Winter Holiday in the Narvik Region
Whether you want to ski, spend quality time with family, learn something new, or simply fill your days with great experiences, there is plenty to do in the Narvik region this week. Here are our top tips for your winter break!
Alpine Skiing During the Winter Holiday
Due to the FIS Alpine Junior World Ski Championships taking place March 5–15, the main Narvikfjellet ski facility will be closed for regular operations from February 28 through March 15. During this period, all slopes and T-bar lifts in the main facility will be closed to the public and reserved exclusively for the championship.
However, the mountain will not be completely quiet. The gondola operates daily from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM for non-skiing guests, offering a great opportunity to ride up, enjoy the spectacular views, and visit the Mountain Restaurant, which has the same opening hours. Here, you can combine fresh mountain air with delicious food and drinks – and get a glimpse of the spectacular new facility currently under development.
The children’s area and magic carpet ski lift remain open daily from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM, providing a great option for the youngest skiers. The area also offers sledding opportunities and refreshments next to the ski shop. Camp Lodge is open Saturday from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM and Sunday from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
If you’re looking for full alpine skiing during the winter holiday, Ankenes Alpine Resort is an excellent alternative. The resort is open during the day and suits both children and adults, beginners and experienced skiers alike. With eight varied slopes and two T-bar lifts, the conditions are ideal for both playful runs and more challenging skiing.
For larger resorts and more runs, Björkliden and Riksgränsen in Sweden are just a short drive away. Here you’ll find a true high-mountain experience and excellent snow conditions. The Arctic Ski Bus runs daily between the resorts during the winter holiday. If you purchase a lift pass on the Swedish side, you travel free on the bus. Advance reservation is required, and proof of lift pass must be shown when boarding.
Outdoor Adventures During the Winter Holiday
Looking for something exciting for teens this winter holiday? Midtre Hålogaland Outdoor Council offers a range of free outdoor activities across the region and there are still available spots on several of the events! Young participants can try everything from an overnight camp and a ski touring day with an introduction to basic avalanche awareness, to ski days and ice climbing with experienced guides.
For children and youth aged 10–13, a Winter Outdoor School will be held in Narvik from March 2–4, based in the Kobberstad trail area. Activities include camp setup, outdoor cooking over a campfire or portable stove, ski play, orienteering, and learning about Norway’s Right to Roam (allemannsretten), with equipment available to borrow if needed.
For youth aged 13–18, both a ski touring day at Fagernesfjellet (March 4) and an ice climbing day at Øvrevatnet (March 5) are offered. Participants will be able to try new challenges in a safe environment, with all necessary equipment provided. This is a fantastic opportunity to experience achievement, community, and true winter joy in the great outdoors. Registration is available via the Outdoor Council’s website.
Play and Learn
The winter holiday is also a great opportunity to explore the history and culture of the region.
At Narvik Museum, you can learn more about the construction and operation of the Ofoten Railway, the journey of iron ore from Kiruna to Narvik’s ice-free port, and the development of the city over more than 100 years. The museum is open Monday, Wednesday, and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM during the winter holiday.
On Tuesday, March 3 and Wednesday, March 4 from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM, the museum invites families to a Train Festival in the museum garden. Children can play outdoors, step inside the large El.12 locomotive, and experience railway history up close. Activities will take place in the garden, with a fire pit and hot chocolate and juice served. The museum will also remain open for those wishing to visit the exhibitions. Remember to dress according to the weather, the locomotive is not clean, so wear clothes that can get dirty.
Narvik War Museum offers powerful and thought-provoking exhibitions about the Battles of Narvik and World War II in Northern Norway. The exhibitions draw connections from 1940 to the present day and highlight themes that remain highly relevant in today’s security policy situation. The museum is open from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Narvik Vehicle History Museum houses an extensive collection of historic vehicles as well as a detailed and interactive model of the Ofoten Railway. The museum appeals to both technology enthusiasts and curious families, and is open from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
The beloved meeting place for both young and old, Narvik Library, is open Monday to Thursday from 10:00 to 19:00 and Friday to Sunday from 10:00 to 16:00 during the winter holiday. You are welcome to stop by for a quiet moment with reading, board games, and good company or combine your visit with something delicious from JǫR Artisan Bakery.
