29 Most Popular Animals in Norway

Wondering what animals are in Norway? Look no further!

Norway is home to a wealth of incredible animals. I have visited Norway twice, including the remote Svalbard, where I saw fluffy polar bears, cute tiny foxes, and funny harbor seals, and had the privilege of swimming with orcas from Tromsø.

I am hooked, and I am planning to go back again for a longer period to see more and enjoy those spectacular sights.

So in this post, I’m gonna tell you the most common 29 animals in Norway along with the best places to see them, recommend some of the top tours, and answer common questions.

Each one of the animal species on this list is exceptionally unique and spectacular, so get ready. Here we go!

Land Animals in Norway

1. Reindeer

Reindeer is one of the most common animals in Norway, and its population is also huge in this country. What’s more, they’ve been in this region for at least 12,000 years!

Nowadays, most of them are domesticated in Norway, but you will also find a large number living in their natural habitat.

They are found in herds, sometimes numbering in hundreds, and spotting them is a stunning experience.

Since they’re nicknamed “Nomads of the Mountains”, that’s where you will find them.

Interestingly, there are two types of herds: the male herd and the female herd. They move separately in the mountains and come together only during the rut (mating season).

2. Moose

Another just as exotic and majestic species of animal in Norway is moose. They’re the largest land mammals here and can weigh over 1,500 lb!

Not only that, but you will also get to see the largest moose sculptures in Norway as well.

If you want to try the unique and unforgettable experience of seeing moose, you can take a moose safari with local guides. They know the forests, which means more chances of seeing moose, and it’s also a safe way of doing so.

3. Wolf

When it comes to animals in Norway that have been around for thousands of years, wolves are up there with moose and reindeer.

Norway has the perfect habitat for wolves and it has many different kinds of them.

The most common kind of wolf here is the gray wolf. But native Norwegian wolves went extinct a while back, and the overall population of the current species isn’t as big with only less than a hundred wolves living in the forests of Norway.

So few that they’re considered critically endangered. The main cause for this decline in their population is hunting and poaching, and many activists as well as NGOs are petitioning for the protection of wolves in Norway.

4. Arctic Fox

The small, white Arctic fox is one of the most captivating and unique animals in Norway. They only weigh around 3-7 lb (females) and 7-20 lb (males).

But don’t let the small size deceive you. They’re still one of the toughest wildlife creatures out there and can survive freezing temperatures as low as -58°F!

The most common region for these foxes in Norway is Svalbard, but they can also be found in Børgefjell and Saltfjellet-Svartisen National Parks.

A fun fact about the Arctic fox is that its fur changes color based on the season. It’s darker in summer and becomes stark white in winter.

So it’s easier to spot them in summer, but winter is when you might get a chance to see the iconic snow fox hunt a lemming – it’s truly a spectacle.

5. Polar Bear

Speaking of hunting animals with snowy white fur, polar bears are one of the most dangerous animals in Norway.

They can be massive, weighing between 660 lb and 1,760 lb, so the title of “King of the Arctic” is very befitting for polar bears.

Norway is one of the few places on earth where you can see these awe-inspiring polar bears. Svalbard has a large population of them, and many tours are offered for those who want to go see them up close.

6. Musk Ox

Arctic wildlife is full of remarkable animals, and Norway has its fair share of them. The musk ox is one such animal here, but it wasn’t always around. The current musk oxen in Norway were released here after the Second World War.

There were no musk oxen in Norway in recent history. But their fossils were found here, so they were introduced in the region back in 1926.

These didn’t survive, and some more musk oxen were rereleased in 1932. Those were hunted to extinction during the Second World War.

Finally, the musk oxen managed to survive and grow the third time they were reintroduced in the region. They have since grown and even migrated to Sweden. But their population is still just in the hundreds.

You will see these peaceful creatures in Dovrefjell National Park. There are safari hikes available to go see them and take some incredible pictures.

7. Eurasian Beaver

Next up on my list of animals that live in Norway is the largest native rodent of the Eurasian region. It used to be one of the most widespread mammals in this region.

