between fjords and mountains above the Arctic Circle. This remote outpost played an important role in World War II and now draws visitors year-round. You can ride the cable car up Narvikfjellet mountain for panoramic views, explore the city's wartime past at the Narvik War Museum, or watch the northern lights dance across the Arctic sky. Narvik also serves as a gateway to the surrounding wilderness, offering opportunities for hiking, skiing, and fjord exploration.
Location Above the Arctic Circle
Narvik lies 220 km north of the Arctic Circle in Norway's Nordland county. The city hugs the shore of Ofotfjorden, a long, deep fjord that cuts inland from the Norwegian Sea. Steep mountains rise dramatically from the water, creating a striking landscape. With a population around 18,000, Narvik maintains a small-town atmosphere despite its industrial background and strategic location.
Skiing at Narvikfjellet
The mountain of Narvikfjellet looms over Narvik, with ski slopes just minutes from the city center. Narvikfjellet boasts one of Scandinavia's largest vertical drops, attracting both casual skiers and experts seeking challenging off-piste terrain. The ski season typically runs from December to May. Even in summer, you can ride the cable car up the mountain for wide-ranging views over the city and fjords.
Riding the Ofoten Railway
The Ofoten Railway connects Narvik to Kiruna, Sweden, traversing some of northern Scandinavia's most dramatic landscapes. This 43 km stretch of track climbs from sea level up into the mountains, passing waterfalls, fjords, and snow-capped peaks. While still used to transport iron ore, the railway also runs passenger services. Taking a ride on the Ofoten line lets you experience engineering marvels like the Norddalen bridge while taking in Arctic scenery.
Viewing the Northern Lights
Narvik's location above the Arctic Circle makes it an ideal spot for viewing the aurora borealis. From late September to early April, you have a chance of seeing the northern lights dance across the night sky. Local tour operators offer guided northern lights excursions to help maximize your chances. For the best views, head away from the city lights to darker areas like the mountains or fjords.
Getting to Narvik
Despite its remote location, you can reach Narvik through several transportation options. The nearest airport is Harstad/Narvik Airport, about 75 km west of the city. From there, you can take a bus or rent a car for the drive to Narvik. You can also reach Narvik by train from Stockholm, Sweden via Kiruna - an 18-hour journey through Swedish Lapland. Long-distance buses connect Narvik to other parts of northern Norway like Tromsø and the Lofoten Islands.
World War II History
During World War II, Narvik became a key battleground due to its ice-free port and railway connection to Swedish iron ore mines. In April 1940, German forces captured the city as part of their invasion of Norway. Allied troops, including British, French, and Polish forces, fought to retake Narvik in a series of battles. Though they briefly succeeded, the Allies ultimately withdrew, and German occupation continued until 1945. Today, you can learn about this pivotal chapter in Narvik's history at the city's war museum.
