Narvik Resort Guide

Narvik is the ultimate Arctic adventure, combining spectacular skiing with truly breathtaking landscapes and age-old traditions, that are found only in this enchanting region.

Travel towards the tip of Norway to one of the country’s northernmost resorts above the Arctic Circle, with guaranteed snow for half the year (November to May). Although smaller than other Norwegian resorts, Narvik’s ski area (known locally as Narvikfjellet) has incredible skiing, particularly for more experienced off-piste and backcountry skiers.

Our expert team has written this Narvik Resort Guide to capture everything this magical destination has to offer. Learn more about the world-class off-piste and backcountry routes, where to eat nearby, and where to go for unmissable and exhilarating experiences like dog sledding and meeting the indigenous Sami people. All set against a raw, beautiful mountainscape surrounded by fjords.

Narvik is snowsure from November until late May, with its snowiest period between mid-February to late March.

The best time to go depends on what you want to do. The northern lights are usually visible from November to March, with dedicated aurora excursions running until March. If you prefer longer days for perfect spring skiing and ski touring, March to May is the best time. 

Despite its Arctic location, Narvik temperatures remain reasonably comfortable all season. Two warming factors protect Narvik from the polar chill and prevent temperatures from dipping far below 0°C: the Gulf Stream and the resort’s low altitude.

Narvik has some gentle greens that make great practice slopes, as well as some nice blues that you can progress onto when it’s time to level up your skiing skills. The short green runs are located at the base beside Sneff Park (separate children’s area) and are accessible via the Skibånd, the ‘magic carpet’ belt.

The longest green, Fjellveien, can be reached on the central gondola and is a smooth and steady zig-zag to the bottom. Also from the top of the gondola, there’s a blue area (look for the t-bar lift Heis 3 on the left of the route map) that runs parallel to Fjellveien and later merges onto it. Wherever you are on the mountain, a serene view of the distant fjords will provide a beautiful backdrop while you find your groove.

It is worth noting that Narvik is best known for its extensive off-piste and backcountry terrain, so if you are just starting out and haven’t taken to ungroomed slopes yet, your options are more limited. Once you’ve mastered the three blue routes, the terrain levels up to reds and powder runs. If the easier greens and blues are where you reach your limit, there is still an abundance of unmissable Arctic experiences to tick off the bucket list when you’re not cruising smoothly down the mountainside.

If you’re looking for a wider choice of gentle terrain but long for that special Arctic adventure, we recommend Björkliden in Sweden. This resort offers a broader range of skiing options for beginners and it's just across the border in Swedish Lapland.

Narvik's technical terrain and extensive backcountry are a wild playground for experienced off-piste skiers who love to explore. This is what Narvik really lends itself to!

Experienced skiers can enjoy nicely groomed red runs, including the Linkenløypa from the mountaintop, and the black diamond run, Andrebakken, situated alongside the Heis 2 t-bar lift.

We also recommend trying out the easily accessible off-piste powder routes, many of which divert away from the central green Fjellveien route. There’s a pick ‘n mix of fun, ungroomed red routes to choose from.

Adrenaline-seekers and adventurers alike can explore the endless backcountry surrounding Narvik. This unspoilt wilderness of mountains, valleys, glaciers and waterfalls expands into Sweden. Choose from almost 100 touring peaks within an hour's drive of Narvik - you could even extend your skiing area by staying a few days in Riksgränsen, only a 40-minute drive away.

A groomed cross-country skiing route starts from Sneff Park (children’s and beginners' area) near the Ski Centre, and heads away from the main resort, contouring around the mountain for over two miles. 

You’ll follow the trail through the forest and across rivers, where taking your camera is a must if you want to capture any jaw-dropping panoramic photos. 

Narvik’s cross-country routes can be enjoyed by all ability levels, but if you are completely new to it, you may wish to join a locally run cross-country skiing lesson to get the hang of techniques that are unique to this horizontal and uphill skiing.

To make the most of your time in Narvik, we recommend a seven-night stay to cover the skiing and anything else you would like to incorporate into your trip. As a bare minimum, we recommend five days to fully explore the mountain, and this shorter duration is something you might consider if you plan to link up with other resorts or cities as part of a Scandinavian ski safari.

Your accommodation plays a big part in your holiday experience. In Narvik, accommodation is either located on the mountain or down in the city.

There is a free ski bus that runs between Narvik city and Narvikfjellet but it only runs once per day Thursday to Sunday, so we highly recommend (and can organise) car hire. This will give you the freedom and flexibility to travel between the resort and the city, local shops and experiences beyond at your leisure.

For the stargazers among us, 4* Camp 291's glass-sided cabins are a popular choice, offering an unforgettable experience as well as the convenience of ski-in ski-out. Perched on the resort’s mountainside, the cabins are in a prime location for seeing the northern lights. The master bedroom even has a skylight, so you can go to sleep observing the sky above. You’ll have beautiful views of the city and distant fjord from your panoramic wrap-around windows. These modern cabins are self-catered, but there is a restaurant here as well.

Arguably the best ski-in ski-out hotel in Narvik is the modern 3* Basecamp Narvik apartment hotel at the heart of the resort. Choose between one and two-bedroom apartments or enjoy a spacious suite; all are elegantly decorated with neutral Scandinavian charm. Your apartment is self-catered and the nearest supermarket is only a five-minute drive away, near the town centre. 

If you’d prefer to be located a stone’s throw from the city’s local restaurants, bars and the ski bus, then it doesn’t get any better than the 4* Scandic Narvik Hotel. Based in the city centre, the hotel boasts some unmissable views of the Ofotfjord and surrounding mountains. From the sky bar (Tøtta Bar), you can enjoy a drink and a chance to glimpse the northern lights before returning to your cosy, stylish room. The local ski bus stops here to allow access to the mountain.

