About this attraction
The Ofoten line (“Ofotbanen”) stretches up to 43 kilometers from Narvik to the Swedish Border (Bjørnfjell), where it connects with the Swedish Ore Line ("Malmbanan"). Necessary to transport iron-ore from the mines in Kiruna to the ice-free port of Narvik, the construction of the trainline began in the late 19th century. By employing over 5000 “rallers” (skilled laborers), using innovative engineering techniques in order to cross the challenging mountain terrains, create bridges, tunnels and steep inclines, the Ofoten railway officially opened in 1902. Not long after, the line was of significant strategic importance during WWII: The Battle of Narvik in 1940 was fought in part to control the iron ore supply, vital for the war industry.
Today, the Ofoten Line is still used as a crucial transport route for iron ore but it also became a tourist attraction due to its breathtaking scenery and rich history!
