As Lonely Planet puts it, "Norway is the last refuge for some of Europe’s most intriguing wildlife". Witness extraordinary animals in their natural habitat, both on land and at sea.
Wildlife safaris in Norway
Get ready for a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Bring your best camera and capture a photo of some of the most majestic creatures in the world …
… like the venerable musk ox that survived the last glacial epoch.
Guided wildlife safaris bring you safely into a unique animal kingdom.
In Norway, this includes whales, musk oxen, moose …
… birdlife like puffins …
… and majestic birds of prey.
You can also take advantage of nature's bounty on a different kind of safari: to catch giant king crab!
Into the wild
On the Norwegian mainland you can see moose, reindeer and unique birds as you venture into the wilderness on your own, if you are in luck. Please keep in mind that they are wild animals. Don’t scare them and don’t approach them, as some animals might run after you if they feel threatened. Leave them alone and withdraw slowly.
If you want to see these animals in their natural habitat, the best thing to do is to join a wildlife safari. The guides know where you’re most likely to spot the animals and, most importantly, they know how to behave in Norwegian nature to stay safe.
The latter is very important, as some safaris will bring you near animals that you shouldn’t seek out on your own, like the musk oxen.
The guides make it easier for you to enjoy the animal encounters, as you can focus on getting an awesome photo with a zoom lense.
Let's explore the top wildlife safaris in Norway!
Whale watching up close
Whales visit the Norwegian coast every year. They can be spotted along the Vesterålen coast all year round. You can join guided tours from both Stø and Andenes.
The most common whale to spot during the summer season is the sperm whale, but if you are lucky, you can see pilot whales, minke whales, humpbacks, dolphins, and killer whales. In winter, fin whales might also make an appearance!
There are more guided whale safaris in Northern Norway in winter, for instance with tour providers in Tromsø and Alta, as the locations are only a boat ride away from the whales’ favourite waters.
In the Svalbard Islands, you might even be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the largest whale on Earth – the blue whale. During summer, Isfjorden is known as the feeding area for the blue whale, fin whale, humpback whale, and beluga.
By joining a whale safari, you will also be able to enjoy the magnificent scenery, lots of fresh sea air, and natural surroundings guaranteed to make a lasting impression.
Musk oxen: a furry blast from the past
The Dovrefjell mountains are one of the few places on earth where you can experience the mighty musk oxen. On a guided summer walking safari, guests are virtually guaranteed an encounter with these unkempt, half-ton beasts. Some providers also offer guided tours in winter.
The musk oxen are not aggressive as long as you don’t get too close. You should always maintain a distance of at least 200 metres.
The musk ox may seem big and clumsy, weighing between 225 and 400 kilos, but it moves fast with a top speed of 60 kilometres per hour.
Book nowOppdalMusk Ox Safari
Experience the Musk Ox in Its Natural Habitat with Experienced Guides Discover the majesty of the musk ox in Dovrefjell National Park—the only place in Norway and one of the few places in the world where these prehistoric animals roam freely. With Oppdal Safari’s seasoned guides, you can rest assured that both your safety and the well-being of the animals are top priorities. Join a guided group tour to witness the musk ox and the stunning landscapes they inhabit. On these tours, there is an almost guaranteed chance of encountering musk oxen, providing a rare opportunity to capture their presence from a respectful distance. Have you ever seen a large brown rock move? Probably not, but that’s often how the first sighting of a musk ox appears. These large, peaceful creatures, weighing up to 400 kg, blend seamlessly with their surroundings. It's only when they move that you realize it's a musk ox. Occasionally, you may also come across reindeer herds and ptarmigans during these guided excursions. Our knowledgeable guides will lead you through the unique flora and fauna of the national park, which is characterized by distinctive geological formations and botanical treasures. This extraordinary and unique nature experience is suitable for anyone in good physical shape! Contact Oppdal Safari to sign up. Minimum age: 7 years for enthusiastic young hikers. Difficulty level: Moderate. Duration: Approximately 5-7 hours from the meeting point. Meeting point: Oppdal Station at 10:00 AM (or Dovrefjell by arrangement). Breaks: Includes a coffee break. What to wear: Good hiking boots and weather-appropriate clothing (check the forecast). What to bring: A hearty packed lunch and plenty of drinks. (Musk ox safaris during winter can be booked directly.) Note: No musk ox safari in May due to calving – a vulnerable period for the musk oxen.
A seriously tasty tour
Come face to face with red king crabs in the Barents Sea off the coast of Kirkenes and Varanger in Finnmark. Afterwards, you can taste their succulent meat.
The red king crab can measure up to two metres from claw to claw and weigh up to 15 kilograms.
The meal that follows the safari is an absolute feast: tasty pieces of crab meat on freshly baked bread, home-made dressing, and, for those who desire, white wine.
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.
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A birdwatcher’s dream
From the Lista Bird Observatory in Southern Norway and Runde in Fjord Norway to Varanger in Northern Norway – there are many great places to go birdwatching in beautiful Norwegian nature.
Bring your binoculars and keep a safe, respectful distance from the birds. Avoid getting too close to nesting birds—especially in nature reserves and on bird cliffs or islands.
