On a headland deep in Ofotfjord, the far northern city of Narvik has grown up around a large sheltered natural harbour. It may be 14 miles within the Arctic Circle but the deep-water port remains ice-free. Links with Sweden are strong. Narvik is connected to Kiruna in Sweden by railway and the E1 trunk road. The border is just 15 miles away, although the chain of mountains between the two countries reaches over 6ft high. Spectacular snow-capped mountains rise from the fjord, including the Frostisen Glacier. The slopes are laced with ski runs. Visitors who hire a car in Narvik can explore the spectacular landscape around one of the most northern cities in the world.
In such an extreme geographical spot there are obviously adventurous places to discover, like ski slopes and mountain bike routes from the city itself, mountain trekking trails, wreck-diving and fishing the salmon rivers. There are trips to see the Northern Lights or to take sleigh rides and eat Sami meals in the forest. Everything is easier of course, if you have a hire car in Narvik. You can visit the Occupation Museum commemorating the city's strategic role in World War Two, the lively fish market, Ballangen Mining Museum and the enormous docks. And simply driving on the dramatic bridges and mountain passes of the E6 and E10 roads can provide spectacular experiences too.
