Excursion Ofoten railway & navvy trail trek tour at Narvik

Discover the history of the 'Navvy Road' and its exquisite natural surrounds during this immersive, half-day sightseeing excursion via rail and on-foot.

Narvik, Railway Station, Train-Ride to Katterat Railway Station

Depart the pier for the short drive to the Narvik Railway Station, then board a train for the short ride from Narvik to Katterat. The smart, red-painted Katterat Railway Station is surrounded by several houses from the time when it was a little station town for railway employees and their families, 30-40 people in all. Today, the old houses are used as holiday homes.

Guided Navvy Trail-Walk, Remains of Old Navvy Buildings and Railway Construction

From Katterat, begin your approximately 3.7-mile (about six-kilometre), guided walk along the Navvy Trail down to Rombaksbotn, with storytelling and photo stops en route. In addition to pristine mountains, fjords, waterfalls and lakes, encounter vestiges of the Navvies, who built the railway along the entire line. Directly below Katterat are the remains of buildings from the earliest days of railway construction, and nearby are the remains of an electricity sub-station used to power the new pneumatic drills that were tried out here for tunnelling. On the other side of the river, catch a glimpse of a mast that was part of the aerial ropeway used to transport construction materials.

Rombaksbotn, Remains of the Navvies' Settlement, Open Fire, Refreshments, RIB-Boat Ride

At Rombaksbotn lie the remains of the Navvies' settlement. During the years the railway was being built, approximately 500 people lived here, with an entire small 'town' filled with shops, barber shops, a skittles alley, soft drinks factory, hotels, and several licensed premises. When the railway was finished, the wooden buildings were taken down and moved, and can be found throughout Ofoten. You can utilise the excellent information boards along the path to see the town in your mind's eye, for Mother Nature has re-conquered Rombaksbotn. At Rombaksbotn, an open fire, coffee/tea and light refreshments await your arrival. Following your visit, embark a RIB-boat for the approximately 30-minute ride to Sildvik. Upon arrival, board a coach and commence the approximately 30-minute drive back to the pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Narvik, Scenic Train-Ride to Katterat, Guided Navvy Trail-Walk, Remains of Old Navvy Buildings and Settlements, Rombaksbotn, Refreshments, RIB-Boat Ride

Note

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of activity and walking for approximately 3.7 miles (about six kilometres), at times over uneven and natural surfaces and inclines, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach, board/de-board the train and embark/disembark the RIB-boat. This tour is recommended for active guests who are in good physical condition. This tour is not suitable for pregnant guests, guests with back and/or neck problems, guests with heart and/or respiratory conditions, guests prone to seasickness, guests with limited mobility, and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear warm, comfortable clothing in layers with flat, closed-toe and non-slip hiking shoes, and bring sun protection, an umbrella, weatherproof jacket or coat, and credit cards or local currency for purchases from the ship. Guests must be at least 12 years old to participate on this tour; minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over 18 years old. Guests must be at least 18 years old to be served alcoholic beverages. Portable restrooms are available at Rombaksbotn. Operation of this tour is subject to weather conditions. The tour sequence may vary. Space on this tour is extremely limited; we suggest you book well in advance to avoid disappointment.