Get close to mighty creatures that roam the seabed off Northern Norway on a guided king crab safari. These exclusive crabs fresh from the sea are seriously tasty!
King crab safaris
Meet the king of
the Barents Sea!
Look at how excited you will be...
...when you're about to taste some of the world's most exclusive seafood!
Combine an epic nature experience with a delicious meal on a king crab safari in Northern Norway.
Let's go fishing
Hold on tight as your RIB boat speeds off from shore and out into the Barents Sea. Outfitted in a warm boiler suit, goggles, and mittens, you'll be comfortable, no matter the weather in the north.
When your boat slows down, the excitement rises to a new level. Has the mighty king crab taken the bait?
We are just off the coast of Kirkenes in Southern Varanger in Northern Norway. This is one of the main ports for harvesting king crab in the Barents Sea.
From here, luxurious crabs are exported to top restaurants all around the world, including some delicious Norwegian seafood restaurants, of course.
Enjoying perfectly prepared king crab in a luxurious restaurant is divine. But it must be said that it also tastes heavenly served fresh from the sea. Especially when you have had a hand in the catch!
“We got some! Fatty fish like mackerel and herring are perfect crab bait.”
Michael Decker
King crab guide, Snowhotel Kirkenes
You don't realise just how huge a king crab is before you have one right in front of you.
Look at those legs!
“Now, we have to check if it's male or female. On safaris, we aren't allowed to keep the females, in order to prevent overfishing.”
“There's also a minimum size. Anything smaller than 13 centimeters we kiss goodbye.”
Finding crabs big enough to keep is certainly not a problem. Look at this monster!
Tasty giants
The king crab is a relatively new arrival in Norway, and it wasn't before 1977 that the first king crab was caught here. Back then, it was known in Norway as the Kamchatka crab, named after the peninsula on the east coast of Siberia.
The king crab that now lives outside of Norway originated from the Murmansk Fjord, where they were released by Soviet biologists in the1960s. Since then, the population has expanded to Northern Norway, where they thrive in the cold water.
"There are more than a hundred species of king crab. The red one is the second biggest species and is also one of the most common to eat," says Michael, king crab safari guide at Snowhotel Kirkenes.
King crab meat is sweet and aromatic, and is often compared to lobster. According to Michael, the tastiest bit is the shoulder.
"The shoulder muscle is the filet of the king crab. It's the most tender meat on the crab," says Michael.
Do you want to have a taste? Most king crab safaris in Norway include plenty of tasting. In other words, you actually get a lot for your money, as king crabs are among the most expensive items on restaurant menus.
Now, let's get cooking!
“We steam the crab in salted water. It will be ready in exactly 16 minutes and 23 seconds.”
Michael
Look at this feast!
It doesn't get any fresher than this. Straight from the sea, prepared at the wharf, and enjoyed in a traditional rorbu, or fisherman's cabin.
If this is the first time you try king crab, the guides will gladly show you how to open the legs.
Voilà! Enjoy the catch of the day on bread with mayonnaise and a few drops of lemon.
A year round activity
King crab safaris are available all year round in Norway, including in winter, when it's a (really) cool experience! Many tours include a snowmobile ride out onto the frozen fjord, where king crab traps are set under the ice. You can also find year-round king crab boat safaris and safaris under the northern lights!
Most king crab tours includes plenty of information about the mighty crab, and you often learn a lot about the history of the local area.
PS: If you want to try more cool activities in the north, you should try dog sledding too!
Hungry for more?
Check out this tasty recipe for king crab from the Arctic, and discover more fantastic dishes you simply must try when in the north.
Find a king crab safari
Check out all the tasty king crab tours you can join in Northern Norway.
KirkenesKing Crab Safari by snowmobile incl meal - Barents Safari
Pick up by minibus at hotel or Hurtigruten pier. Short transfer to our base in Sandnes where our guests get warm winter clothing and a safety instruction. Guided snowmobile tour to our catching places on the ice. King Crab Catch. Driving tour by snowmobile (2 person per snowmobile) with several stops to take nice pictures. After the snowmobile ride we sit by the campfire in the lavvo and enjoy fresh king crabs with garnish + coffee and tea. Transfer back to Kirkenes.
HonningsvågFrom sea to shore, the wondrous world of the king crab
Meeting the local wildlife isn’t as easy as one might think, knowing that many of them live far beneath the surface of the sea. Join us for a king crab safari by RIB boat and follow the journey of the king crab from the Barents Sea all to way to your plate.
