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Norway train travel advice needed!

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sjr02

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Hi!
I’m planning to do some ‘interrailing’ in Europe during June/July 2024. I’m planning to venture up to Narvik, Norway from Stockholm on the overnight train and then head back from Narvik by train to Oslo via Storjord, Fauske and Trondheim, but I’ve seen some posts on here recently that the these routes are not operating passenger services at the moment due to various reasons? Any advice on this for June/July would be much appreciated!

Thanks ☺
 
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Gloster

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I have just had a look at the .banenor.no site. It says that the Narvik line should be open from 18 June, although the Swedish operator seems less sure. The bridge washout at Ringebu on the Oslo-Trondheim line doesn’t yet have a date.
 
jamesontheroad

jamesontheroad

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Passenger trains to/from Narvik are still terminating short, currently at Abisko Turiststation I believe. Freight trains are operating through to Narvik but I believe the massive backlog of iron ore that built up after the two derailments is causing freight to prioritised.

In Norway, the bridge at Ringebu is being repaired and the only indication is that the line will reopen “before summer.”

I’d be reasonably confident to plan a trip in July or later. Mid-June is probably when both railways reopen, if all goes to plan.
 
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rvdborgt

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jamesontheroad said:
Passenger trains to/from Narvik are still terminating short, currently at Abisko Turiststation I believe. Freight trains are operating through to Narvik but I believe the massive backlog of iron ore that built up after the two derailments is causing freight to prioritised.
Click to expand...
The passenger trains still tun to Narvik, but empty.
 
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YorkshireBear

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Don't worry about the Ringbu, I recently did this, the bus replacement is very very easy and follows the same valley it took nothing out of the trip and the bus was 10 minutes.

So even if it isn't open it shouldn't put you off doing the route. But based on the progress, I suspect it will be open by end of June at latest.
 
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Richard Scott

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YorkshireBear said:
Don't worry about the Ringbu, I recently did this, the bus replacement is very very easy and follows the same valley it took nothing out of the trip and the bus was 10 minutes.

So even if it isn't open it shouldn't put you off doing the route. But based on the progress, I suspect it will be open by end of June at latest.
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Totally agree, did this last week and it's no issue (unless missingthat little bit of track out is a problem!). Sensible to book seat reservations, though, if on an interrail ticket.
 
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nwales58

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Gloster said:
I have just had a look at the .banenor.no site. It says that the Narvik line should be open from 18 June, although the Swedish operator seems less sure.
Click to expand...
Swedish school holidays start from around 11/06, Norway about a fortnight later.

Iron ore production may be lower once the holidays start, assuming the backlog has been moved, and pressure from tourist businesses will want the trains back from then. Whether it happens we will see.
 
30907

30907

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Richard Scott said:
Totally agree, did this last week and it's no issue (unless missingthat little bit of track out is a problem!). Sensible to book seat reservations, though, if on an interrail ticket.
Click to expand...
Some services on the Bergen line were sold out a week ahead last summer, though ISTR the service is being increased (if they have serviceable trains!)
 
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nwales58

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Narvik trains beyond Abisko, both the overnight Stockholm and the day Lulea train, are now shown as running from around 05/06/24.

Not open for sale yet as more than 60 days away.
 
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sjr02

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thanks for all the replies everyone! glad to hear some people have done this route recently too! especially as I was hesitant to book any accommodation and then not be able to get there
 
jamesontheroad

jamesontheroad

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sjr02 said:
thanks for all the replies everyone! glad to hear some people have done this route recently too! especially as I was hesitant to book any accommodation and then not be able to get there
Click to expand...

Irrespective of whether the train is running through or not, consider an overnight stop at Abisko, where there is a really good STF hostel. It's an amazing place to take a break almost any time of year. You'll meet lots of people starting or finishing the 450km Kungsleden (King's Trail) through the mountains, and you can do a variety of short out-and-back hikes in a couple of hours.
 
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