.jpg)
Photo Credit: Rune Dahl, visitnarvik.com
Why Visit Narvik?
Narvik’s appeal comes from contrasts.
The city is compact and industrial, but mountains begin almost immediately above the centre. The Ofotfjord stretches beneath alpine peaks, while the railway climbs from sea level towards the high country along the Swedish border. In winter, the same mountains become a major skiing destination; in summer, they provide hiking, viewpoints and long evenings beneath the Arctic light.
Narvik is also one of Northern Norway’s most interesting destinations for history. Its railway and ice-free harbour made the town strategically important during the Second World War, and fighting around Narvik in 1940 took place across the harbour, fjord, railway and surrounding mountains. Today that history can be explored through Narvik War Museum and sites throughout the region.
For independent travellers, Narvik is also practical. The city centre is walkable, the train station is close to hotels and restaurants, and Narvik works particularly well as a stop between Tromsø and Lofoten or as the starting point for a rail journey.
.jpg)
Photo Credit: JanArne Pettersen, VisitNarvik.com
Narvik at a Glance
Best for: Arctic rail journeys, mountains and fjords, Second World War history, skiing and winter adventures
Recommended stay: 2 nights
Stay longer for: Ski holidays, winter experiences or wider Ofoten road trips
Main gateway: Harstad/Narvik Airport, Evenes
Airport transfer: Around 75 minutes by airport bus.
Getting around: City centre on foot; guided tours, bus or rental car for the wider region
Easy to combine with: Lofoten, Harstad & Hinnøya, Vesterålen, Tromsø, Swedish Lapland
Recommended Tours in Narvik
Arctic Train
The Ofoten Railway climbs from Narvik through dramatic mountain scenery towards Bjørnfjell and the Swedish border. Arctic Train experiences combine one of Northern Norway’s most distinctive railway journeys with fjord views, railway history and, on selected departures, Northern Lights.
Tours in Narvik
Fjords & Scenic Tours
Narvik is surrounded by deep fjords, steep mountains and valleys that extend well beyond the town centre. Guided scenic tours make it easier to explore these landscapes and nearby experiences without relying on your own car.
Dog Sledding & Sámi Experiences
The winter landscapes around Narvik provide a setting for dog sledding, reindeer encounters and Sámi cultural experiences. Tours range from driving a husky sled to meeting reindeer and learning about Sámi traditions through local hosts.
Northern Lights Experiences
Narvik’s location between the coast, mountains and more inland areas gives Northern Lights guides several possible directions when searching for clearer skies. Tours range from dedicated aurora chases to smaller guided evening experiences.
Top Things to Do
in Narvik
Travel the Arctic Train
The Ofoten Railway is one of Narvik’s most distinctive experiences, climbing from the fjord through spectacular mountain scenery towards the Swedish border.
The journey passes bridges, tunnels and dramatic viewpoints overlooking the Ofotfjord and Rombaksfjord. Arctic Train sightseeing journeys operate from Narvik towards Bjørnfjell near the Swedish border, with departure times varying by date and season.
Combining outstanding scenery with the history of the railway and iron ore transport, the Arctic Train is one of the highlights of a visit to Narvik.
Experience Narvikfjellet
Narvikfjellet rises directly above the city, normally offering panoramic views across the Ofotfjord and surrounding mountains.
The mountain is one of Narvik’s major attractions, with skiing in winter and hiking, sightseeing and long Arctic evenings during summer.
Important – construction in 2026
Important – Narvikfjellet construction in 2026
The gondola and parts of Narvikfjellet are closed during the 2026 construction period. The new gondola is currently planned to open in January 2027.
Check current opening information before planning mountain activities.
Discover the Battle of Narvik
Narvik’s history is inseparable from the railway and harbour.
Narvik’s railway and ice-free harbour made the city strategically important during the Second World War, leading to one of Norway’s best-known military campaigns.
Narvik War Museum explains the battles through original artefacts, photographs and interactive exhibitions, while nearby sites help bring the history to life.
Together they provide one of Northern Norway’s most important historical experiences and a deeper understanding of the region.
Fjords & Scenic Road Trips
Narvik is surrounded by deep fjords, alpine mountains and some of Northern Norway’s most dramatic landscapes.
Guided road trips explore areas such as Skjomen, Efjord and Tysfjord, combining scenic viewpoints, quiet beaches and spectacular mountain scenery beyond the city.
These excursions reveal a quieter side of the Ofoten region and complement Narvik’s railway and mountain experiences.
.jpg)
Photo Credit: Michael Ulriksen, VisitNarvik..com
Narvik in Summer
Summer opens a different side of Narvik.
Long daylight hours make it possible to combine the Arctic Train, mountain viewpoints and scenic road trips in a single stay. Hiking becomes a major activity, while the fjords can be explored through road trips and boat-based experiences.
Narvikfjellet normally provides easy access to elevated terrain above the city, although access is affected by construction during 2026. Check current opening information before planning your visit.
Summer is also one of the best times to experience the Arctic Train, with long daylight hours revealing spectacular mountain and fjord scenery.
Best summer experiences
Arctic Train journeys, Narvikfjellet, fjord road trips, hiking, war-history sites and long evenings beneath the Midnight Sun.
Photo Credit: Rune Dahl, visitnarvik.com
Narvik in Winter
Winter is when many of Narvik’s defining experiences come together. Snow covers the mountains while the fjord often remains open below, producing the classic combination of alpine terrain and Arctic coastline. The city can be used as a comfortable base while visitors join skiing, dog sledding, Northern Lights tours, snowshoeing or scenic winter road trips.
Narvikfjellet’s ski season often extends through much of winter and spring, while guided winter activities are available throughout the wider Narvik region. For winter 2026, check current access and construction updates before planning activities on the mountain.
