The 2023 worldwide release of the movie Narvik on streaming service Netflix brought this small industrial city in Northern Norway to the world’s attention.
The port city is surrounded by mountains and fjords, providing a spectacular natural playground for visitors to explore.
Few other than keen war historians knew much about Narvik prior to the movie, which depicts the dramatic set of land and sea battles that took place in and around Narvik in the early years of World War II.
Interest in the city as a tourist destination has grown since the movie’s release. In addition, Narvik is now an increasingly important port of call for several European cruise lines running northern lights and midnight sun itineraries.
In summer, the midnight sun bathes Narvik in a never-ending glow, ideal for exploring the hiking trails and fjords at whatever time of day. In winter, Narvik becomes a basecamp for exceptional winter sports and outdoor activities, from downhill skiing and coastal walks to hunting the northern lights.
Modern Narvik exists essentially because of the Ofoten Railway, which was built to link the iron ore mines of Northern Sweden with the ice-free port in Northern Norway.
As such, there’s few better ways to dive into the culture, history, and stunning natural beauty of the area than by taking a ride on the railway.
Although still primarily used as an iron ore line, there is a daily passenger departure to Sweden’s capital city Stockholm, and a tourist service known as The Arctic Train. This service runs through the mountainous terrain up to the border with Sweden before returning to Narvik.
As with Norway’s Flåm Railway, the Arctic Train is a tourist service that includes several photo stops along the way. Typically, it runs on selected days during high season, and when cruise ships are in port at other times of the year.
Book directly through your cruise line, or pay approximately $55 to reserve a place in advance with The Arctic Train directly. Bear in mind that cruise line excursions will include transport to and from the railway station, which is approximately 30-minutes walk from the cruise port.
Regardless of whether you’ve watched the movie or not, a visit to Narvik War Museum is a must.
The excellent museum reveals the captivating narrative of the early days of the war through the eyes of the people of Narvik. It also takes a step back to ask deeper questions about the value of a human life and whether a war is ever won.
For keen war historians, a visit to the war cemetery on the northern side of the city is worth the walk. Here, you’ll find monuments to the various nationalities involved in the Battle of Narvik.
A striking brick building standing on the hillside overlooking the cruise port now
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