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Scandic Hotels – in all major cities from north to south
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Thon Hotels – with fantastic breakfast
Radisson Blu Hotels – discover your favourite destinations
Classic Norway Hotels – From distinctive hotels to authentic fisherman's cabins
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Rauland – Skiing holidays in stunning mountain scenery
DanCenter – your specialist in holiday homes in Norway
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Vy express – travel with bus throughout Norway
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Widerøe – the largest regional airline in Scandinavia
DFDS – Europe’s leading ferry operator 2012-2021
AutoEurope – always a smooth car rental experience
Rent-A-Wreck – the smart car rental alternative
Arctic Campers – Norway’s camper van rental
Cabin Campers – your cottage on four wheels
Hurtigruten – "The World’s Most Beautiful Sea Voyage"
Fjord Tours – Home of Norway in a nutshell® - Norway’s most popular tour
Authentic Scandinavia – Travel created by locals
Up Norway – Bespoke luxury tailored by insiders
Norrøna Hvitserk – expeditions and adventure holidays
Booknordics.com – hundreds of activities, tours and day cruises in Norway
Brim Explorer – silent fjord tours by electric catamaran
Fjord Travel – let us show you the beauty of Norway!
Go Fjords – tours and activities all over Norway
50 Degrees North – unforgettable tailor-made and small group tours to Norway
Discover Norway – skiing, biking and hiking tours in Norway
Norwegian Holidays – low-price package holidays with Norwegian. Flight, hotel and rental car
Stromma – sightseeing, excursions and experiences with bus, boat and train
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Experience the giants of the sea!
This could be you!
... exploring Arctic wildlife at its best, in Northern Norway.
Feel the suspense of not knowing when they will suddenly appear on the surface ...
Then, a whale suddenly surfaces in the most majestic way!
“It was wonderful – we cried! We have been waiting for this for years.”
Krista Mutanen and Piia Katajapuu, visitors from Finland
Northern Norway is unique for whale watching, all year round! While orcas and humpback whales crowd the fjords in winter, you can expect to see sperm whales in every season.
These mighty creatures inhabit the Norwegian coast, showing off for tourists and locals alike. In Norway, the sperm whales, which can be as long as 20 metres, can be spotted along the Vesterålen coast all year round.
On board a whale watching vessel, the sharp and clean ocean air fills your lungs, as the ship steams out from the quay in Andenes. No one knows what the day will bring, because as with any other safari, it is the animals that decide when to appear. However, your chances here are good, as Vesterålen is the place in Norway with the greatest chance of seeing whales.
Around mid-winter, migrating herring attract humpbacks, orcas, and fin whales off the coast of Northern Norway. For the whales, the large volumes of these small fish provide a massive feast. The last few years, this phenomenon has mainly occurred in the Lyngenfjord/Alta area. Here, whale watching is organised by several companies. However, next year, the herring might decide to move somewhere else, and the hungry whales would then also follow suit.
In the Svalbard islands, you can even be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the biggest whale on earth, the blue whale.
If you are in luck, a whale safari is an excellent way of getting a close look at a tail fluke and learning more about these fascinating animals in their natural habitat. Sara Mesiti, biologist and guide at Whalesafari Andenes, hopes these experiences increase people's interest in marine life and preserving the oceans.
“It's a mix between an adventure and a research trip.”
Sara Mesiti, biologist and whale watching guide
Andenes in Vesterålen has a geographical advantage that brings you closer to the whales all year round. The large sperm whales thrive in a particularly nutrient-rich area northwest of Andenes called Bleiksdjupet (Bleik canyon). According to Sara, there is no other place in the Nordics where such a short journey can bring you to such deep seas, where there is such a high probability of seeing whales.
The winter whale watching season usually runs from mid-January to April, and summer season is from early May to early November.
If you are going on a safari with Whalesafari Andenes, you can take a fascinating tour of its whale museum, located in its whale centre. There are also safaris from Stø, on the tip of Langøya in Vesterålen. From here, the trip out to the whales will be a bit longer, but as a bonus you may see some seals relaxing on the rocky grounds by the shore, as there is a seal colony by the fishing village.
A whale safari is not just a ride out to the whales — it's a breathtaking journey with views of the Arctic fjords and landscape. If you don't happen to spot a whale on your safari, many providers operate with a 100% whale guarantee, where they offer you a new trip.
Check out a selection of whale safaris in Norway! Some are by RIB boat, others from bigger vessels and quiet hybrid-electric vessels.
