Narvik

Narvik is a town and municipality in Nordland county, Norway. It lies at the eastern end of the Ofotfjord near the border with Sweden and serves as a regional center for the Ofoten district.

The town grew rapidly in the early 20th century with the development of a deep-water port and the iron ore trade, which shipped ore from Kiruna in Sweden through Narvik via the Ofotbanen railway.

During World War II, Narvik was the scene of several major engagements in 1940 as Allied and German forces fought for control of the port and railway. The fighting caused extensive damage and the town was rebuilt in the postwar years.

Economy and geography: The port remains a major export point for iron ore. The surrounding mountains and fjords, along with phenomena such as the northern lights in winter and the midnight sun in summer, shape Narvik’s tourism, commerce, and services.

Transportation: Narvik is connected by the Ofotbanen railway to Kiruna, Sweden, and by road to other parts of Norway. The nearest international air connections are via Harstad/Narvik Airport, Evenes, located to the south of the town.

Cultural institutions and recreation: The Narvik War Museum documents the wartime history, and the Narvikfjellet ski resort capitalizes on the area’s rugged terrain and long winters.