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.
Fun Facts 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...
Things to See & Do
Here’s an overview of some of the best things to see and do in Narvik
The 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 Nord - Narvik
This museum is about the development of Narvik and rapid transformation of the town.
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!
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.
The Northern Lights Arctic Train Guided Tour
Take the journey from Narvik to the Swedish border and hopefully see some northern lights!
Here are some things that you must do and try in Narvik
Narvik Movie
Narvik is a new movie that was released by Netflix in January 2023 telling the story of the Battle of Narvik.
Ofotbanen
It is possible to take the train all the way to Sweden. It is regarded as a scenic train.
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
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
Cabins & B&Bs
Breidablikk Gjesthus is a nice place to stay in town.