What to do in Narvik this summer
Whether you want to hike, ride the Arctic Train, explore the fjords, discover wartime history, or meet Arctic wildlife, the Narvik region offers unforgettable experiences under the midnight sun.
From iconic mountain adventures and coastal sightseeing to family-friendly activities and cross-border escapes into Swedish Lapland, this is your guide to the best summer experiences in the Narvik region.
🌟 Top summer experiences in Narvik
Looking for inspiration? Start here:
- Ride the Arctic Train
- Explore fjords by RIB, boat, or kayak
- Visit the Narvik War Museum
- Meet Arctic wildlife at Polar Park
- Go on a guided Sightseeing
- Hike across Norway in a single day
🚆 Ride the Arctic Train
Hop aboard the Arctic Train and discover Norway’s northernmost railway, the spectacular Ofotbanen.
This scenic 43 km journey from Narvik to Bjørnfjell takes you through a dramatic landscape of fjords, waterfalls, and rugged mountain terrain. Along the way, the train slows down at key viewpoints and makes stops where you can step off and take in the surroundings.
With onboard audioguide, free Wi-Fi, and complimentary coffee and tea, the Arctic Train offers a comfortable and immersive way to experience both the nature and history of the Narvik region.
Before or after your journey, stop by Jernbanecaféen at Narvik Station, a cozy café serving fresh lunches, barista-made coffee, and homemade cakes in a relaxed, railway-inspired setting.
🌄 Outdoor & mountain adventures
From gentle walks to alpine summits, the Narvik region is a hiking paradise.
Join guided hikes to spectacular peaks along the fjords or explore scenic trails close to town.
Follow our trail guide to discover Efjord’s dramatic hikes, where granite peaks rise straight from turquoise waters. For a family-friendly outing, head to Snolke Cabin in Gratangen, a unique mountain shelter with panoramic views.
Looking for a true Arctic challenge? Cross Norway in a single day, starting with a scenic train ride to the Swedish border and finishing at the fjord.
For experienced adventurers, the region’s untamed terrain offers access to some of the North’s most legendary long-distance trails, including Nordlandsruta and Kungsleden just across the border in Sweden. Thanks to the extensive cabin network of DNT Narvik, multi-day trekking here is both accessible and unforgettable.
🏔️ Stetind – Norway’s national mountain
Rising dramatically from the fjord landscape, Stetind is Norway’s national mountain and one of the most iconic peaks in Scandinavia.
Known for its distinctive granite form, Stetind attracts climbers from around the world. For experienced adventurers, summiting the mountain with an IFMGA-certified mountain guide is a true bucket-list experience, combining technical climbing with unforgettable views.
You don’t have to climb it to appreciate it. Stetind is just as impressive from the road, where you can stop at scenic viewpoints and take in the mountain’s striking silhouette rising straight from the fjord.
For a more accessible experience, join a Stetind experience tour, combining a scenic road trip with handpicked stops, local storytelling, and close-up views of the mountain – with professional photos included to capture the experience.
🚴 Active adventures on two wheels
Narvik combines stunning scenery with thrilling cycling experiences.
Join a guided e-bike tour through fjord landscapes and mountain trails, combining panoramic views with an easy and accessible ride for all levels.
For those seeking adrenaline, tackle Reinesfjellet in Skjomen, one of Norway’s most spectacular mountain biking routes. This 20 km trail is known for its unique granite slab riding and sweeping views towards the Frostisen glacier. Now more accessible than ever, bike and shuttle services take care of the logistics so you can focus on the ride.
Prefer a slower pace? Rent a bike and explore the region at your own rhythm, or visit Flyt Bike Park for fun, flowy, and family-friendly riding in the heart of Narvik.
🌊 Fjord & coastal experiences
The fjords are at the heart of the Narvik region.
Join a high-speed RIB safari in Skjomen, go sailing in Gråfjord, or explore the coastline by kayak rental. Learn more about local fishing traditions on a fishing trip with a visit to a sea farm, or slow down with a peaceful stay at fjordside fishing camps.
For a unique perspective, discover history beneath the surface on an underwater drone fjord tour, where you can explore WWII shipwrecks resting on the seabed in Narvik harbor.
Looking for visual inspiration? Explore some of the region’s most stunning fjord landscapes.
After a day on the water, unwind in floating fjordside saunas, surrounded by mountains and silence.
🧭 Sightseeing & guided experiences.
With a knowledgeable guide, you’ll gain deeper insight into the region’s dramatic history, Arctic nature, and unique coastal culture. Experience the shifting Arctic light on a fjords and Arctic light tour or witness the magic of endless daylight on a midnight sun fjord experience, all while visiting some of the region’s most scenic viewpoints.
Looking for a broader overview? Discover the area’s highlights on a Narvik fjords and coastal landscapes tour, combining iconic viewpoints with local insight.
If you want to go below the surface, join a guided cave hiking experience and explore a hidden underground world shaped by water over thousands of years.
🚩 Cross-border adventures in Swedish Lapland
Just a short journey from Narvik, Swedish Lapland offers a whole new landscape to explore. Easily accessible by train or just a one-hour drive, it’s the perfect addition to your Arctic summer adventure.
