Narvik to Abisko by Rail
The section of the line within Norwegian territory is known as the Ofot Railroad, the Swedish section as the Lapland Railroad. The line, completed in 1903, serves primarily for the transport of iron ore from the Swedish iron-mining area of Kiruna and Gällivare to Narvik. In good weather a rail trip into Swedish Lapland is a fascinating experience, taking passengers in just under two hours from the western fjords to the desolate Arctic mountains.
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Must-see attractions nearby:
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The best views are on the left-hand side. In addition to the numerous ore trains using the line there are regular passenger trains.
From Narvik the line runs along the south side of the Rombaksfjord, already beginning to climb. Beyond Rombak there is a further ascent, with impressive views to the rear of the Rombaksbotn and the end of the fjord. The line traverses numerous tunnels and over viaducts, through country in which trees and shrubs are increasingly rare.
From Narvik the line runs along the south side of the Rombaksfjord, already beginning to climb. Beyond Rombak there is a further ascent, with impressive views to the rear of the Rombaksbotn and the end of the fjord. The line traverses numerous tunnels and over viaducts, through country in which trees and shrubs are increasingly rare.
Related Attractions
Riksgränsen
Beyond Bjørnfjell, the last Norwegian station, the train crosses the watershed between the Arctic and the Baltic (525m/1,720ft) and soon afterwards crosses the frontier into Sweden. 2km/1.25miles beyond this, in a magnificent mountain setting, is the Swedish town of Riksgränsen, in the center of a popular skiing area. Then on to Abisko.
