Launch and seminar: Arctic Test Arena

Over two days you will experience a technical train journey along Ofotbanen and Malmbanan, gain first-hand insights into test activities, and take part in a dedicated seminar and laboratory visit at UiT – The Arctic University of Norway. This is a unique opportunity to share knowledge, reflect on lessons learned, and strengthen European collaboration for the railway of the future.

Join us for a unique two-day programme in Narvik, celebrating the official launch of the Arctic Test Arena — a Norwegian–Swedish initiative for testing and developing railway technology in extreme Arctic conditions. If it works here, it works everywhere. 

Registration - Launch and seminar Arctic Test Arena 4-5 November 2025

Why attend?
- Join the Arctic Innovation Train Journey along Ofotbanen and Malmbanan, where we showcase test activities. 
- Take part in an exclusive seminar and lab visit at UiT The Arctic University of Norway. 
- Share insights on innovation, testing, and collaboration across Europe’s rail sector.

Programme highlights: 

Day 1 – 4th November: Launch & Innovation Train Journey 
08:45– Launch Ceremony, Narvik Station
09:00 – Departure: Arctic Innovation Train Journey 
1350 – Arrival Narvik Station 
A light lunch will be served on board or at a scenic stop, depending on weather conditions. 

18:30 – Evening Gathering and Dinner 
All guests are warmly invited to join us for a shared dinner to continue conversations and strengthen connections (self-paid).

Day 2 – 5th November: Seminar & Lab Visit at UiT 
09:00 – 13:00, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Narvik

• The derailment on Malmbanan and Ofotbanen (December 2023): What happened, lessons learned, and the importance of testing to avoid similar incidents in the future. 

• Ongoing and potential test activities on the Arctic Test Arena. 

• Models for collaboration: exploring how industry, academia, and authorities can work together to maximise the value of the test arena. 

The seminar concludes with a guided tour of the railway laboratories at UiT, followed by a joint lunch. 

Registration - Launch and seminar Arctic Test Arena 4-5 November 2025

Hosted by:
Jernbanedirektoratet(NRD), Bane NOR, Trafikverket, The Arctic University of Norway (UiT), SINTEF and Luleå Railway Research Center (JVTC)/Luleå University of Technology.

Contacts: Project Manager Arctic Test Arena ann.bjerknes@jernbanedirektoratet.no