Reinneset in Skjomen

Joakim Jaksland

 
 

Experience Narvik Like the Contestants in 71°nord

Want to hike the same trails as the contestants on 71° North? This season of the popular TV show takes us on a journey through the breathtaking landscapes of the Narvik region.

Four celebrity duos tackle challenging tasks in Norway's wild and stunning nature, where teamwork and endurance decide the winner. Now, you can experience the same iconic adventures this summer with our guide to the key locations featured in the series.

S4 Episode 5

Fear in the Mountains

The competition heats up in Narvik as Kjetil struggles while the others close in behind. The next stage features intense climbing and precision challenges.
Kulhornet

Climbing Kulhornet with Bergbjørn Fjellservice

Bergbjørn Fjellservice

Half of the contestants test their limits along the airy ridge of Kulhornet in Efjord, about an hour’s drive south of Narvik, while the rest put their accuracy to the test at the clay pigeon shooting range in Håkvik, hosted by the Narvik Hunting and Fishing Association.

Climbing in Narvik – Raw Adventures in the Mountains

The Narvik region is a paradise for climbers, offering spectacular peaks and varied challenges throughout the year. With its dramatic fjords and towering mountains, Narvik has become a sought-after destination for those seeking thrilling vertical adventures. Some of the most iconic climbing peaks in the region include Stetind, Norway’s national mountain, as well as Kulhornet and Eidetinden in Efjord. These granite giants provide both technical challenges and unforgettable nature experiences. Whether you’re a seasoned climber or a beginner, you’ll find routes suited to your skill level.

Kulhornet – A Must-Do Climb in Narvik

Kulhornet is a stunning climbing destination and a favorite within Narvik’s climbing community, offering a variety of routes. The most famous is Østkammen, one of the must-do routes in the region. While technically straightforward, this climb is highly exposed and might challenge those with a fear of heights. However, the reward is an incredible climbing experience with breathtaking views, especially under the midnight sun. Located just an hour from Narvik, Kulhornet’s dramatic granite walls and impressive topography make it an unforgettable destination. More about Kulhornet: Narvik Climbing Club Guide

Climbing Tips

  • The weather in the region can change rapidly, so bring layers and always check the forecast before setting out.
  • A local guide can enhance safety and provide valuable route insights.

Eidetinden – Climbing for All Levels

Across the valley from Kulhornet, Eidetinden is another versatile climbing peak, suitable for both beginners and experienced climbers. With its pyramid-like shape, Eidetinden rises dramatically above Efjord, offering some of the most stunning views in the region, particularly at sunrise and sunset. Eidetinden features a range of climbing routes and is easily accessible, sitting just a stone’s throw from the E6 highway, making it an ideal day trip. The north face has three climbing routes leading to the northern summit, while the southeastern face of the 710-meter peak offers eight different routes. More about Eidetinden: Narvik Climbing Club Guide

Climbing Tips

  • Start early to avoid sudden weather changes and maximize daylight.
  • Bring a camera—the scenery is absolutely breathtaking!

Stetind – Norway’s National Mountain

For those seeking the ultimate climbing experience, Stetind is a must-do. With its distinctive shape, this mountain is an iconic landmark, and chances are, you’ve already seen it in photos, from an airplane window, or on TV shows like The Summit. This majestic monolith offers a demanding yet rewarding climb, with unforgettable views over the northern Norwegian fjord landscape. From June to September, you can join weekly guided climbs of Stetind, allowing you to conquer the peak under safe conditions with experienced guides. No climbing experience? No problem! IFMGA-certified guide Magnus Strand from Narvikguides leads regular expeditions to Stetind, ensuring that every participant enjoys a safe and inspiring adventure. Take the challenge and create memories for a lifetime!  Curious? Read this travel story about the ascent of Stetind.

