There are Christmas destinations that can create a true winter wonderland, but few experiences compare to a train ride past frozen fjords, snow-capped mountains, and beneath skies that—if you’re lucky—ignite with the Northern Lights. That’s exactly the experience offered by the Arctic Train, which links Norway and Sweden. This route has become one of Europe’s most sought-after winter adventures, promising postcard-perfect views from every window.
Departing from Narvik on Norway’s northern coast and traveling deep into Swedish territory to Bjørnfjell or even Kiruna, this train isn’t just a tourist attraction. It’s a key piece of Scandinavian history and one of the continent’s most spectacular railway lines. For those dreaming of snow, wilderness, and an extraordinary journey, this train has become a true Christmas gem.
The so-called Arctic Train runs along the famous Ofoten Line, regarded as the northernmost railway in Norway. Departing from Narvik, the route winds for many kilometers through landscapes that seem made for a winter catalog: deep blue frozen fjords, peaks draped in snow, and waterfalls that by December are nearly petrified by the cold. The first part of the journey follows the Narvik fjord, which from the train window looks like a sheet of frozen glass beneath a pale sky. Then the scenery shifts to high alpine terrain, where the snow becomes almost dazzling. It’s not uncommon to see blizzards swirling around the tracks.
In the heart of winter, there’s an added incentive: a real chance to witness the northern lights. Long nights and extreme temperatures help set the stage for green lights to begin dancing over the mountains. Many travelers specifically opt for evening departures, hoping to catch this phenomenon through their camera lenses right from the train carriage.
Although today the journey takes place in a comfortable, climate-controlled carriage, this railway hides a harsh and fascinating history. Construction began in the late 19th century and continued into the early years of the 20th. Over 5,000 workers carved tunnels, built bridges, and laid tracks in unimaginable places—all while facing snowstorms, subzero temperatures, and logistical challenges that tested the technology of their era. The goal was strategic: to connect the iron ore deposits in northern Sweden with a port that never freezes in winter. That port was Narvik, a key gateway for exporting tons of iron during the Industrial Revolution. The construction drew in seasonal workers—known as “navvies”—who came from all over Europe seeking wages. Their stories remain part of local folklore to this day.
The railway line also played a crucial role during World War II. In 1940, control over the iron ore supply was critically important, and the battle for Narvik raged for 62 days between Nazi forces and the Allies. Much of the fighting occurred near the rail tracks, making the route a silent witness to one of the most intense military episodes in northern Europe.
Traveling this same route today offers a chance to witness the dramatic convergence of extreme nature and modern history, as the train crosses incredible bridges, passes through tunnels carved into the rock, and moves through landscapes accessible only by rail.
The most popular route is the circular Narvik–Bjørnfjell loop, which takes between two and three hours depending on the timetable. There are three departures daily—at 09:00, 11:35, and 15:00—but it’s always recommended to check the latest schedule, as weather conditions may cause changes. Tickets cost around 60 euros, making this one of the most affordable adventures in the Arctic. The trains have spaces for passengers in wheelchairs, and the onboard atmosphere is very relaxed, with a guide sharing insights about the region’s history, geology, and polar climate.
Incidentally, the Ofoten line (Ofotbanen), which the Arctic Train operates on, remains one of Scandinavia’s most important freight corridors. Its primary purpose is transporting iron ore from the Swedish city of Kiruna to the Norwegian port of Narvik. Millions of tons of ore travel along this line each year. Passenger services are operated by Vy Tåg. The line is unique not only for its location above the Arctic Circle, but also for the complex engineering solutions implemented during its construction in harsh climatic conditions.