But the Eurasian beaver was also one of the land animals in the region that almost went extinct due to hunting later.

Southern Norway is one of the few places where some of them survived and they started growing in numbers again after protection laws here.

Today, thousands of Eurasian beavers are found in Norway. Neighboring countries like Sweden and Finland also imported them from here back in the 1900s after beavers went completely extinct there.

8. Lynx

One of the most unique big cats is also found in Norway. The lynx has dotted fur and prefers living in high-altitude forests.

The lynx is one of those rare Norwegian animals that is extremely hard to spot. That’s because they are very shy and prefer to stay out of sight – and their camouflage is just perfect for it.

Additionally, hunting, poaching, and habitat loss have led to a decline in their population, with only a few hundred remaining in Norway.

Thankfully, there’s a ban on lynx hunting now, and the government also provides compensation to farmers who prove their sheep were killed by a lynx so that the farmers don’t kill them.

9. Mountain Hare

The mountain hare is another elusive animal of the snowy, mountainous regions that live in Norway.  Just like the Arctic fox, the mountain hare has fur that changes color slightly depending on the season.

Its white pelage is perfect for hiding in the snow during winter, plus mountain hares tend to be very small (rarely above 3kg), which makes it even harder to see them.

However, their camouflage is becoming less effective and mismatched with the mountains because of climate change. This means a better chance of spotting them even in winter, but also that predators can hunt them more easily.

10. Norway Lemming

The favorite winter food of the Arctic fox to keep it warm, the Norway lemming is an adorable little rodent in this country.

Their size is small, with adults weighing between 0.7 and 4.06 oz on average. But in lemming sizes around the world, this is still one of the largest. They’re found mainly in the north and prefer tundra and fell habitats near water.

Also, they’re pretty fierce despite their small size and meek appearance so much so that Norwegian lemmings don’t even hesitate to attack weasels and skua (birds resembling seagulls).

11. European Badger

The European Badger is a very unique animal with a black-and-white striped face and a short tail. It appears stocky and features a coat of gray, black, and white colors.

They’re found in large numbers from Oslo to Trondheim in central Norway. The reason European badgers are thriving in Norway and the rest of Europe is that they’re very resilient, omnivorous, and good at hunting.

12. Eurasian Red Squirrel

Just like moose and wolves, the Eurasian red squirrel has been roaming in Norway for ages. The chestnut red of their fur gives these cute little creatures their name, but they shed skin twice a year, and their coat also changes color based on the season.

Norway is one of the few places where they are found nowadays. They used to be very common throughout Europe until the North American gray squirrels started taking over their habitats.

They live in tree,s so that’s where they can be seen. They’re also very good at communicating with each other and use everything from body signals to warning calls and other sounds to do it.

Birds in Norway

13. Puffin

There are many species of Norwegian birds and they are just as iconic as its land animals. The puffin is a perfect example of that.

Norway’s extensive coastline makes it perfect for these cute birds to nest. Over 30% of the entire world’s Atlantic puffins are found here. But it can still be pretty tough to spot them because of the habitats they prefer.

You can go see them in places like Runde (also known as the “Puffin Capital”), Lovund, and Røst. They have a black and white color, and their beak is a delightful multicolor that makes them very distinct from other birds.

14. White-Tailed Eagle

The white-tailed eagle is the complete opposite of a puffin when it comes to size, but they’re both equally unique. 

The white-tailed eagle is a huge bird of prey with dark feathers on its entire body, except for the head and tail. Their tail is a contrasting whit,e and they have a paler brown head with a yellow beak.

This unique look, combined with their large size, makes them a popular bird to see in Norway. Many tourists visit Smøla Island, especially to see these incredible birds; it has the densest population of white-tailed eagles here.

15. Northern Hawk-Owl

Another just as eye-catching bird in Norway is the northern hawk owl. Even though it’s not huge like the white-tailed eagle, its face still resembles a hawk, making it a very striking bird.

