The Wildlife of Tromsø
Northern Norway’s renowned city of Tromsø is as celebrated for its pristine wilderness as it is for its wildlife diversity. The two, of course, go hand in hand. Join us for a walk on the wild side as we take a look at the amazing creatures that inhabit Tromsø and Norway!
The remoteness of Tromsø certainly adds to its allure. Located north of the Arctic Circle in northern Norway, the city is situated on the island of Tromsøya. Tromsø is a vibrant and culturally dynamic town with a university, multiple museums, and the home of the Norwegian Polar Institute, not to mention its multiple restaurants, pubs, and the world’s northernmost brewery, Mack. To observe the wildlife of Tromsø, one must head outside the bustling city limits and into the surrounding wilderness. In this article, we’ll explore the fascinating animals that inhabit this picturesque part of the world on land, sea, and sky!
Marine Life
To begin our Arctic exploration of the wildlife of Tromsø, we’ll head to the Norwegian Sea, where gentle and also not-so-gentle giants roam the waters. Fun fact - the Norwegian Sea is also part of the North Atlantic Ocean and the Arctic Ocean! The biodiversity of the area’s marine life is truly mesmerizing, during migration season in the colder months, majestic humpback whales, orcas (‘killer whales’), minke and fin whales can be spotted in the waters surrounding Tromsø. They come to this area to feed on the abundant krill, plankton, fish (especially herring), and seals of the region. This is why whale-watching tours in Tromsø are so popular in the winter! Keeping a safe distance from these massive and magnificent marine mammals, passengers can spot whales breaching the surface and often travelling in pods, making for a truly unforgettable experience!
Although whales may steal the spotlight for marine life in the region, northern Norway’s fjords also house notable aquatic life such as grey and harbour seals, playful white-beaked dolphins, and harbour porpoises. Impressive, to say the least, and we haven’t even begun to list the fish and invertebrates!
As mentioned earlier, herring are plentiful in the Norwegian Sea. Dried and salted herring has been a traditional Norwegian delicacy for centuries and is tied to the region’s rich maritime and fishing culture in addition to its local gastronomy. Other significant fish in the area include cod, pollock, halibut, etc. For this reason, experienced anglers and beginners alike enjoy casting their lines into the icy waters of Tromsø on guided fishing tours!
No article about the wildlife of Tromsø would be complete without mentioning the enormous king crab. This gigantic invertebrate is a seafood lover's delight but is also an invasive species and can be found along the Norwegian coast and occasionally in the waters of Tromsø.
Birds
Tromsø is a birdwatcher’s paradise! The varied topography of the area, which includes dense forests, coastal cliffs, imposing mountains, and rugged fjords, attracts a large number of bird species. The summertime is the best season to observe migratory birds like the colourful-beaked puffin, Arctic terns, and different kinds of geese. They travel to Tromsø and surrounding areas for the ample food supply, favourable weather conditions, and secure areas to raise their adorable chicks on steep cliffs, avoiding hungry and opportunistic predators.
The birds native to northern Norway are made of sterner stuff and have adapted to the cold winter temperatures and snow-covered landscapes. The stunning white-tailed eagle can often be spotted in the fjords surrounding Tromsø hunting for fish, smaller birds and mammals. This extraordinary creature is one of Europe’s largest birds of prey and is widely regarded as one of the enduring symbols of the Arctic wilderness.
Other noteworthy bird species include gyrfalcons (the largest of the falcon species), northern hawk owls, ptarmigans, sea and eider ducks, great cormorants, snow buntings, ravens, seagulls, and the list goes on!
Land Animals
Our journey into the Arctic wildlife of Tromsø concludes with a peek at the diverse species of land animals in this remarkable region of northern Norway. Let’s start with the ‘King of the Forest’, the moose! These formidable herbivores, the largest members of the deer family can grow as tall as 1.5 to 2.1 metres (5 to 6.9 feet) at the shoulder and weigh as much as 400 to 700 kilograms (880 to 1,540 pounds). Although they are timid and solitary creatures, they can be spotted in the summer on guided moose tours from Tromsø!
Not to dethrone 'the King' but reindeer are without a doubt iconic animals of Norway and Scandinavia. These marvellous beasts are inextricably linked with the indigenous peoples of Norway, the Sami, for whom reindeer herding has been a traditional livelihood for centuries. (If you want to learn more about the noble Sami culture, check out our Sami Culture and the History of Tromsø article!). Even though the reindeer in this area are semi-domesticated, their presence is truly awe-inspiring and a guided reindeer-feeding experience is well worth it!
Other exceptional animals that inhabit northern Norway include Arctic foxes, Arctic hares, ermines, Eurasian lynxes, wolverines, lemmings, brown bears, etc. We cannot end our wildlife of Tromsø adventure without mentioning the husky. These hardy and energetic dogs were integral in the transportation and exploration of the Arctic before the advent of snowmobiles and cars. Dog sledding in Tromsø continues to be a beloved and fun-filled winter activity to this day!
Honourable Mention - Norway does have polar bears! These enormous beasts live mostly on the remote archipelago of Svalbard and can be found in the hinterlands of the northernmost parts of Norway. In Svalbard, it is rumoured that there are more polar bears than citizens!
Animal and nature lovers, when travelling to observe the wildlife of Tromsø, beware! You may just find your Arctic wonderland utopia. Just don’t forget your camera to capture the special moments! As always, we recommend joining a wildlife tour in Tromsø with seasoned professionals who will not only ensure your safety and enjoyment but also that of the animals. In addition, you’ll learn fascinating facts from a local perspective, making the experience even more rewarding and fun!
In love with all things Tromsø? Don’t miss our other articles including The Definitive Guide to Dog Sledding in Tromsø, Best Northern Lights Activities in Tromsø, the Best Family-friendly Activities in Tromsø, and Top 5 Fun Facts About Tromsø.