Visit Riksgränsen and Björkliden for hiking, mountain biking, and sweeping alpine views, or explore the magical Stone Valley of Kärkevagge, where a scenic trail leads to Troll Lake (Rissajaure), Sweden’s clearest lake.
In Riksgränsen, stay at the historic Meteorologen Lodge, a former meteorological station turned boutique retreat. The lodge’s Summer Bistro serves fresh, seasonal dishes with Scandinavian roots and global influences. By day, enjoy light and healthy meals, and in the evening, gather for relaxed terrace dining under the midnight sun.
For a memorable mountain experience, hike to Låktatjåkko Mountain Lodge, Sweden’s highest mountain lodge, where homemade food, panoramic views, and a peaceful atmosphere await.
🪖 History & culture
Narvik played a key role in World War II, and its history is still visible today.
Visit the Narvik War Museum for immersive storytelling, explore bunkers and war sites along the fjords, or follow guided history hikes through the region. After diving into the interactive exhibitions, you can experience history in a new way by exploring real shipwrecks on an underwater drone fjord tour.
Beyond wartime history, discover local heritage at museums in Narvik and Ballangen, or see ancient rock carvings that date back thousands of years.
For a deeper cultural experience, head to Gratangen, where traditional boats, local festivals, and a strong connection to the sea bring Northern Norway’s coastal heritage to life.
End your journey indoors with Narvik by Light, an immersive photo and video experience that brings Arctic nature to life through powerful imagery, sound, and storytelling – from stormy winter seas to golden summer nights and the magic of the northern lights.
🐻 Wildlife & family experiences
The region offers unforgettable experiences for families and animal lovers.
At Polar Park, the world’s northernmost wildlife park, you can meet Arctic animals like wolves, bears, lynx, and muskox in large, natural enclosures. Join a guided visit to learn more about Norway’s predators, or book a close encounter for a truly memorable experience.
For indoor fun, Narvik Bowling & Lekeland offers something for all ages, with bowling lanes, indoor play areas, games, and great food – perfect for families, friends, and celebrations. You can also visit the 68° Nord Bouldering Hall, a modern indoor climbing space suitable for both beginners and experienced climbers.
Looking for something more relaxed? Narvik Library, located in the city centre, is a cosy meeting place with a café inside and a playground just outside – ideal for a quiet break between activities.
On sunny days, head out to explore some of the region’s bathing spots, where you can enjoy refreshing swims surrounded by fjords and mountains.
For older kids and adventurous families, a guided bunker hike offers a unique journey into underground WWII tunnels, where narrow passages, hidden chambers, and dramatic history create an exciting and slightly mysterious experience.
The Arctic Kids concept offers fun, guided adventures designed especially for children, combining learning, nature, and play in an engaging Arctic setting.
🌞 Sports under the midnight sun
In the Narvik region, summer doesn’t end when the sun goes down, because it never really does. The midnight sun creates unique opportunities for sports and outdoor activities at any hour of the day.
Play a round at Narvik Golf Club in Skjomen, one of Norway’s most scenic golf courses, where you can tee off surrounded by mountains and fjords, and even play late into the night under golden Arctic light.
For those seeking a challenge, take part in spectacular endurance events like the Efjord Extreme triathlon (01.08), often described as one of the world’s most beautiful triathlons, or the Arctic Mountain Marathon (14.08) in Björkliden, combining trail running with rugged mountain terrain.
Prefer to watch rather than compete? Experience the electric atmosphere of the Arctic Race of Norway (16.08), where the final stage finishes in Narvik, bringing world-class cycling and dramatic scenery together in an unforgettable event.
🍽 Taste the Arctic & local culture
From fresh seafood to cozy cafés and mountaintop dining, the Narvik region offers a wide range of culinary experiences shaped by Arctic nature and local traditions. Explore everything from fjord-fresh fish and homemade pastries to modern Nordic cuisine in the Narvik Region Food Guide.
Throughout the summer, festivals and events bring local culture to life, from music and markets to coastal traditions and community gatherings. Experience the laid-back atmosphere of the Kjeldebotn Country Festival, the raw blues energy of the Kjøpsvik Blues Festival (July 15–19), or the vibrant mix of music and culture at Haikjeften Festival in Narvik.
Whether you’re enjoying local flavours, live music, or cultural traditions by the fjord, summer in the Narvik region is as much about atmosphere as it is about adventure. Check out the event calendar to see what’s happening during your visit.
Make this summer a story worth telling
From towering peaks to quiet fjords, from Arctic wildlife to powerful history, the Narvik region offers experiences that stay with you long after your journey ends.
Pack your curiosity, your hiking boots, and your sense of adventure.
This summer, go north of the ordinary.
Go Narvik.
Frequently asked questions about Narvik in summer
Narvik is known for its combination of fjords, mountains, midnight sun, and World War II history, offering activities like hiking, fjord safaris, and scenic train journeys.
Yes, Narvik offers unique Arctic experiences, fewer crowds than southern Norway, and access to both Norwegian fjords and Swedish Lapland.
Top experiences include the Arctic Train, hiking, fjord tours, wildlife encounters, and visiting historical sites like the Narvik War Museum.
Yes, the midnight sun is visible from late May to mid-July, offering 24-hour daylight and extended time for outdoor adventures.