Norway takes its environmental responsibilities seriously and wants to make sure that everyone follows some common rules to protect animals and the environment when venturing into the great outdoors!
Keep in mind that when you're on a whale watching tour, you're like a guest in the whales' home! Everyone who enters areas where they may encounter whales, must abide by national guidelines for whale watching. These guidelines apply to all vessels at sea, and both the general public, commercial tour operators, and others.
Keep an adequate distance in order to avoid bothering or stressing the whales. You should under no circumstances try to attract the whales or touch them. For example, by feeding them, making noises, or using flashing lights, etc.
Select a tour operator that takes responsibility for the marine environment and that does not bend the rules. Regarding drone use, there are strict guidelines for operating drones around whales.
If you follow these rules, you will have an unforgettable, safe, and inspirational day at sea!
Originally from Italy, Sara is a trained biologist who came to Norway to study whales in the Arctic. Since 2014, she has shared her passion for whales with foreigners and locals alike as a whale watching guide.
"I have always had this dream about Northern Norway, being in nature and such," says Sara.
The crew has heard some weak whale clicks in the far distance …
If you see the captain sitting with headphones on during the trip, it's because he's using a hydrophone tool, an underwater device that detects and records ocean sounds from all directions, to listen for sperm whales. They are known to be the loudest animal in the world, and their clicking noises can be heard as much as 3-4 nautical miles away.
They are also champion divers, and can reach depths up to 2,000 metres! The whales can stay below the surface for an hour and a half. Once they swim above the surface, they rest there for an average of 8 minutes. You can also recognise sperm whales from the air from their blowholes, which goes to the left at an angle of 45 degrees.
The last thing you see is the tail pointing straight up into the air (this is the moment to take a photo, quick!), before disappearing back down into the depths.
The whales may be below the surface again, but there is plenty of other amazing wildlife to take in.
• Stay warm: dress in layers and bring waterproof gear.
• Have your camera ready, and use a zoom lens for the best images!
• Lower your lens for a while and enjoy the spectacular views that only Northern Norway can offer.
• Talk to the crew! They will be more than happy to share their knowledge about different whale species and what to look for.
• Be patient! The captain and crew will help by sharing their predictions of where the whales will pop up next.
• Take anti-nausea medication 1-2 hours before departure if there is a chance you will get seasick.
• Bring some snacks, salty snacks like crackers and chips are best, as they help with nausea.
During your whale safari tour, you'll likely spot some other fascinating local wildlife too!
The birdlife along the coast of Andøya is incredible. Have you seen these small unique birds in real life before? Bleiksøya island is a bustling bird sanctuary. In the summer, it's home to one of the largest puffin colonies in Norway! Razorbills, guillemots, black guillemots, and cormorants also nest here.
Get close to the bird cliffs on a guided safari trip. You are almost guaranteed to see the mighty white-tailed eagles on these tours too. Or maybe you want to try your fishing luck? Deep-sea fishing is a true Northern Norwegian Adventure!
On the mainland, you can have a close encounter with the king of the forest, on a guided moose safari. Perhaps under the northern lights in winter, if you're lucky!
Book your next Norwegian holiday adventure now. Check out our northern lights offers.
