Wildlife safaris in Norway

As Lonely Planet puts it, Norway is the last refuge for some of Europe’s most intriguing wildlife. In the pre-internet days, some tourists even hoped they would see polar bears walking the city streets around the country, but they can only be spotted in Svalbard.

Into the wild

On the Norwegian mainland, however, you can stumble upon moose, reindeer and unique birds as you venture into the wilderness on your own. If you are so lucky, please keep in mind that they are wild animals. Leave them alone while you retract, calmly. Don’t scare them and don’t approach them, as some animals might run after you if they feel threatened.

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 will simply make it easier for you to enjoy the animal encounters, as you don’t have to worry about anything other than getting proof of your adventures (read: an awesome photo for social media).

Well, now that we’ve covered the basics – let’s explore the top wildlife safaris in Norway!

Whale watching up close

Whales. These giants of the ocean visit the Norwegian coast every year, showing off for tourists and locals alike. In Norway, they are spotted along the Vesterålen coast all year round. You can join guided tours from both Stø and Andenes. In the latter village, a spectacular museum is set to open in 2023: The Whale.

The most common whale to spot during the summer season is the sperm whale, but if you are lucky, you may also see pilot whales, minke whales, humpbacks, dolphins, and killer whales. In winter, the fin whales might also make an appearance!

There are also more guided whale safaris in Northern Norway in winter, for instance with tour providers in Tromsø, as the locations are only a boat ride away from the whales’ favourite waters.

In the Svalbard islands, you can even be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the biggest whale on earth, the blue whale. During summer, Isfjorden is known as the feeding area for the blue whale, fin whale, humpback whale and belugas.

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 the only place in Norway, and one of the few places on earth, where you can see the mighty musk oxen. On a guided summer walking safari, guests are virtually guaranteed an encounter with these unkempt, half-ton beasts. Some tour providers also offer guided tours and photo tours in winter.

The musk oxen are not aggressive as long as you don’t get too close. Out of consideration for your personal safety and the well-being of the animals, 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.

A monstrously tasty tour

Come face to face with the red king crab in the Barents Sea off the coast of Kirkenes and Varanger in Finnmark, near the Russian border. Afterwards, you can have a taste of the succulent meat.

On a king crab safari, you can see the big monster from ashore or from a boat as it is brought to the surface and put into the boiling pot. 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 white bread, home-made dressing, and, for those who desire, white wine.

A birdwatcher’s dream

From the Lista Bird Observatory in Southern Norway and Runde in Fjord Norway to Varangerfjord in Northern Norway – there are so many great places to go birdwatching in beautiful Norwegian nature.

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-protected Vega islands outside the Helgeland coast are also a hot spot for birdwatchers, with more than 230 species of bird! 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 Varangerfjord 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 as well.

And let’s not forget the Atlantic puffin! There are several places to spot this little, yet characteristic bird, but 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 in the article below or see all 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, you go on a guided moose safari. You can also spot moose 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.

Yes, 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”!

Check out the top places to meet moose in Norway in the article below.

Other fun safaris to check out

The animal encounters we mentioned above are some of our most popular safaris, but there are still other lesser-known experiences that will leave you just as amazed.

In Namdalen and along the Hurdalselva river in Eastern Norway, you can paddle a river in search of beavers, while several destinations along the coast offer seal safari, including the Sunnmøre region and Northwest.

If you find yourself in the most remote area of Norway, 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.