Norway has a lot of interesting and beautiful areas for diving. From Lygnstøylsvatnet, a submerged village in the Sunnmøre Alps to Saltstraumen, the world’s strongest maelstrom, from ice diving in Svalbard to wreck diving in the fjords or near Narvik, the options are many.
“Norway can be truly exotic for divers. You feel more like a real explorer, and less like an underwater tourist here. Diving in some parts of Norway is just the thing to get the adrenalin pumping”, says Christian Skauge, editor of the Norwegian scuba diving magazine Dykking.
Underwater treasures
Norwegian waters usually offer superb visibility and many treasures. “You can choose between current diving, fantastic wall diving, wreck diving and more.”
And it does not end here: Night diving and diving in kelp forests are also on the menu. If you want the ultimate indulgence you have to go up north above the Arctic Circle – to Lofoten – where you might get the chance to dive with the magnificent killer whales during the winter season.
Rich marine life
Coastal currents run continually around the islands and fjords of Norway, pumping the nutrient-rich, deep Atlantic Ocean waters in among the maze of islands, creating the foundation for an intriguing marine world, where rich forests of kelp give way to reefs covered in bright orange corals.
Fish tend to be evident more in quantity than in variety, but do reach enormous sizes. There is the chance to spot and photograph interesting varieties such as the wolffish. Unless you prefer to dive with giant king crabs off the coast of Finnmark – and eat your catch for dinner.
Practical advice
The flow of the Gulf Stream reaches Norway, creating warmer temperatures than might otherwise be expected at this latitude. Nevertheless, dry suits are recommended although a semi-dry suit may suffice in summer.
Most diving centres offer diving equipment rental, including compressors and air supply, and some have guided boat trips to selected diving spots too.
The Norwegian Diving Association is first and foremost an organisation for Norwegian members, but they can provide further information on legislation and rules regarding diving in Norway, as well as information on safety. They also have a list of approved diving schools, and information on related activities such as filming underwater, underwater heritage, marine biology and more.
More on legislation and rules for scuba diving in Norway.
Read about the top 10 places to go scuba diving in Norway.