KirkenesNorthern lights and King Crab Safari by snowmobile incl meal - Barents Safari
Pick up by minibus at hotel. Short transfer to our base in Sandnes where our guests get warm winter clothing and a safety instruction. Guided snowmobile tour to our catching places on the ice. King Crab Catch. Driving tour by snowmobile (2 person per snowmobile) with several stops to take nice pictures and hunt for the Northern lights. After the snowmobile ride we sit by the campfire in the lavvo and enjoy fresh king crabs with garnish + coffee and tea. Transfer back to Kirkenes.
KirkenesKing crab Safari by boat - Artsafari
Transport by minibus to the boat departure in a beautiful fjord. The boat is a fishing boat with the opportunity to sit inside as well. The guide tells the story of the region, photo stop at the Russian border. Before we start out with the boat, we get warm clothes and equipment. Out on the fjord opportunity to see sea eagles, porpoises and other species. Lectures, fishing and crab lunch on board the boat. Opportunity to try deep sea fishing. The trip for a minimum of 4 people to a maximum of 12 people.
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Discover more
Excellent seafood restaurants
Visit a restaurant that specialize in bringing Norwegian seafood to the next level. King crab, skrei, stockfish and clipfish, what do you want to try first?
Best holiday offers in Northern Norway
Book your next Arctic adventure from our partners.
4+ Days ・ September - MarchBook nowShort winter cruise
Tromsø and a Hurtigruten CruiseThis tour includes a cruise with Hurtigruten. Choose from a wide selection of winter activities including dog sledding and northern lights excursions. / Authentic ScandinaviaPrice From 7 095 NOK
6+ Days ・ September - MarchBook nowNorthern lights cruise
Tromsø, the North Cape and KirkenesTour including a return cruise from Tromsø to Kirkenes with Hurtigruten. Visit the North Cape and try winter activities including dog sledding and snowmobiling. / Authentic ScandinaviaPrice From 14 200 NOK
3+ Days ・ December - AprilBook nowKirkenes Snow Hotel
Experience a snow hotel & winter funNorway winter break including an overnight stay at the Kirkenes Snow Hotel. Go on a dog sledding excursion, sample giant king crab, and more. / Authentic ScandinaviaPrice From 7 900 NOK
3+ Days ・ December - AprilBook nowSorrisniva Igloo Hotel
Experience Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel, AltaWinter break to Alta in Northern Norway, including an overnight stay at the Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel and a reindeer sledding experience. Additional winter activities can be added. / Authentic ScandinaviaPrice From 7 275 NOK
6+ Days ・ November - MarchBook nowArctic winter adventure
Snowhotel Kirkenes, Hurtigruten & TromsøWinter adventure tour including an overnight stay at Kirkenes Snow Hotel, a cruise with Hurtigruten to Tromsø, and a wide selection of optional winter activities. / Authentic ScandinaviaPrice From 11 500 NOK
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Explore Lofoten with a pro photographerVisit Gimsøya, Torvdalshalsen, Haukland, Eggum, Unstad, Henningsvær, the Lofoten Cathedral, Napp, Nusfjord, Flakstad Beach, Hamnøy, Reine, Sakrisøya, and more. Accommodation not included. / Booknordics.comPrice From 2 650 NOK
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Oslo, Flåm, Bergen & Hurtigruten cruiseAn amazing rail tour from Oslo via the Norwegian fjords to Bergen. From Bergen you will continue on a 7-day cruise through incredible scenery along the Norwegian coast to Kirkenes. / Authentic ScandinaviaPrice From 21 210 NOK
5 Days ・ December - MarchBook nowNorwegian winter family adventure
Frozen family adventure in Alta and the Sorrisniva Ice HotelThis family adventure includes a night at the Sorrisniva Ice Hotel in Alta and includes plenty of winter sporting action. Stay in a beautiful, family run boutique lodge nestled in the forest, just outside Alta. / 50 Degrees North NordicPrice From 27 630 NOK
3 Hours ・ January - OctoberBook nowSilent Trollfjord cruise
Enjoy Lofoten's most stunning fjord!A classic Lofoten adventure with a modern twist, experience Lofoten’s majestic Trollfjord and its white-tailed eagles in silence and comfort on board a panoramic & hybrid-electric boat. / Brim ExplorerPrice From 1 490 NOK
4 Hours ・ February - OctoberBook nowArctic fjord cruise
A half-day tour of the fjords of TromsøCruise the fjords of Tromsø and discover its beautiful nature and importance to life and culture in Arctic Norway. / Brim ExplorerPrice From 1 490 NOK
4 Hours ・ September - MarchBook nowAurora dinner cruise
Boat tour in TromsøJoin a northern lights cruise and enjoy delicious arctic tapas from our partner in Tromsø, while hunting for the northern lights! / Brim ExplorerPrice From 1 890 NOK
