Wildlife In Norway Fjords - What You Can See And When To See It
There is abundant wildlife in Norway’s fjords. From reindeer and arctic foxes to whales and puffins, all kinds of magnificent creatures can be seen around the fjords.
The fjords are always some of the best places to visit in Norway, and if you’re interested in wildlife, then you’ll definitely want to experience these dramatic landscapes.
Whether you’re looking for the best places to visit in Norway for hiking, boating, or kayaking, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to spot some of the unique wildlife that lives in these regions - no matter what time of year you visit.
Let’s explore the wildlife in Norway’s fjords, what you can expect to see, and when you can see it by booking your next tour with Skyhook Adventure.
Wildlife in Norway Fjords - What Animals Can be Found?
Wondering what animals live in Norwegian fjords? The answer is long, as wildlife in Norwegian fjords is diverse and plentiful.
The best of Norway fjords and their seasons will offer different wildlife possibilities, but here are some of the different types of animals you could expect to see on a Norway trek to the fjords.
Land Mammals
Norway's fjords are renowned for their stunning natural beauty and diverse wildlife, including various land mammals.
While the specific species you may encounter can vary depending on the region and habitat, here are some notable land mammals that can be found in Norwegian fjords.
Reindeer
Reindeer are iconic animals of the Arctic and subarctic regions. In Norway, they are primarily found in the northern and mountainous areas, including the fjords.
Reindeer are well-adapted to cold environments with thick fur and hooves designed for walking on snow. They are herbivores, primarily grazing on lichens, mosses, and other vegetation.
Arctic Fox
The Arctic fox is a small, fluffy mammal that inhabits the northernmost regions of Norway, including the areas around some fjords.
They have a distinctive winter coat that changes from brown or grey to pure white in the winter, helping them blend into the snowy landscape. Arctic foxes are omnivorous and eat small mammals, birds, and scavenged carrion.
Norwegian Lemming
Lemmings are small rodents known for their cyclical population fluctuations.
They inhabit the tundra and alpine regions near Norwegian fjords. Lemmings are herbivores, feeding on grasses, mosses, and other plants.
Their population dynamics have a significant impact on the predators that rely on them, such as Arctic foxes and birds of prey.
Eurasian Lynx
The Eurasian lynx is a medium-sized wild cat that can be found in the forests and mountainous areas near Norwegian fjords.
They are solitary and elusive creatures with distinctive tufted ears and a short, spotted coat. Lynxes are carnivores, primarily hunting deer, hares, and small mammals.
Red Deer
Red deer, the largest native deer species in Europe, can be found in some of the more forested areas surrounding Norwegian fjords.
They are known for their impressive antlers, which can grow quite large in males. Red deer are herbivores, feeding on a variety of vegetation, including grasses, shrubs, and tree leaves.
Moose
The moose, also known as elk in Europe, is the largest species of deer in the world. They are found in various regions of Norway, including some areas near fjords.
Moose are herbivores, with a diet consisting of aquatic plants, shrubs, and tree leaves. They are recognizable by their large, palmate antlers (in males) and long legs.
Mountain Hare
The mountain hare is a cold-adapted species often found in the upland areas around Norwegian fjords.
They have a white winter coat and a brown or grey summer coat, which helps them blend into their surroundings.
Mountain hares are herbivorous, mainly consuming grasses, heather, and woody plants.
European Otter
The European otter is a semi-aquatic mammal that inhabits the freshwater and coastal regions near Norwegian fjords.
They are well-adapted for swimming with webbed feet and a streamlined body. Otters primarily feed on fish, but they also consume amphibians, crustaceans, and other aquatic prey.
Marine Animals
Norway's fjords are not only stunning landscapes but also teeming with diverse marine life due to their unique mix of freshwater and saltwater, as well as the nutrient-rich waters of the North Atlantic.
Whether you’re planning on fishing in Norway fjords or hope to see some wildlife while taking a cruise, here are some impressive marine animals you could encounter in the fjords.
If you're wondering, 'Is the sea rough in the Norwegian fjords?', then winter isn't the best time to go view maritime animals in their natural habitats as the fjord waters tend to be more turbulent during this season.
Atlantic Salmon
Atlantic salmon are iconic inhabitants of Norwegian fjords. They are anadromous fish, meaning they are born in freshwater rivers, migrate to the sea to grow, and return to freshwater to spawn.
These salmon are known for their silvery bodies and distinctive black spots. They play a crucial role in the fjord ecosystems, serving as both predators and prey.
