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.
Norway Safaris
Northern Lights & Lofoten Islands
This safari combines the peaceful fjords of the Lofoten Islands with the dramatic glaciers and mountains of Svalbard, while the mystical Aurora Borealis illuminates the night skies.
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.
Arctic Fox
The Arctic fox is well-adapted to Norway’s cold northern regions, with thick white fur in winter and a bluish-grey coat in summer for camouflage. These elusive animals live in tundra, fjords and mountain plateaus, and feed on small mammals, birds, eggs and berries. Svalbard is one of the best places to see them in the wild.
Birds of Norway
The Lofoten and Vesterålen Islands are ideal for bird lovers, home to puffins, fulmars, skuas, eider ducks and more. The Røst Islands hold Norway’s largest puffin colony, and bird cliffs often attract Arctic foxes—offering exciting chances to witness them in action.