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. 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.