Also, one more very unique thing about this owl is that it doesn’t follow the usual routine of owls – it wakes in the day. That makes them a treat for bird watchers because it’s relatively easier to spot them.

You can hit up the northern boreal forest of Norway for a chance to see one. Just make sure you bring a good pair of binoculars because these birds prefer to sit solitary in tall trees (just like hawks).

16. King Eider

King Eider is one of the largest sea ducks of this region and can be seen in Svalbard, which is one of their breeding places in the high Arctic.

Males and females have distinct features, making it easy to distinguish between them. Male king eiders are very ornately adorned with a colorful plumage. In fact, they’re one of Svalbard’s most colorful birds.

Female king eiders are brown and black in their looks, and they have a black beak. You will see these birds mostly in small ponds in the treeless plains of Norway.

17. Rock Ptarmigan

Rock ptarmigans kind of resemble chickens in their looks, but they’re very hardy birds and nest very far north, including Norway.

There is also the fact that their camouflage changes based on the season – it’s almost completely white during winter to help them blend in with the snow and mottled brown during summer.

A subspecies of rock ptarmigans is endemic to Svalbard, so you will find these birds in the mountains of Norway throughout the year.

18. European Goldfinch

The tiny European goldfinch is another colorful bird that lives in Norway. It has a cherry-red face with a pink beak, and its wings feature black and yellow colors.

From its size and looks, you would think this small bird shouldn’t be able to survive the harsh climate of Norway. However, it not only survives here but thrives as well. Over the years, it has gone from being somewhat rare to a common bird in southern Norway.

19. White-throated Dipper

The white-throated dipper is a similar bird – both small and strikingly beautiful in its looks. It’s plump and gray with white feathers on its bib (below the beak to the middle of the chest).

There are many subspecies of the white-throated dipper with slight color variations. They live near running water, mostly in foothills and uplands.

And since they prefer living near water, they’re also good at flying low over water, swimming, and even diving underwater. They usually fly solo and are common throughout all of Norway.

20. Common Raven

Common ravens are one of the most widely distributed birds in the region. However, despite their name, they are remarkably distinctive due to their all-black plumage and large size.

The bird is the largest species of crows, and Norway is one of the places where they are still thriving. They have many territories here and can also be seen flying in populated towns and villages of the country.

Marine Animals in Norway

21. Beluga Whale

Remember Norway’s huge coastline, I mentioned earlier? Well, it comes with another world full of enchanting animals. One of the most adorable among these is the beluga whale.

These are one of the smallest species of whales. But they have many qualities that set them apart, like their white color, prominent foreheads, and enchanting songs (which is why they are also called “Canaries of the Sea”). 

One thing that made them even more famous in Norway and around the world is a beluga whale named Hvaldimir. He showed up near Hammerfest in northern Norway back in 2019 wearing a harness with a camera.

Now he’s popular as the spy beluga whale, but he’s just an innocent beluga whale who is super friendly and someone else put the spy camera on him.

22. Orca

Orcas are the opposite of beluga whales when it comes to marine animals in Norway. They’re one of the apex predators of the ocean. After all, they’re called killer whales.

However, they’re not whales and belong to the dolphin family. Their size is large, with the body patterned in black and white. And their hunting skills are nothing short of an art.

There are numerous opportunities to see them in Norway, with a variety of organized tours and expeditions available. That’s why it’s a popular tourist attraction here, especially between November and February.

I have been swimming with Orcas multiple times, and they are not dangerous creatures for human beings. Seeing them up close is an experience that I will never forget, and I am actually hoping to repeat it. Check out my video ⤵️

23. White-beaked Dolphin

White-beaked dolphins are similar to orcas in their colors. They have black, white, and gray coloration on their bodies, and they’re much smaller than orcas. Also, they’re very friendly and curious too.

They live in the North Atlantic, so spotting them in Norway is fairly easy during the summer months when they’re hanging around close to the ice age of the ocean and can be seen along the coast of Spitsbergen.

24. Seal

Seals are one of the animals that orcas hunt, and they’re also found in Norway. There are many seal species and seal colonies along the coast, the most common one among them being harbor seals.

