Discover a spectacular yet lesser-visited side of Arctic Norway on this action-packed adventure in Narvik, a historic port town surrounded by snow-capped peaks and dramatic fjords. From here, you’ll ride the Northern Lights Train up to a remote location in the mountains near the Swedish Border, with minimal light pollution providing ideal conditions for mesmerising aurora sightings. You’ll also have the opportunity to go skiing at Narvikfjellet (the largest ski area in Northern Norway), relax in a floating sauna down by the harbour, and enjoy a further Northern Lights hunt in the company of local photographers. Then, on your final full day, you’ll visit the world’s northernmost animal park – home to the likes of bears, wolves, lynx and moose – before spending the night in a sleek, glass-walled cabin, serenely nestled on a mountainside.
Narvik & the Northern Lights Train
To book call us on:
At a glance…
A fascinating foray into a captivating corner of the Norwegian Arctic, including an array of exhilarating winter adventures – from the Northern Lights Train to skiing at Narvikfjellet.
» 5 day tailor-made holiday
» Accommodation: Superior A higher standard of accommodation with a better range and quality of facilities, often in a good location (typically 4 stars)
» Price from: £1,995 pp incl. flights
Day by day itinerary
-
Day 1 » Fly to Narvik
Your Norwegian adventure begins by flying to Oslo, from which you’ll take an internal connecting flight north to Harstad/Narvik Airport. On arrival, pick up your hire car and drive to Narvik – a journey of around an hour. This Arctic town was established in 1902 as an ice-free port for iron-ore exports from Kiruna in neighbouring Sweden, and enjoys a spectacular backdrop of snow-capped peaks and deep fjords. Check into your centrally located hotel and take your pick of local restaurants for dinner; we recommend Furu Gastropub, Fiskekroken and Rallar'n Pub & Kro.
Please note that as this itinerary includes a hire car, you should be confident driving in Arctic winter conditions. If you'd prefer not to drive, our specialists will be glad to discuss alternative options for this trip.
Stay: Quality Hotel Grand Royal, Narvik
-
Day 2 » Skiing & the Northern Lights Train
Narvik is home to the most extensive ski area in Northern Norway, with 16 runs and six lifts right behind the town at Narvikfjellet – and you’ll get to experience it for yourself this morning. There are pistes suitable for skiers of all different levels, as well as popular cross-country trails such as Kobberstadløypa. While skiing (or snowboarding) here, you’ll be treated to magnificent views overlooking the town and the surrounding fjords and mountains. We’ve included a one-day lift pass and an 80-minute lesson with a ski instructor; equipment can be rented locally for an additional cost. Enjoy lunch at leisure and perhaps a few more hours’ skiing in the afternoon.
Later on, prepare for a truly unique experience as you step aboard the Northern Lights Train. From Narvik Station, you’ll travel via the Ofoten Line high up into the snow-cloaked mountains, far away from artificial light pollution. Your destination is Katterat, close to the Swedish border, at 373 metres above sea level. It’s completely off the road network, making it one of the darkest places in the region to search for the Northern Lights. While you wait for the aurora to make an appearance, you’ll gather around a roaring campfire and seek refuge from the cold in a nearby lavvu tent, where hot drinks and snacks will be served. You’ll also hear stories about the history of the railway line and life in the Arctic. With a little luck, you’ll be treated to a majestic display of the Northern Lights dancing across the night sky – so be sure to have your camera at the ready. Finally, round off an unforgettable evening by taking the train back to Narvik.
Stay: Quality Hotel Grand Royal, Narvik
Meals: Breakfast
-
Day 3 » Floating sauna, cable car & Northern Lights hunt
Today, you’ll have some spare time to explore Narvik itself, perhaps stopping by the Narvik War Museum to learn about the town’s crucial importance during WWII. You could also embark on a boat trip from the harbour, offering fabulous views of the surrounding fjords and mountains and a further insight into Narvik’s fascinating past. During the boat trip, you’ll stop by the site of a shipwreck from WWII, as an underwater drone provides close up footage which is streamed directly to a large screen onboard. We’ve also included a private one-hour session at a floating fjord-side sauna, where you can unwind in quintessential Nordic style and – if you’re feeling brave – take an invigorating plunge in the icy waters of the fjord. Another essential activity in Narvik is to ride the cable car, which takes just four minutes to reach the top of Narvikfjellet at 656 metres above sea level – the perfect vantage point for sweeping panoramas over the Ofotfjord. A return journey on the cable car is included in your trip.
In the evening, you’ll venture out in search of the Northern Lights once more, this time on a small-group adventure in the company of local photographers who will gladly share expert tips on how to capture the lights on camera. Your guides will adapt the tour according to the latest weather conditions and auroral activity to provide the best possible chance of seeing the Northern Lights. Along the way, you’ll pause to enjoy stories, hot drinks and peaceful moments beneath the night sky – a chance to slow down, be in the moment and embrace the silence of the Arctic nature as you wait for the Northern Lights to cast their celestial glow.
Stay: Quality Hotel Grand Royal, Narvik
Meals: Breakfast
-
Day 4 » Polar Park & Camp 291
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and drive to Polar Park, around an hour north of Narvik. Established in 1994, it’s the world’s northernmost animal park, home to the likes of bears, wolves, lynx, reindeer and moose. The animals reside in spacious enclosures which closely resemble their natural habitats. You’re welcome to explore the park at your own pace, or join a guided tour to learn more about the animals and their behaviours. If you’d like to visit the Arctic Foxes, this is payable locally.
From here, head back to Narvik and check into Camp 291, where you’ll be staying for the final night of your trip. These sleek, self-catered cabins are beautifully situated on a mountainside overlooking Narvik, and with glass walls on three sides, each one offers superb views over the town and the surrounding landscapes. This is another excellent spot to keep a lookout for the Northern Lights, so be sure to step out onto your private terrace and check the skies tonight. For dinner, you have several options; either head over to Camp Lodge (part of Camp 291) or the Narvikfjellet Restaurant, or feel free to take advantage of the kitchenette in your cabin (but be sure to bring supplies with you if you plan on dining in).
Stay: Camp 291
Meals: Breakfast
-
Day 5 » Return to UK
Enjoy a breakfast box in your cabin before driving back to Harstad/Narvik Airport to begin your journey home (via Oslo).
Meals: Breakfast
Gallery
To book call us on:
At a glance…
A fascinating foray into a captivating corner of the Norwegian Arctic, including an array of exhilarating winter adventures – from the Northern Lights Train to skiing at Narvikfjellet.
» 5 day tailor-made holiday
» Accommodation: Superior A higher standard of accommodation with a better range and quality of facilities, often in a good location (typically 4 stars)
» Price from: £1,995 pp incl. flights
Related articles
When to visit Scandinavia: a seasonal guide
With such a variety of landscapes and activities, it's hard to define the best time to visit Scandinavia. The answer, really, is that there isn't one. Endless summer days bathed in the midnight sun give way to months of snow-bound fun, when, for many, Scandinavia really comes into its own.
Just back from: Trondheim & Røros, Norway
Best Served Scandinavia specialist Charlie Pritchard shares the highlights of his recent trip to Norway's Trøndelag region, including a stay at Trondheim's iconic Britannia Hotel and a visit to the charming Christmas market of Røros.