Hunting in the Narvik Mountains

For those who prefer hunting over climbing, the Narvik mountains offer outstanding nature experiences and diverse hunting opportunities. The region is ideal for both small-game and big-game hunting, featuring vast, untouched wilderness. With over 95% of the land areas of the municipality located above 150 meters in elevation, Narvik is a hunter’s paradise. More about hunting in Narvik: Narvik Hunting & Fishing Association The area offers hunting cabins with various levels of accessibility, catering to everything from easily reachable areas to more remote hunting terrain deep in the mountains. Options include Statskog’s hunting grounds, Narvik JFF cabins, and 15 unmanned cabins operated by DNT Narvik, which serve as perfect bases for both hunting and outdoor adventures.

For inspiration and expert tips, check out Torje Kosmo Karlsen’s YouTube channel, where he shares high-quality hunting and fishing videos from the Narvik region.  Watch now: Torje Kosmo on YouTube

Explore the Narvik Region

Whether you dream of climbing majestic granite peaks or hunting in vast mountain landscapes, Narvik has something for every adventurous soul. Find your next challenge in one of Norway’s most spectacular natural playgrounds!

S4 Episode 4

Chaos in Narvik

The race intensifies in Narvik city center as the first pairs cross the finish line while others battle to avoid last place. Journalistic skills and source criticism come in handy, at least to some extent..
Narvik

Narvik - where fjord meet mountain

Sverre Hjørnevik

In this episode of 71° North, the contestants navigate a high-stakes scavenger hunt through Narvik’s streets. The ability to move efficiently in this compact city, where fjords meet mountains, proves to be a key factor in the competition. However, taking every piece of advice from the locals at face value isn’t always the best strategy.

Narvik – Where Everything is Close, and Life is in Balance

Narvik is a city where adventure is just outside your doorstep, with a world-class ski mountain in its backyard and a university in its heart. Life here is stress-free, offering the perfect balance between work and leisure. Within an hour, you can experience the best of Norway—fjords, mountains, coastlines, and inland wilderness.

From Narvik, you can easily take spontaneous weekend trips to Bodø, Tromsø, Lofoten, or Kiruna—no planning needed beyond a fully charged car. You can even make it to a morning meeting in Oslo and be back home in time for dinner. That’s what we call balance.

A City with a Rich History

Narvik’s past is as dramatic as its landscapes. As contestants search for landmarks throughout the city, they get a glimpse into its fascinating history.

The Ofoten Railway, Norway’s northernmost railway, was a feat of engineering and relentless human effort, completed in 1902. It connected the rich iron ore fields of Kiruna, Sweden, to Narvik’s ice-free harbor, laying the foundation for the city’s existence and industrial heritage. The railway workers, known as Rallar, are still honored today, and their legacy can be explored at Narvik Museum.

Narvik’s strategic importance made it a major battleground during World War II. The Battle of Narvik saw intense combat on land, at sea, and in the air. In the chaos, 8,500 soldiers, 64 ships, and 86 aircraft were lost. Visit Narvik War Museum to learn more about these events and reflect on their lasting impact. Can peace be achieved through war? What role does Norway play in today’s conflicts? The battle lines were once clear—but who are "Us" and "Them" in the modern world?

For a deep dive into Norway’s maritime history, Gratangen and Foldvik are must-visit destinations. In Gratangen, the Boat Museum showcases the iconic Nordlands boats and the harsh realities of life at sea. Foldvik Brygger offers a true coastal culture experience, with an impressive nothjell—a towering wooden structure once used to dry fishing nets, often referred to as the "cathedrals of the coast." Few of these historical structures remain in Norway today.

You can also explore Sami culture at Husky Isogaisa Siida in Gratangen, where you’ll learn about joik (traditional Sami singing), shamanism, and duodji—the Sami art of craftsmanship, which is still passed down through generations.

A Spirit of Adventure

Narvik has always attracted adventurers. Whether it’s summiting rugged peaks, catching a giant halibut in the fjord, skiing untouched powder in Mørkholla, or cycling the granite slabs of Reinneset, the region offers adrenaline-fueled experiences.

The city has long been a gateway for exploration, whether through skiing at Narvikfjellet, hiking along the Ofoten Railway, or celebrating at Vinterfestuka, an annual festival that honors Narvik’s pioneering spirit.

