Narvik City
City in Nordland, Norway with Arctic climate
Steep slopes drop to Ofotfjord, and Narvik’s wartime museums draw history buffs; in winter the Narvikfjellet ski area offers runs with fjord views and northern-lights possibilities.
Why Visit Narvik?#
Narvik attracts history buffs and mountain lovers with its wartime past and dramatic fjord setting. The Narvik War Museum and the wartime harbor tell the story of key WWII battles, and the Ofoten Railway provides scenic access to Arctic landscapes. Adventure seekers come for Narvikfjellet’s ski runs and cable car panoramas. Combine history with outdoor pursuits and hearty northern cuisine in small local bistros.
Best Things to Do in Narvik#
Narvik Bucket List#
Narvik War Museum - Visit Narvik War Museum for Arctic WWII exhibits and polar combat history.
Narvikfjellet cable car - Ride Narvikfjellet cable car for sweeping fjord views and mountain hikes year-round.
Ofoten Railway experience - Take the Ofoten Railway route to experience dramatic Arctic landscapes and engineering.
Narvik Church - See Narvik Church and its hilltop location offering calm interior and views.
Rombaksbotn hike - Hike into Rombaksbotn for steep canyon trails, quiet beaches, and historic wartime ruins.
Bjørnfjell viewpoint - Drive to Bjørnfjell for borderland scenery and trainspotting along the Ofot line.
Narvik waterfront promenade - Stroll the Narvik waterfront promenade to see harbour activity and mountain reflections.
Lofoten Islands - Ferry to Lofoten for towering peaks, traditional fishing villages and coastal scenery.
Bjørnfjell and border area - Cross to Bjørnfjell area for dramatic mountain roads and quiet highland vistas.
Best Time to Visit Narvik#
Narvik is best from June to August for hiking, fjord trips and long daylight under the midnight sun. Winter attracts skiers and aurora chasers, but expect cold, snowy conditions and limited daylight.
December - February
-10°C to 0°C (14°F to 32°F)
Winter in Narvik is snowy and reliable for skiing and northern lights; roads can be icy and daylight is very short.
March - May
0°C to 8°C (32°F to 46°F)
Spring brings melting snow, improving roads, and early alpine flowers - still chilly, so expect layered clothing and variable conditions.
June - August
8°C to 15°C (46°F to 59°F)
Summer offers mild days, long light, and excellent hiking access to fjords and peaks; busy in July but never oppressively warm.
Continental climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -8°C to 16°C. Moderate rainfall (778 mm/year).
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -2°C and lows of -8°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -8°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -6°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (36 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (42 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 13°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (66 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (78 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of 0°C. The wettest month with 93 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (74 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -7°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm).
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How to Get to Narvik#
Narvik is best accessed via Evenes Airport (EVE) followed by an airport coach or taxi; it also has a rail connection on the Ofot Line linking into Sweden. Buses are the usual way to reach Narvik from regional airports and neighbouring towns.
Evenes / Harstad-Narvik Airport (EVE): The nearest large airport serving Narvik is Evenes (EVE), about a 60-90 minute drive from Narvik. Airport coach services run between Evenes and Narvik in roughly 70-90 minutes; fares are commonly around NOK 200-350 one way. Taxis are faster but cost more (expect NOK 1,000+ depending on route and timing).
Train: Narvik has a railway station on the Ofotbanen (Ofoten Line) which connects into the Swedish rail network northwards toward Kiruna and beyond. Services are less frequent than in southern Norway; check SJ and local timetables for current connections and fares.
Bus: Regular regional buses link Narvik with Evenes airport, nearby towns (Fauske) and cross‑border routes into Sweden. Airport coach journeys take roughly 1-1.5 hours and fares are typically around NOK 200-350.
How to Get Around Narvik#
Most visitors arrive via Evenes Airport and continue by airport coach or hire car. Narvik’s rail link is scenic and useful for connections into northern Sweden, while buses and ferries serve local destinations.
- Train (Ofotbanen) (NOK 200-600 (typical regional fares)) - Narvik Station sits on the Ofot Line and provides scenic rail links into northern Sweden (Kiruna and beyond). Services are less frequent than southern lines-check operators for timetables and book ahead where possible.
- Airport coach & regional buses (NOK 200-350) - Frequent airport coaches shuttle passengers between Evenes and Narvik in about 70-90 minutes; regional buses also serve nearby communities. Coaches are reliable and usually the best economical choice for airport transfers.
- Ferries & boats (Varies) - Coastal boat services and seasonal ferries operate in the region, useful for some island or fjord trips. Timetables are seasonal and routes vary - check local operators for availability and fares.
- Car hire (NOK 700+/day) - Renting a car gives maximum flexibility to explore fjords and mountain roads around Narvik; winter driving requires experience and appropriate equipment. Fuel and hire costs in Norway are high compared with many European countries.
- Taxi (NOK 200-800 (trip dependent)) - Taxis are convenient for airport transfers, short journeys or off‑timetable travel but are expensive compared with buses. Prebook for airport pick‑ups in high season.
- Walking - Narvik’s compact centre is walkable for short visits; many viewpoints and museums are within a reasonable walking distance of the main streets and harbour.
Where to Stay in Narvik#
Town centre - $60-140/night
Narvik’s budget scene is small: a couple of simple hotels and guesthouses. Book early for winter or ski events.
Scandic Narvik (budget rooms) - Basic, central rooms at affordable rates
Narvik Hotel (guesthouse-style) - Simple private rooms, central
Central Narvik - $120-220/night
Reliable mid-range hotels near the railway and cable car; good for ski and fjord access. Choices are limited but solid.
Scandic Narvik - Comfortable, central hotel with breakfast
Quality Hotel Grand Royal Narvik - Traditional hotel, convenient location
Central Narvik - $180-300/night
True luxury options are scarce. Top hotels offer upgraded rooms and strong location, but no large luxury resorts.
Scandic Narvik (suites) - Top-floor suites with views
Grand Royal / upgraded rooms - Select upgraded rooms available
Where to Eat in Narvik#
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Narvik’s restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Shopping in Narvik#
Shopping in Narvik is functional and geared toward outdoor activities - you’ll find sports and ski shops, supermarkets and locally run stores. The retail offer is modest but covers essentials and outdoor gear needed for mountain activities.
Nightlife in Narvik#
Nightlife in Narvik is limited but sociable: small bars, hotel bars and occasional live-music nights are the norm. The scene picks up during the ski season and around events, but there are few large late-night venues.
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