Slap bang in the middle of Norway’s fjords, islands and northern wonders, Narvik, an ideal base from which to explore this magical region. A city since 1902, it sits on the coast of Ofotfjorden inside the Arctic circle. This northerly latitude means Narvik bathes in the midnight sun during summer's months and is witness to the dazzling displays of the northern lights. Crisp, clear skies make Narvik a prime destination for northern lights viewing, and the natural setting of spiky mountains and soaring fjords generates a truly glorious spectacle amid incredible staging.
Gondolas sway up to the slopes of Narvikfjellet ski resort, which can tempt with fantastic skiing, but also provides a prime spot for views of the lights flashing above. Look out over the vast panorama of the town curving along the fjord's banks, the Fagernesfjellet mountain, and - hopefully - the emerald spread of the natural light display. Polar Park Arctic Wildlife Centre grants Norway’s wildest animals - including wolves, bears and lynx - with a protected haven.
Elsewhere, a vast railway, which once transported iron ore to the Swedish border, now provides a dramatic rumble through the best of Norway’s mountain scenery and is one of the country’s most mesmerising rail journeys. Narvik was heavily affected by the Second World War, and the city's museum explains north Norway's strategic importance and explores the German occupation here, as well as the decisive battle for the city's liberation.
Swedish Border via Caoch & Train
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"Discover the spectacular fjords, mountains, and lakes between Norway and Sweden during this excursion via coach and train. Depart the pier for the drive to 90-minute drive to Björkliden. Along the way, enjoy a spectacular view of the Tjøtta and Fagernes mountains. The Ofoten Railway opened in 1902. It was created for the export of iron ore being mined in Kiruna, Sweden, and shipped to the ice-free port of Narvik for export overseas. Most of the way, the train runs high up in the mountainside, along the Rombaksfjord and at the Rombak Station, which is well over 1,000 feet above sea level.
At the head of the fjord lies Rombaksbotn, once a busy place during the period when the railroad was constructed. Rombaksbotn was also the site of the high drama in 1940, when, during the Battle of Narvik, ships from the Royal Navy defeated six German destroyers, which were all abandoned here. The wreck of one of them can still be seen to this day. The last station on the Norwegian side is Bjørnfjell, situated at a height of approximately 1,600 feet (about 488 metres). In this location, approximately 1.24 miles (about two kilometres) from the Swedish border, pass inside a tunnel where you can see the Swedish and Norwegian flags painted on the wall.
Upon arrival at Björkliden, board the train for the journey back to Narvik"
We had a useless guide who could not care less about the coach toasting us all, and later invaded the train carriage , where we had taken refuge away from him, with his prattling. Chris lost her cool but was calmed down magnificently by expeditipn member Sarah. The scenery on the train journey was truly magnificent: our photos, for once, do not do it justice.
Click on any thumbnail photo and get a larger photo
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