Local operator · Narvik station
This is a rail trip, not a cruise: an evening train on the Ofoten Railway from Narvik into the dark mountains, to Katterat, a station 373 metres up with no road access. Pick it for one of the darkest viewing spots in the region, a campfire and a lavvu to keep warm, and a guide who tells the story of the railway.
Not every aurora trip in Norway is on the water. The Ofoten Railway (Ofotbanen) runs from Narvik up into the mountains toward the Swedish border, and this tour rides it at night. The destination is Katterat, a remote mountain station 373 metres above sea level. With no road access, it is one of the darkest places in the region, and the train itself gives you dark mountain views on the way. It has 4.2 stars from 120 reviews, a small count. You can cancel free up to 24 hours before.
At Katterat you step off the train and gather round a campfire under the open sky, with a traditional lavvu (a Sámi-style tent) close by for shelter and warmth. Your host serves hot drinks and a light snack, and guests mention sausages and marshmallows on the fire. While you wait for the lights, the host tells the history of the railway and the landscape, and everyday life in the Arctic. The ticket also includes photo tips, a northern lights documentary, a visit to the old mountain village and a small museum at Katterat. Then the train takes you back to Narvik.
Thermal suits are not included, so dress in your warmest layers. The listing says to bring a hat, a scarf, warm socks, thermal clothing, a camera and a tripod. It is not suitable for children under 7 or for wheelchair users. The operator is clear that the lights are not guaranteed, and there is no retry offer.
Board the train at Narvik stasjon, Stasjonsveien 1.
Ride the Ofoten Railway into the dark, away from the town lights.
Step off at the mountain station and warm up by the fire with a hot drink and a snack.
Hear the history of the railway, visit the old village and museum, and watch for the aurora.
Board the train for the ride back to Narvik station.
★★★★★A truly magical night out for my family! We went in mid October and were incredibly lucky with conditions and saw all varieties of shapes in the aurora! Outside of this, the train journey experience is fun and informative (with hot chocolate/coffee) and the guides are really helpful, accommodating, and friendly :) Once you arrive, the Katterat camp is good fun, roasting foods over the fire in the Sami tent; with the museum it’s a lovely touch [...]
★★★★★Super nice and cozy trip. The guides were professional and nice, approachable and informative. Luckily we had cloudless skies and the northern lights in the sky. Cozy with a bonfire and sausages.. Highly recommend this trip.
★★★★★A fun train ride, lots of explanations about the place, the Northern Lights, the activities... Our team was excellent! When you reach the observation point, you stay in a heated tent until the guides say it's worth going out to see the Northern Lights (if there are any). Highly recommended.
★★★★★Well what can I say, it’s all in the gods… it was the only night of our whole holiday that the northern lights came out, and they were spectacular.
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No. It is an evening rail trip on the Ofoten Railway from Narvik to Katterat station, with a campfire and a lavvu at the stop.
To Katterat, a remote mountain station 373 metres above sea level with no road access, one of the darkest places in the region.
No. Bring thermal clothing, a hat, a scarf and warm socks. Hot drinks, a snack and the campfire are included.
Not under 7 years. The listing also says it is not suitable for wheelchair users.
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The Ofoten Railway to a mountain station with no road, a campfire and hot drinks.
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