There are plenty of local restaurants, cafes and take-away venues in Narvik to pick from. Here are some of our favourites.

The Narvikfjellet Mountain Restaurant (‘Fjellheisrestauranten’) offers dining with a view! It’s a perfect lunch spot serving hot food such as burgers, pizza, salad, and small plates, or you could simply stop by for a coffee and cake (or beer, wine, cocktails) - wherever the mood takes you!

Camp Lodge (located at Camp 291), is a relaxed place to enjoy a drink or grab some light bites - serving soup, sandwiches, pastries and waffles.

Après 

Après Ski occurs at The Narvikfjellet Restaurant, Camp Lodge at Camp 291 and Basecamp Narvik Bar and Lounge, and each has its own vibe. If you’re seeking a party atmosphere, head to Peisestua at The Mountain Restaurant where a DJ plays Saturdays from 4pm to 6pm.

For a more mellow environment, the Camp Lodge log cabin at Camp 291 is the perfect place to sip wine and relax after a long day on the slopes. Lastly, Basecamp Narvik Bar and Lounge Area offers a more intimate and ambient setting.

Fiskekroken (the fishing hook), located in Fiskehallen (the fish hall) is the place to go for traditional Norwegian seafood dishes such as fish soup and “tØrrfisk” (dried fish) and is open for lunch and dinner.

Furu (meaning pine tree) gastropub has an ambient and cosy atmosphere and uses simple, locally produced food and ingredients to create delicious north-inspired dishes, served afternoon and evening and open all year.

Linken Spanish-Norwegian Tapas Bar is perfect for those keen to sample a range of exciting flavours and dishes, with a fusion of Spanish tapas and northern Norwegian ingredients. After dinner, the cocktail bar opens - perfect for welcoming in the weekend.

Kafferiet serves up lunch and dinner Monday to Saturday and offers a varied selection of food - from sandwiches, omelettes, and salads during the day, to salted meats, steak, pasta and risotto in the evening.

Tøtta Sky Bar on the 15th floor of Scandic Narvik is last but by no means least. Enjoy stunning views from your seat that stretch across the city to the mountains and fjords. À la carte dinner and drinks are served here all week.

To make the most of your time in Narvik, we suggest getting a hire car to easily get to the activity bases and explore this beautiful part of the world.

Mysterious, enchanting northern lights - Narvik sits within the Arctic Circle and due to this northern location, you may be fortunate enough to witness this spectacular and humbling light show. Dedicated northern lights experiences will usually combine activities such as dog-sledding, snow-shoeing, and snowmobiling with an excursion beyond the city, for an exciting Arctic adventure that gives you a chance to see Aurora’s dance.

Sami culture and reindeer - The Sami are Norway, Sweden and Finland’s indigenous people, who are especially known for reindeer herding. Their traditions are deeply rooted in the Nordic land, and you can book an experience which allows you to meet the reindeer, and try some proper Sami food and ceremonies.

Dog sledding - Nothing quite beats the thrill of chasing through the snow with your powerful team of Alaskan Huskies, who are not only built for running, they love it! From Narvik, you can join a variety of husky experiences, where you can either mush a sled yourself or sit back, snuggle up, and enjoy the ride in the front seat.

Snowmobile rides - Learn how to ride a snowmobile, and you’ll be cruising across the landscape in no time. Suitable for beginners.

Polar Park Arctic Wildlife Centre - Under an hour's drive from Narvik is the fantastic Polar Park, where visitors can meet animals that are local and native to Norway. Experience a close encounter with a wolf pack - they might greet you with a kiss! - or join a guided predator tour where you will be shown brown bears, lynx, and wolverine. The park focuses on animal welfare and nature, and it’s a great way to see the animals in their natural habitat.

Narvik War Museum - This small town in northern Norway played a big part in World War II. Learn about how the town battled against Germany through the interactive displays, retrieved artefacts, and a walk through a Nazi bunker - a fascinating outing for the whole family.

Winter Fest Week (March) - for 10 days in March, the people of Narvik turn back time to the early 1900s, known as “Rallar time”. These 10 days are spent celebrating the history of Narvik, by dressing in old-fashioned clothing, eating traditional Northern-Norwegian dishes, and enjoying music and theatre from days gone by.

Children’s area

Narvik Ski Resort has a dedicated children's area near the main shops, separate from the family and beginner-friendly slopes. This is a fantastic and encouraging environment for young ones to play and learn safely.

Free Ski Pass

Children under seven get a free ski pass - children must be using a helmet and carry an Axess Card with a valid lift pass.

Off the slopes

There’s a host of activities to do in and around the city, including a bowling and playland centre, ice skating, museums, shopping, indoor climbing, and not forgetting excursions like the Polar Park wildlife reserve, and dog sledding mentioned in the Activities section of our guide.

Ski school is offered at Narvik, which is designed to help you work on your technique while staying safe. Lessons are good fun, and there are options available for children and adults, at all ability levels.

Narvik is perfectly suitable for beginners, and many slopes have been adapted for gentle skiing, newbies and children.

Take your skiing adventure off-piste and venture into the untrodden backcountry to test your endurance and soak in the beautiful Nordic wilderness that surrounds you.

If you are considering ski touring for the first time, then using an experienced mountain guide is the safest way. Ski touring, even with a guide, is best suited for those who are already confident and experienced skiers. Certified guides operate from Narvik, offering guided ski touring up and across mountain plateaus to pristine peaks, followed by awesome chutes and wild valleys. The ski resort is an ideal starting point to traverse up into the mountains, and extends beyond the resort, into Norwegian and Swedish backcountry.