Humpback Whale
Humpback whales are large and majestic marine mammals that migrate to Norwegian fjords in the summer months.
They are known for their acrobatic behaviour, including breaching and slapping their tails on the water's surface. There are plenty of boat tours available for watching humpback whales around the fjords of Norway.
This is always one of the best activities to do if you’re interested in wildlife in Norway's fjords.
Killer Whale or Orca
When it comes to wildlife in Norway’s fjords, few animals are as impressive as the orca.
Orcas, often referred to as killer whales, are highly intelligent and social marine mammals that can be found in Norwegian fjords.
They have distinctive black-and-white colouration and are known for their complex social structures and hunting strategies. Orcas feed on a variety of prey, including fish, seals, and even other whales.
Orcas are not easy to see, but if you spot one of these rare creatures it will certainly be a highlight of your trip.
Common Dolphin
Common dolphins are sleek and agile marine mammals frequently spotted in Norwegian fjords.
They are known for their playful behaviour, including riding the bow waves of boats. Common dolphins have a distinctive hourglass pattern on their sides.
If you’re planning on doing some Norway fjords kayaking, there’s a good chance you’ll experience these wonderful creatures if you visit at the right time.
Harbor Porpoise
Harbor porpoises are small cetaceans that inhabit the coastal areas of Norwegian fjords.
They are the smallest and most common cetacean species in these waters. Harbor porpoises are known for their shy and solitary nature, so you probably won't be able to get too close to them if you’re lucky enough to spot one.
Seals
Several seal species can be found in Norwegian fjords, including the common seal and the larger grey seal.
Seals are semi-aquatic mammals, often seen basking on rocky outcrops or ice floes. They’re a common sight on a Norway fjords trip and are always fun to watch bobbing in the water.
Jellyfish
Maybe not the most exciting or impressive creatures in the fjords, but they’re definitely worth mentioning.
Norwegian fjords are home to various species of jellyfish, including the lion's mane jellyfish and the moon jellyfish. These gelatinous creatures drift through the water, often pulsating their umbrella-like bells.
While some jellyfish have mild stings, they are generally harmless to humans. Still, be cautious of them if you plan to swim.
Various Fish Species
Norwegian fjords are home to a wide variety of fish species, including cod, haddock, pollock, and mackerel.
These fish support both commercial and recreational fishing industries and are essential components of the marine food web.
Crustaceans and Invertebrates
The fjords also host an array of crustaceans, such as crabs and shrimp, as well as various marine invertebrates like sea anemones, sea cucumbers, and sea stars. These organisms are vital for nutrient cycling and ecosystem health.
Birds
You can’t talk about animals in Norway’s fjords without mentioning the birdlife.
Norwegian fjords provide a rich and diverse habitat for a wide range of bird species, both resident and migratory.
In fact, many people decide on the best time to go to Norwegian fjords based on what birds they can spot during their trip.
Here are some notable birds that can be found in Norway's fjords.
White-Tailed Eagle
The white-tailed eagle, also known as the sea eagle, is one of the largest and most impressive raptors in Europe.
These eagles have distinctive white tails and can often be seen soaring over the fjords with a wingspan of up to 8 feet. They’re solitary birds and aren’t that easy to spot.
However, if you hike up the cliffs of the fjords (like the hike to Pulpit Rock cliff or when you visit Stavanger Norway), then you might see one circling overhead.
Common Eider
The common eider is a large sea duck known for its striking appearance.
Male eiders have black and white plumage with a greenish patch on their neck, while females are brown. They are often seen floating on the water or diving for molluscs and crustaceans.
Puffin
Of all the wildlife in Norway’s fjords, puffins are one of the most sought-after creatures.
Puffins, sometimes called "clowns of the sea," are easily recognizable by their colourful beaks and black and white plumage.
They nest in burrows on cliffsides and spend much of their lives at sea, feeding on fish. Norwegian fjords are home to several puffin colonies during the breeding season.
Sighting puffins are rare, and you need to know where they breed if you’re going to be lucky enough to see one. These beautiful birds prefer breeding in quiet places, so spotting them will usually involve a boat trip into the quieter, lesser-visited fjords of Norway.
Gannet
Northern gannets are striking seabirds with long wings and sharp bills.
They are known for their spectacular plunge-diving behaviour when hunting for fish. Gannets have white plumage with black wingtips and a pale, yellow head.