Color variations in these seals go from silver to gray, brown, and even black. And they also have light spots or rings on their skin.

They can be seen sitting on rocks and beaches in Svalbard throughout the year. Boat safaris to their colonies are also arranged by tour operators here for people who want to go take a closer look.

25. Sperm Whale

Sperm whales are the largest toothed predators in the world, and they can be found in the deep waters off the coast of Norway.

These whales can grow up to 20 meters long and weigh up to 50 tons. They have a distinctive large head that contains a cavity filled with a liquid wax called spermaceti. Once thought to aid with echolocation, the exact function of spermaceti is not fully understood by scientists.

One of the best places to see sperm whales in Norway is the Bleik Canyon, a 50-kilometer-long submarine trench that starts from the northern tip of Andøya island. 

The canyon attracts a rich variety of marine life, including the sperm whales’ favorite prey, the cephalopods. Whales can be spotted all year round, but the best time to visit is from June to August, when daylight hours are longer.

26. Humpback Whale

Humpback whales are one of the most recognizable and well-known whale species in the world. They have a distinctive body shape with a humped back, long flippers, and a large tail fluke.

They are also known for their acrobatic behavior, such as breaching, slapping, and looting.

They are not only a joy to watch, but they are also famous for their complex and melodious songs, which they produce by passing air through their vocal cords.

The songs are composed of different units, phrases, and themes, and can last for hours.

One of the best places to see humpback whales in Norway is Tromsø.

The whale watching season in Tromsø lasts from November to January, coinciding with the polar night when the sun does not rise above the horizon. This creates a magical atmosphere, especially when the northern lights are visible in the sky.

Reptiles and Amphibians in Norway

27. Palmate Newt

The palmate newt is one of the smallest newts in Norway. Its name comes from the black webbing that grows on the back feet of the males during the breeding season. It makes them look like they have little palms on their toes. Cute!

The palmate newt has a colorful belly, ranging from yellow to orange. But the most interesting thing about it is its throat.

Unlike other newts, the palmate newt’s throat is always spotless. No dots, no stripes, no patterns. Just plain white. That’s how you can tell them apart from their cousins, the smooth newts.

They’re also very romantic creatures. In the spring, the males put on a show to impress the females. They wave their tails, flash their webbed feet, and release a scent to attract them. The females then choose their mates and lay their eggs one by one on water plants. 

28. Common European Adder

Common European Adder is also known as the Hoggorm in Norwegian. This is the only venomous snake in the country, but it is not very dangerous to humans. 

It usually bites only when provoked, stepped on, or picked up, and the bites are rarely fatal.

The Hoggorm is a small snake, measuring approximately 60 to 90 cm in length, with a variable color range from light to dark brown. They have a dark zigzag pattern along their back and a dark V or X on their head.

The common European adder prefers to inhabit various habitats, including forests, heathlands, moorlands, grasslands, and wetlands. You can mostly find it in the south and west of Norway, but some of them also live in the north.

29. Viviparous Lizard

The Viviparous Lizard (Zootoca vivipara) is a small reptile that grows up to 12 cm (4.7 inches) in length, excluding the tail.

It has a mottled brown, tan, and black skin that helps it blend in with the rocks and vegetation. Its long tail can be shed to escape predators, but only a short stub grows back. 

The Viviparous Lizard is named for its unique method of reproduction: it gives birth to live young instead of laying eggs.

This is an adaptation to the cold climate, as eggs would not hatch in the low temperatures. 

The female lizard carries up to 11 embryos inside her body for about three months and then delivers them in a thin membrane that they break out of.

The baby lizards are independent from birth and can fend for themselves.

The viviparous lizard is found across Northern Europe and Central Asia, ranging further north than any other land-dwelling reptile. It can tolerate temperatures as low as -10°C (14°F), but it needs to bask in the sun to warm up its body.

What is the National Animal of Norway?

Norway is a country with rich and diverse wildlife, but did you know that it has no official national animal?

