Drive it Yourself: E6 from Narvik to Mo i Rana
Explore a scenic section of the European Highway 6 between Narvik and Mo i Rana.
The Hidden North
North European travel guide
Population 21,000 / 68.2 degrees north
Narvik, Norway
Built up in the late 19th century to export Sweden’s iron ore to Europe, Narvik became the centre stage for one of the first major battles in World War II.
About Narvik
Latitude: 68.2 degrees north
Population: 21,000
Sami name: Áhkanjárga
Hottest month: July
Coldest month: February
Wettest month: October
Windiest month: January
Annual precipitation: 555mm
Narvik Municipality
In this Travel Guide...
Map of Narvik
Uniquely Narvik
Here are some things that you must do and try in Narvik
Movie
Narvik (2023)
Narvik is a new movie that was released by Netflix in January 2023 telling the story of the Battle of Narvik.
Scenic Railway
Ofotbanen
It is possible to take the train all the way to Sweden. It is regarded as a scenic train.
Things to See & Do
Here’s an overview of some of the best things to see and do in Narvik
Museum
Narvik War Museum
The Narvik War Museum is an excellent museum about what happened in Narvik during the war. Inside you’ll see items from the war including a rare German Enigma coding machine.
Museum
Museum Nord - Narvik
This museum is about the development of Narvik and rapid transformation of the town.
Hikes, Day Trips & Experiences
Looking to go for a hike or take part in a unique experience? Here are my recommendations!
Please note – the links provided are affiliate links. I only recommend experiences that I have researched and/or tested and focus on providing unique, local things to do!
Mountain
Narvikfjellet
Take the cable car up the mountain Narvikfjellet. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the Lofoten Islands. In winter it is possible to ski here. In summer, you can hike one or both ways.
Northern Lights Tour
Northern Lights Arctic Train Guided Tour
Take the journey from Narvik to the Swedish border and hopefully see some northern lights!
Train Tour
Ofotbanen Train Ride
Take the journey from Narvik to the Swedish border and hopefully see some northern lights!
Road-Trips
Follow my road-trip guides for scenic trips around Narvik
The E6 Highway from Trondheim to Narvik
The E6 highway is the longest highway running through Norway, beginning south of Oslo and ending at Kirkenes. This stretch of the E6 covers the long, skinny part of Norway in the middle of the country – the region of central Norway and the lower part of Northern Norway.
The E6 Highway from Narvik to Kirkenes
The E6 highway is the longest highway running through Norway, beginning south of Oslo and ending at Kirkenes. This stretch of the E6 covers the entire length of Arctic Norway, passing by and including some spectacular remote places.
Swedish Border to Lofoten on the E10
The E10 highway stretches across Norway and Sweden, and this part from the Swedish border down to Gullefjord in Vesterålen is probably the most scenic. The Swedish border is located high above the treeline, and within the first 20 minutes of the drive you descend down to sea level, passing spectacular mountains. This place also saw heavy fighting during World War II as the Battle of Narvik raged on the Ofotfjord.
Self-Guided Walks
No self-guided walks are currently available for Narvik
Narvik on YouTube
Watch my YouTube videos featuring Narvik
Kiruna to Harstad via Narvik
The first part of the drive from Kiruna to Narvik follows the train line.
History of Narvik
People have lived in Narvik since at least the Bronze Age, and it is known that Vikings lived here.
Narvik’s history begins in the 19th century, when it was developed as an ice-free port for the Swedish iron ore mines. The Swedish mining company LKAB ships the majority of its ore from Narvik and is an important employer and landowner in Narvik.
Because the Nazis wanted the iron ore coming from Sweden, Narvik was of crucial important for World War II. The Battle of Narvik is one of the first major battles of the war and also saw the first Allied victory during the war. However, the port was eventually captured by the Nazis, securing the iron ore.
Narvik Today
Narvik is a commercial centre. There are some high-tech businesses here and the largest research institute in northern Norway, Norut Narvik.
There are schools of all ages as well as the Narvik University College, which has around 1,200 students.
Travel Information
Getting Here
Fly: Narvik shares an airport with Harstad called Evenes, and here you can get direct flights to Oslo.
Drive: Narvik is located on the E6 highway
Train: Narvik does have a train connection to Kiruna in Sweden, but no train connections in Norway.
Ferry: No ferry access.
Getting Around
Namsos town centre is walkable.
Shops
Places to Eat
Cafes & Bakeries
Quick Bites
Reasonable Restaurants
Fiskekroken is a seafood restaurant with an excellent selection of seasonal, fresh seafood.
Rallar’n Pub & Kro is a popular pub and diner with a good selection of pub and Norwegian food.
Nordre Matbar serves a good mix of Norwegian and international dishes.
Furu Gastropub is my favourite restaurant in Narvik!
High End & Unique Eats
Places to Stay
All my hotel recommendations are based on research and experience. I don’t recommend somewhere unless I think it is wonderful! The Hidden North focuses on accommodation that provides good quality for price or offer local or unique experiences.
Camping
Chains & Mid-Range
Scandic Narvik is the tallest building in town and also a lovely hotel to stay at.
Click here to view rates & book
Narvik Basecamp Hotel has beautiful rooms and is located high up on the mountainside.
High End & Unique Properties
Camp 291 are beautiful apartments located on the Narvikfjellet mountainside. There are huge glass windows overlooking Narvik and the Ofotfjord.
Sunrise/Sunset & Weather Averages
January
Sunrise: 10:37am
Sunset: 1:22pm
Average Temperature: -2.3C (28F)
February
Sunrise: 8:12am
Sunset: 3:57pm
Average Temperature: -2.7C (27F)
March
Sunrise: 6:13am
Sunset: 5:47pm
Average Temperature: -0.8C (30F)
April
Sunrise: 4:58am
Sunset: 8:45pm
Average Temperature: 2.9C (37F)
May
Sunrise: 2:29am
Sunset: 11:09pm
Average Temperature: 7.4C (45F)
June
Midnight sun
Average Temperature: 11.4C (52F)
July
Midnight sun until 20 July
Average Temperature: 14.5C (58F)
August
Sunrise: 4:03am
Sunset: 9:42pm
Average Temperature: 13.5C (56F)
September
Sunrise: 6:04am
Sunset: 7:24pm
Average Temperature: 9.4C (49F)
October
Sunrise: 7:54am
Sunset: 5:16pm
Average Temperature: 4.5C (40F)
November
Sunrise: 9:08am
Sunset: 2pm
Average Temperature: 1.2C (34F)
December
Polar night from 6 December
Average Temperature: -0.8C (30F)
All Posts About Narvik
Drive it Yourself: E6 from Nordkjosbotn to Narvik
Explore a scenic section of the European Highway 6 full of World War II history.