Welcome NLT

We welcome you to Narvik, and the Northern lights train. As we begin our trip, we’d like to give you a little introduction to the area we’re traveling through. Narvik is located 200 kilometers above the Arctic Circle, at 68 degrees north. This is the gateway to the Arctic, and we’re in one of the best places on Earth to witness the Northern Lights. The Aurora Borealis is most commonly visible between latitudes 65 and 71 degrees north, making Narvik an optimal spot for this amazing natural phenomenon. As we travel further into this incredible landscape, we’ll also pass the Hålogaland Bridge, which opened in 2018. At 1533 meters long, it’s the second longest suspension bridge in Norway, connecting Narvik to the surrounding regions and symbolizing the modern development of this Arctic community. Narvik itself is home to around 14,000 people, but when you include the surrounding areas of the Narvik Municipality, the population grows to about 21,000. Despite it’s quite small size, Narvik has a rich history and a global significance. Founded in the late 19th century, Narvik quickly became known for its deep-water port, which remains ice-free year round. This port was, and still is, vital for shipping, particularly in the export of iron ore from Sweden, one of the largest and most productive iron ore sources in the world. However, Narvik’s story isn’t just about trade—it’s also deeply tied to the events of World War II. In 1940, the town became a major battleground during the Battle of Narvik, as German and Allied forces fought over control of the strategic port. Today, the town stands as a peaceful and thriving community, but its wartime history is still evident in the many museums and memorials.