I joined a group and took a train westwards, a stunning trip through snow-tipped mountains, the train track clinging to the mountain edge, taking us over the Swedish border into Norway. This railway, in fact, has a fascinating history; called the Malmbanan, it was built to transport the huge amount of rich iron ore mined in the area from as early as the middle of the 17th century. Today, it connects the Bothnian coast with the Atlantic coast and is still proudly Europe’s northernmost line. The train pulled up to the station, solitary house actually, and here we began our descent, following the rushing river, into the valley below. After a couple of hours of breathing the freshest, purest air that I had for a long time, we came to Rombaksbotten fjord, a true delight to the eyes. Looking out across the fjord, you can’t help but admire the clarity and depths to the surrounding colours. A whole spectrum of shades of blues from the ocean and greens from the forests are pierced by the snow white clouds lingering in the sky. And to top it all, with not a soul in sight, you feel as if you own it.
We then took a little motorboat and head out of the fjord, leaving Rombaksbotten far behind. Just before leaving the fjord, we passed a huge, half sunken warship, its bow breaking through the water. The driver pulled up alongside the ship and explained that this is what is left of a German ship, sunken during World War II. It had been deliberately left as a reminder of the horror and stupidity of war. We continued on our way through the fjord. Suddenly, the mountain scenery was interrupted. A colourful town was perched in the mountains, descending delicately down to the water edge. We had reached Narvik, an important Norwegian port, still today transporting the precious, Swedish iron ore around the world. Wandering the busy streets, everything appeared normal with the sun high up in the sky, but somehow you can’t help contemplating the locals and the flip side of the midnight sun. These people live 3 months of the year in almost complete darkness. Quite a thought.