Discover Ankenesstrand

When planning a trip to Ankenesstrand, you can focus on what interests you most. Ankenes is known for the octagonal Ankenes Church, cross-country ski trails and Sámi storytelling culture; in the wider destination of Narvik, museums and historic routes add to the range of things to explore. This distinction helps you tell local attractions apart from other Narvik experiences when planning your trip.

Church history in Ankenes

The octagonal Ankenes Church was completed in 1842. Exterior and interior work in 1879/80 gave the building its present appearance. Its construction history therefore comprises two clearly distinct phases: the completion of the church and the later renovation that shaped its present-day appearance. If you are interested in architecture, this makes it possible to place the building’s design and alterations in their proper historical context, rather than treating the dates as a single event.

Cross-country skiing and other outdoor activities

The Ankenes Skiklubb trail network offers two routes that differ in length and lighting. The stadium area has a 3 km illuminated trail, while a roughly 6 km unlit mountain loop completes the network. The second route is therefore about twice as long.

Anyone can use the Ankenes Skiklubb trails for training, recreation and play. Ankenes also has a starting point for an illuminated trail and several hiking paths. Ankenes Alpinanlegg is a volunteer-run alpine ski facility. Together, these options offer different kinds of outdoor activities: cross-country skiing on the trails described above, hiking on several paths and alpine skiing at a dedicated facility.

Sámi storytelling culture and food

At Angell Gjestegård, the shaman Tone shares Sámi stories and traditions through storytelling and drum ceremonies. The stories and ceremonies are two distinct ways of sharing the culture. The culinary experience includes a traditional Sámi lavvu, where a hot homemade stew made with local ingredients and coffee prepared over an open fire are served. If you would like to include this experience in your plans, check its availability for your travel dates in advance.

More to explore in the wider destination of Narvik

The wider destination of Narvik is also home to museums covering different aspects of history. The Narvik War Museum tells the story of the Battle of Narvik in April 1940 and the subsequent five-year German occupation. It is located in central Narvik at Kongens gate 39. The Narvik Museum, by contrast, explores the construction and operation of the Ofoten Railway and the journey of iron ore from Kiruna to Narvik’s ice-free harbour. Slideshows, models, films and a train ride in an authentic railcar are among the interpretive formats featured there.

The landscape also tells the story of the railway: the Navvy Road is a historic construction road running alongside the Ofoten Railway. It was built in connection with the railway works in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and is now used by hikers and cyclists. Conditions vary by season, so take this into account when planning. This lets you consider the railway both as a museum subject and as part of a historic route.

For a different kind of excursion, Taraldsviktoppen is in Tøttadalen, one of the largest designated recreation areas in Narvik. This mountain hike close to the city is considered easy and offers views of Narvik, the fjord and the surrounding mountains. Conditions here also vary by season. Comparing it with the Navvy Road highlights their different features: one route focuses on railway history and its present-day use by hikers and cyclists, while the other is an easy hike with scenic views.

Discover more destinations: Bjerkvik, Narvik, Elvegard.

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