Narvik expands cruise excursions and plans 2027 shore power

The Port of Narvik is enhancing its appeal as a year-round cruise destination with new shore excursions and a confirmed plan to install shore power by early 2027. The developments were highlighted during a Cruise Norway familiarisation trip from September 5-11, 2026, attended by six cruise line representatives and four destination management companies.

Arctic Train remains flagship offering

Grethe Parker, sales and marketing manager at Port of Narvik, stated that the Arctic Train is the port's unique selling proposition and its most sold product. She noted that 99% of cruise lines use the train in some form. The journey on the 120-year-old Ofoten Railway lasts between 2.5 and 3.5 hours, traveling from Narvik to Bjørnfjell near the Swedish border with a stop at Katterat Station.

The train can hold 220 passengers, though 180 is recommended for comfort. Audio guides are available in English and German, with French, Spanish, and Russian versions coming soon. Staff wear traditional navvy attire. At Katterat, a small museum features tools from the railway's construction and a traditional Sami tent for Northern Lights content. An annual Winter Festival where participants dress as navvies adds cultural authenticity.

New and expanded shore excursions

Narvik has diversified its tour portfolio with several new experiences. One innovative offering is a "husky on wheels" adventure in nearby Bjorkliden, Sweden. This summer adaptation uses small motorised buggies pulled by huskies.

A comprehensive four-hour tour includes a 45-minute drive from the port to Sweden, followed by a 70-minute journey to the site. Passengers spend 40 minutes with the huskies, sometimes acting as mushers, and can interact with puppies. The tour includes historical talks and light refreshments. The experience cannot run during peak summer if weather is unsuitable for the animals.

A brand new maritime heritage tour is the Ofot Fjord Shipwreck Experience. This 2.5-hour small-group tour for 6-12 passengers aboard the vessel Ofotr uses an underwater ROV drone to show live footage of wartime wrecks from 1940 naval battles. The tour includes refreshments and skipper commentary. Alternatives include swapping the drone for fishing or Northern Lights chasing.

Another recent addition is the Navvy Trail hiking tour. This six-hour combined rail and walking excursion for 15-30 guests follows the historic path of the railway builders through challenging mountain terrain.

The Narvik War Museum, a 10-minute coach ride from the port, offers accessible insights into the Battle of Narvik. It can accommodate between 10 and 90 passengers per 2.5-hour visit and is wheelchair accessible.

Turnaround capabilities and port facilities

Narvik is actively developing its turnaround operations. Grethe Parker stated that airlift is not a problem due to Norway's third-longest runway at Harstad/Narvik Airport Evenes, and that growing turnarounds is a key goal. The port's cruise pier is 150 metres long and can handle ships up to 350 metres, with a depth of 12-15 metres and no draft restrictions.

Supporting infrastructure includes large baggage storage. The port can provide buggies, wheelchairs, and porters as needed, though they are not permanently stationed. It can accommodate 12 buses simultaneously on the pier. Passengers face a 10-minute walk to the town centre. The port has three tug boats, is ice-free year-round, and features a marketplace with local crafts on Pier 3. The transfer to the airport takes 45 minutes.

Shore power investment for 2027

The Port of Narvik will launch shore power facilities in the first quarter of 2027. The project represents a NOK 93 million investment developed with Plug Nord, including NOK 10.7 million in funding from Enova.

Børge Edvardsen Klingan, director of Port of Narvik, called it a transformative initiative for improving air quality, reducing noise, and supporting low-emission maritime transport. Maria Bos, CEO of Plug Nord, said they are building the infrastructure for a clean future. The facility will have a 12 MVA capacity supporting both 6.6 and 11 kV systems at 50 and 60 Hz frequencies.