The Route to the North Cape - Norway - page 405

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
The Narvik tourist office (see “Visitor Information,” above) has a wealth of
information about outdoor activities in the city's hinterlands.
One of the great golf courses in north Norway is the Narvik golfklubb at
Skomendalen ( & 76-95-12-01 ), lying 18km (11 miles) south of Narvik. In a
dramatic setting, surrounded by mountain peaks, this is the world's northern-
most 18-hole golf course (par 72). A full round of golf costs 325NOK ($46),
with club rentals going for 100NOK ($14). To reach the course from Narvik,
follow the signs to Skjomdal to just before the Skjomen Bridge on E6.
Narvik has a long skiing season, lasting from November until early June. The
cable car (see “Seeing the Sights,” above) will deliver you up some 1,000m
(3,280 ft.) where you'll find trail and off-piste skiing. For more information
about conditions, call the Narvik Ski Center at & 76-94-27-99.
Divers from all over the world are attracted to Narvik waters, since it was the
scene of a major World War II naval battle. More than 50 planes, both Nazi and
Allied, were gunned down here, and three German destroyers are still underwa-
ter. Narvik Dykk & Eventyr ( & 99-51-22-05 ) can make arrangements for
accredited divers for this incredible undersea adventure.
The mountainous landscape around Narvik attracts sports enthusiasts from
around Norway and the rest of Europe, some of whom, if they're physically fit
and equipped to handle such savage terrain, embark upon hiking excursions on
the surrounding tundra. For information about all kinds of adventure sports
within dramatically windswept regions around Narvik, including hill climbing,
rock rappelling, fishing trips on the Ofotfjord, whale-sighting expeditions, and
dog-sled safaris, contact the tour operator that works in very close conjunction
with the local tourist office, Destination Narvik, Kongensgate 26 ( & 76-94-
33-09 ). It maintains the same open hours as the tourist office (see “Visitor
Information,” above).
WHERE TO STAY
These hotels are located among the few buildings in Narvik that survived World
War II.
MODERATE
Radisson SAS Grand Royal Hotel The Grand Royal hotel is the largest
and best equipped lodging in Narvik. It opens onto the main street in the town
center, between the train station and the harbor. Built in the 1920s, it has seen
many enlargements since. It was originally named the Grand Royal because the
late King Olav was a frequent visitor and his portraits adorn some of the public
rooms. The comfortable, good-size rooms are tastefully and traditionally fur-
nished and all but a handful were renovated and upgraded in 2002. The well-
equipped, medium-size bathrooms with tub/shower combinations are the best
in town. The artfully contemporary lobby bar is one of the best cocktail bars in
northern Norway. The Royal Blue, the finest restaurant in town, is also here (see
“Where to Dine,” below).
Kongensgate 64, N-8501 Narvik. & 76-97-70-00. Fax [phone]. www.grandroyal.com. 119 units.
Mon-Thurs 1,250NOK-1,650NOK ($178-$234) double; Fri-Sat 980NOK ($139) double; 1,750NOK ($249)
suite. Rates include breakfast. AE, DC, MC, V. Free parking. Bus: 14, 15, 16, or 17. Amenities: 2 restaurants;
2 bars; sauna; babysitting; laundry service/dry cleaning; nonsmoking rooms; rooms for those w/limited mobil-
ity. In room: TV, dataport, minibar, hair dryer, safe.