Cruise Ship Passenger Port of Call Guide to Narvik, Norway

Port Location and Docking Information

Narvik’s port stretches along Norway’s Ofotfjorden near the Swedish border.

You’ll find three main sections: the central harbour, Fagernes deep-water facility, and LKAB bulk cargo terminal.

Your cruise ship will dock at a dedicated berth 1.5 kilometres from the town centre. A new cruise terminal is currently taking shape in central Narvik.

The port offers complete facilities:

• Multiple piers and wharves
• Year-round ice-free access
• No vessel length restrictions
• Good holding ground for anchoring
• Ample turning space

You must:

• Use a pilot (compulsory)
• Check tide and swell conditions before entry
• Request tug assistance if needed

Your closest amenities sit 1.5 kilometres from the berth, with regular shuttle services running to the town centre during cruise calls.

Getting Around Narvik

Transportation Options in Narvik

You can travel around Narvik through several simple transport choices. Express buses connect you to Northern Norway’s main spots: Svolvær (3.5 hours away) and Harstad (2 hours away).

The Arctic Route Bus takes you to Tromsø, whilst the Lofoten Express runs along the E10 highway.

The Ofoten train line links Narvik to Sweden with daily trips to Kiruna lasting 2.5 hours.

You can walk from the city centre to the port, where Hurtigruten cruise ships dock regularly.

To fly, you’ll need to travel to Harstad/Narvik Airport, located one hour from the city. The airport offers direct flights to Oslo, Tromsø and other Norwegian cities.

You can find taxis throughout Narvik, but you should book them in advance to ensure availability.

Must-See Local Attractions

You’ll find Narvik packed with both natural wonders and historic landmarks.

The Narvik War Museum shows you the dramatic story of the WWII Battle of Narvik, whilst the Narvikfjellet Cable Car takes you up for stunning views across the fjords.

The city offers unique natural phenomena – you can watch the midnight sun in summer and catch the Northern Lights dancing across winter skies.

Visit Polar Park, the world’s northernmost zoo, to see Arctic wolves, lynx and bears up close.

You can experience Sami culture through Njalasouka’s guided tours or journey along the historic Ofoten Railway line.

For adventure, try skiing at Narvikfjellet, join an eagle-spotting safari, or go dog sledding in winter months.

Take a cruise on the Ofotfjord to see the region’s dramatic landscapes from the water.

Each journey gives you different views of the steep mountains meeting the sea.

Weather and Best Times

Weather in Narvik changes dramatically across seasons. You’ll experience winter lows of -13°C and summer highs of 19°C, with occasional peaks of 25°C.

Spring and autumn stay mild at 8-15°C.

You can spot the Northern Lights from September to February, with the best views during winter months. Skip January visits, as snow clouds often block the view.

Narvik’s position under the Northern Lights Oval makes it an ideal viewing spot.

The weather can shift quickly in this Arctic city. You might see rain, sunshine, wind and snow in a single day.

The Gulf Stream keeps temperatures surprisingly moderate for an Arctic location.

Your packing essentials should include:

• Layered clothing
• Waterproof jacket
• Sturdy hiking boots

These items will keep you comfortable in Narvik’s changeable conditions throughout the year.

Local Dining Experiences

Narvik offers you fantastic seafood dining options right in the heart of town. You can enjoy fresh Arctic char and jumbo shrimp at Fiskehallen, caught daily from local waters.

Pop into Linken Restaurant & Bar to taste authentic Norwegian dishes, including locally-sourced reindeer and stockfish.

You’ll discover a blend of traditional Sami and modern Norwegian cooking techniques across the town’s restaurants. Local specialities include hearty lapskaus stew and fresh king crab, giving you a true taste of Arctic Norway.

Fresh Seafood Dining Hotspots

Narvik offers you excellent seafood restaurants that serve fresh catches from the Norwegian Sea. The city’s main seafood spots combine traditional Norwegian and modern dishes.

Key restaurants:

• Fiskekroken (Fish Market location)
• Fresh fish burgers and fried cod tongs
• Opens weekdays 12:00-19:00
• Perfect for quick lunches
• Fiskehallen
• Large portions of fresh shrimp
• Pan-fried halibut and Arctic char
• Local reindeer-and-roe soup
• Linken Restaurant
• Specialises in turbot and cod dishes
• Features rooftop dining views
• Serves reindeer-and-roe soup

You’ll find comfortable seating and helpful staff at each venue. The restaurants welcome casual diners and suit all meal times during your port visit.

Traditional Norwegian Food Markets

The traditional food markets in Narvik give you direct access to authentic Norwegian flavours. Local vendors sell tørrfisk (dried codfish) and brunost (caramel-flavoured brown cheese) at their stalls.

