Narvik – Pretty Nordland fjord town that was once a battleground
A key strategic port in World War II, Narvik’s spectacular location makes it an adventure hub for nature lovers.
Situated in northern Norway, Narvik contrasts its bucolic surrounding landscapes with remnants of an industrial heritage. The port’s strategic importance made it a key battleground in World War II, and the town’s museums showcase this tragic and dislocating chapter.
Today, Narvik offers easy access to many outdoor activities and winter sports, and it’s the ideal place to enjoy a laid-back life.
A short history of Narvik
Today, Narvik is a lively and picturesque port tucked into an inlet on the shores of the Ofotfjorden, just inside the Arctic Circle. Though people have been settling here since the Bronze Age, in many ways it was neighbouring Sweden that most influenced the town's modern development.
Eyeing Narvik’s large and deep harbour, the Swedish realised it was in the perfect location for transferring iron ore from its mines to seagoing vessels. The fact that the Gulf Stream keeps the port ice-free in winters was a huge bonus, and with the construction of the Ofotbanen railway in 1903, it became possible to transport ore from the mines to the port.
During World War II and the German invasion of Norway, Narvik found itself centre stage due to its strategic importance for the occupying Germans, who depended on iron ore to build tanks and munitions. Much damage was wrought by the battles that were fought here, particularly during the Battle of Narvik. The town was completely destroyed, and some 20 major ships were sunk in the nearby fjord.
With such a dramatic history, it’s no wonder that modern Narvik retains a strong sense of the past, and locals are keen to tell its story to this day.
Therese Langbakk, General Manager at Narvik’s Quality Hotel Grand Royal, is one such local resident, and she offers some tips for getting a feel for Narvik’s past.
“Visit the War Museum, which provides an insight into Narvik's role in World War II, and take a stroll up the mountain, which offers scenic views. Then, make your way to the Red Cross Monument, a memorial commemorating the lives lost during the war. These highlights will give you a glimpse of both Narvik's history and its natural beauty.”
A university town, almost one in ten Narvik residents are students, giving it a youthful, creative vibe. Locals take pride in their town and talk happily about its proximity to so much unspoiled nature.
Living in Narvik means waking up to fjord views with Sea Eagles circling overhead. People here enjoy spending time outdoors, whether that’s walking in the hills on a long summer evening or skiing the snow-covered mountains in winter.
Narvik is close to everything. It’s close to the mountains and close to the fjords. It’s not crowded; it’s peaceful and compact. The town has all a town needs for shopping, dining and culture. I love to be outside, hiking in the nearby mountains, or skiing in the winter. We don’t have to drive or travel anywhere – we have everything right here!
The best things to do in Narvik
1. Take in the nature
The fjords and mountains are natural playgrounds for anyone visiting Narvik. For a great photo opportunity, head to the top of Mount Stetind or take the gondola up Narvikfjellet for panoramic views of the town, fjords, and surrounding mountains. If you are lucky, you might capture a glimpse of a reindeer, Arctic fox, moose, or even a wolverine.
(Image credit: Foap - VisitNorway.com)
2. Uncover the past
Housed in a striking yellow and red building, Narvik Museum tells the civil story of the town since the 19th century, including the construction of the Ofoten Line. Also worth a visit is the Red Cross War Museum, which shows the often-brutal battles that took place here during the early years of World War II – most notably the Battle of Narvik.
3. A cosmic light show
Narvik’s snow-capped peaks and its location on the fjord make it a special place to take in the swirling, luminous aurora borealis, if it's visible at the time of your visit (September to mid-April).
An ideal way to see them is to take the Narvikfjellet cable car, which brings you 656 metres above sea level for a spectacular viewing experience.
(Image credit: Jan-Arne Pettersen - Narvikfjellet)
4. Taste the day’s catch
Literally a “fish hall”, Fiskehallen Narvik is both a market for the day’s catch as well as a seafood restaurant. If you fancy trying some, there’s an authentic menu offering up a range of dishes including shellfish platters and daily specials.
Fresh produce harvested directly from the sea is displayed on ice, and the friendly staff will share tips on how to prepare and cook the fish to make delicious meals.
5. Wander the town’s trails
Exploring Narvik on foot and without a plan is the best way to get to know the town. The centre is a colourful mix of modern architecture and traditional wooden buildings against a dramatic backdrop of Mount Narvikfjellet and Fagernesfjellet.
Even as you stroll around the town you are reminded of Narvik’s fishing heritage with the salty scent of the sea breeze and the cries of gulls overhead.
What is the weather like in Narvik?
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Average max temp (day) °C | -1 | 0 | 2 | 7 | 12 | 15 | 19 | 18 | 12 | 7 | 3 | 1 |
Average min temp (night) °C | -6 | -5 | -3 | 0 | 4 | 8 | 11 | 10 | 7 | 2 | -1 | -3 |
Narvik is situated in northern Norway, 225 kilometres inside the Arctic Circle, giving it a sub polar climate with long winters and relatively warm, but short, summers.
Spring brings bright sunshine, but there can also be snow. You might need sunglasses, as between May and July the sun shines on the town for nearly 60 days. Therese says she loves the light during this time.
“From May onwards, when the nights gradually get lighter is the best time [for me]. Even though it is not yet warm, May still brings the promise of summer, with green forests and blue skies.”
(Image credit: Narvikfjellet)
When summer does arrive, it brings with it the Midnight Sun and many possibilities for enjoying friluftsliv – the Norwegian love of the great outdoors.
“During the summer I love hiking in the mountains. It does not get dark, you can walk all night if you want,” says Therese. It’s around this time of year you may be lucky enough to see puffins nesting on cliffs around the fjords.
From November to January, Narvik is often bathed in an atmospheric blue light around the middle of each day as the sun stays below the horizon. Therese enjoys this season because of the snow but also because, as she says, “Wintertime is perfect for skiing, but also shopping and enjoying restaurants and the cultural events that the town has to offer.”
Visit Narvik with Hurtigruten
Southbound on The North Cape Line
In port: 5 hours
We stop at Narvik on the southbound leg of The North Cape Line, our premium, all-inclusive Signature voyage sailing to the top of Europe and back.
Getting to Narvik from your ship
Narvik lies on the sheltered eastern shore of the long narrow Ofotfjorden, so look out for the mountains, especially the iconic Mount Stetind – meaning anvil peak – above the town. Narvik’s port may be busy with cargo ships and fishing boats, but the city centre is an easy walk from the dock.
Neighbouring ports of call
Previous port
Alta
A timeless place of aurora, ancient rock art, an ice hotel, and a rich cultural heritage. This is the place for winter adventures.
Next port
Åndalsnes
With exceptional mountain scenery – even for Norway – Åndalsnes is all about adventure in motion and views that will make you stop in your tracks.