In Search of the Northern Lights by Train
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Port
Narvik, Norway
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Activity Level
Moderate
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$264
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
4 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
The Ofoten Railway extends from Narvik to the Swedish border and winds its way through steep, rugged, mountainous terrain. The line was once described as the ‘8th Wonder of the World’ and was the northernmost, coldest and harshest railway construction project the world had ever seen.
As the train departs Narvik, travel through dramatic Arctic landscapes under dark skies that provide excellent conditions for spotting the Northern Lights. Your destination is the remote mountain station of Katterat, located 373 meters above sea level. With no road access and surrounded by untouched wilderness, Katterat is one of the darkest locations in the region — an ideal place to search for the Aurora.
Upon arrival, step off the train into the quiet stillness of the Arctic night. Gather under the open sky while a nearby lavvu (traditional Sami tent) provides warmth and shelter if needed. Your host will serve hot drinks and a light snack as you wait in hope for the northern lights to appear, creating a comfortable and magical atmosphere.
Notes:
The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, so whilst the chances of spotting them are high, sightings cannot be guaranteed. The optimum conditions to view them (away from the city) are in darkness, with minimal light pollution, although the two most important factors to consider are the level of solar activity and if there are clear skies or not, and this is where your guides expertise comes into play. The temperature can drop significantly in the evenings so please ensure you wear plenty of layered warm clothing and sturdy, enclosed shoes as you will be walking on the snow and over uneven ground. This tour is not suitable for guests with medical conditions that are affected by the extreme cold. We recommend that you carry a torch to assist you whilst walking in the darkness, but ask that it is turned off when viewing the lights. There are 3 steps to board the train. Shuttle transportation is used between the station and train platform and may be shared, resulting in some waiting time depending on guest numbers. The number of shuttles operated is based on tour demand.