Key facts about Narvik

Climate

Narvik's relatively close proximity to the North Pole would make the area inhabitable. However, the Gulf Stream provides Narvik with ice free ports during the winter and summer temperatures of more than 20°C on good days.

During winter time (October – March) Narvik has its dark season and in the middle of November the sun disappears until end of January. Winter temperatures are usually somewhere between +5°C to –15°C. You can experience the northern lights during in the winter.

From the end of May to end of July you can experience the midnight sun. 

The weather can be somewhat unpredictable so you should bring clothing for different types of weather conditions.

History

Narvik was originally called Victoriahavn after the Queen of England, however Sweden’s Crown Princess Victoria was also honoured.

Much of Narvik’s history is owed to the large iron mines in Kiruna in Swedish Lapland. The need for access to an ice-free harbour to export the iron led to the construction of the Ofoten Railway (now closed), and so to the development of the modern town of Narvik.