Svarta Bjørn train, by Arctic Train

This train ride is a tribute to all the Navvy labourers constructing the Ofoten Railway and all the cantine cooks helping out and providing first-class catering to these hardworking men. According to legend, one dark-haired beauty stood out among these cooks, named Svarta Bjørn. This mystical woman, working as a cantine cook was one of the few women at work and therefore left a mark during this period on the railway and a legend about her life to this day.

For this occasion, the train will be decorated in the spirit of Svarta Bjørn along with the crew onboard. We welcome you to join us and let’s take the train back to 1903.

An unforgettable journey
With towering mountains, dramatic waterfalls and fantastic views of the fjord, this journey goes through a beautiful and wild Arctic landscape. The train slows the pace and makes several stops along the way to ensure you get the most out of the trip.

Ofotbanen
The construction of the Ofoten railway started at the end of the 19th century and it opened in 1902. The railway was built to ensure access to an ice-free port for the huge iron ore deposits from northern Sweden. Itinerant workers, so called “rallars”, sought their fortune in what was referred to as Europe’s “Klondyke”, and over 5,000 workers at the most were involved in the construction of the railway.