Where to go Whale Watching In Norway
While there are many fantastic things to do in Norway, whale watching is by far one of the most popular. In fact, it is part of what makes Norwegian cruises so desirable. There is nothing quite like the experience of being able to look off the edge of a cruise ship and see a pod of whales swimming by.
But if you are hoping to experience the wonderful moment of seeing whales in their natural element, you have to know where to go. Here is where you need to go if you want to experience the very best whale watching that Norway.
Photo: Arnstein Larsen / Brim Explorer
Tromsø
Tromsø is called the "Gateway to the Arctic" and offers amazing Northern Lights shows and truly spectacular nature adventures. One of the most popular experiences in Tromsø is going on a whale-watching cruise. In the sea outside Tromsø, whales and killer whales abound in the winter, and from the city you can join in on a whale safari in a quiet hybrid boat. It is a magical sight to watch the humpback and killer whales as they feed in the herring-rich fjords.
An early departure from the city center takes you out to the whales’ feeding grounds in time to enjoy the few hours of polar daylight. As the boat is getting closer to the whales, it switches to a silent, electric engine, which allows the boat to get close without disturbing the whales. If conditions allow the crew will launch a hydrophone that captures the sounds of the whales as they work together to hunt in the herring-rich fjords!
Photo: Tromsø Friluftsenter
Lofoten
As you may have understood, when it comes to whale watching, Northern Norway is the go to place. Its coastal stretch of islands makes this the perfect place to view whales all year round. Depending on what time of year you are taking your Norway tour, Lofoten is also great location to see whales.
Since Lofoten is filled with Norwegian fjords, this makes it the ideal location for wintertime whale watching. As the fish move deeper into the fjords in Norway in time for the winter weather, the whales tend to move in with them. So if you are on a fjord cruise in Norway and happen to be traveling through Lofoten during the winter months, then be sure to keep your eye out for orca and humpback whales. You likely won’t have to look hard, since huge pods of them tend to migrate with the millions of herring, and there is even a handful of finback whales that make the journey as well.
Photo: Tromsø Friluftsenter
Vesterålen
This archipelago is just north of Lofoten and is extremely popular for whale watching all year long, but becomes even more popular in the summertime. This is when the whales venture out from the fjords and make their way into the Norwegian Sea. So coastal towns such as Andenes become the ideal place to catch a glimpse of various types of whales, including pilot whales, sperm whales, minke whales, and even a few dolphins.
In fact, the small town of Andenes is such a world-renowned place to watch whales that the population of the town increases by about 500 percent every summer due to the tourists who show up to get a good look at the majestic creatures. The modest permanent population of the town is made up mostly of people in the tourism industry, which makes Andenes a hub for boat trips in Norway.
So, no matter what time of year you plan to visit Norway, there is always a place to admire the beauty of the Norwegian whales. To experience the opportunity to get out on the water and see pods of whales swimming throughout the Norwegian Sea, travel to Norway on a tour from Fjord Tours.