Narvik Travel Guide

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.

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Costs
USD 110-180 / day
High-cost Norway - hotels and tours for aurora and fjord activities.
Safety
Very safe; outdoor hazards in winter
Low crime; exercise caution on icy roads and mountain trails.
Best Time
Sep-Apr for Northern Lights; Jun-Aug for hiking
Autumn-spring for auroras, summer for midnight sun and hikes.
Time
Weather
Population
14,141
Infrastructure & Convenience
Rail link to Sweden and regional buses; compact centre walkable.
Popularity
Attracts aurora hunters, WWII history enthusiasts, and skiers.
Known For
Northern Lights, WWII history and the Battles of Narvik, Arctic fjords, Cable car, Ofotfjord, Skiing and hiking, Port city, Polar museum
Narvik's port is ice-free year-round thanks to the Gulf Stream, making it vital for iron ore exports.

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.

Top Things to Do in Narvik

All Attractions ›
Don't Miss
  • 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.
Hidden Gems
  • 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.
Day Trips
  • 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.

Winter
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.
Spring
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.
Summer
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.

Best Time to Visit Narvik #

Climate

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).

Best Time to Visit
JulyMayJune
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
26°
Warmest Month
-27°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coldest month with highs of -2°C and lows of -8°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

33 Poor

Comfort

-5°
Feels Like Freezing
-5°C
Temperature
-8° -2°
94%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

76 mm
Rainfall
4.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.0
UV Index
Low
1.9h daylight

February

February is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -8°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

33 Poor

Comfort

-5°
Feels Like Freezing
-5°C
Temperature
-8° -1°
94%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

63 mm
Rainfall
4.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.0
UV Index
Low
7.3h daylight

March

March is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -6°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

35 Poor

Comfort

-3°
Feels Like Freezing
-3°C
Temperature
-6°
91%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

47 mm
Rainfall
4.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.1
UV Index
Low
11.4h daylight

April

April is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (36 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

46 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-2°
89%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

36 mm
Rainfall
4.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.4
UV Index
Low
15.5h daylight

May

May is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (42 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

58 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
84%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

42 mm
Rainfall
4.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.8
UV Index
Moderate
20.5h daylight

June

June is cool with highs of 13°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

58 Acceptable

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cool
10°C
Temperature
13°
81%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

44 mm
Rainfall
3.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.9
UV Index
Moderate
24.0h daylight

July

July is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (66 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

64 Good

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
10° 16°
82%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

66 mm
Rainfall
3.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.9
UV Index
Moderate
22.5h daylight

August

August is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

52 Acceptable

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
15°
84%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

76 mm
Rainfall
3.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.6
UV Index
Moderate
17.2h daylight

September

September is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (78 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

50 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
10°
89%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

78 mm
Rainfall
3.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.2
UV Index
Low
13.0h daylight

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.

42 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
93%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

93 mm
Rainfall
4.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.0
UV Index
Low
8.9h daylight

November

November is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (74 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

35 Poor

Comfort

-2°
Feels Like Freezing
-2°C
Temperature
-4°
95%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

74 mm
Rainfall
4.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.0
UV Index
Low
3.9h daylight

December

December is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -7°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm).

Comfort

-4°
Feels Like Freezing
-4°C
Temperature
-7° -1°
95%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

83 mm
Rainfall
4.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.0
UV Index
Low
0.0h daylight

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.

By Air

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).

By Train & Bus

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 #

Narvik’s centre is small and easy to walk around; key sights, cafés and shops sit within a compact area. Regional buses and taxis connect to surrounding valleys and to the Narvikfjellet ski area; the town is also served by rail connections on the Ofotbanen. Car or organized transfers are commonly used to reach nearby nature and ski lift facilities.

Where to Stay in Narvik #

Budget
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.
Mid-Range
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.
Luxury
Central Narvik - $180-300/night
True luxury options are scarce. Top hotels offer upgraded rooms and strong location, but no large luxury resorts.

Where to Eat in Narvik #

Breakdown of cuisine types found across Narvik's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.

Pizza
Thai
Kebab
Sushi
Chinese
Sandwich

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.

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.

Nearby Cities #