Narvik, Norway cruises

Rugged mountains meet rippling blue fjords on a cruise to Narvik, Norway. A favorite destination for keen skiers, the snowy peaks here glide gently downward towards stretches of white sandy beaches that surround the port itself. 

Lying 137 miles inside the Arctic Circle, Narvik may be one of the world’s most northerly towns, but the North Atlantic currents and the mountains that shelter the town make it surprisingly mild.

A serene and welcoming region, Narvik is a magical gateway to rich culture, exquisite food, wildlife, and a dramatic Norwegian landscape. 

Narvik port guide.

A small yet vibrant town in the far north of Norway, Narvik is tucked away in the sheltered interior of the mighty Vestfjord and Oftojord. Founded in 1902 as the first industrial town in Norway, Narvik held a unique advantage as a naturally ice-free harbor, making it a sought-after location for the shipment of iron ore from the nearby Kiruna iron mines.

Pulling cultural influences from the Swedish, British, and countless sailors from across the world who frequented the port, Narvik’s relatively short existence has had an eclectic history. This includes near-complete destruction during fierce naval battles in the Second World War.

Now a sleepy town surrounded by unspoiled countryside, picturesque waters, and snow-capped mountains, in Narvik, you’ll find yourself immersed in a true representation of traditional life in the Arctic Circle.

Top landmarks and sights in Narvik.

Narvik Church.

A short walk from the center of Narvik you’ll find the small, yet beautifully designed, Narvik Church. The gray stone facades and deep, ornate wooden doors hide a simple yet peaceful interior, and the surrounding church grounds are a wonderful spot for a stroll as you take in the external workmanship.

Narvik War Museum.

The Second World War left a lasting impression on the town, and the Narvik War Museum pays homage to that difficult time in the town’s history. Through fascinating exhibits and artifacts, the museum tells the tale of naval battles and a 62-day conflict that unfolded in the harsh mountain landscape, displaying the hardy nature of the locals.

Historic monuments.

You’ll find other reminders of the town’s involvement in World War Two, with several monuments and memorials dotted around the town. These include the Hiroshima Stone, a stone gifted by the mayor of Hiroshima in 2005, and was unveiled along with the Peace is a Promise of the Future monument in 2006.

Things to do in Narvik.

Narvikfjellet cable car.

One of the best ways to experience the breathtaking beauty of the surrounding Norwegian landscape is a trip on the Narvikfjellet cable car. Be transported 2,152 feet above the vast fjords below and emerge onto the heights of the mountaintop, where panoramic views across this Arctic paradise await.

Hiking.

Find no shortage of routes on which to stretch your legs if you’re a hiking enthusiast, including the historic Rallarveien, or “Navvy Road,” which was used by the migrant workers during the construction of the Ofotbanen railway. Along this path, you’ll see remnants of eighteenth-century navy houses as well as the remains of an old cable car system.

Mountain-top activities.

Should you be seeking a little adventure, perhaps take advantage of the mountain-top activities available, from skiing and tobogganing to hiking and cycling. You may also have the opportunity to hunt the Northern Lights in the winter months or experience the eerie beauty of the midnight sun in summer. A wonderful restaurant sits at the peak should you prefer to relax, take in the scenery, and indulge in delicious local cuisine.

Polar Park.

Should you be hoping to catch a glimpse of Arctic wildlife, Polar Park offers a thrilling chance to see some of the most fascinating creatures that call this part of the world home.

Bears, wolves, lynx, moose, and reindeer roam around large natural enclosures, surrounded by the beautiful  Norwegian landscape.

Eating and drinking near Narvik.

Derived from the surrounding countryside, the cuisine in Narvik is rich in natural ingredients and unique flavors. Eateries in Narvik are plentiful and offer culinary experiences of all varieties. Find everything from simple cafes serving hearty home-cooked lunches, to high-end restaurants serving locally sourced seafood such as Arctic cod, king crab, and Norwegian stockfish. You could also sample world-class lamb, reindeer, and other regional delicacies.

Shopping in Narvik.

Find a range of shopping experiences in Narvik town. Visit large shopping centers with modern chain stores such as H&M and Bok Bok, or perhaps browse the smaller boutiques and family-run shops, packed with handmade trinkets, knitted goods, and other unique souvenirs.

Getting around, Narvik transport.

The town of Narvik is compact and easily accessible by foot. You’ll find taxis readily available if you wish to travel further afield, as well as local buses which service the region and surrounding areas.

Narvik port facilities.

Cruise ships berth in the Fagerness Deepwater Berth within the Narvik port, which is around a fifteen-minute walk from the edge of the town. Shuttle buses are often provided to the center of town.

Narvik quick tips.

Currency.

Norway’s official currency is the Norwegian Krone (NOK) and ATMs are widely available throughout the town. Most shops and restaurants accept credit cards, however, it can be useful to carry some cash if you’ll be visiting markets or small cafes and boutiques.

Tipping in Narvik is neither required nor expected, however, you can leave a small tip (between 10-20%) of your bill total if you feel you’ve received exceptional service.

Weather.

Narvik has a moderate continental climate with cold winters. On the coldest nights, temperatures in Narvik can drop to around 9°F.

On average, temperatures reach highs of 66°F during the summer in Narvik while winter months reach lows of 21°F.

August, followed by April and May are typically the busiest months in Narvik due to the increased hours of sunshine and influx of tourism.

Ski enthusiasts should take advantage of the beautiful trails during March and April when Narvik experiences ample snowfall.

Located under the Northern Lights Oval, the best time to view the Aurora Borealis is from September to February when there are more hours of darkness.