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. 

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. 

Narvik Guides

Find guides to Narvik on our online store. 

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!

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!

Ofotbanen Train Ride

The Ofotbanen is the train that goes from Narvik to the Swedish border. 

Road-Trips

Follow my road-trip guides for scenic trips around Narvik

Nordkjosbotn to Narvik

This drive begins on the E6 just south of Tromsø and goes all the way to Narvik. 

Narvik to Mo i Rana

This drive follows the E6 to Mo i Rana, crossing the Arctic Circle. 

Self-Guided Walks

No self-guided walks are currently available for Narvik

Narvik on YouTube

Watch my YouTube videos featuring Narvik

Finnsnes to Narvik

Follow the drive from Finnsnes to Narvik

Narvik to Mo i Rana

This includes crossing the Arctic Circle. 

Kiruna to Harstad via Narvik

The first part of the drive from Kiruna to Narvik follows the train line. 

Uniquely Narvik

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. 

Click here to view rates & book

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

High End & Unique Properties

 

All Posts About Narvik

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)

Narvik Photo Diary