Northern Lights
Narvik’s location between the coast and inland mountains allows guides to adapt routes according to weather conditions, improving the chances of finding clear skies.
The aurora is never guaranteed, but staying several nights improves the chance of finding suitable weather.
Browse Northern Lights Tours in Narvik
Dog Sledding
Dog sledding experiences operate in the surrounding region rather than the city itself. Some packages include transport from central Narvik, allowing visitors without a rental car to combine the city with a wilderness experience.
Getting to Narvik
By Air
Harstad/Narvik Airport, Evenes (EVE) is the main airport serving Narvik. Airport buses connect Evenes with Narvik, with a journey time of approximately 75 minutes.
By Train
Narvik is connected by rail with Kiruna and the Swedish railway network. This makes it possible to combine Northern Norway with Swedish Lapland or continue by rail towards Stockholm and the wider European network.
From Tromsø
Scheduled buses connect Tromsø and Narvik, making Narvik one of the easiest places to break the overland journey between Tromsø and Lofoten.
From Lofoten
Scheduled buses connect Narvik with Svolvær and other communities along the E10, allowing travellers to continue into Lofoten without renting a car.
Plan your journey: Tromsø to Lofoten via Narvik
A realistic winter itinerary from Tromsø to Lofoten, breaking the journey in Narvik for shorter and more manageable travel days.
Highlights
-
Northern Lights & Arctic winter
-
Dog sledding and Sámi culture
-
Polar Park & Arctic wildlife
-
Trollfjord & Lofoten experiences
Travel from Tromsø to Lofoten by public transport, breaking the journey in Narvik before continuing to Svolvær.
Highlights
-
Scenic Tromsø–Narvik journey
-
Arctic Train & Narvik
-
3 nights in Svolvær
-
Guided Lofoten & Northern Lights tours
Itineraries Including Narvik
Plan & Book Your Narvik Stay
Narvik works particularly well for a two-night stay, giving you time for the Arctic Train, wartime history and a guided experience while breaking up a longer journey between Tromsø and Lofoten.
Recommended Accommodation
Thon Partner Hotel Narvik
Located at the foot of Narvikfjellet, around 800 metres from central Narvik, with views towards the fjord and surrounding mountains. Breakfast is included, and the location works particularly well for travellers combining Narvik with mountain experiences or a Northern Norway road trip.
Book Thon Partner Hotel Narvik
FAQ - Narvik
Is Narvik worth visiting?
Yes, particularly if you are interested in mountain scenery, railway travel, skiing or Second World War history. Narvik is very different from Lofoten and Vesterålen and works particularly well for one or two nights within a wider Northern Norway itinerary.
What is Narvik known for?
Narvik is best known for the Ofoten Railway and iron-ore harbour, the Battles of Narvik during the Second World War, Narvikfjellet and its dramatic location between mountains and the Ofotfjord.
How many days should I spend in Narvik?
Two nights are ideal for most first-time visitors. This gives you time for Narvik’s history and either the Arctic Train or a guided fjord experience. Stay longer if skiing, winter activities or exploring the wider Ofoten region are priorities.
Can I visit Narvik without a car?
Yes. Central Narvik is walkable, the railway station is in the city, and several organised experiences operate with central departure points or optional transfers. A rental car becomes more useful if you want to explore the wider Ofoten fjords independently.
Can I see the Northern Lights in Narvik?
Yes. Northern Lights can be visible during the dark season when skies are clear and auroral activity is sufficient. Guided tours can travel between coastal and inland areas to seek better weather, but sightings are never guaranteed.
Is Narvik good for skiing?
Yes. Narvikfjellet is one of Northern Norway’s major alpine destinations, with slopes rising directly above the city and views towards the fjord. The resort’s winter season often extends into spring.
What is the Arctic Train?
The Arctic Train is a visitor-focused journey along the Ofoten Railway from Narvik towards Bjørnfjell near the Swedish border. The route combines mountain and fjord scenery with the history of railway construction, iron-ore transport and Narvik’s strategic importance.
How far is Evenes Airport from Narvik?
Harstad/Narvik Airport at Evenes is served by airport buses to Narvik. The journey takes approximately 75 minutes.
Can I combine Narvik and Lofoten?
Yes. Narvik and Lofoten complement each other well, combining alpine mountains, Arctic railway history and fjords with Lofoten’s fishing villages, coastal scenery and outdoor adventures. See our Tromsø to Lofoten via Narvik itinerary
Continue to Vesterålen
Travel west from Narvik towards Sortland and the Vesterålen islands for a completely different Arctic landscape.
Vesterålen is characterised by open coastal scenery, wildlife, fishing communities and scenic driving routes rather than Narvik’s alpine terrain.
Use Sortland as a practical base, continue towards Andenes for whale watching and Scenic Route Andøya, or explore fishing villages such as Nyksund, Stø, Nykvåg and Hovden.
This combination works especially well for independent travellers with a rental car.
Continue to Lofoten
Best for: Iconic scenery, fishing villages & coastal adventures
Continue west along the E10 from Narvik towards Svolvær and the Lofoten Islands. The journey changes quickly from inland mountains and fjords to the dramatic island scenery that Lofoten is famous for.
Narvik and Lofoten complement each other particularly well: Narvik offers the Arctic Train, Narvikfjellet and wartime history, while Lofoten adds fishing villages, Trollfjord cruises, beaches, kayaking and some of Northern Norway’s most recognisable landscapes.
Combine Narvik with Nearby Destinations
Start Planning Your Arctic Journey
Explore destination guides, scenic road trips and practical itineraries to help you plan your journey through Northern Norway.
Popular travel guides
Planning several Northern Norway destinations?