Narvik: Railway, Mountains and History

Narvik reveals itself through its railway line, the mountains and the stories associated with its harbour. The Ofoten Railway was built to transport iron ore from the mines near Kiruna to Narvik’s ice-free harbour. It opened in 1902 and was of strategic importance during the Battle of Narvik in 1940.

Railway routes and paths through the landscape

Narvik railway station is on the Ofoten Railway. Trains run from there towards Kiruna, Luleå, Stockholm and Gothenburg in Sweden. Timetables and connections may change, so check the latest information before travelling. The Arctic Train follows the railway through Arctic landscapes, with views of the Rombaksfjord, high mountains and striking waterfalls. It is also worth checking the current departure times here.

The historic Navvy Road runs alongside the Ofoten Railway. It was created in connection with railway construction in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and is now used by hikers and cyclists. Conditions along the route vary depending on the season. One way to combine the train and the trail on a day trip is “Hike across Norway”: the tour includes a train ride on the Ofotbanen, a hike along the Navvy Road, and the return journey from Rombaksbotn by boat and bus. Booking and transport details may change and should be checked in advance.

There are nine areas in Narvik Municipality protected under the Nature Conservation Act or the Nature Diversity Act; the underlying list may change as a result of future legal amendments. Tøttadalen is one of Narvik’s largest designated recreation areas. Taraldsviktoppen is also located there: an easy mountain hike close to town, with views of Narvik, the fjord and the surrounding mountains.

Skiing, high-altitude trails and a dip by the harbour

Narvik Ski Resort offers alpine terrain, freeride opportunities and views of the Ofotfjord near the town. The resort has 16 slopes and six lifts, including family-friendly runs and a terrain park. The facilities’ configuration may change during the 2026–2029 development phase. The information about the slopes and lifts should therefore be treated as a guide in the context of this development.

If you would rather enjoy views of the surroundings from the harbour than spend time in the snow, the Arctic Sauna is there, offering warmth and sea bathing.

Museums and traces of history

The Narvik War Museum is in central Narvik, at Kongens gate 39. It tells the story of the Battle of Narvik in April 1940 and the subsequent five-year German occupation. The Narvik Museum focuses, among other things, on the construction and operation of the Ofotbanen and the journey of the iron ore from Kiruna to Narvik’s ice-free harbour. Slide shows, models, films and a train ride in an authentic railcar bring these themes to life. The Narvik Museum park also offers views of the harbour, LKAB’s shipping facilities and the town below.

A different kind of historical testimony can be found at Brennholtet: an approximately 5,000-year-old elk figure is carved into the rock there. The rock carvings are protected under Norway’s Cultural Heritage Act of 1978. Brennholtet is about one kilometre from central Narvik and can be reached on foot in approximately twelve minutes. As access conditions may change, check locally before your visit.

The Ballangen Museum, in the wider area around the destination, also tells the story of the region. It is housed in the former administrative building of Bjørkaasen Gruber, dating from 1919. Its collections include objects relating to mining, agriculture, education and everyday domestic life. The building itself and the varied collection themes each offer their own historical perspectives.

Practical information for getting around

The centrally located Narvik Tourist Information Centre provides maps, brochures, magazines and other practical information for exploring the region. Visitor information and opening hours may change, so check them in advance. Narvik’s food and drink scene includes cafés, bakeries, restaurants and pubs, as well as seafood and local flavours. This makes it easy to combine railway and museum visits, trails through the landscape and a break in town in different ways during your stay.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Bjerkvik, Elvegard, Narvik, Ankenesstrand, Meløy, Vega, Alstahaug, Beiarn.

Back to the main travel overview: Nordland.