All-weather experiences in the Narvik region
In the Narvik region, you can explore powerful stories, awaken your competitive spirit, travel through the raw Arctic landscape or let the children burn off some energy indoors. Several of the experiences can be booked in advance, making it easy to plan a great day even when the weather changes quickly.
Journey through an Arctic year with Narvik by Light
Inside the historic Sailors’ Church in Narvik, you can experience the region’s changing light and landscapes through photography, film, sound and music.
Narvik by Light follows a nature photographer’s journey through an entire Arctic year, from winter storms, the blue hour and the northern lights to the return of the sun, the midnight sun and the colours of autumn. The show lasts around 25 minutes and works well as a short stop between other activities in the town centre.
A cup of coffee is included, and the venue is wheelchair accessible. The experience can be booked online and is easy to combine with a museum visit, a café stop or a leisurely walk through the town centre.
Discover powerful stories at Narvik War Museum
From gentle walks to alpine summits, the Narvik region is a hiking paradise.
Narvik’s history is not only found in the mountainsides and fjords. At Narvik War Museum, you will gain insight into the Battle of Narvik, the years of occupation and the people affected by the war.
Original objects, photographs, texts and interactive digital exhibitions present both the military events and the difficult choices faced by soldiers, civilians and local communities. The museum places the local story within a wider context and invites reflection on war, human dignity and peace.
This is a calm and thought-provoking experience for adults, families and anyone who wants to understand why Narvik played a central role during the Second World War. The museum is centrally located, and tickets can be booked online.
See shipwrecks beneath the surface from a warm lounge
The underwater drone tour in Narvik harbour is not entirely indoors, but much of the experience takes place in a warm saloon and passenger lounge on board.
Following an introduction to Narvik’s wartime history, the boat heads out towards one of the shipwrecks from the naval battles of 1940. An underwater drone is lowered into the sea, and live footage is shown on a large screen on board. You can follow the exploration of the wreck in real time while the guide places the discoveries within their historical context.
The tour lasts around three hours and combines the fjord, technology and history. Check the departure details and conditions before arriving, and keep outdoor clothing close at hand for boarding and short periods outside.
Experience fjords and mountains aboard the Arctic Train
Settle into your seat as the Ofoten Railway climbs from Narvik towards Bjørnfjell. Along the way, the train passes through tunnels and across bridges, with steep mountainsides, waterfalls and views over the fjord unfolding outside the window.
The journey follows the railway built to transport iron ore from Sweden to Narvik’s ice-free harbour. Stories of the navvies who built the line, industry, engineering and war accompany the landscape along the route. Most of the experience takes place on board, making the Arctic Train a good choice when you want to see plenty without spending the entire day outside in the rain.
The train makes short stops at selected stations, so keep your jacket and sturdy footwear close at hand.
Bowling, play and games for the whole group
At Narvik Bowling and Playland, families, friends and groups can fill several hours with activities under one roof.
The centre has ten bowling lanes, as well as pool, darts, shuffleboard and air hockey. Younger children can explore Slimy’s Cave play area, while the adults enjoy a round of bowling or sit down with a coffee and something to eat. On Saturdays, disco bowling combines music with colourful lighting.
It is a flexible option for a rainy day. Stop by for one activity or stay a little longer once the competitive spirit takes over.
Find new lines at 68° Nord Bouldering Hall
For those who want to stay active without getting wet, 68° Nord Bouldering Hall is a natural choice. Both beginners and more experienced climbers can try different routes and challenges at their own pace.
The bouldering hall was developed by Narvik Climbing Club and is operated on a voluntary basis. The facility is unstaffed, so it is important to purchase access and read the information for first-time visitors before arriving.
The activity suits groups who want to do something physical together, whether the aim is to train, try bouldering for the first time or simply spend a couple of active hours indoors.
Explore an underground world
Some rainy days do not require you to stay completely dry. They simply call for a different kind of adventure.
On a guided cave hike near Sagelva, you enter a natural underground world shaped by water over thousands of years. Together with a guide, you will move across rocks, pass through narrow sections and make your way towards an underground waterfall.
This is a physical activity that requires sturdy footwear and clothing that can handle moisture and rough use. The experience suits families and others looking for a more active day, but participants should be comfortable moving through natural and uneven cave terrain.
Warm up by the fjord
A rainy day can be a good opportunity to slow down in a warm, floating sauna. Arctic Sauna is located in Narvik harbour, a short walk from the town centre. Here, you can enjoy the heat with the fjord close by, take a break on the rooftop terrace and, should you feel like it, cool off with a dip directly from the sauna deck.
At Forra in Evenes, Kleksen Sauna Boat offers a wood-fired sauna surrounded by mountains and fjord. Move between the warmth inside, the fresh sea air on the rooftop terrace and a cold dip in the fjord, or simply stay seated and watch the rain sweep across the landscape.
Both experiences bring you close to nature without relying on sunshine. Check availability and book in advance.
More museums across the region
A rainy day is also an opportunity to get to know the communities surrounding Narvik.
Narvik Museum tells the story of the construction and operation of the Ofoten Railway and the development of the town. Narvik Vehicle History Museum explores everyday motoring, bus history, ferries and model railways. In Ballangen, the museum provides insight into the mining industry that shaped the local community, while Kjøpsvik Museum presents industrial history, cave discoveries and other local stories.
At Gállogieddi Sámi Open-Air Museum in Evenes, you can explore Marka Sámi cultural heritage through historic buildings, objects, duodji and traces in the landscape. At Soløy in Lavangen, Krambuvika Local Museum tells the story of life along the fjord through a historic country store, traditional boats, crafts and exhibitions on local coastal and trading history. In Gratangen, the Northern Norwegian Boat Museum highlights traditional boats, craftsmanship and the coastal culture that has shaped life along the fjord for generations.
Several of the museum sites include outdoor areas, while some are seasonal or require advance booking. Bring waterproof clothing and check opening hours before setting out.
Take a break from the weather at a café
When the rain drums against the window, a café is a good place to slow down. In Narvik and across the wider region, you will find plenty of places serving hot coffee, fresh pastries, lunch or something sweet, whether you want a relaxed start to the day or a break between experiences.
Sit down with family or friends and let the weather run its course without having to rush onwards. A café stop is easy to combine with a museum visit, shopping or other activities in the town centre.
Or perhaps it is time for some shopping?
Grey weather is a good time to browse the shops in Narvik. In the town centre, shopping centres, specialist retailers and smaller shops are all within easy reach, with cafés and cultural attractions nearby.
Here, you can find clothes and equipment for the rest of your journey, Norwegian design, souvenirs, local crafts, art and flavours from the north. You may return with both what you need for your next experience and a small reminder of the Narvik region to take home.
Find the experience that suits your day
Grey skies do not have to mean a grey day. The Narvik region offers a varied mix of culture, history, activity and warm places to pause, with fjords, mountains and local stories close at hand even when the clouds hang low.
Check opening hours and availability, and book ahead where possible. That way, the weather can change without your plans having to.