Norway's diverse climate and landscapes are home to unique wildlife and natural beauty.
Norway's diverse climate and landscapes are home to unique wildlife and natural beauty.
Norway is so long that it spans several climate zones from the Arctic zone in the north to the temperate zone in the south. The land rises up from sea level to a height of 2,469 metres. This means that there is great diversity in what lives and grows in Norwegian nature.
Seals - there are seven different species of seals in Norway, from the rare walrus in the Arctic to species that you see along the entire Norwegian coast, often in colonies on the outermost skerries.
Orcas – Whales are the largest mammal in the world. In Norway you can see several species and among them the characteristic black and white orcas that can appear in pods of up to 40 individuals.
Herring – a small fish in large shoals. This is the most commonly caught fish by Norwegian fishermen, and the nickname "the silver of the sea" reflects both its colour and its importance to the economy.
Cod – measured in monetary value, this is the most important wild fish along the Norwegian coast. The beard on the chin makes it easy to recognise.
King crab - from pincer to pincer, it can grow up to two metres. A predator on the seabed and an intruder on Norwegian nature that must be caught so that it does not outcompete other species. Fortunately, it tastes good!
Eagles– the sea eagle is Northern Europe's largest bird of prey, and the largest ones have a wingspan of almost 2.5 metres. This impressive bird is a common sight along large parts of the Norwegian coast.
Puffin– a charmer whose colourful beak has also given it the name the sea parrot. The little bird moves its wings between 300 and 400 times per minute and can reach a maximum speed of 88 kilometres per hour.
Gulls– Norway has 23 different species of gulls that are found all along the coast, often in flocks. These white and grey birds are usually very noisy, and the sound of seagulls is the sound of the Norwegian coast.
Northern gannet - the torpedo of the air. To catch fish, the gannet, which has a wingspan of up to 1.8 metres, folds its wings and dives towards the sea surface at a speed of up to 100 kilometres per hour.
Common eider– the largest diving duck in Norway. The female bird's brown feathers provide vital camouflage, while the male of the species with its striking black and white feathers looks like he is wearing a tuxedo. Eiderdown has always been a source of income for people along the coast.
Moose - the largest land mammal in Norway. Including the antlers, it can reach a height of over two metres. Found in forests throughout Norway and is called the King of the Forest.
Lynx – the only wild cat in Scandinavia. Leopard-spotted fur and distinctive pointed ears. Lives in forests and rough terrain. Hunts over large areas.
Wolves - predators of the dog family. Wolf numbers throughout Norway were previously high. Wolves are now a protected species. Roams about a large area. Wolves in Norway belong to a common Scandinavian population.
Reindeer - a deer that is particularly hardy and adapted to a life of cold winters. Reindeer have been in Norway for 12,000–14,000 years. Reindeer are only about a metre in height, but can develop large antlers.
Cloudberry - the golden jewel of northern marshes. The berry is much sought after for its taste as well as its high vitamin C content.
Heather – a modest and undemanding plant that colours the Norwegian coast purple in late summer. One of Norway's national plants.
Birch - probably the most common tree found in Norway. Easily spotted with its white bark. In warm places, the trunk can grow long and straight, while in colder regions the more distorted mountain birch is seen.
Cotton grass – the silky soft, white dots form large blankets and light up the landscape in spring. In the past, the cotton grass flowers were used for filling pillows and duvets.
Foxglove - a beautiful purple, bell-shaped but dangerous flower in the fjord regions of Norway. The plant is highly toxic, but the heart medicine "digitalis" is derived from its leaves.
Norway’s nature is as varied as it is spectacular. From Arctic landscapes and rugged coastlines to deep forests, mountains, and fjords, the country’s changing climate and geography create habitats for a rich diversity of plants and animals.
Wildlife is an important part of Norway’s natural heritage, and experiencing it responsibly brings you closer to the landscapes that define life along the coast. Through our carefully selected excursions, guests can discover Norway’s nature and wildlife up close while learning more about the ecosystems that make this country so unique.
BOON1
TOSN2
TOSN19
KKNB4
KKNB7
Snow that survives the summer slowly compacts into ice, forming glaciers that move like thick, slow rivers through the landscape.
Norway's diverse climate and landscapes are home to unique wildlife and natural beauty.
From winter’s Northern Lights to spring waterfalls, summer’s Midnight Sun, and golden autumn landscapes.