On Monday at 17:30, chess is played at the library. Children and young people compete against each other, while adults from the local chess club are present to offer guidance and helpful tips along the way.
Indoor Activities
If the weather becomes challenging or if you simply want a break from the cold, Narvik offers several great indoor options.
The climbing and bouldering hall in Teknologibyen is open daily from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM throughout the winter holiday. Both beginners and experienced climbers can test their skills in a safe environment, suitable for children, youth, and adults.
Narvik Bowling & Playland offers multiple activities under one roof. You’ll find ten modern bowling lanes, Slimy’s Cave indoor playground, electronic dart lanes, billiards, and food service – making it a perfect place for a social day with family or friends.
At Nordkraft Arena, public skating is available Saturday and Sunday during the winter holiday from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. We recommend checking the organizer’s calendar in advance for detailed opening hours and any changes.
At Sjømannskirka, the show Narvik by Light is being screened, a spectacular photo and video presentation by nature photographer Michael Ulriksen. Through images, film, and sound, the audience is taken on a journey through Arctic light and landscapes, from winter storms and blue twilight to the Northern Lights and quiet winter evenings. The new visual presentation is truly magical and highly recommended. Screenings take place at 09:00 and 18:00, as well as at 13:00 on Saturday and Sunday.
During the winter holiday, Narvik Municipality offers free swimming for children and young people. Narvik Swimming Hall has extended opening hours from Monday to Friday, 10:00–15:00, and the offer applies to all children and youth under the age of 18. Ballangen Swimming Hall follows its regular opening hours during the same period. Check out the complete opening hours for more information.
Cross-Country Skiing Nearby
The winter holiday is also a perfect time to bring out your cross-country skis. The Narvik region offers several groomed trails, whether you prefer a relaxed family outing or a more intensive training session. Popular trail networks can be found in Ankenes, Beisfjord, Bjerkvik, Herjangsfjellet, Kobberstadløypa, and Ballangen.
We recommend checking updated trail conditions at sporet.no before heading out.
Polar Park
The winter holiday is also a great opportunity to visit Polar Park and experience large Arctic predators up close. The park is open from 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM during the winter holiday. For those seeking something extra special, the Arctic Fox Visit allows guests to join a keeper and get close to the Arctic fox while learning more about this fascinating animal.
Explore Frozen Caves
In the mountains of Salangen, a spectacular underground world lies hidden – narrow passages carved by glacial meltwater over thousands of years. In winter, cave hiking becomes a truly special experience, with tunnels covered in ice crystals sparkling in the glow of headlamps.
The tour lasts approximately three hours and is led by experienced guides. It is suitable for most people, including children when accompanied by an adult. During the winter holiday, departures are on Wednesdays and Fridays at 11:00 from Fjellkysten Guesthouse in Lavangen. Be sure to wear warm, durable clothing and sturdy shoes suitable for uneven terrain.
More Raw Winter Experiences
The Narvik region offers far more than what is mentioned here. As a travel destination, we have a wide and varied range of activities that visitors travel from far and wide to experience – and that those of us who live here can enjoy all year round.
Here you will find guided ski touring, Northern Lights safaris, dog sledding, snowshoeing, snowmobile safaris, and other Arctic winter adventures. If you would like a full overview of all bookable winter activities, you can find it here: Winter activities in the Narvik region.
A Winter Holiday at Home
The winter holiday in the Narvik region proves that you don’t have to travel far to experience something new. Whether you choose skiing, culture, wildlife, or indoor activities, there are plenty of opportunities to fill your days with meaningful experiences.
We hope this overview inspires you to spend your winter holiday in your own region – and to discover new sides of the place we call home.