Day 156 – Narvik, Norway

We are now sailing within the Arctic Circle as we continue our journey north along the Norwegian coast. Today, our destination was Narvik, a city surrounded by high mountains and deep fjords in the middle of Northern Norway. Narvik served as a port for early Viking settlers, but the modern city owes its existence to the shipping of iron ore from Sweden.

Sailing into Narvik

The beginnings of the city of Narvik date from the late 1800s, when the discovery of iron ore in the nearby Swedish town of Kiruna changed the fortunes of the port. Because there was no suitable Swedish port from which to ship the iron ore, Narvik became the logical choice. Not only was Narvik’s port ice-free year-round, due to the warm Gulf Stream, but it was naturally large, allowing ships of virtually any size to anchor there. To transport the iron ore from the mines to the sea, a rail link was built, and the railway is still in operation.

Today, I planned to explore this part of Narvik’s history with an optional excursion, “Arctic Train.” Riding the Arctic Train was a no-brainer for me, since I’m a train buff. This was the description:

Travel along a historically important railway and gain insight into those who built it. The Ofoten Railway has been integral for the hauling of iron ore from the mines of Kiruna in Swedish Lapland to the ice-free port of Narvik since it opened in 1902. At the railway station in Narvik, board your private train car for the picturesque roundtrip journey to Bjørnfjell Station and back. During the construction of the railroad, this heritage trail was the “road to work” for the navvy, the itinerant workers who labored under extreme conditions to build the railway. Learn more about their lives and work as you wind down the path through a picturesque landscape of green forests, small streams and mountain views. During the return portion of your journey, enjoy a cup of coffee and a cinnamon bun while en route back to your awaiting ship.

At the time of its completion in 1902, the Ofoten Railway was both the coldest and northernmost railway in the world. The construction of this 26-mile line was an incredible engineering project that required innovative techniques to cross the challenging Arctic landscape and its steep inclines. The railway and its many bridges and tunnels were largely constructed by hand, and it took more than 5,000 people to complete the project.

The Ofoten Railway is still used as a crucial transport route for iron ore, but it also evolved into a tourist attraction due to its breathtaking scenery and rich history. Thus, the Arctic Train was born.

Boarding the Arctic Train

After leaving Narvik, we enjoyed stunning views of the icy blue water of the Rombakfjord far below us, as well as the steep, snow-capped mountains that surround it. We passed several stations with their distinctive red buildings as we continued our journey.

Gorgeous Views Along the Rombakfjord 

Buildings at the Stations Along the Railway

Until the railway was electrified in 1923, cars carrying iron ore were pulled by steam locomotives, which required water. When we stopped for a break at the Rombak station, we saw the last remaining water tower on the line.

The Historic Water Tower and Modern Arctic Train

As we reached the high mountains, the Arctic landscape became even more wild, dramatic, and mostly uninhabited. 

Dramatic Mountain Scenery and the End of the Fjord

More Spectacular Scenery Along the Way

A Small Settlement in the Rugged Arctic Countryside

Our train stopped again at the Swedish border town of Bjørnfjell, where we took another short break. Here, we turned back and retraced our route to Narvik. The scenery was just as magnificent in this direction, and we were treated to a delicious Norwegian cinnamon bun.

More Beauty on the Way Back to Narvik

Since I wasn’t entirely over my cold, this excursion was perfect for me. I could simply sit back and enjoy the ride. I even stayed on board at every stop except the one at Rombak and managed a few short catnaps! 

Although we didn’t see much of Narvik today, we did pass a few interesting buildings on the way to and from the train.

A Few Buildings in Narvik

After another nap after returning to the ship, Tim and I finally made time to watch one of the lectures on this segment. Dr. Jeff Larsen spoke on the “Kingdom of Norway,” and I was happy to learn more about this wonderful country that is fast becoming one of my favorites.

Kingdom of Norway

Since I was so rested, I was able to stay awake until midnight, when we ushered in the Midnight Sun. The light on the mountains was glorious, and it was difficult to select a few favorite photos. This was also a wonderful beginning to my birthday!

The Sail-Away from Narvik

Scenes Before Midnight

Midnight in the Land of the Midnight Sun