Narvik sits at the edge of the Ofotfjord, ringed by sharp granite peaks and long, quiet valleys. It is a working town with a dramatic World War II story, a mountain that rises almost from the harbor, and an Arctic climate that brings both midnight sun and winter darkness. As someone raised in Norway and lucky enough to visit often, I can tell you Narvik rewards travelers who like real landscapes and real weather.
If you are wondering whether Narvik is worth a stop, the short answer is yes. Come for the Northern Lights in winter, the hiking and ridge traverses in summer, and the cable car that grants big views in any season. You can ski under the aurora, ride a scenic railway deep into the Swedish mountains, stand on a World War II battlefield ridge, and be back in town for cod and cloudberries.
Let’s take a deeper dive into the world of Narvik.
When To Visit Narvik
Narvik changes its skin more than most places I know. Winter usually runs from November into April, with the polar night typically falling from late November to mid January. This is peak aurora season, and the town’s latitude means you do not need to drive far for dark skies if the weather cooperates. I bring warm layers, windproof outerwear, and microspikes for sidewalks after a thaw-refreeze.
From late May to mid July the midnight sun hangs, and the hiking opens up. Trails above the tree line clear gradually in June, though high passes can keep patches of snow well into July. Late August and September are favorite months of mine for quieter trails, steady daylight, and warm fjord colors. If your goal is the Northern Lights, aim for late September to March. If your goal is hiking plus long evenings, aim for June to early September.
How To Get To Narvik
Narvik is easy to reach once you know the pattern. The closest airport is Harstad/Narvik Evenes Airport, often listed as Evenes or EVE. From there, airport coaches and rental cars cover the roughly 1.5-hour drive to Narvik along a scenic stretch that crosses the Hålogaland Bridge. The bridge itself is a modern landmark and the views up the fjord are worth a photo stop.
Rail travelers come in via the Ofotbanen line from Sweden. It connects to the Swedish rail network at Kiruna and Boden, so it is entirely possible to travel from Stockholm by train, sleep in a cozy berth, and wake to Arctic light sliding past the window. If you love trains, this is one of Scandinavia’s great sleeper routes.
Driving is straightforward along European route E6, which threads Norway north to south. In winter, allow more time than your map suggests. I keep a thermos, a snow brush, and a habit of topping up the fuel tank whenever I can in cold months.
Getting Around Town
Narvik itself is compact. The main street climbs slightly from the harbor, and you can walk between the center, the War Museum, and the lower cable car base in a few minutes. Local buses run to neighborhoods and to the railway, and taxis are simple to book. In winter, sidewalks can be slick after mild spells, so bring shoes with good traction. If you plan to hike, you will want your own wheels or to join a guided trip for trailheads outside town.
Top Things To Do In Narvik
Narvik’s core experiences mix mountain, history, and fjord.
Narvikfjellet and the Cable Car. The cable car gets you up fast for a panorama of the Ofotfjord and the inland peaks. On a clear winter night, the platform is a favorite aurora spot. In summer you can use it to start ridge walks, or simply sit with a waffle and watch the light change. Skiers get lift-served runs with a true sea-to-summit feel.
Narvik War Museum. Narvik was central in the 1940 campaign, and the museum does a strong job explaining the naval battles, the Allied landings, and how a civilian town endures occupation. It is modern, compact, and emotionally honest. If you are traveling with curious teens, it hits the sweet spot between depth and digestibility.
Ofotbanen Scenic Railway. Even if you did not arrive by train, consider riding the line up toward the Swedish border and the mining town of Kiruna. The route climbs past lakes and bare rock, and in autumn the birch forests go golden. Some departures stop at mountain halts where you can hop off for a marked hike and catch a later train back.
Hålogaland Bridge Viewpoints. Whether you drive across or hike to nearby hillsides, the bridge arc and fjord light make a photogenic pair.
City Strolls and Harbor. Narvik’s center is not large, but the mix of cafes, a few restaurants, and fjord-side promenades makes for a pleasant hour. On stormy days, I duck into a bakery for a cinnamon bun and watch weather sweep across the water.
Outdoor Adventures Nearby
The mountains around Narvik are steep and surprisingly accessible.
Hiking Rombaksbotn. This classic hike follows the old construction road and forest paths to the head of the fjord, where abandoned foundations hint at industrial history. Summer weekends see families with picnic baskets. Bring mosquito repellent in July.
Ridge Walks from Narvikfjellet. In snow-free months, the ridges above the cable car open to intermediate hikers with proper boots and a head for heights. You do not need technical gear for most signed routes, but always check the weather and carry a map, layers, and a charged phone.
Via Ferrata. Adventurous visitors can clip into fixed routes on the crags above town with a guide. It is a safe way to sample airy positions without needing full climbing skills, and the views toward the fjord are enormous.
Ski Touring. Spring is ideal for ski touring when days are long and the snowpack settles. Local guides lead to safe bowls and classic descents. Avalanche education is not optional in this terrain. If lift-served skiing is your thing, Narvikfjellet’s pistes are fun, and the sidecountry on powder days is a treat if you know what you are doing.
