If you love rugged mountains, blue fjords, and a bit of industrial grit, the Ofotbanen railway delivers all of it in one ride. This short but spectacular line runs from the port city of Narvik to the Swedish border at Riksgränsen, where it connects with Sweden’s Malmbanan toward Kiruna and beyond. Built to carry iron ore, it also happens to be one of the most scenic stretches of track in the Nordics, with cliff-hugging curves, avalanche galleries, and views that jump from sea to high plateau in under an hour.
In simple terms, yes, the Ofotbanen railway is absolutely worth your time. It is the northernmost passenger railway in Norway, and arguably the easiest way to step into true Arctic landscapes without lacing up hiking boots. You can ride it as a short round trip from Narvik, use it as a gateway to hikes like the Navvies’ Road, or treat it as a long-haul link to Kiruna or an overnight train toward central Sweden.
Let’s take a deeper dive into the world of the Ofotbanen railway so you know exactly how to plan, where to sit, and what to look for along the way.
What Is The Ofotbanen Railway
Ofotbanen is the Norwegian name for the 43 kilometer stretch of track that climbs from Narvik up to the Swedish border at Bjørnfjell and Riksgränsen. On the Swedish side, the route continues as Malmbanan, the historic iron ore line to Kiruna and Luleå, with passenger trains that also run to and from Stockholm. Ofotbanen was engineered first and foremost for freight, hauling heavy ore trains between the mines in Kiruna and the ice-free port in Narvik. Passenger trains share the same dramatic infrastructure.
Two things make this route special. First, the geography: you start at sea level on Ofotfjorden, then rise quickly into a high mountain landscape of granite slabs, tarns, and wind-swept birch. Second, the scale: iron ore trains can be the length of a small town, and watching them snake through cliff cuts while your own coach clings to the mountainside is part of the show.
A Short History Carved In Rock And Snow
Construction kicked off in the late 1800s and finished in 1902. Laborers known as rallare blasted, drilled, and stacked stone by hand through brutal winters. Entire navvy settlements sprang up, the most famous being Rombaksbotn deep in the valley. The line was strategic during the Second World War because of the ore, and you will still notice wartime relics in the area if you go hiking. Today, modern signaling and snow protection keep the line open year-round, but the wildness remains. Locals like me still feel a little proud awe every time the train shoulders past another avalanche shed.
Route Overview And The Best Views
From Narvik Station, the track hugs the mountainside above Ofotfjorden. Within minutes you get sweeping views across the water toward the islands and the industrial wharves where ore carriers dock. After Straumsnes and Hergot, the line enters a series of cuttings and short tunnels, then corners into the Rombaksfjord section. This is the photogenic heart of the ride. You will pass Katterat, a tiny station with a few houses and no road access, then continue climbing toward Bjørnfjell on a stark granite plateau. Finally the train slips across the border to Riksgränsen.
For the best fjord views when leaving Narvik, sit on the left-hand side facing the direction of travel. If you are coming from Sweden into Norway, switch that guidance and aim for the right-hand side. Seats are not always assigned, so board early if you care about the view. On clear days you can count layers of blue mountains, and in spring the waterfalls pour off the cliffs like bright ribbons.
When To Ride Ofotbanen
You can ride year-round, and each season offers a different personality.
- Summer brings the midnight sun, green birch, and bare granite glowing orange late at night. Visibility is usually excellent, and hikers use the line to reach trailheads at Katterat and Bjørnfjell.
- Autumn erupts in gold and red across the low birch forests, and the air turns crystal clear. If you like sharp light and fewer crowds, this is my pick.
- Winter means deep snow, frozen tarns, and short days. If the skies cooperate at night, this is one of the most atmospheric rail rides under the northern lights. Trains run even in harsh conditions, though heavy weather can cause delays.
- Spring is a split personality, with thawing waterfalls and lingering snow up high. You get contrast and big water flow in Rombaksdalen.
How To Ride: Timetables, Tickets, And Practical Tips
Most visitors treat Ofotbanen in one of three ways: a quick there-and-back between Narvik and Riksgränsen, a longer ride to Kiruna, or the full overnight link that eventually reaches central Sweden. Timetables vary by season and operator contracts, but you will find a mix of day trains and at least one daily or near-daily long-distance service. Buy tickets online or at the station in Narvik. Booking in advance helps for long-haul legs, while short hops can often be purchased on the day.
A few local tips from someone who rides up here regularly:
- Check the weather and bring layers. Even in July it can be windy and cool at the high points.
- Carry a valid photo ID. Norway and Sweden are both in Schengen, but random checks happen.
- If you plan to hop off at Katterat, study the schedule. There is no road. You are committing to the next train or a hike out the valley.
- Pack snacks and water. Catering varies. In Narvik there are supermarkets near the station for a quick pick-up.