Now, before you scroll away, the country does have an unofficial national animal that was voted by the Norwegian people: the moose.

That’s right, the majestic moose (or elk, as it’s known in Europe) is widely regarded as the symbol of Norway’s nature and culture.

But how did the moose become the national animal of Norway, and what makes it so special that so many Norwegians voted for it?

The Norwegian public chose the moose in a popular vote on a radio program in the 1960s.

The program, called Nitimen, was run by the national broadcaster NRK, and it aimed to select some of Norway’s national symbols, such as the national flower, bird, and fish.

The moose won the vote by a large margin, and since then, it has been widely accepted as Norway’s national animal.

The moose is the largest and most powerful animal in the Norwegian forests and has a long history of being admired and respected by the people for its strength, independence, and resilience.

Its fur was highly sought after by Vikings, who believed that warriors clad in it were invulnerable.

It has been featured in many Norwegian stories, myths, and legends, reflecting Norway’s connection with nature and the environment, as well as its importance to the country’s economy and culture.

What is the National Bird of Norway?

Just like the country has an unofficial national animal, it also has an unofficial national bird which was picked by popular public vote in the same radio program.

Norwegians chose the white-throated dipper, also called fossekall in Norwegian, as their national bird.

The bird has a short tail that it often flicks up and down, and a strong and curved bill that it uses to catch its prey.

The white-throated dipper is named after its habit of bobbing up and down or dipping, on rocks or branches near the water.

It also has a loud and melodious song that it sings throughout the year, especially near waterfalls, earning it the nickname of “waterfall caller”.

It’s is not only a skilled singer, but also a remarkable diver. It can plunge into the cold and turbulent water and swim underwater using its wings as paddles.

The bird has several adaptations that help it survive in this harsh environment, such as waterproof feathers, a thick layer of fat, and nostrils that close when it dives.

Best Places to See Animals in Norway

✔️ Svalbard

Svalbard is an archipelago located in the Arctic Ocean, offering a unique experience of the polar region’s wilderness. It is home to polar bears, as well as other Arctic animals such as walruses, Arctic foxes, reindeer, and seals.

You can also see a variety of seabirds, such as puffins, gannets, and kittiwakes, nesting on the cliffs and islands.

Svalbard is one of the few places where you can see the Northern Lights in winter (November to February) and the midnight sun in summer (April to August). 

To see the wildlife of Svalbard, you can join a guided expedition cruise, a snowmobile safari, or a dog sledding tour.

However, on these tours, always follow the safety rules and respect the animals’ space and behavior.

✔️ Øvre Pasvik National Park

Øvre Pasvik National Park is located in the southeastern part of Norway, near the border with Finland and Russia. It is one of the most remote and untouched areas in the country, where you can find Norway’s largest virgin pine forest. 

The park is also a habitat for the brown bear, the largest predator in Europe, and has a large population of moose (the national animal of Norway).

The area has a rich birdlife, with about 190 species of flowering plants and many species of birds. 

You can explore the park by hiking, canoeing, fishing, or skiing, and stay in one of the mountain huts or campsites.

You can also visit the Pasvik Nature Reserve, which is a joint protected area with Russia, and see the beautiful flora and fauna of the boreal forest.

✔️ Saltfjellet-Svartisen National Park

Saltfjellet-Svartisen National Park is one of the most scenic and diverse national parks in Norway, covering an area of over 2,000 square kilometers. 

The park is named after the Saltfjellet mountain range and the Svartisen glacier, the second-largest glacier in the country.

The park has a variety of landscapes and ecosystems, from high mountains and glaciers to lowlands and wetlands. 

The park is also home to diverse wildlife, such as arctic foxes, wolverines, eagles, reindeer, Eurasian lynx, and moose.

There are also several bird species here that’ll thrill casual and avid birdwatchers alike.

You can visit the park all year round, and enjoy activities such as hiking, biking, kayaking, skiing, and ice climbing.

You can also stay in one of the many cabins or campsites in the park, or visit the nearby towns and villages.