Great Skua
The great skua, also known as the bonxie, is a powerful seabird known for its aggressive behaviour. They have dark plumage and often harass other seabirds to steal their food.
Great skuas breed in the coastal areas of Norwegian fjords and islands.
Kittiwake
Kittiwakes are graceful, medium-sized gulls that are often seen nesting on cliffs and rocky ledges near Norwegian fjords.
They have white plumage with grey wings and distinctive black markings around their eyes.
Razorbill
Razorbills are black and white seabirds with distinctive bills that resemble a sharp knife blade.
They are skilled divers and feed on fish, primarily herring and sand eels. Razorbills often nest on steep cliffsides in colonies.
Oystercatcher
Oystercatchers are distinctive wading birds with long, bright orange bills. They are often seen foraging along the shoreline for molluscs and crustaceans.
Oystercatchers are a common sight in Norwegian fjords and coastal areas, so there’s a good chance you’ll see them while exploring the fjords.
Red-Throated Diver
Red-throated divers are elegant waterbirds known for their haunting calls. They have striking breeding plumage with a reddish throat and a sleek profile.
These divers can be found in the freshwater lakes and coastal fjords of Norway.
Common Guillemot
Common guillemots, also known as common murres, are black and white seabirds with a distinctive shape. They are expert swimmers and divers, often seen in large colonies on rocky cliffsides.
When is the Best Time to See Norwegian Fjords Wildlife?
The best time to see Norwegian fjords and view the wildlife can vary depending on the type of animals you wish to see and what types of outdoor activities and weather conditions you want to experience.
To help you out, here's a general guide to the best times to witness wildlife in Norwegian fjords.
Spring (April to June)
Spring is when the fjords come back to life, which means there’s plenty of wildlife in Norway’s fjords during this time.
Birdwatching: Spring is an excellent time for birdwatching in Norwegian fjords. Migratory birds, such as puffins, guillemots, and other seabirds, return to their breeding colonies during this season.
Wildflowers: Spring brings colourful wildflowers to the fjord regions, creating picturesque landscapes - ideal for hiking the fjords in Norway.
Summer (June to August)
Beyond having the best weather in Norwegian fjords for a trip, Summer also has plenty of wildlife viewing opportunities.
Whale Watching: Summer is one of the best times for whale watching in Norwegian fjords. Humpback whales, orcas, and minke whales are often spotted in these months.
Midnight Sun: Norway experiences the "Midnight Sun" phenomenon in summer, where the sun never fully sets in the northern regions. This extended daylight allows for more wildlife viewing opportunities.
Late Summer and Early Autumn
Although not the most popular times to visit the fjords, these shoulder seasons still have plenty on offer - including some awesome wildlife viewing opportunities.
Salmon Migration: If you're interested in witnessing salmon migration, late summer and early autumn are the best times. You can observe Atlantic salmon returning to freshwater rivers and fjords for spawning.
Bird Migration: Migratory birds, such as waders and waterfowl, start their southward journeys during this time. You can witness impressive bird flocks preparing for migration during these months.
Autumn (September to November)
While wildlife viewing may decrease in autumn, the stunning autumn foliage in the surrounding forests and fjords makes this season worthwhile for landscape photography.
In the later part of autumn, you may also have a chance to witness the Northern Lights in the northern regions of Norway.
Winter (December to February)
Despite the cold, snow, and darkness, there is still plenty of wildlife in Norway’s fjords during the winter months. Here’s what you can expect:
Birdwatching: Some bird species, such as white-tailed eagles and sea eagles, can still be spotted in winter near open water areas.
Ice-Fishing: For those interested in ice-fishing, winter offers unique opportunities to experience this traditional activity in the fjords.
Northern Lights: The winter months are the best time of year to visit Norway for Northern Lights in the polar regions of the country.
It's important to note that the specific timing of wildlife sightings can vary from year to year due to factors like weather conditions and environmental changes.
Therefore, it's best to check with local wildlife guides, tour operators, or national parks for up-to-date information on wildlife sightings and the best times to visit fjord regions for their wildlife.
Conclusion
With so much wildlife existing in Norway’s fjords, make sure you keep a keen eye out when exploring these beautiful regions with us at Skyhook.
This is just one of the many reasons why immersing yourself in nature through activities like wild camping Norway fjords, fishing, and kayaking are such a great idea.
Remember to respect all wildlife in Norway’s fjords and admire these animals from a distance. Once you witness the beautiful creatures that live in the fjords of Norway, you’ll gain a whole new respect for the amazing fjords of this country.
