From Narvik: The Northern Lights Arctic Train Guided Tour

The best part of this Northern Lights train tour is the setting. You leave Narvik’s city lights behind, ride toward the Swedish border, and step into the dark at two remote mountain stations. At Katterat, the night includes a fire, warm drinks, pastries, and a chance to watch the sky.

I like the mix of rail history and simple Arctic comfort. I also like that the tour does not depend on a road convoy, so you can sit indoors between stops and enjoy the railway views. The main drawback is the obvious one: the aurora is weather-dependent, and the first stop may have platform lights that make photography difficult.

Key points to know before you book

• Katterat is the main event: At 373 meters above sea level, this remote station offers the darkest and most atmospheric stop.
• The train covers the cold stretches: You spend much of the three-hour outing inside the train, with outdoor time focused on the two stations.
• Bjørnfjell is a short photo stop: You have about 15 minutes there, so be ready to get off and take in the border setting.
• The campfire adds real value: Pastries, warm drinks, and a fire make the wait for the aurora far more comfortable.
• Photography needs planning: Bring a camera, tripod, and warm clothing, and choose your train seat carefully.
• The tour is in English: It is not suitable for children under 3 or for wheelchair users.

Riding the Ofoten Railway from Narvik

The tour begins at Narvik station, where you board for an evening ride along the historic Ofoten Railway. This railway is the backbone of the outing, not just a way to reach a viewing site. You get a moving view of northern Norway before the train pauses in the mountains.

The route takes you away from Narvik’s artificial light. That matters for aurora watching because darker skies give you a better chance of seeing faint green or moving bands overhead. It does not guarantee a show, but it puts you in a better place to wait for one.

The first train section lasts about an hour. That gives you time to settle in, listen to the guide, and watch the scenery change as the train heads toward Bjørnfjell. The train has subtle lighting designed to preserve outward views, a small detail that helps when you are trying to spot faint light through the windows.

Seat choice matters. One person found that the best views and first aurora glimpses were on the side they had left. Since the train returns along the same route, you may want to pay attention to the view before changing seats. If the sky looks promising, keep your camera ready rather than waiting for the main stop.

Bjørnfjell, a brief stop near the Swedish border

Bjørnfjell is the first stop, and it is described as a Swedish border town. The train pauses here for about 15 minutes, giving you a quick chance to step out for photographs and take in the remote Arctic setting.

This is not a long walk or a full village visit. Think of it as a short outdoor break and a first look at the mountain railway environment. The platform can be brighter than the open area at Katterat, which makes it less useful for serious aurora photography.

You should still take the stop seriously. A cloudy sky in Narvik may look discouraging, but conditions can change as the train climbs and moves away from the city. One particularly useful lesson from the experience is not to give up after a dull first stop. The sky later opened to stars and dancing aurora at Katterat.

Bring your hat, scarf, and gloves before the doors open. Fifteen minutes can feel short, but Arctic cold becomes uncomfortable quickly if you step outside in ordinary city clothing.

Katterat at 373 meters above sea level

After Bjørnfjell, the train runs for about 10 more minutes to Katterat. This station is the heart of the evening. You have about an hour here for a guided visit, photographs, the old mountain village, and a museum visit.

Katterat sits 373 meters above sea level, away from the brighter lights around Narvik. The station’s remote position gives the stop a stronger sense of place than a standard roadside viewing point. You are not simply pulled over at a dark field. You arrive by railway, step into the mountain night, and explore a historic settlement connected to the line.

The exact balance of village and museum time depends on the guide and conditions, but the tour includes both. This gives the evening some substance even if the aurora stays hidden. You can learn about the railway and the old mountain community instead of spending three hours staring at an empty sky.

The station is also the setting for the campfire. Your guide serves something warm to drink and a fresh pastry while the fire keeps the group comfortable. Marshmallows are also mentioned as part of the fire experience, adding a simple, pleasant touch to the wait.

I like this part because it makes the tour work on two levels. The northern lights are the hoped-for reward, but the remote station, old village, museum, and fire still give you an Arctic evening with a clear sense of place.

Waiting for the aurora beside the fire

Northern lights tours require patience. The sky may be cloudy when you leave Narvik, and the lights may appear only after you reach the darker stop. The best approach is to treat the aurora as a possibility, not a promise.

At Katterat, the group gathers around the bonfire while the guide watches conditions and shares information. You can warm up, eat your pastry, sip a hot drink, and step away from the fire when the sky looks promising.

The fire is useful, but it creates a tradeoff. Bright flames and smoke can interfere with photographs, so move a little away from the fire when you want a darker view. Keep your camera ready, since aurora activity can change quickly.

A guide can also help you make more of a short display. Photo tips are included, and the guide takes photographs during the outing. Anajolie has been praised for clear presentations and an engaging manner, so if she is leading your departure, you can expect a guide who takes the educational side seriously.

The tour also includes a northern lights documentary. That is especially helpful if the sky is quiet. You get context about the phenomenon rather than only standing outside and hoping something appears.

The return to Narvik

The ride back takes about 45 minutes before you arrive at Narvik station. After an hour outside at Katterat, the heated train gives you a welcome chance to rest and review photographs.

The return is also part of the viewing opportunity. Keep looking through the windows rather than assuming the night is finished once you leave Katterat. The train travels back through the same remote zone, and the darker surroundings may still offer good views.