You can visit the Fish Market to find fresh catches and try traditional fish dishes at Fiskekroken restaurant.

You’ll discover family-owned shops selling Norwegian staples throughout the markets. These include:

• Local game meats
• Fresh lamb
• Dairy products
• Traditional grovbrød bread
• Seasonal pinnekjøtt

The markets let you taste classic Norwegian dishes like:

• Lapskaus (hearty beef stew)
• Fårikål (lamb and cabbage dish)

You can buy both food and local crafts from the vendors, making these markets ideal for meals and souvenirs.

The relaxed atmosphere helps you experience Norwegian food culture at your own pace.

Shore Excursion Highlights

Two key excursions await you in Narvik.

The Narvikfjellet cable car takes you to the mountain summit, where you’ll see the town, fjords, and mountains spread out below.

The Red Cross War Museum shows you Narvik’s World War II story through its collection of wartime objects and displays.

Both spots fit easily into your port visit time and give you different views of this Norwegian town.

Mountain Cable Car Adventures

Narvik’s cable car takes you from the city to Narvikfjellet’s summit in just four minutes. You’ll reach 656 metres above sea level, where you can see Norway’s fjords, snowy mountains and the city’s harbour stretching out below you.

The wheelchair-friendly cable car runs throughout the year, letting you:

• Watch the Northern Lights in winter or experience the Midnight Sun in summer
• Go skiing or snowshoeing during winter months
• Try hiking or cycling in summer
• Eat traditional Norwegian food at the mountain restaurant
• Take photos from several viewing spots around the summit

You won’t need to queue long, as the cable car carries 1,600 people every hour. The system works efficiently to get you to your mountain adventure quickly.

The journey offers you different experiences in each season. You can warm up with hot chocolate in winter after snow activities, or enjoy cool mountain breezes during summer hikes.

The views change throughout the year, giving you new perspectives of Narvik’s stunning landscape.

War History Museum Tour

Want to explore Narvik’s World War II past? Visit the War History Museum, located in central Narvik near the tourist centre and cruise terminal.

You’ll need about two hours to explore the three-floor exhibition, which tells the story of the 1940 German invasion and the occupation years.

You can access all exhibits in English and Norwegian through clear, interactive displays featuring real WWII artefacts. The EurekApp offers translations in French, German, Polish and Sami if you prefer other languages.

The museum highlights the Battle of Narvik, where Allied and German forces fought over the city’s harbour and vital iron ore shipping routes.

Each floor guides you through different aspects of the conflict, using modern technology to bring history to life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where Can I Exchange Currency in Narvik?

Currency exchange in Narvik is available through these options:

• Banks located in tourist areas
• Ria Money Transfer offices
• Selected post offices
• ATMs throughout the city

You can exchange your currency most reliably at local banks during their business hours. For quick cash access, you’ll find ATMs near major shopping centres and bank branches. These machines accept most international cards and display instructions in English.

Most local shops and restaurants accept major credit cards, reducing your need for large amounts of Norwegian Kroner.

Remember to bring your passport when exchanging currency at banks or transfer offices.

Are Credit Cards Widely Accepted in Local Shops and Restaurants?

Credit cards work in most Narvik shops and restaurants. You can use Visa and MasterCard almost everywhere. Keep some cash with you for small purchases, as local corner shops might only accept cash payments. Electronic payments are the norm, but having cash gives you a backup option.

What Emergency Medical Facilities Are Available Near the Cruise Port?

Medical care is available in two convenient locations near your cruise port:

1. Port Medical Centre
   • Provides basic medical treatment
   • Located directly at the port terminal
   • Perfect for minor health concerns
2. UNN Narvik Hospital
   • Offers full emergency services
   • Open 24 hours daily
   • Located 3km north of city centre
   • You can reach it by a 10-minute taxi ride

You’ll find medical help round the clock, whether you need simple first aid at the port or more serious treatment at the hospital. Both facilities accept international travel insurance.

Is There Free Public Wi-Fi Available in Narvik’s Town Center?

You can access free Wi-Fi across Narvik’s town centre in these locations:

• Cafés
• Restaurants
• Hotels
• Most public spaces

The Wi-Fi signal strength varies by location, but you’ll find reliable connections in central areas. Simply look for ‘Free Wi-Fi’ signs or ask staff for network details.

What Souvenirs Are Unique to Narvik and Where Can I Buy Them?

You can find authentic Narvik souvenirs in the local shops and markets across town. Gallery My offers beautiful aurora-inspired glass art pieces unique to the region. Local shops stock traditional Norwegian items like hand-carved trolls, locally-made jewellery, traditional pewter goods, wooden handicrafts, and reindeer products. These items reflect the area’s rich Nordic heritage and make meaningful keepsakes from your visit.