Unique Urban Adventures

Narvik offers spectacular nature experiences, and Narvikfjellet is one of its biggest attractions. In winter, the mountain is a paradise for freeriding, featuring diverse terrain, perfectly groomed slopes, and breathtaking fjord views. Narvik will also host the 2029 Alpine World Championships, the world’s second-largest winter sports event. Spend your winter or Easter holiday here, and you’ll quickly see why.

In summer, Narvikfjellet transforms into a playground for hiking and gondola rides, offering panoramic views where fjords meet mountains. A trip to the Fjellheisrestaurant is an experience in itself, with a spectacular overlook of the city and the surrounding peaks.

For an unforgettable journey, take the Arctic Train from Narvik Station along the historic Ofoten Railway to Riksgränsen, Sweden. The train winds past steep cliffs, deep valleys, and stunning fjord landscapes, slowing down at the most breathtaking viewpoints. This scenic ride is a must for any traveler exploring Northern Norway. Learn more: Arctic Train.

Food & Dining in Narvik

Narvik has developed into a food destination, offering a diverse range of restaurants. Whether you're looking for a quick lunch or a gourmet dinner featuring local ingredients, the city's dining scene blends modern Nordic cuisine with traditional flavors. Find your perfect spot: Food & Drink in Narvik.

Where to Stay

During their stay in Narvik, the 71° North contestants use Narvik Mountain Lodge as their base. Perched on the mountainside, the lodge offers stunning views of the fjords and peaks.

The Narvik region offers a wide range of accommodations, from ski-in/ski-out lodges to city hotels and cozy fjordside cabins. No matter where you stay, you’ll wake up to a breathtaking view. Find the perfect place for your visit: Where to Stay in Narvik.

Discover Narvik

With its rich history, stunning nature, and vibrant culture, Narvik is where fjords meet mountains and adventure never ends. Whether you're here for history, outdoor thrills, or a taste of Arctic life, your journey in Narvik will be unforgettable!

S4 Episode 3

Race Down the Mountain

The contestants are challenged to collect points on their bikes. Some make several critical mistakes and must fight hard to make up for them.
Reinneset - Norges råeste svasykling

Reinneset - Norway’s Ultimate Slab Cycling Adventure

Rune Dahl

Norway’s Ultimate Slab Cycling Adventure

Slab cycling in Skjomen is nothing short of spectacular! The highlight of the route is the descent from Reinnesfjellet, where you ride 800 vertical meters straight down toward the fjord, surrounded by breathtaking views of glaciers, fjords, and mountains. This ride can be done as a full-day adventure, cycling over Boazovarri and Råvifjellet before crossing Reinnesfjellet at 802 meters above sea level, finishing with a long downhill ride to the fjord.

Need to rent a bike for your trip? Day Out Narvik offers top-of-the-line, full-suspension e-bikes, perfect for the ride down Reinnesfjellet. Find more information here: Bike Rental.

Prefer a guided tour? An experienced local guide will ensure you get the most out of the trails, offering a safe and action-packed experience. Visit Narvik tested Day Out Narvik’s guided tours, and even the least thrill-seeking members of the team had an unforgettable ride. Learn more here: Guided Cycling Tour.

Route Information:

  • Distance: Approx. 20 km
  • Elevation Drop:
  • 680 meters Difficulty: 5 (challenging)
  • Duration: 4-6 hours
  • Starting Point:Parking area at the access road in Skjomdalen

This route is best suited for experienced riders with solid technical skills, as some sections are steep and demanding. In wet conditions, the smooth granite slabs become extremely slippery, so it's recommended to avoid the trail in rainy weather. For a more detailed trail description, visit: Trailguide.

Hiking to Reinneset

Prefer hiking over cycling? The trek to the cairn at Reinneset is one of the most scenic and family-friendly hikes in the area. The trail winds across bare granite, offering stunning views of Skjomen, the Frostisen glacier, and the dramatic mountains surrounding the fjord.

