Norway Wildlife
Although wildlife might not be the first thing that springs to mind when you think of Norway, this northern country offers an array of unique wildlife experiences.
Whales
The wildlife highlight of mainland Norway are the whales that can be found off the coast and in the fjords around Tromsø and Tromvik. The species you can see vary throughout the year, but you are likely to see Orca and Humpbacks during the winter months on our Swim with Killer Whales and Humpbacks safari. This pioneering expedition will see you searching for Norway's whales in a way that few others have done before: out on the water for days on end, on board your own expedition ship.
If you travel to the Lofoten Islands in summer you can head out to a major feeding ground of Sperm Whales for spectacular sightings of these gentle giants. In addition to whales, you may spot dolphins, porpoises and otters too, as well as land mammals such as moose and reindeer.
Reindeer
Reindeer are native to northern Norway and are an iconic and important part of Norway's wildlife, culture, and history. You can often spot reindeer grazing in the Arctic tundra, mountain plateaus, and boreal forests, they are well adapted to cold climates and are often seen in areas with snow cover. There are both wild and domesticated reindeer populations; wild reindeer are typically found in more remote and less accessible areas, while domesticated reindeer are herded by the Sámi people, as they use reindeer for their meat, hides, and antlers.
What to expect on your Norway Safari?
Arctic Fox
Found in the northernmost parts of Norway, the Arctic fox is well-adapted to the harsh Arctic climate with two colour phases: white and blue. In winter, they have a thick, white fur coat that provides excellent insulation against the cold. In the summer, their fur turns a bluish-gray or brownish-gray color to blend in with the landscape.
They can be found in coastal areas, fjords, tundra, and high mountain plateaus and have several adaptations for surviving in the Arctic, including a compact body, short legs, a bushy tail, and small ears to minimize heat loss. Their keen sense of smell helps them locate food hidden under the snow as their diet includes small mammals like lemmings, voles, and birds, as well as carrion, eggs, and berries.
Arctic foxes are considered a vulnerable species so conservation efforts are in place to protect their populations, including monitoring, habitat preservation, and limiting human disturbances in their habitat. Generally Arctic fox's are shy and elusive, and are mostly active in the evening and night - so sighting opportunities may vary depending on the location and the season. Svalbard is the best place to see the Arctic fox.
Birds
The Lofoten and Vesteralen Islands are a dream for bird lovers: whether you travel specifically to see the entertaining puffin colonies, or just want to encounter an array of bird species. From fulmars and skuas to glaucous gulls, eider ducks and kittiwakes, there's so much here - and the Røst Islands are home to the largest colony of puffins in Norway. With birds often comes predators too, so even for those who don’t consider birding a priority as part of their safari, look out for foxes on the prowl around bird cliffs for excellent predatory action.