Narvik Winter Festival, or Vinterfestuka 2025 in Norway

Vinterfestuka, or the Winter Festival, has been celebrated in Narvik since 1956. It marks the construction of the Ofoten iron-ore railway, a key achievement for the town. Built around 1900, the "Ofotbanen" railway connected Narvik to Swedish iron-ore mines and still links the town to the Swedish border. The festival showcases the town's rich history and culture, offering nearly 200 events, including cultural performances and celebrations, over nine days.

Traditional Celebrations

Locals love the Narvik Winter Festival because most residents wear traditional outfits for this event. Men wear black trousers, a flannel shirt, a black vest, and a hat. Women wear a long skirt, a blouse, and a black shawl. Children wear all kinds of funny costumes. Colorful parades of locals wearing amusing costumes, concerts, and numerous exhibitions draw over 30,000 visitors annually.

Schedule of Events

Vinterfestuka in Narvik features a variety of events, including music, art, and family activities. Highlights include performances like "The City That Disappeared," concerts by Emma Steinbakken and Iren Reppen, and the Children's Day Costume Parade. There are also literary events such as "Pubinar with Arne O. Holm" and "Words in Tracks" sessions. For families, the Children's Scene offers performances like "Miss Frikadello" and "Reggae adventure for children." The festival also includes art exhibitions, stand-up comedy by Stian Blipp, and performances by OnklP, offering a mix of entertainment, culture, and local traditions.