Combine two of Norway's most spectacular regions. When you visit Fjord Norway, you can add a flight to Bodø or Tromsø and experience the magic north as well as the stunning Fjords. | Widerøe
Experience 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 Explorer
Relax 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 Norway
With its unique location between small islands, sandy beaches and high mountains, Manshausen is one of Norway’s best adventure playgrounds. This 4-day tour includes sea kayaking, guided hikes and caving. The Nordskot Traverse can be included! | 50 Degrees North
On board an hybrid-electric boat outfitted with panoramic windows, you will glide silently into the darkness of the Tromsø fjords while savouring a delicious dinner and keeping an eye out for the magical northern lights. | Go Fjords
3-day Norway winter break including an overnight stay at the Kirkenes Snow Hotel. Go on a dog sledding excursion, sample giant king crab, and more. | Authentic Scandinavia
4-day winter break to Tromsø in Northern Norway, including dog sledding and a northern lights chase by minibus. Additional winter activities can be added. | Authentic Scandinavia
Quiet cruise from Tromsø in the Arctic fjords in which you can experience wildlife and epic coastal scenery. | Go Fjords
Southbound voyage on the Norwegian Coastal Voyage (Kystruten) from Tromsø with Scandinavian Escort then Bergen to Oslo on our Scenic Train Journey. | 50 Degrees North
An amazing 12-day 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 Scandinavia
6-day winter adventure. See the fjords and the Arctic city Tromsø. Amazing winter activities like dog sledding, northern lights safari, and much more can be added. | Authentic Scandinavia
4-day tour with Aurora Chase Guided tour, RIB boat tour, and accommodation in a traditional fisherman's cabin. | 50 Degrees North
Experience steep, majestic mountains, and islands with pearly white beaches and clear turquoise water. This 6-day winter tour includes Tromsø, Finnsnes, and Hamn in Senja. See the northern lights from a hot tub, if you're lucky! | 50 Degrees North
Heaters and insulation keep the campervan warm all night long. Perfect for your round trip of the mountains. The perfect plance to dry your clothes and stor your skis. | Cabin Campers
6-day winter 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 Scandinavia
8-day self-guided tour from Svolvær to Reine. Includes accommodation, meals, luggage transfer, a boat transfer, and more. A cycling vacation in Lofoten is a once-in-a-lifetime experience! | Discover Norway
Slow travel means personal awareness: tuning into your own feelings, redefining and setting new goals, feeling peace, clearing brain fog, invigorating the mind and establishing what matters. | Up Norway.
Visit Gimsøya, Torvdalshalsen, Haukland, Eggum, Unstad, Henningsvær, the Lofoten Cathedral, Napp, Nusfjord, Flakstad Beach, Hamnøy, Reine, Sakrisøya, and more. Accommodation not included. | Book Nordics
Experience Norway’s best northern lights destinations, Kirkenes & Tromsø, on this amazing 7-day round trip from Oslo. | Fjord Travel
Join us on a 6-day northern lights round trip to Tromsø
from Oslo. Fly to Tromsø where you will experience all the highlights of the region, including several opportunities to chase the northern lights. | Fjord Travel
6-day tour, including a return cruise from Tromsø to Kirkenes with Hurtigruten. Visit the North Cape and try winter activities including dog sledding and snowmobiling. | Authentic Scandinavia
4-day break to Tromsø including a wildlife cruise and hunt for the northern lights. With one day free, you will have the opportunity to add additional winter activities like dog sledding, a reindeer safari, and more. | Authentic Scandinavia
Discover the dramatic Arctic coast, sandy beaches, and traditional fishing villages. A self-guided bicycle tour from Tromsø to Svolvær in Northern Norway - a paradise for those who want a real bicycle adventure. | Discover Norway
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 Explorer
On 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 Norway.
Cruise the fjords of Tromsø and discover its beautiful nature and importance to life and culture in Arctic Norway. | Brim Explorer
5-day stay in boutique lodge with transfers, dog sledding, all meals, snowmobiling, and sea safari. | 50 Degrees North
Cross the Arctic Circle and experience Norway’s best-kept secret - without the hassle of driving on Lofoten's narrow roads yourself. Experience the midnight sun, charming villages, and incredible nature.
A once-in-a-lifetime road trip above the Arctic Circle which includes spectacular stops on your way through beautiful nature. Up here everything is an adventure. | Up Norway.
An exclusive culinary week in unique seaside and farm accommodation in the magical Lofoten archipelago. Local chefs guide you through a Nordic food extravaganza. Catch fresh seafood and pick salad for dinner in small organic gardens. | 50 Degrees North
4-day tour including a cruise with Hurtigruten. Choose from a wide selection of winter activities, including dog sledding and northern lights excursions. | Authentic Scandinavia
This tour is a whale watcher's dream. See humpback whales and Orcas as they feed in the stunning, herring-rich fjords outside Tromsø. | Go Fjords
9 days of independent touring from Trondheim to Bodø and Narvik before taking an overnight train to Stockholm. Stay in a remote lighthouse, touring in our premium 50 Degrees North mini-coach. | 50 Degrees North
Take your seat on an epic rail journey through tranquil landscapes peppered with majestic mountains, fjords and waterfalls – on foot, by boat or even in a kayak. | Up Norway.
Cruise the coast from Bergen to Lofoten and experience nature on land, too. This 11-day tour includes a drive in Lofoten and a chance to explore Tromsø. 3 nights in a Rorbu, 3 nights on a coastal voyage, transfers, RIB boating, and much more. | 50 Degrees North
3-day winter 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 Scandinavia
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