The Ofot Line - Europe's northernmost railway line
Highlights
- Experience the railway that shaped Narvik's identity and development
- See fjords, steep mountainsides, tunnels, bridges, and waterfalls from the train window
- Learn about navvies, ore transport, and engineering in demanding mountain terrain
- Explore the war history related to the Ofot Line and the Battles of Narvik
- See historic and modern trains in Narvik city, from steam locomotives to powerful ore locomotives
Description
The Ofot Line is more than a railway line. It is part of the very foundation of Narvik as a city. From Narvik, the line goes east along the fjord and further up towards the high mountains, with a climb almost all the way to Bjørnfjell station. Along the way, you will encounter a landscape where tracks, tunnels, bridges and vertical mountainsides tell of both raw nature and the human will to tame the elements.
The line was built to transport iron ore from northern Sweden to the ice-free port of Narvik. During the construction period, navvies came to the area to work on the line, and at its peak, over 5,000 people worked on the project. The Ofot Line opened in 1902 and was electrified in 1923. Today, it is still an important transport artery for ore, goods and passengers.
During World War II, control of the ore railway was crucial. Much of the fighting during the battles for Narvik took place along the railway, and the Norddal Bridge remains as a clear cultural monument from a time when the railway had great military and strategic importance.
Today, the Ofot Line can be experienced in several ways. The Arctic Train runs all year round, the Northern Lights Train runs in the winter, and the Midnight Sun Train runs in the summer. SJ's daily scheduled train between Stockholm and Narvik is also an option for those who want to reach the stations in the high mountains and only travel one way. The history can also be explored further at Narvik Museum or on foot along the Navvy Road, where you get close to traces of construction work, war history, mighty waterfalls and fjord landscapes.
More information
- The Ofot Line is an active railway line with passenger traffic and heavy ore transport. Keep a safe distance from tracks and railway areas.
- Arctic Train runs all year round. The Northern Lights Train runs in the winter, and the Midnight Sun Train runs in the summer.
- Parking is available at Narvik train station.
- There are toilets at all train stations.
- Narvik station has a café and a souvenir sale.
- The Arctic Train is wheelchair friendly, but it can be challenging to get off the train at some stations due to the height difference between the train and the platform.
- Katterat station does not have a road. Therefore, plan your transport carefully if you are going to get off or start your trip from here.
- The Navvy Road can be used to experience parts of the Ofot Railway's history on foot, including between the high mountains and Rombaksbotn.
- The weather and road conditions can change quickly in the high mountains. Dress according to the conditions if you are going to get off the train or walk parts of the route.