Northern Lights In Narvik
Narvik has the latitude you want and the infrastructure you need. Clear nights and a Kp index of 3 or higher often deliver, but the real key is staying flexible and watching the forecast. Give yourself at least three nights for a good chance. If clouds hug the fjord, guides will often drive inland to drier air. Dress like you will be standing still in a freezer, because that is exactly what you will be doing. I wear wool base layers, thick socks, insulated boots, a windproof parka, and a hat that covers my ears properly.
Where To Stay
For views, choose a hotel near the harbor or up the slope toward the mountain. Rooms with fjord-facing windows earn their premium when the light hits right, and top-floor lounges make good aurora lookout spots on dark nights. Apartment-style stays are handy if you are driving and carrying hiking or ski gear. In winter, ask about drying rooms for boots and outerwear. Budget travelers will find simple guesthouses and seasonal hostels that focus on function over frills.
What And Where To Eat
Narvik’s dining scene is compact but honest. Look for Arctic cod, stockfish dishes, and grilled reindeer if you eat meat. If you want to stretch your budget, grocery stores are your friend. Pick up knekkebrød, Norwegian cheeses like brunost, smoked fish, and fresh berries in season. Many hotels include a hearty breakfast buffet; do not be shy about fueling up if you are heading into the hills. Cafes serve proper coffee and pastries, and a hot bowl of fish soup on a cold day is as local as it gets.
A quick cultural note: alcohol is regulated. Beer is available in supermarkets during limited hours. Wine and spirits are sold at state-run Vinmonopolet shops with more limited opening times. Plan accordingly, and consider tasting local craft beers with dinner rather than stocking up.
Day Trips And Regional Pairings
Narvik pairs well with several Northern Norway routes.
Abisko and Kiruna, Sweden. Just across the border, Abisko National Park is famous for clear-sky aurora and accessible trails. Trains make this an easy add-on, and the landscape shifts noticeably to drier, big-sky tundra.
Lofoten and Vesterålen. Drive the E10 west toward Svolvær for toothy islands and fishing villages. Give this at least two days if you can. In summer, the light on the sea cliffs near Henningsvær and the beaches near Uttakleiv is worth the mileage.
Tromsø. The regional capital sits a few hours north. It adds museums, restaurants, and a busier aurora tour scene. I like starting in Narvik for a grounded feel, then finishing in Tromsø if I want more city energy.
Suggested Itineraries
Two Days Without A Car. Day one: arrive, stroll the center, visit the War Museum, ride the cable car for sunset or the Northern Lights. Day two: take a round-trip on the Ofotbanen and hop off for a short marked hike if the season allows. Evenings are for slow dinners and sky watching.
Three To Four Days With A Car. Day one: War Museum and cable car. Day two: hike Rombaksbotn or a ridge above Narvikfjellet, then bridge viewpoints. Day three: drive toward Abisko for a day hike and return. If you have a fourth day, head partway down the E10 to sample island scenery and be back in Narvik by night.
Practical Tips From A Local
Weather flips quickly in the north. In winter, cold and dry can turn to sleet and wind overnight. Pack layers you can swap, not one heavy piece you cannot adjust. A thin wool base layer solves more problems than you think. In summer, carry a light rain shell even if the morning is blue.
For money, cards are universally accepted. Tipping is not required, but rounding up or leaving a small amount for great service is appreciated. English is widely spoken, though a cheerful takk goes a long way.
If you plan to drive, reserve a car with proper winter tires if visiting between November and April. Drive gently, leave space, and remember that local trucks know the roads but still respect the conditions. If a storm hits, switch your plans to museums, cafes, and short neighborhood walks.
For the Northern Lights, keep your expectations in check. Some nights are faint wisps, others are curtains that fill the sky. That is part of the magic. Use a red headlamp to protect your night vision, and learn to set your phone to a manual night mode with higher ISO and longer exposure.
Packing Checklist
I keep it simple and seasonally tuned. In winter, wool base layers, insulated mid layer, windproof shell, hat, scarf or buff, lined gloves plus a spare set, warm socks, insulated boots, microspikes, and hand warmers. In summer, breathable hiking pants, a fleece or sweater, light down or synthetic jacket, rain shell, trail shoes or boots with grip, sun hat, sunglasses, and insect repellent. Year round, a reusable water bottle and a small thermos earn their pack space.
Responsible Travel
Narvik’s hills and valleys are resilient but not limitless. Stick to marked routes where asked, carry your snack wrappers out, and give wildlife a wide berth. If you meet reindeer on a trail or road, slow down, keep quiet, and let them choose their path. Leave gates as you found them, and pack out everything you bring in.
Narvik is not a staged Arctic village. It is a place where people live, work, study, and also watch the sky dance in winter. If you come with curiosity, good boots, and a flexible plan, you will find the kind of Northern Norway that stays with you long after you head home.