At a Glance
Quick OverviewNorway’s diverse landscapes—from deep fjords to Arctic tundra, dense forests to open ocean—support a remarkable array of wildlife. Here, you can watch orcas hunt herring beneath the Northern Lights, track elk through misty forests, photograph puffin colonies on sea cliffs, and even spot polar bears on Arctic expeditions.
Wildlife encounters in Norway feel different from typical safaris. There are no fences, no crowds jostling for position—just you, expert guides, and animals living wild in some of Europe’s last true wilderness. Whether you’re drawn to the drama of whale watching or the quiet thrill of spotting elk at dawn, Norway delivers authentic wildlife experiences.
Whale Watching
Orcas & Humpbacks (Winter)
Location: Tromsø, Skjervøy, northern Norway Season: November - January Species: Orcas (killer whales), humpback whales
This is Norway’s most spectacular wildlife experience. Each winter, millions of herring migrate into the fjords of northern Norway, followed by hundreds of orcas and humpback whales. Watching these magnificent creatures feed just metres from your boat—often under the Northern Lights—is unforgettable.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Peak season | Late November - mid January |
| Tour duration | 6-10 hours |
| Cost | £145-280 |
| Departure | Tromsø or Skjervøy |
| Success rate | 90%+ during peak season |
What to Expect:
- Early morning departures
- Boat rides into fjords
- Multiple whale sightings typical
- Possible aurora viewing
- Cold conditions—dress warmly
Swimming with Orcas: Some operators offer snorkelling with orcas (yes, really). You’ll enter the water near feeding whales for an incredible—if cold—encounter. Wetsuits provided. Not for the faint-hearted!
Sperm Whales (Summer)
Location: Andenes, Vesterålen Season: May - September Species: Sperm whales, occasional orcas
The deep waters off Andenes host resident sperm whale populations. These deep-diving giants are seen year-round but summer offers the best conditions.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Tour duration | 4-6 hours |
| Cost | £120-200 |
| Success rate | 95%+ in summer |
| Extras | Whale museum, whale skeleton |
Elk Safaris
Norway’s Land Giants
Elk (called moose in North America) are Norway’s largest land animals, standing up to 2 metres tall. An estimated 100,000 roam Norwegian forests, and guided safaris offer excellent chances of sighting these magnificent creatures.
Where to Go
| Location | From | Season | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hedmark | Oslo (2 hrs) | Year-round | Forest safari |
| Nannestad | Oslo (1 hr) | Year-round | Dawn/dusk tours |
| Trondheim area | Trondheim | May-October | Forest + nature |
| Lofoten | Svolvær | Summer | Combined wildlife |
Safari Experience
Typical Elk Safari:
- Duration: 3-5 hours
- Best times: Dawn or dusk
- Cost: £65-120
- Includes: Transport, guide, binoculars
- Success rate: 70-90%
What You’ll See:
- Elk in natural habitat
- Often multiple animals
- Calves in spring/summer
- Rutting behaviour in autumn
- Other wildlife (deer, foxes, birds)
Musk Ox Safaris
Prehistoric Survivors
Norway hosts Europe’s only wild musk ox population—around 300 animals living in the Dovrefjell mountain plateau. These Ice Age survivors are extraordinary to see, their shaggy coats and curved horns unchanged for thousands of years.
Dovrefjell Safari
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Oppdal, Dovrefjell National Park |
| Season | Year-round (best May-September) |
| Duration | 4-8 hours |
| Cost | £80-145 |
| Distance from Oslo | 4 hours by train |
The Experience:
- Hike into musk ox territory
- Expert guides locate herds
- Safe observation distances
- Spectacular mountain scenery
- Possible reindeer, golden eagle sightings
Best Time:
- Summer: Easiest hiking, calving season
- Autumn: Rutting displays
- Winter: Dramatic snow scenery (challenging conditions)
Booking Tips
- Oppdal is the main base
- Multiple operators available
- Book 1-2 weeks ahead in summer
- Fitness required for hiking
- Binoculars provided
Reindeer Encounters
Reindeer are common throughout northern Norway, both wild and semi-domesticated herds managed by Sami reindeer herders.
Where to See Reindeer
Wild Reindeer:
- Hardangervidda plateau
- Dovrefjell mountains
- Northern highlands
Sami Reindeer Experiences:
- Tromsø area
- Alta
- Kautokeino
- Karasjok
Sami Cultural Experiences
| Experience | Location | Cost | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reindeer feeding | Tromsø | £95-145 | Sami culture, meal |
| Reindeer sledding | Tromsø, Alta | £160-280 | Winter activity |
| Herding experience | Kautokeino | £120-200 | Authentic insight |
Bird Watching
Puffins & Seabirds
Norway’s coastline hosts spectacular seabird colonies.
