Date: 4-5 November

Location: Arctic Test Arena, Narvik, Norway

Europe’s Rail invites you to Narvik for the official launch of the Arctic Test Arena, a pioneering Norwegian–Swedish initiative dedicated to testing and developing railway technology under extreme Arctic conditions.

Taking place over two days, the event will celebrate the opening of this unique test facility, designed to improve operational reliability, increase resilience to extreme weather and climate change, foster innovation and strengthen collaboration between industry and research. The Arctic Test Arena also aims to make railway testing more accessible, relevant, and cost-effective.

The Arctic Test Arena is the result of close cooperation between key Norwegian and Swedish stakeholders, including Bane NOR, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, SINTEF, the City of Narvik, Luleå Railway Research Center (JVTC), and Luleå University of Technology (LTU). The initiative is coordinated by Europe’s Rail Joint Undertaking at the Norwegian Railway Directorate.

The event will begin on 4 November 2025 at 08:45 with an Official Launch Ceremony at Narvik Station, featuring welcome remarks from Sébastien Denis, Senior Programme Manager at Europe’s Rail, alongside representatives from the Norwegian Railway Directorate, Bane NOR, Trafikverket, UiT, SINTEF, JVTC, and LTU.

At 09:00, participants will depart aboard the Arctic Innovation Train for an immersive technical journey showcasing real-world test activities. These will include monitoring of concrete bridges and transition zones as part of Europe’s Rail’s FP3-IAM4RAIL project, technologies for winter operations and cold climate performance, heavy haul solutions in harsh conditions and digitalisation projects for railway assets, operations and maintenance.

Join us in Narvik for this milestone event, as we take an important step toward building a more resilient, innovative, and connected European railway system, fit for even the most demanding environments.