Viking Magazine - November 2020 - 20

EMBRACING YOUR NORDIC ROOTS
goes beyond immersing yourself in the culture, food
and traditions of Scandinavia. Next time you find
yourself trekking toward the Arctic, get to know the
wildlife of the big, bold north. How do they survive
out there? With extra fur, tusks, blubber or even
claws.
Summer in Svalbard
Embark into the Norwegian wilderness for a chance
to see moose and reindeer. If you dare, venture
further up north to the archipelago of Svalbard,
famous for its polar bear population. According
to Visit Svalbard, the polar bear is the King of the
Arctic. In fact, their population on the island (around
3,000) outnumbers humans and they are present
year-round.
Your chances of spotting the carnivorous animal in
this area could be hit or miss, however, and expect it
to be random. Because polar bears are an endangered
species and protected by law, there are no safaris
that will take you to them. They're also wanderers,
so it can be tough to predict when and where you
will see one. These
marine mammals
roam freely, without
limitations, and walk
long distances in just
a few days. Polar
bear encounters can
be dangerous, so it's
recommended to
explore the area with
a guide who's trained to keep you safe.
Another possible find on your expedition to
Svalbard includes walrus sightings. The majestic
blubbered bodies can be found lounging on the sea
ice in large colonies across the Arctic Circle, but
Spitsbergen and Svalbard remain premier walrus
destinations.
Native to the Svalbard archipelago are the
Svalbard reindeer. Unlike the sleeker reindeer often
pictured with Santa's sleigh, you'll discover these
herds sporting a long, shaggy coat, extra pudge and
stubby legs. Because they don't have predators, you
can watch them from your window casually strolling
through Longyearbyen, unphased by their human
neighbors.
Brave the Arctic Waters
Safaris, on the other hand, can bring you face-toface
with other creatures unique to the area. You
20 VIKING NOVEMBER 2020 sonsofnorway.com
Not only are safaris a great way
to experience the local wildlife,
they're also an opportunity to
marvel at Nordic nature.
can go on a safari to get close to whales, king crabs,
musk ox and rare birds. Not only are safaris a great
way to experience the local wildlife, they're also an
opportunity to marvel at Nordic nature-including
the fresh sea air and breathtaking scenery.
For those who enjoy birdwatching, an arctic
safari is a wonderful treat. Puffins are a prized
sighting for birding checklists, with their adorable
clown-like faces. Single puffins and small groups
alike congregate on the fjords of Svalbard and are
a common sight on boating expeditions during the
summer. Some safari options are geared toward
seeing these bright-beaked birds, but they're not
the only feathered friends you'll meet. In fact,
mountainous areas of Norway, such as Dovrefjell
and Rondane, the Trondheimsfjord, the islands of
Vega and Runde, Lierne and Børgefjell, Pasvik and
the Varangerfjord are renowned for birdwatching.
Approximately 300 of the world's 9,000 bird
species call Norway their natural habitat, and about
200 additional bird types can be found in parts of
the country during certain times of the year. You'll
have the chance to see divers, grebes, red-necked
phalarope and other
unique birds. If you're
lucky, you might even
see a snowy owl or
white-tailed eagle.
Another kind of
animal adventure-a
tasty one-awaits
you in the Barents
Sea just off the coast
of Finnmark. A king crab safari is a great option for
seafood lovers. Watch them from ashore and you
can see how the creatures get their name-some king
crabs grow up to 6 feet from claw to claw and weigh
up to 33 pounds. For some travelers, the best part
is at the end of the trip, where you'll be treated to a
feast of the crab's succulent meat, paired with white
wine.
A gentler giant of the ocean, the whale, visits
the coasts of Norway every summer, as the North
Atlantic waters are among the world's richest for
plankton. Andenes, on the northern tip of the
Vesterålen group of islands, hosts 2- to 4-hour whalewatching
safaris through late May to the middle of
September. Sperm whales are the most commonly
spotted species in the area, but keep your eyes open
for pilot whales, belugas, humpbacks, killer whales
and even dolphins.
If you're worried about getting seasick, it's possible
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Viking Magazine - November 2020

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Viking Magazine - November 2020
