Narvik Travel Forum

Hello everyone!
It is a somber occasion for my family, as our beloved father departed this world very recently. Having been in the Polish merchant marine in his youth, his wish was to have his ashes scattered at sea, in Norway's fjords - specifically around Narvik. My siblings and I are trying to plan a trip for this purpose, but could use some advice from locals and others who have visited as to the best times of year to go, and anything important that we may need to keep in mind!

Please share any helpful tips you may have.

Many many thanks!!

Hi,
I have had to deal with the same situation, but eventually gave up. That was 8 years ago; now laws have been changed so scattering of ashes at sea is permitted for Norwegian citizens. The express permission for this is necessary, and given by the Fylkesmann (governor, the state's representative in each county), in your case Nordland. I think it is an unusual request to the Governor for a foreigner to have his/her ashes scattered in Norway/sea, and knowing a bit the bureaucracy and stubbornness of law interpretors in Norway it may be difficult to obtain this permission. There may not be a law/regulation against it, but bureaucrats don't do things unless there is a regulation for it, either, in my experience. Holding papers is their way of earning money in Norway, too. If you go to www.odin.no you can access the government web page and they do have English language pages. Perhaps there is some info to be had from these pages, references to other sites etc. Have somebody who reads Norwegian check the details on the web sites for you. At least tack down Nordland for addresses etc. My best bet is that you consult the feasibility of this leagality via other respondents with more experience here on VT (just wait a bit and see if something/somebody pops up), and if the indication is positive for obtaining permission, do it the official way. If the vibes are negative (I am for one sceptical of the governor's willingness to give permission) do it quietly and privately. Maybe somebody from VT can help with local boat etc, connecting to someone arranging logistics for a private ceremony etc., and bring in the ashes somehow.
As for exact place, other and local VTers will know. Go in the early summer, I cannot think of a better time than with still water, midnight sun, quiet fjords, snowy mountains, spring-green birch trees in mid-June toward midsummer. Do the scattering at sea. Make a landfall on a small rocky penninsula afterwards, build a discrete bonfire, cook up a BBQ meal or steamed mussles and fish and crabs of your own catch, tablecloth on the slickrock, wildflower bouquets as decoration, a chocolate cake decorated with violets. If your father sailed into Vestfjord/Narvik this would be the time and the scenery that would have caught his imagination.
Wish you luck;
Condolences,
Olav