Top Locations:
| Site | Species | Best Time | Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Runde | Puffins, gannets | May-August | Ålesund |
| Røst (Lofoten) | Puffins, guillemots | May-July | Ferry from Bodø |
| Gjesværstappan | Puffins, cormorants | June-August | Boat from Honningsvåg |
| Hornøya | Puffins, kittiwakes | May-August | Boat from Vardø |
Sea Eagles
Norway has Europe’s largest sea eagle population, especially in northern coastal areas.
Best Locations:
- Lofoten Islands
- Trøndelag coast
- Helgeland coast
- Trollfjord eagle safari
Eagle Safaris:
- Boat trips with fish feeding
- Nearly guaranteed sightings
- Spectacular photography
- Combine with fjord cruises
Arctic Wildlife (Svalbard)
For truly exotic wildlife, Svalbard offers Arctic species found nowhere else in Europe.
Polar Bears
The Ultimate Arctic Experience
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Population | ~3,000 on Svalbard |
| Sighting method | Expedition cruise |
| Best time | June-August |
| Cost | £2,400-8,000+ |
| Duration | 3-14 days |
Important Notes:
- Polar bears are dangerous
- Never approach on foot
- Sightings not guaranteed
- Cruises circle the archipelago
- Experienced expedition staff
Other Svalbard Wildlife
- Arctic fox: Common, white in winter
- Svalbard reindeer: Smaller subspecies
- Walrus: Colonies on remote beaches
- Arctic seabirds: Huge cliff colonies
- Belugas: Occasionally seen
- Seals: Ringed and bearded seals
Other Wildlife Experiences
Seals
Where to See:
- Tromsø area (common seals)
- Bergen coast
- Svalbard (Arctic species)
Arctic Fox
Locations:
- Svalbard (common)
- Dovrefjell (rare)
- Hardangervidda (very rare)
Wolves & Lynx
Wild wolves and lynx exist in Norway but are extremely rare and difficult to see. No reliable safari options exist.
Beavers
Where: Eastern Norway, forest areas Tours: Some operators offer beaver safaris at dusk
Wildlife Safari Calendar
| Month | Top Wildlife | Location |
|---|---|---|
| January | Orcas, humpbacks | Tromsø |
| February | Orcas, sea eagles | Northern coast |
| March | King crabs, eagles | Kirkenes |
| April | Elk, birdlife returning | Eastern Norway |
| May | Puffins arrive, elk calves | Runde, forests |
| June | Puffins, sperm whales | Coast, Andenes |
| July | Polar bears, seabirds | Svalbard |
| August | Reindeer, seabirds | Mountains, coast |
| September | Elk rut begins | Forests |
| October | Elk, eagles | Various |
| November | Orcas arrive | Tromsø |
| December | Orcas, Northern Lights | Tromsø |
Practical Tips
What to Bring
All Safaris:
- Binoculars (or borrow from guides)
- Camera with telephoto lens
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Layers for temperature changes
Whale Watching:
- Seasickness medication
- Very warm clothing
- Waterproof outer layer
- Hand warmers
Hiking Safaris:
- Sturdy hiking boots
- Rain gear
- Snacks and water
- Sun protection (summer)
Booking Advice
- Book ahead for popular experiences
- Check weather policies for cancellations
- Choose small groups for better experiences
- Combine activities where possible
- Ask about guarantee policies
Costs Overview
| Experience | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Elk safari | £65-120 |
| Whale watching | £120-280 |
| Musk ox safari | £80-145 |
| Sami reindeer | £95-160 |
| Puffin boat trip | £48-95 |
| Eagle safari | £80-120 |
| Svalbard cruise | £2,400-8,000+ |
Ethical Wildlife Tourism
Norway leads in responsible wildlife tourism:
- No feeding of wild animals
- Respectful distances maintained
- Natural behaviour observed
- Conservation funding through tourism
- Educated guides with wildlife knowledge
When booking, look for operators committed to these principles.
Final Thoughts
Norway offers wildlife experiences that combine adventure, education, and pure awe. Whether you’re watching orcas breach beneath the Northern Lights, locking eyes with an elk across a misty meadow, or photographing puffins on windswept cliffs, these encounters connect you with the natural world in profound ways.
The key is patience and respect. Norwegian wildlife is wild—encounters happen on the animals’ terms, not ours. But when they happen, when an orca surfaces beside your boat or a musk ox turns to regard you across the tundra, you’ll understand why Norway ranks among the world’s great wildlife destinations.
For more Arctic experiences, see our guides to Tromsø Travel Guide, Svalbard Travel Guide, and Northern Lights Norway.