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Whale watching with minimal disturbanceExperience Humpback Whales and Orcas as they come to feed in the Norwegian Arctic. Join us from Tromsø aboard panoramic boats with hybrid-electric engines to minimise disturbance to nature and whales. / Brim ExplorerPrice From 1 990 NOK
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A remote Arctic adventureSvalbard – 1300 km (810 miles) from the North Pole – is an escape from the escape. As one of the last great wildernesses, Svalbard takes the Norwegian experience to a whole new level. / Up NorwayPrice From 42 000 NOK
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Myths and Marvels in HelgelandOn this journey, you will immerse yourself in the mythical fairy tales of Norway, and become a part of the story of the eternally immortalised trolls in the peculiar mountains around you. / Up NorwayPrice From 53 100 NOK
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Tromsø, northern lights, dog sleddingWinter break to Tromsø, including dog sledding and a northern lights chase by minibus. Additional winter activities can be added. / Authentic ScandinaviaPrice From 9 060 NOK
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6 Days ・ September - OctoberBook nowAutumn auroras on the coast
Tromsø and SommarøyThis tour includes a guided day tour of Tromsø, sea kayaking, and a sea eagle safari. Stay in a small fishing village and learn how to capture the northern lights on camera. / 50 Degrees North NordicPrice From 16 275 NOK
4 Days ・ November - MarchBook nowLofoten & northern lights
Lofoten archipelago experienceTrip with an aurora-chase guided tour, RIB boat tour, and accommodation in a traditional fisherman's cabin. / 50 Degrees North NordicPrice From 9 498 NOK
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Bicycle tour of the archipelago north of LofotenRelax and enjoy quiet nature as you bike through varied, beautiful and exciting landscapes. A self-guided tour along stunning fjords and sea, impressive mountain peaks, colourful wetland, and lush cultural landscapes. / Discover NorwayPrice From 17 350 NOK
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Northern lights at a private campYour guide will choose the camp location with the highest chance of seeing the northern lights. All camps have shelters, toilets, campfires, and benches outside. / Fjord ToursPrice From 1 490 NOK
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Cruise and rail round tripFly from Oslo to Tromsø, cruise the coast from Tromsø to Bergen with Havila or Hurtigruten, and continue your journey back to Oslo with the famous Flåm Railway. / Fjord Travel NorwayPrice From 36 220 NOK
All yearBook nowSee Northern Norway
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Trip in Tromsø and the Lyngen AlpsEnjoy two nights in central Tromsø , including a northern lights tour. Stay in a Crystal Lavvo in the Lyngen Alps, with a view of the auroras. Local transfers, activities and meals included. / Booknordics.comPrice From 11 220 NOK
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The Flåm railway, fjord cruise and snow hotelTravel between Oslo, Kirkenes, Flåm, and Bergen. Experience the Oslo Opera House, northern lights, Nærøyfjord, Aurlandsfjord, UNESCO-listed Bryggen, and more. / Fjord Travel NorwayPrice From 29 500 NOK
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Lofoten, Bodø, OsloStart in the Lofoten Islands, continue on to Bodø and end the trip in Oslo. The tour includes a tour to Saltstraumen or a husky tour, and a midnight sun- or northern lights tour, all depending on season. / My Nordic TravelPrice From 26 000 NOK
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Lofoten, Helgeland, Støtt island, BodøExplore Lofoten, stay on the island of Støtt and visit Bodø. The tour includes a RIB sea eagle safari, northern lights hunt or midnight sun, and the world's strongest current, Saltstraumen. / My Nordic TravelPrice From 28 000 NOK
7 Days ・ December - MarchBook now7-day winter tour
Senja, Tromsø and the northern lightsEnjoy reindeer and husky sleigh rides, hunt the northern lights, and discover Arctic nature and marine life while savouring local cuisine. Includes unique accomodation in Tromsø and Senja. / My Nordic TravelPrice From 40 500 NOK
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7 Days ・ September - AprilBook nowLocal secrets in Northern Norway
Lofoten and Helgeland in autumn and winterStay in a traditional rorbu fisherman's cabin, sail the coastal route from Svolvær to Ørnes with Havila or Hurtigruten, and explore the island of Støtt. The trip also includes a Sea Eagle safari and a guided tour in Lofoten. / 50 Degrees North NordicPrice From 21 950 NOK
8 Days ・ May - JulyBook nowMidnight sun tour
Group experience in Lofoten and SenjaIncludes sea eagle RIB safari, dining at award-winning Kvitnes Gård, visit to the Viking Museum, coastal cruise with Hurtigruten or Havila, tour to Hamn i Senja, and more. / 50 Degrees North NordicPrice From 49 652 NOK