- Bikes and pets may be allowed on certain services with a reservation and fee. Policies differ, so verify during booking.
- Winter riders should allow buffer time for connections. The line is robust, but Arctic weather has a say.
Stops Worth Knowing
Narvik is your practical base, with hotels, supermarkets, the War Museum, and a cable car to Narvikfjellet for big fjord views. If you are flying, the airport bus from Harstad/Narvik Airport drops you in the center near the station area. The port and ore loading pier are visible across the water, which explains why this railway was built here and not farther east.
Katterat is a favorite among locals who love a quiet cabin weekend. The station area has no road access, which keeps it calm even in peak season. From here you can hike the Navvies’ Road down toward Rombaksbotn, or head in the other direction to Bjørnfjell. Trains stop on a schedule that suits both hikers and long-distance passengers, but do not expect services.
Bjørnfjell sits higher on the plateau. In winter it can look like the moon with snow. In summer you get pale, polished rock dotted with small lakes. The views back down the valley are superb.
Riksgränsen on the Swedish side is a tiny ski and hiking hub. Many travelers swap trains here or carry on to Kiruna.
Hiking The Navvies’ Road From The Line
The Rallarveien i Ofoten, the Navvies’ Road, is the historic construction path used when the railway was built. The most popular section is the hike from Katterat down to Rombaksbotn and then out to the fjord by boat in summer or onward on foot to a pick-up point. The track is well trodden but still feels wild. Expect old stonework, waterfalls, and the modern railway visible across the valley like a thread on the rock.
If you choose this, plan it like a small expedition. Wear solid footwear, check the train times, and tell someone your plan. In spring the rivers run high. In autumn the light is beautiful but days are shorter. I grew up with this hike as a rite of passage. It is still the first route I suggest to friends who want history and scenery in one go.
Photography Tips On The Train
- Choose a clean window seat and keep your lens close to the glass to reduce reflections. A simple scarf draped around the lens helps.
- On the Narvik to Riksgränsen run, sit left for the fjords and right for more mountains and lakes once you are higher up. On the inbound Swedish to Norway leg, reverse that.
- Early and late light is best. In summer, late evening departures can be jaw dropping with soft orange light on the cliffs.
- Between Hergot and Katterat, be ready for quick transitions between tunnels and open views. Set a fast shutter speed if you can.
Accessibility, Families, And Luggage
The trains serving Ofotbanen are standard long-distance or regional sets, generally with space for larger bags at carriage ends and racks above the seats. Platforms at Narvik are level and straightforward. If mobility is a concern, allow extra time for boarding at smaller stops like Katterat where the platform may be modest. Strollers are fine, though families should aim for carriages with toilets nearby for obvious reasons. There is no onboard entertainment needed here. The landscape does the job for children and adults alike. Bring snacks and water, and you are set.
Making The Most Of Narvik Before Or After Your Ride
Give Narvik a night if you can. Take the cable car to Narvikfjellet for sunset, then sleep in town and ride Ofotbanen the next morning. If you are here in winter, ski a few runs above the fjord, then board the afternoon train as blue hour falls. In summer, the midnight sun lets you wander the harbor and watch the ore carriers load while the world glows. For a classic local meal, look for Arctic char or cod, or grab a simple coffee and waffle at a café near the station if you are on the move.
Itinerary Ideas That Work
- Half-day sampler: Narvik to Riksgränsen and back. Sit left outbound, swap sides on the way home. Grab lunch in Narvik.
- Hike and ride combo: Morning train to Katterat, hike the Navvies’ Road toward Rombaksbotn, then return to Katterat for a later train. Only attempt if you are comfortable with timing and terrain.
- Cross-border day: Narvik to Kiruna for a late lunch and a walk around town, then return on the evening service. In summer you will have plenty of light.
- Long-haul adventure: Pair Ofotbanen with an overnight train to or from central Sweden. Wake up to the plateau and roll down to the sea at Narvik with coffee in hand.
Practical Safety And Weather Notes
Mountain weather shifts fast. Even on warm days in Narvik, the plateau can bring cold wind and showers. Always carry a layer, a hat, and something water resistant. In winter, traction underfoot matters if you are stepping off at small stations or taking photos outside. Keep a respectful distance from the track when exploring the area and remember that ore trains are quiet and long. They appear slower than they are.
Finally, build slack into your plans. Ofotbanen does a heroic job through avalanche country, but if you have a flight the same afternoon, consider riding a day earlier. That breathing room lets you enjoy the ride rather than watch the clock.
The Ofotbanen railway is short on distance and long on drama. It is the kind of ride that makes you feel the north in your bones, from the salt on the fjord air to the scrape of granite at the window. Bring curiosity, a warm layer, and a camera. The rest is taken care of by the rails.