It is quite difficult from a climate perspective to imagine thriving wildlife in Norway. Despite the harsh conditions and cold weather, Norway is home to a wide range of wildlife which is at present existing there. The reason is interdependence that the wildlife there have now with the environment, especially the cold.
But the fauna of Norway is indeed breathtaking, and the grandeur is something to look forward to if you’re planning to give this country a visit.
The wildlife of Norway: An Overview
What comes to your mind when you think of Norwegian Wildlife? As the normal notion and presumption states, it is Polar Bears. Polar Bears are like a synonym to Norway for very many reasons. One of the reasons is that the environment is apt for their being hence, their existence there is cordial and ideal. Not to forget, the numbers of Polar Bears outnumbers the number of people who live in Norway, is the best fact to state how integral are Polar Bears to Norway. The chances are bleak that if you ever heard of Norway, the name Svalbard never popped up.
The other animal whose existence is highly prevalent in Norway after Polar Bear is Arctic Fox. The fox is found across whole Norway, although few places are having more concentration of them in their respective areas. Borgefjell and Saltfjellet-Svartisen National Parks are the two places where the Arctic fox is to be spotted predominantly. A very special trait of artic fox is their fur. Because of their white-colored fur, they are difficult to be identified, majorly during peak season because of the thick layer of snow over the land.
But Norway just doesn’t have these two roaming its territory. The country also got Elk, Reindeer, The Eurasian Lynx and few species of birds and marine life.
If you’re a Wildlife enthusiast, how and when should you plan your visit to Norway?
If we go by the trend, then the best time to visit Norway is May to August because around this time of the year, many travel companies organize group safaris for you to enjoy Norway’s Wildlife. But here is the thing.
Your visit should also depend upon the type of animal you are trying to spot around the vicinity. If Polar Bears are what you wish to enjoy when you come to Norway, then May to August is the ideal time to get a hold of that sight.
Feb to April is the best to spot Arctic shorebirds and Skrei. And if Whale watching is on the cards then that is best done between November and January. The time you should avoid visiting is December.
Let’s talk about the Wildlife according to their bifurcation as per in the Ecosphere
1) On the land
Apart from all the ice and cold Norway has to offer, the landscape is equally breathtaking and explore-worthy. Especially if you are cruising through Norwegian Fjords, look out for the trails which run through the valleys if you are on hiking along with the shore excursion. The walk through the lush green forests, allows you to witness species like Eurasian Elk, which is actually known as the cousin of North American Moose.
If we talk about how hard they are to spot, then not that frequently. But here is a catch. They all come out and roam in the woods looking out for their sustenance or treats which are most likely White Birch Shoots. There are also a few varieties of aquatic plants which they like to eat, so lakes and rives are your target territory to look for them as well. Primarily around months which are warmer, they are likely to be found taking a dip in the water as well to beat the heat, so watch out.
2) In the Deep Blue
Water bodies have been fascinating for each one of us. The depth still unknown to mankind, the world beneath, how much so is known, is wonderful and full of surprises still. So, if you are someone who is mesmerized by life in the blue or has kids who aspire to be marine biologists then, you must involve the following Scandinavian Aquariums excursion like ‘Saga Islands & Atlantic Sea Park’ trip in Alesund.
The interesting fact about the Atlantic Sea Park aquarium is that it is carved out into the coastline rocks where you can witness schools of fishes, in unison swimming and penguins having a gala time while playing. The experience is more than just watching fishes and penguins. You can also get the chance to know about the Vikings who once were the inhabitants of the Saga Islands. Apart from this, you can also in luck to come across sperm whales and harbor seals, though off the coast during Norwegian Summer.
3) Up and About in the Air
By far we have covered the land and the waters, the only place left is the sky. You got to look out for that as well. Norway is full of surprises after all.
So while cruising, you were told to go and walk around the woods and also to check out cool aquariums, now you have to take care of what fly above your head as well. So, you are advised to keep an eye on some majestic and beautiful Norwegian native birds. And if you have been observant enough than you might come across white-tailed eagle who are found nesting along the Norwegian Coast. The most impressive thing about these beauties is their flight. The wingspan is about 5.8 - 8 feet.
Puffins can also be spotted during this scouring along the coastline, these little charmers nest here. You can easily recognize them without much hassle. They have brightly colored beaks which make them stand out. The best time to spot them is around late spring, which is their breeding time.
