Narvik Adds Underwater Shipwreck Tours for Cruise Guests

The Port of Narvik has expanded its shore excursion portfolio and is seeking more cruise turnarounds, presenting the program to six cruise line representatives and four destination management companies during Cruise Norway’s September 5-11 familiarisation trip. New options include shipwreck viewing by underwater drone, a rail-and-hike product and summer husky excursions.

The Northern Norway port is targeting additional summer business while retaining a cruise season that runs from early January through December 29. The Arctic Train is used in some form by 99% of visiting cruise lines, according to Grethe Parker, sales and marketing manager at the Port of Narvik.

Arctic Train anchors expanded excursion program

Operating on the 120-year-old Ofoten Railway, the Arctic Train follows the iron ore route between Narvik and the mountains near the Swedish border. Journeys typically last 2.5 to 3.5 hours and include Katterat Station, with some services continuing to Bjornfjell.

“The train is a USP and is our most sold product — the Polar Park is a close second,” Parker said. Cruise guests account for about 70% of Arctic Train passengers.

The train has capacity for 220 passengers, although the operator recommends a maximum of 180 for comfort. English and German audio guides are available, with French, Spanish and Russian versions planned.

At Katterat, a museum covers the Navvy Road and the construction of the railway between 1898 and 1902. A lavvu added last year provides a venue for Northern Lights programming when cloud cover or other weather conditions prevent aurora viewing. Railway workers’ history also features in Narvik’s annual Winter Festival, which has been held since the 1950s.

The new Ofot Fjord Shipwreck Experience takes six to 12 passengers from Pier 2 aboard Ofotr. During the 2.5-hour trip, an underwater remotely operated vehicle sends live images from wreck remains associated with the 1940 naval battles for control of Narvik and its iron ore route. Fishing trips for up to six passengers and Northern Lights boat tours are also available.

Another recent addition, the Navvy Trail, combines rail, boat and coach transport with a walk along the railway builders’ historic route. The six-hour excursion is offered to groups of 15 to 30 and requires suitable footwear and a good level of fitness because of the mountain terrain.

Narvik is also offering a summer “husky on wheels” excursion near Bjorkliden, Sweden. The four-hour program includes about 40 minutes with the dogs, with some guests able to act as mushers. Operations may be suspended during the warmest summer conditions to protect the animals.

For wartime history tours, the Narvik War Museum can receive between 10 and 90 passengers per departure. The wheelchair-accessible museum is about 10 minutes from the cruise port by coach, with visits scheduled for approximately 2.5 hours.

Narvik seeks more turnaround business

The port is developing turnaround operations around Harstad/Narvik Airport Evenes, which has a 2,808-metre runway and is about 45 minutes from the cruise terminal. “Airlift is not a problem,” Parker said, adding that turnarounds are “an area we want to grow.”

Narvik’s ISPS cruise terminal has a 150-metre pier and can receive ships measuring up to 350 metres. Berth depth ranges from 12 to 15 metres, and three tugboats are available. The ice-free port can stage 12 buses on the pier, with separate areas for shuttle services and shore excursion coaches.

Large baggage-storage areas are available, while buggies, wheelchairs, porters and other ground-handling resources can be arranged when required. That equipment is not permanently stationed at the terminal under current demand levels. The town centre is about a 10-minute walk from the cruise berth.

Narvik also serves as an approved safety call for several cruise lines when weather disrupts operations elsewhere. Its published cruise schedule includes calls by Silver Dawn, Queen Anne, Ambience and Balmoral.

Parker put the current annual total at approximately 94 to 95 calls. Bookings for both 2027 and 2028 have already exceeded 80 calls.

Shore power scheduled for early 2027

The port plans to introduce shore power during the first quarter of 2027 through a NOK 93 million project with Plug Nord. Enova is providing NOK 10.7 million toward the development.

The installation will have 12 MVA of capacity and support 6.6 kV and 11 kV connections at both 50 Hz and 60 Hz. “By offering shore power, we are not only improving air quality and reducing noise,” said Borge Edvardsen Klingan, director of the Port of Narvik.

A new cable car is also scheduled to open on January 1, 2027. Narvik will host the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships from February 13-25, 2029, with competition slopes running from the mountain toward the fjord.

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