Tuesday, October 18, 2022
Located 220 km north of the Arctic Circle, and just 42 km from Sweden, Narvik is situated near the innermost part of the deep Ofotfjorden. With mountains rising straight out of the fjords it reminds me a little of Milford Sound in New Zealand.
Because of its location to Sweden (there’s a railway line from here to the border) and the fact that its port is ice-free in winter, Narvik was developed as an all-year port for iron mines in Sweden. For this reason the port of Narvik became important to the German War effort in WW2 and was therefore the scene of some important battles in that conflict.
We, however, weren’t there for war history but rather for a tour of the fjords in a RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat). That’s it in the pic below.
It was close to zero on the port so we’d been told to rug up – which we did in thermals, parkas, beanies and layers. On top of this we then had to climb into survival suits – bright yellow and padded. Intended not just to keep us warm, apparently they’d also keep us afloat in the event of an accident.
We waddled down to the boat, were given goggles to protect our eyes, and managed somehow to get into our narrow seats.
Out of the fjord with wind chill it was well below freezing, and by the time we got off the boat none of us could feel our feet. It took at least an hour (and a whisky) to defrost. The scenery, though, was fantastic.
Spent what was left of the afternoon in The Chart Room drinking hot chocolate and handwriting a scene for the new Philly Barker…
And Anyways... 
So rugged yet beautiful, Jo. I actually feel cold looking at the photos but I’m sure it was worth ‘freezing’ for. A fantastic trip x
It certainly was…
The stimulating cold is good for us and supposedly extends our lifespan. Though I suppose cold showers isn’t quite the same as what you experienced 😉 With those views I would think the weather would be forgotten. An amazing place to venture, Jo.
Absolutely easy to forget the cold with those views.
Precisely my thoughts.
Absolutely stunning, and very chilling. I’m glad we are looking at the photos without any chill radiating off them!
Man, it was cold!
I can’t believe you waded in that cold water! Even in the right gear, I would think you would cool down your body temp some.
Those photos are evocative and I need a hot chocolate after looking at them!! So beautiful though.
What a beautiful adventure! I would love it. Thanks for sharing your photos! Visiting from Wednesday’s Words & Pics today – nice to meet you!
It’s lovely to meet you too Kym…
Stunning photos. I really want to explore all of that area – one day!! Not sure about the cold though
Talk about ‘postcard perfect pics’…amazing and how good that you could do this in person..cold but there…and could revive afterwards…Thanks so much for linking up your blog post this week for Wednesday’s Words and Pics. I appreciate your support of this community! Take care, Denyse.
This looks like a fabulous adventure Jo. That water must have been so cold to wade in. I’m sure the hot chocolate at the end of the day was well received. Love the photos.
It looks spectacular (and I felt cold just reading along). My second thought was that people actually lived there and dealt with those temperatures year in and year out – much hardier souls than I am!
Just wow. Cannot imagine how cold it was on the water (and off) but completely worth it. Look at that scenery!! Stunning. Trip of a lifetime. Thank you for sharing with us.