Snap a photo of divers, grebes and wildfowl in the west, or head to the mountain habitats and look for dotterel, red-necked phalarope, horned lark, and snow bunting. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a snowy owl.
The UNESCO listed Vega islands off the Helgeland coast are also a hot spot for birdwatchers, with more than 230 species of birds! One of the most popular is eider ducks.
If you’re more interested in Arctic species such as Steller’s eider, king eider and brünnich’s guillemot, the area around Varanger in Finnmark is the place to visit. It is one of the best and most easily accessible Arctic birding destinations.
White-tailed eagles can also be found along the coast of Norway, with the biggest population in the northernmost part of the country. Eagles from Norway have even been brought over to help repopulate Scotland with the majestic birds.
And let’s not forget the Atlantic puffin! There are several places to spot them. The most popular are Runde in the Sunnmøre region, Andøya in Vesterålen, the island Lovund outside the Helgeland coast, and Røst in the Lofoten Islands.
Read more about birdwatching below or find the perfect birdwatching activities to sign up for.
Get the 'moosed' out of your trip
If you’re hoping for a close encounter with the king of the forest, go on a guided moose safari. You can also spot moose under the northern lights in Vesterålen, in the twilight from an electric bike, spend a night in the moose observation tower in the Espedalen valley, or kiss a moose at Svartisen Moose in Salten.
There are lots of places to see moose in Norway, both in their natural habitat and in nature parks. We even have a place called Elgland, which means “moose country”!
Make sure to admire them from afar in the wild, especially if they have calves with them.
See the top places to experience moose in Norway below.
More incredible safaris
Here are some lesser-known, but not to be missed, experiences.
In Namdalen and along the Hurdalselva river in Eastern Norway, you can paddle down a river in search of beavers, while several destinations along the coast offer seal safaris, including the Sunnmøre region and the Northwest.
On the Svalbard Islands, you can be lucky enough the see walrus. The islands are located halfway between Norway and the North Pole, and the destination is known for its exotic nature-based activities.
Book nowLongyearbyenWalrus Safari in summer landscape - Svalbard Adventures
Enjoy a delightful summer day at sea as we search for the fascinating walrus on our RIB boat safari to Borebukta. These impressive marine mammals are often spotted both on the ice in front of the glacier, in the water, and on land.
Explore the Norwegian animal kingdom!
Find the perfect wildlife safari below.
Get inspired
Take advantage of top offers
See our selection of trusted companies that work hard to make you happy all through your trip.
Fjord ToursHome of Norway in a Nutshell, Norway's most popular tour. Fjords, mountains, and stunning destinations — all in one trip!
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Booknordics.comUnique holiday packages, adventure hotels, tours, and activities.
Brim ExplorerQuiet fjord tours on award-winning electric catamarans in Oslo, Tromsø, Lofoten, and Svalbard.
Fjord Travel NorwaySleep in an ice hotel, hunt the northern lights, and discover the magical fjords. Book your tour now!
My Nordic TravelChoose between DIY itineraries and pre-packaged holidays to the very best destinations in Norway.
Radisson HotelsGreat value offers and comfortable quality stays in Norway´s major cities, airports, and ski resorts.
CampioNorway's biggest camping booking site. Find the best camping and motorhome pitches throughout Norway.
50 Degrees North NordicChoose between unforgettable tailormade individual trips and small, exclusive group tours of Norway.
Go FjordsBook fantastic tours and experiences! We offer tours in Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger, Lofoten, the North Cape, and more.
NOR-WAY BussekspressEnjoy scenic views on comfortable bus trips to the fjords and from city to city with our express buses.
SJ NordSJ NORD - the adventure starts on the train
Authentic ScandinaviaTravel curated by locals. Our tailormade tours suit every type of traveller and budget.
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StrawberryA different hotel company! Look out for great weekend deals at more than 100 hotels in Norway.
Vy expressDiscover Norway on comfortable express buses that take you between major cities, mountains, and fjords.
Rent-A-Wreck of Scandinavia ASThe smart and affordable car rental alternative.
NorwegianNorwegian offers cheap flights in Norway and direct flights from more than 70 European destinations. Book flights through our low fare calendar to your destinations.
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Classic Norway HotelsWhen the hotel is the destination. Book a night to remember in one of Norway's most unique and distinctive hotels.
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De HistoriskeHave an unforgettable stay at one of Norway's unique, authentic historic hotels. Enjoy first-class dining experiences and a broad range of activities.
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HurtigrutenExperience the world's most beautiful sea voyage on an unforgettable cruise along the stunning Norwegian coast.
Vy TrainGlide through scenery on a train between Oslo and Bergen on the Bergen Railway and explore the greater Oslo region.
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Scandic HotelsExperience Nordic hotel hospitality at its finest at more than 90 hotels across Norway. Special offers are available.
Up NorwayBespoke luxury hand-picked by local experts. We combine your preferences and our knowledge to make an unforgettable journey.
Arctic Campers ASDo you want to try van life? Explore Norway in comfort and style with our smart and cosy campervans.
Thon Hotels ASFantastic breakfast included! Experience true comfort and reasonable rates at our 80 hotels in Norway.
StrömmaSightseeing by bus and boat in several major tourist spots and cities in Norway.