✔️ Andøya

Andøya, the northernmost island in the Vesterålen archipelago, is a land of stark beauty and abundant wildlife.

Here, rugged coastlines carved by the icy waves of the Norwegian Sea create a breathtaking backdrop for unforgettable wildlife encounters.

Andøya is a beautiful island with diverse landscapes, from sandy beaches and rocky cliffs to peat bogs and cloud forests.

The wildlife here is primarily marine and avian. Andøya is a prime location for Arctic whale watching, with species like sperm whales, orcas, humpback whales, and fin whales frequently spotted. 

There’s also a stunning array of birdlife here, with one of the largest puffin colonies in Norway. Other bird species include kittiwakes, cormorants, shags, and many more. 

One of the best ways to explore Andøya is by driving along the scenic coastal road, which offers stunning views of the sea and the mountains.

Along the way, you can stop at various attractions, such as Bleik Beach, the Bukkekjerka rock formation, the Andøya Space Center, and the Skogvoll Nature Reserve.

Andenes, the administrative center of Andøya, has a long history of whaling, and today it is a popular destination for whale-watching tours.

The town also has a whale museum, where you can learn more about the biology and behavior of these magnificent creatures.

Best Tours to See Animals in Norway

👍🏼 Skjennungstoppen Wildlife Forest Hiking Tour

5.0 ⭐️ 1 Review

This tour will take you to the summit of Skjennungstoppen, a mountain in the northern part of Oslo, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and spot wild animals such as moose, beaver, deer, eagle, and fox.

You will also visit the geographic center of Oslo, which is located right in the middle of the forest.

The tour starts at the Oslo Visitor Centre, where you will meet your local guide and take a scenic train ride to Frognerseteren station.

From there, you will hike through the lush green forest, following a trail that offers a balance of challenging terrain and peaceful pathways.

Along the way, you will have two breaks at traditional cabins, where you can relax and enjoy some coffee and pastries.

The tour ends at Sognsvann, where you will take the metro line back to the city.

This tour is suitable for hikers of moderate fitness levels and requires hiking shoes or similar. The tour lasts about 6 hours, including the subway, and covers a distance of 12 km. 

👍🏼 Guided Fjord Expedition & Kvaløya Island

4.5 ⭐️ 168 Reviews

Do you want to explore the stunning fjords and islands of Tromsø?

This tour will take you on a road trip around Kvaløya, one of the largest and most beautiful islands in Norway, where you can see mountains, beaches, lakes, forests, and villages.

You will also have the chance to spot some of the animals that live in this area, such as sea eagles, reindeer, moose, and otters.

Along the way, you will stop at two traditional cabins for a warm lunch and some coffee and pastries.

Your guide will also help you with your camera settings and give you some photography tips.

👍🏼 Tromsø: Whale Watching Tour

4.6 ⭐️ 1,512 Reviews

If you are fascinated by the majestic whales of the Arctic, you really shouldn’t miss this tour.

This tour will take you on a hybrid-electric boat that sails silently and smoothly through the fjords, where you can observe orcas and humpback whales as they feed on herring. 

You will also admire the stunning views of the frozen landscapes and learn more about the whales and their environment from your experienced guide.

You can also enjoy food and drinks available for purchase on board.

The tour departs from Tromsø in the morning and lasts approximately 9 hours, including transportation and whale-watching time.

Frequently Asked Questions: Amazing Animals in Norway

Final Thoughts: Animals in Norway

Norway is not just a visually stunning place; the country also boasts a rich biodiversity and a variety of wildlife.

From the majestic moose and the elusive lynx to the playful puffins and the graceful whales, Norway has plenty of treats for every animal lover. 

I could only cover 29 of the most amazing animals in Norway in this article, but this list is far from exhaustive.

When you’re in the country, you should go out and explore to your heart’s content and you’ll be amazed at the wonders this country has to offer.

Whether you’re interested in marine life, bird-watching, something else, or a combination of all of them, Norway is easily one of the best places in the world for you. Have fun exploring!