Into the Arctic Night

The Arctic has always been a place of extremes, a land where the sun refuses to set in summer and barely rises in winter. As a former Arctic researcher, I’ve spent countless nights under the vast, starry skies, but the allure of the Northern Lights never fades. This time, I found myself in Narvik, Norway, ready to embark on the Northern Lights Train Tour. The promise of witnessing the ethereal dance of the aurora borealis from the comfort of a train was too tempting to resist.

The journey began at Narvik Train Station, where the Arctic Train awaited. Half of the train was shrouded in darkness, illuminated only by the soft glow of lanterns, while the other half was brightly lit. This thoughtful touch allowed passengers to choose their preferred ambiance. I, of course, opted for the dimly lit carriage, eager to immerse myself in the mystery of the Arctic night.

As the train rumbled along the Ofoten line, the guides shared stories of the Northern Lights, their voices a comforting presence in the darkened carriage. The landscape outside was a blur of snow-covered fjords and rugged mountains, a stark reminder of the harsh beauty of this region. The train offered free coffee and tea, a small comfort against the biting cold outside.

A Brief Respite at Basecamp

Our first stop was near the Swedish border, a brief pause before continuing to Katterat Station. Here, we disembarked and made our way to Basecamp, a secluded spot designed for aurora viewing. The camp was simple, with two campfires and logs to sit on, but it was the perfect setting for our quest.

The darkness at Basecamp was profound, a canvas for the Northern Lights should they choose to appear. We gathered around the campfires, sipping warm beverages and sharing stories. The guides were attentive, ensuring everyone was comfortable and informed about the best ways to capture the elusive aurora on camera.

Despite the cold, there was a sense of camaraderie among the group, a shared anticipation as we scanned the skies. The hour at Basecamp passed quickly, too quickly for my liking. The reviewer was right; an extra hour here would have been ideal, allowing more time to soak in the atmosphere and increase our chances of witnessing the aurora.

The Return to Narvik

Reluctantly, we left Basecamp and returned to the train for the journey back to Narvik. The return trip was a time for reflection, the excitement of the evening giving way to a quiet contemplation. The lantern-lit carriage felt like a cocoon, a safe haven from the harsh Arctic night outside.

As we approached Narvik, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of gratitude for the experience. The Northern Lights had eluded us this time, but the journey itself was a reminder of the Arctic’s raw beauty and the resilience required to explore it. The guides had been exceptional, their knowledge and passion for the region evident in every story they shared.

The Northern Lights Train Tour is more than just a chance to see the aurora; it’s an opportunity to connect with the Arctic landscape and its people. While an extra hour at Basecamp would have been welcome, the tour was a memorable adventure, one that I would recommend to anyone seeking to experience the magic of the Arctic night.