Hike Details:

  • Distance: 2 km Elevation
  • Gain: 350 meters Difficulty:
  • Easy to moderate Starting Point:
  • Parking area at Reinneset From the parking lot, follow the trail up the ridge of Reinneset.

The route has a steady incline and passes through easy terrain. At the summit, a cairn awaits, along with an unforgettable panoramic view of the fjord. For more details, check the hike description.

Midnight Sun Golf in Skjomen

For a truly unique experience, play golf under the midnight sun in Skjomen. Skjomen Golfpark is home to the world’s second northernmost 18-hole golf course. Here, you can tee off surrounded by towering peaks, the Skjoma River, and the Frostisen glacier.

The golf course is open from May to October, and during summer, it operates 24/7, allowing you to enjoy a round of golf in the golden glow of the midnight sun.

Skjomen Golfpark features a challenging 18-hole championship course stretching 5,884 meters, offering both triumphs and frustrations in a stunning natural setting. For accommodation and dining, Golfsvingen Kro & Motell provides comfortable rooms, food service, and rental or purchase options for golf equipment. A special rule applies to hole 10: If you hit a salmon in the river, you must treat everyone on the course to a salmon dinner and champagne!

For more details and bookings, visit: Narvik Golfpark.

Experience Skjomen

Whether you’re cycling down the steep granite slabs, taking a scenic hike to Reinneset, or playing a round of golf under the midnight sun, Skjomen offers unique outdoor adventures. Plan your next trip to this spectacular destination today!

 

S4 Episode 2

The Strategist Awakens

This leg of the journey begins in the mountains south of Narvik. The contestants are given bikes and tasked with collecting points, though some pairs struggle to properly read the instructions.
Zdeno Dvorak

The Skjomen Mountains offer an extraordinary hiking experience, featuring lush tundra valleys, majestic glaciers, and soaring peaks.

Zdeno Dvorak

In this episode, the contestants traverse the mountains south of Narvik, cycling, gathering points, and exploring rugged natural landscapes. Here’s a guide to experiencing the same places and adventures for yourself.

Historical Border Crossings and Gautelisvannet

The route takes the contestants into Norway via the tourist trail between Haukajaure in Sweden and Gautelis in Norway, passing the historic landmark known as Ivarsteinen. While the origins of the wandering Ivar who inspired this ancient monument remain unclear, the stone is engraved with the initials of King Frederick V of Norway/Denmark and King Adolf Frederick of Sweden, as well as the year 1763.

The contestants’ camp is set by Gautelisvannet on Skjomenfjellet – one of the most spectacular mountain landscapes in the Narvik region and a great starting point for those looking to explore the mountains and enjoy the grand scenery on their own. See map of the area.

Skjomen – Between Fjords and Peaks

Located just an hour’s drive south of Narvik, Skjomen is renowned as one of Norway’s most beautiful fjords. Surrounded by mountain peaks soaring up to 1,700 meters, 25 km² of glaciers, and smooth granite cliffs, the area is a paradise for activities like cycling, hiking, climbing, and fishing.

Accommodation at Gautelishytta

The DNT Gautelishytta cabin, idyllically situated by Gautelisvannet, is an excellent base for mountain adventures. The cabin caters to everything from simple hikes to more challenging expeditions. The area offers great fishing opportunities, particularly in unregulated Arctic char lakes. The cabin is accessible via the mountain roads on Skjomenfjellet, which are open during summer and autumn, depending on weather conditions. For more information and booking, visit DNT Gautelishytta.

Nordlandsruta – Epic Long-Distance Hiking

Nordlandsruta, a 650-km marked trail winding along the border between Norway and Sweden, passes by Gautelisvannet. Divided into 43 stages, the route traverses three national parks, the UNESCO-listed Laponia World Heritage Site, and several Sami reindeer grazing districts. Whether you choose to tackle a short section or hike the entire route, you’ll experience Norwegian nature at its finest. Learn more about the trail here: DNT Nordlandsruta.

