WILDLIFE SAFARIS
Guided wildlife safaris bring you into a unique animal kingdom in Norway and introduce you to whales , musk oxen , moose , puffins , and birds of prey . Please note that polar bears cannot be found in mainland Norway , only in Svalbard . Wildlife safaris undertaken by professional locals can bring you into the natural habitat of these species in a safe and controlled way . Whale safaris take place in winter in Tromsø , and whales can be spotted along the Vesterålen coast all year round . The Dovrefjell mountains are where you can spot the musk oxen ( you maintain a distance of at least 200 metres ) that weigh between 225 and 400 kilos but can move at a speed of up to 60 kms per hour . Birdwatching safaris are possible around the country with white-tailed eagles to be found along the coast , puffins in the Lofoten islands , and the eider around the Varangerfjord . The UNESCO listed Vega islands offer more than 230 species of birds to spot . Moose can be seen under the northern lights in Vesterålen . Local safari operators advertise in most major places and you can pre-book your tour . Some hotels will also offer you these experiences .
Reindeer , credit Gaute Bruvilk , www . nordnorge . com
SKI-ING
Downhill ski-ing and cross-country ski-ing are both possible in Norway . The best developed downhill ski-ing is in the region around Lillehammer to the north of Oslo in the winter , with some summer ski-ing on glaciers too . Cross-country ski-ing takes place almost anywhere but several of the country ’ s most popular cross-country destinations are in the mountains of Eastern Norway in Lillehammer and the Gudbrandsdalen valley .
DOG SLEDDING
Dog sledding in winter is an authentic , local activity that combines spectacularly with the Northern Lights . We can offer you dog sledding at our northern Norway hotels at Malangen and the Snowhotel Kirkenes .
Snowshoeing at Mount Hoven , credit Bard Basberg , Loen Skylift
Huskies and sleds , Malangen Resort , Northern Norway , credit ring
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