Narvik, Norway

Narvik is situated in Northern Norway, above the Arctic Circle at 68° North. It's a small Arctic city with a big role in global trade. About 14,000 people live in the city center, with roughly 24,000 in the surrounding area. Its deep-water harbor stays ice-free year-round, making it an ideal shipping port for Swedish iron ore. More than 21 million tons of ore pass through Narvik each year.

The city is also known for its dramatic northern location. For about two and a half months each winter, the sun never rises above the horizon, while summer brings long days and nearly endless daylight.

A highlight of our visit was Polar Park, the world's northernmost animal park. Set among forests and mountains, the park provides large natural habitats for Arctic animals such as wolves, bears, lynx, wolverines, moose, and reindeer.Read more