Every winter, huge shoals of Norwegian spring-spawning herring move into the fjords of northern Norway, and orcas and humpback whales follow them. Since the late 2010s, the main feeding area has been around Skjervøy and the fjords north of Tromsø. Watching whales feeding under the pastel light of the polar night, often followed by the northern lights, is one of Europe’s most magical wildlife experiences.
At a glance
| Best time | November to January |
| Getting there | Fly to Tromsø; Skjervøy is about 3 hours by road or boat |
| Time needed | 3 to 5 days |
| Big draws | Orcas, humpback whales, fin whales, northern lights, Arctic landscapes |
| Good for | Wildlife lovers, photographers, winter travellers |
The whales
- Orcas: hundreds of Norwegian orcas feed on herring using a cooperative technique called “carousel feeding”, herding fish into tight balls and stunning them with tail slaps. See our orca profile.
- Humpback whales: large numbers pause in the fjords on their way to breeding grounds in the Caribbean and West Africa. See our humpback whale profile.
- Fin whales are also sometimes present.
Where to go
The herring’s wintering areas move over the years. In the early 2010s, whales gathered around Tysfjord and Andenes, then near Tromsø, and in recent winters around Skjervøy and Kvænangen. Operators follow the herring, so check where trips are running each season.
Boat trips and snorkelling
- Whale-watching boats and RIBs leave from Tromsø and Skjervøy, often for a full day in the limited daylight.
- Snorkelling with orcas in drysuits is offered by some operators, but it is controversial: crowding and intrusive behaviour disturb feeding whales. Norway has introduced rules on distances and behaviour around whales. Choose operators who follow them strictly.
The polar night
North of the Arctic Circle, the sun does not rise from late November to mid-January. Instead, there are a few hours of blue and pink twilight each day, with good conditions for the northern lights in the long nights.
When to go
- November: whales arriving; some daylight.
- December: the polar night; whales present.
- January: whales still present in many years; returning light.
Tips
- Dress for the Arctic: thermal layers, insulated boots, hat and gloves. Operators often provide flotation suits.
- Use a camera that performs well in low light.
- Book trips with operators who follow Norway’s whale-watching rules and limit boats around whales.
- Stay in Tromsø for easy access to northern lights tours.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to see orcas in Norway? November to January, when orcas feed on herring in the northern fjords.
Where do the whales gather? In recent winters, around Skjervøy and the fjords north of Tromsø, but locations change with the herring.
Is snorkelling with orcas ethical? It is debated. If you choose to snorkel, use operators who follow the regulations and never chase or crowd the whales.
Can I see the northern lights at the same time? Yes. Winter is the best season for both.
Related guides
- Svalbard polar bear expeditions
- Varanger: Arctic birding in Norway
- Orca watching on Vancouver Island
- Animal profiles: Orca, Humpback whale, Fin whale
Cover photo: Rene at da.wikipedia, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons