Northern Norway: Siltanews – News Desk
June 4, 2024, will forever be etched in Narvik’s history. At the 55th FIS Congress in Reykjavik, Iceland, the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) announced that Narvik will host the 2029 Alpine World Ski Championships. This momentous achievement fulfills a long-held dream for the town. The announcement was met with exuberant joy by the Narvik delegation, which included notable local and retired athletes like Ragnhild Mowinckel and Leif Kristian Haugen.
Around 10 p.m., the Harpa Congress Centre was filled with anticipation as FIS President Johan Eliasch prepared to announce the host city for the 2029 Alpine World Ski Championships. When he pronounced “Narvik, Norway,” the room erupted in jubilation. This moment marked the culmination of extensive efforts and dedication to securing this prestigious event for Narvik.
“This is a monumental day for Norwegian skiing. The FIS World Championships is one of the world’s largest sporting events, viewed by millions globally. Norway has long been recognized as a top alpine nation, and now we can finally host the Alpine World Championships at home.” Knut-Eirik Dybdal, Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Alpine World Championships 2029, celebrated the award, emphasizing the collaborative effort that led to this victory.
Beginning November 2, travellers from the UK can enjoy direct access to Northern Norway’s Arctic landscapes with a new weekly flight from London Gatwick to Harstad-Narvik Airport in Evenes. This winter route will be joined on December 23 by another direct flight from Milan Bergamo, Italy, opening a gateway to the unique winter experiences of Lofoten, Vesterålen, and Narvik.
Operated by Norwegian Airlines, these routes will run weekly, with flights from London on Saturdays and from Bergamo on Mondays, making access to the region simpler for international visitors. Local tourism boards—Destination Lofoten, Visit Narvik, Visit Vesterålen, and Northern Norway Tourism—are celebrating this new connectivity, highlighting the enhanced opportunity to share Northern Norway’s beautiful scenery and winter adventures with a European audience.
Winter in Northern Norway offers a distinct opportunity for visitors to experience the renowned northern lights, particularly striking during the long polar nights, against the backdrop of Lofoten’s steep mountains or Vesterålen’s open coastal areas. The Polar Nights refers to a period when the sun remains below the horizon, typically between early December and early January. This season is also marked by the “Blue Hour,” a rare period of twilight when the snow-covered landscapes are cast in a deep blue light, a phenomenon distinctive to the Arctic winter. During this time, the light reflects off the blue sea and white snow, covering the entire landscape in a beautiful blue shade known as Polar Blue.
Outdoor activities across these destinations are numerous: ski touring, dog sledding, and sea safaris allow visitors to explore Northern Norway’s rough landscapes and coastlines. Lofoten is known for its vivid landscape and rich fishing culture. Here, visitors can partake in Lofotfiske, a traditional fishing practice targeting Atlantic cod, which has shaped the local economy and community for centuries. The combination of mountains and fjords creates an ideal setting for various activities, from ski touring to sea safaris and even surfing in the Arctic waters. Each experience unfolds against a backdrop of breathtaking nature.