The whole activity lasts three hours. That is a useful length for an evening in Narvik because it gives you a proper outing without taking up the entire night. You get a substantial railway journey, two stops, a guided visit, and time by the fire, all within one compact program.

Boarding may not feel perfectly smooth. One account described the process as a little disorganized, and refreshments ran short for people at the end of the line. I would arrive ready to listen closely to boarding instructions and avoid assuming that snacks will be available in unlimited quantities.

What the $142 price really covers

At $142 per person, this is not a cheap train ride. The value depends on what you want from a northern lights outing.

You are paying for a round-trip railway ticket, a live English-speaking guide, access to Bjørnfjell and Katterat, a guided visit, the old mountain village, the Katterat museum, a northern lights documentary, photo advice, a snack, warm drinks, and the campfire. The railway access is important because the tour reaches places that are not presented as ordinary city viewing sites.

I think the price is easier to justify if you value the full evening rather than only the aurora. If the lights do not appear, you still receive transportation, a remote mountain station visit, warm refreshments, and some local history. If your only goal is to stand under a clear sky for as little money as possible, this may feel expensive.

There is no thermal suit included. That matters in winter. You must supply your own thermal clothing, warm socks, hat, scarf, and other weather-ready layers. The operator specifically recommends a tripod, which suggests the photography side is more serious than a casual phone snapshot.

Clothing and camera advice for Arctic conditions

Wear more than you think you need. The train gives you shelter, but the two stops require time outside, and the campfire area can still be cold around the edges.

Bring:

• Thermal clothing
• A hat and scarf
• Warm socks
• Weather-appropriate outer layers
• A camera
• A tripod

A tripod is valuable for night photography because aurora images often need a steady camera and longer exposure. Even if you use only a phone, a stable support can help. Keep spare warmth for your hands so you can operate the camera without standing in the cold for too long.

Do not plan your clothing around the train alone. The most memorable part of the experience is the hour at Katterat, and you will enjoy it more if you can move between the fire and the darker viewing area without rushing back inside.

Who will enjoy this train tour most

This outing suits you if you want a northern lights chase with more structure than a simple viewing stop. The train journey, museum, old village, documentary, and campfire create a complete evening, even when the aurora refuses to cooperate.

It is a good fit for photographers who are willing to carry a tripod and pay attention to seat position. The train windows may offer early glimpses, while Katterat provides the darker outdoor setting. The guide’s photo advice can also help you make better use of the time.

It suits couples, solo visitors, and adults who enjoy a quiet winter activity with a local-history angle. The campfire and warm drinks make it more social than sitting alone in a dark field.

I would be cautious if you dislike cold weather, have limited mobility, or need wheelchair access. The experience is not suitable for wheelchair users, and thermal suits are not provided. It is also not suitable for children under 3.

The biggest strengths and weak points

The strongest feature is the combination of rail travel and remote Arctic stops. You are not simply chasing the aurora from one parking area to another. The railway itself gives the night a shape and makes the route feel tied to the region.

The campfire is another real strength. Warm drinks and pastries may sound modest, but they make a major difference during a long wait in winter. The fire also gives you a pleasant place to gather when the sky is quiet.

The guides are an important part of the experience. Anajolie has received especially strong praise for presentations and enthusiasm. Good guiding matters here because the evening includes waiting, outdoor conditions, and the need to understand when to watch, photograph, or warm up.

The weak points are practical. Boarding can be a little untidy, refreshments may not last for everyone at the end of the line, and Bjørnfjell’s platform lighting may frustrate photographers. Most importantly, no tour can control cloud cover or aurora activity.

The overall rating is 3.9 from 58 ratings, which fits this balanced picture. Many parts of the experience can be enjoyable, but the northern lights remain outside anyone’s control.

Should you book the Northern Lights Arctic Train?

Book it if you want a northern lights outing with a historic railway, a remote station, a museum visit, and a warm campfire. The tour gives you a meaningful evening even if the sky stays dark, and the train keeps the experience comfortable between outdoor stops.

Think twice if you want a guaranteed aurora sighting, need wheelchair access, or prefer a very flexible photo-focused chase. For the best chance of enjoying the $142 price, bring proper thermal clothing, a camera and tripod, and arrive prepared for changing conditions. If you can accept the uncertainty, Katterat offers a memorable setting for the wait.

FAQ

Where does the Northern Lights Arctic Train tour begin?

The tour begins at Narvik station, also called Narvik stasjon.

How long does the experience last?

The experience lasts three hours, including the train journey, stops, guided activities, and return to Narvik.

Which stations does the train visit?

The tour stops at Bjørnfjell and Katterat. Bjørnfjell is near the Swedish border, while Katterat is 373 meters above sea level.

How much time do I get at Bjørnfjell?

The train stops at Bjørnfjell for about 15 minutes for photographs.

How much time do I get at Katterat?

You spend about one hour at Katterat for a photo stop, guided activities, the old mountain village, and the museum visit.

Are food and drinks included?

Yes. The tour includes a snack, fresh pastry, beverages, and time around a bonfire.

Is the tour conducted in English?

Yes. The tour includes a live English-speaking guide.

What should I bring?

Bring a hat, camera, warm socks, scarf, weather-appropriate clothing, thermal clothing, and a tripod. Thermal suits are not included.