Narvik was built in 1902 because it has a harbour that never freezes. A train line was built from Sweden across the EU border into Norway to carry the iron ore to the ships. It made it a prime target in times of war and was taken by the Germans after heavy bombing. Shipping routes and access to the sea have always been fought over. Anyway, our film from Jean first, it is easier to cover it all. 

You will get the chance of an excursion to a Sami village, but do not ask a Sami how many reindeer he or she has because it is an insult. It is asking about their wealth. Here we went on the Ofoten railway into Sweden. Leaving the port we saw the Northern lights, just after dinner at about 2245 hours. We show them in our film, Aurora snowed in. It is a long day here and if you are a skier, it is a good chance to have a full day on the slopes. The bus to the cable car is at the same place as the shuttle drops you, but you may need to cross the road for the right direction. Here the seas can get as colourful as the skies so pre-purchase your wrist bands in multi colours to match your outfit. Click the picture to see how they work. We always carry them. Often end up giving them away as we rarely get sick now and have a low cabin. High cabins get seasick first. See blog on cabin choice. 

See our film on Alta is the largest town in Norway’s northernmost county and lies at the inner reaches of the Altafjord. The Alta Museum features local geology and rocks, carvings and paintings made between 1800 to 6200 years ago, we have a separate film on that here. In the winter, you may try dog sledging or join a snowmobile safari, the ship excursion desk normally offers all of these. The Alta Northern Lights Cathedral is the other tourist magnet. Alta and Norway information centre may also be able to help with these or Alta’s information centre.  Tourist Information site 

PORT GUIDES – BALTIC SEA MENU OF ‘DESTINATION GUIDES’ CHAT GROUPS FOR MANY SHIPS – ALL HERE – CLICK TO SHARE INFORMATION