World-Class Climbing

Known as the Hardanger of Northern Norway, Skjomen has been a climbing destination since 1883. With its glacially carved valleys, fjords, and towering granite walls, the area remains a paradise for climbers. Few places in Norway offer the chance to climb 30 rope lengths on solid rock. Popular spots include Tjårdavatnet, Middagsklubben, and Stiberg. Stiberg, a vertical wall rising straight from the valley floor, offers challenging technical climbing and traditional routes at a high level. The area also features some of Norway’s best crack climbing routes. For more information, visit the Narvik Climbing Club.

Cycling in Skjomen

Skjomen offers incredible cycling opportunities on trails and granite slabs, allowing you to experience the mountain landscape at its best – from the seat of a bike. The mountain roads are perfect for family-friendly cycling tours, and hut-to-hut cycling is possible between Gautelishytta and Sitashytta, which the contestants also visited during the episode as they gathered points.

The granite slab cycling in Skjomen is nothing short of epic, with the highlight being the descent from Reinnesfjellet. Here, you can bike 800 vertical meters straight down toward the fjord, surrounded by views of glaciers, fjords, and mountains. This adventure can be done as a full-day trip, biking over two peaks – Boazovarri and Råvifjellet – before cresting Reinnesfjellet at 802 meters above sea level and finishing with a long downhill ride straight to the fjord.

Plan Your Skjomen Adventure

With Skjomen as your starting point, you can combine cycling, climbing, and hiking to experience everything this beautiful area has to offer. Inspired by 71° North? Now it’s your turn to explore this hidden gem in the Narvik region!

S4 Episode 1

Kebnekaise

The contestants are dropped off in the Swedish wilderness. Their mission? To navigate back to Norway, climbing Sweden’s highest mountain, Kebnekaise, along the way.
Kebnekaise

Standing tall above the expansive highland plateau of northern Sweden, Kebnekaise is a breathtaking destination.

Peter Rosen - kirunalapland.se

Swedish Wilderness and Sweden’s Highest Mountain

The adventure begins in the Swedish wilderness, where contestants must navigate their way back to Norway via Kebnekaise, Sweden’s highest peak. Located in Lapland, just east of the magnificent Narvik mountains, Kebnekaise is accessible thanks to the Ofoten Line, Norway’s northernmost railway, which connects Narvik with Sweden’s mountain destinations. The best time to climb Kebnekaise is in July and August. The hike can be completed with or without a guide and is considered relatively easy. However, as the mountain lies off the beaten path, plan for at least five days for the expedition. For more information about the climb, visit: kirunalapland.se

Stay and Explore Swedish Lapland

If you’re venturing into Lapland, Lapland Resorts offers excellent bases for your mountain adventures. Both Riksgränsen and Björkliden provide fantastic dining experiences, comfortable accommodations, and a wide range of outdoor activities. For those who want to experience the Swedish highlands without reaching Kebnekaise’s summit, the Låktatjåkko Mountain Lodge is a great alternative. Situated at 1,228 meters above sea level, it’s accessible via a 9-km hike from Björkliden train station. The lodge features a sauna, restaurant, bar, and storytelling sessions, offering unforgettable experiences amidst Sweden’s stunning natural beauty.

Trollsjön – Sweden’s Clearest Lake

Another must-see in the area is Trollsjön, Sweden’s clearest lake. The hike starts just a few kilometers from Bjørnefjell near the Norwegian border. This relatively easy 11-km round-trip hike takes about four hours to complete. The trail is also suitable for mountain biking. Along the way, you’ll traverse a landscape shaped by glaciers during the last Ice Age, with dramatic rock formations and the stunning Kärkevagge (Stone Valley), where boulders as large as houses are scattered across the terrain. On clear days, you can see 35 meters down to the bottom of Trollsjön, so don’t forget your camera to capture the unique scenery!

Plan Your Own 71° North Adventure

With Narvik as your base, you can easily combine thrilling mountain hikes and spectacular nature experiences on both sides of the border. Be inspired by the 71° North contestants and create your own unforgettable journey in the Nordic wilderness!