The Battle of Narvik
Highlights
- Experience the story of why Narvik became a strategic target during World War II
- See how the fjord, the mountains, the harbor and the railway set the framework for the fighting in the spring of 1940
- Learn about intense 62 days of fighting at sea, on land, and in the mountains
- Explore the history of war through museum, bunkers, underwater drone, train travel, and shipwrecks
- Take the family on experiences that make history concrete, close and understandable
Description
The Battle of Narvik is not just one place. It is a story that lies in the entire landscape around the city: in the Ofotfjord, on the mountainsides, along the Ofotbanen railway and in the center of Narvik. Narvik was strategically important because iron ore from the Swedish mines in Kiruna could be transported out via the ice-free port throughout the year.
On April 9, 1940, the German attack on Norway and Denmark began. In Narvik, the fjord, the harbour, the railway and the mountains quickly became part of a larger war. The fighting at Narvik lasted from 9 April to 10 June, when the Norwegian forces capitulated. During these weeks, Norwegian and allied forces fought German forces on land, at sea and in the air. On 28 May, Narvik was recaptured, before the Allies later withdrew. After what is considered the largest battle on Norwegian soil, a bombed-out city remained, with 64 sunken ships in the fjords, 86 planes lost and great human losses.
Today, guests can encounter this history in several ways, with Narvik War Museum as a natural starting point in the city center. It tells the story of the battles of Narvik, World War II in Northern Norway and the connection between the outbreak of war in 1940 and our own time. The museum provides space for knowledge, reflection and reflection.
History can also be experienced out in the landscape. On the Family Walk in Underground Bunkers, families get close to narrow, dark and damp bunker and tunnel facilities along the Ofotfjord. Through Experience the story below the surface – with an underwater drone, guests can see live images from a shipwreck from the sea battles, without diving themselves. With the Arctic Train, you follow the Ofoten Line towards Bjørnfjell and the landscape that made Narvik strategically important. At Sildvik in Rombaksfjorden, guests can also experience the shipwreck Z2 Georg Thiele from land, where the bow is still visible on the shore.
More information
- Feel free to start your visit at Narvik War Museum to get a good introduction to the Battle of Narvik and the war history in the region.
- You can experience the history further through several entrances: Narvik War Museum, Family walk in underground bunkers, Experience the history below the surface - with an underwater drone, Arctic Train along the Ofotbanen and the shipwreck Z2 Georg Thiele.
- The experiences described here are suitable for the whole family.
- Narvik War Museum, Arctic Train and the underwater drone boat trip can be experienced all year round.
- The bunker trip is a summer experience and goes in hilly terrain, through narrow, dark and damp facilities. Wear good shoes and dress according to the weather.
- The shipwreck Z2 Georg Thiele can be experienced from land, but the terrain is hilly and rugged. Do not climb on the wreck.
- Check opening hours, booking, prices, parking, toilets and availability of each experience before you go.