December 20th, 2021
The Arctic Bug
We asked renowned wildlife photographer Audun Lie Dahl to share his best experiences from Svalbard - through all seasons.
Audun Lie Dahl
CEO of Nansen Polar Expeditions©
Are There Polar Bears in Norway?
When exploring Europe's northern Scandinavian borders, in particular the dream destination of Norway, you may be left wondering, are there polar bears in Norway?
Perfectly adapted to the fragile ecosystem of the Arctic, polar bears have become the poster animal of climate change and global warming, with the species under constant threat from a changing world. However, despite polar bear populations around the globe falling, there are still some majestic places in the world where polar bears can still be spotted in the wild. Norway, a country renowned for its natural beauty, is one of just five territories where polar bears still roam the frozen landscape.
Does Norway have wild polar bears?
While polar bears may not be a common sight in much of Norway, and you certainly won't see them wandering up the main street of Oslo, there are definitely wild polar bears to be found in Norway. This makes Norway a particularly special destination as it is the only country in Scandinavia to have wild polar bears. In fact, in only one part of Norway, polar bears are well documented residents. On the archipelago of Svalbard a common rumour even persists that there are more wild polar bears than humans. While the human population does, in actuality, outnumber the polar bears on Svalbard, there are still certainly hundreds of bears roaming the islands of the archipelago.
So, are there polar bears in just Northern Norway?
The north of Norway is the only place that polar bears are found in the country. Evolved to thrive in cold weather environments, these magnificent bears are perfectly designed for braving the frigid temperatures of Arctic Europe.
However, when it comes to the question of if there are polar bears in mainland Norway, unfortunately, any wildlife watchers will have to travel to Svalbard to spot any bears in the wild. Luckily, Svalbard is not too hard to get to, with transport options leaving from the beautiful northern city of Tromsø, as well as Oslo.
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How many polar bears are there in Norway?
The number of polar bears that call Norway home can depend on the time of year. As polar bears trek long distances across sea ice, the polar bear population can rise and fall depending on sea ice coverage and the movements of bears as they hunt and search for dens. The Barents Sea, of which Svalbard is within, supports an estimated 3,000 bears, however not all of these bears are in Norway and not all are in Norway year-round.
At any time of the year, it is thought that roughly 300 polar bears will be on Svalbard itself, however, hundreds more can be roaming the sea ice around the islands.
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When is the best time to see polar bears?
While there are polar bears present in Norway all year, May to early September is often regarded as the best time to see polar bears in Svalbard.
Unlike other bears, polar bears don't hibernate so it is likely for a percentage of the population to be active year-round. Pregnant females will den in the fall and then re-emerge with their young in the spring, meaning that the months from May to September, particularly early in the season, can also be prime time for spotting newly emerged mothers with their cubs.
Where is the best place to spot polar bears in Norway?
Svalbard is the best and, really the only, place to spot polar bears in Norway. Located to the north of Norway in the cold waters of the Arctic, Svalbard is a recognised territory for the Barents Sea polar bear populations.
How can I see polar bears on Svalbard?
Part of what makes Svalbard so special is the wild ruggedness of the archipelago. This wildness also means that the best way to go searching for a polar bear sighting is with a specialised tour organisation. For the avid explorer, tours can be tailored to provide the ultimate Arctic adventure, relaxation recharge, or cultural experience. You may even find yourself catching the Arctic bug and being truly enchanted by these northern shores.
Journeying across an otherworldly landscape on snowmobiles, Up Norway provides next-level sustainable experiences that leave a lasting impression for travellers.
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Can I go on a polar bear safari?
While the answer to the question of if there are wild polar bears in Norway may be a resounding yes, the answer to the question of if you can go on a polar bear safari is a certain no. As polar bears are a protected species, regulations on Svalbard prohibit specific polar bear safaris. These regulations help to protect these incredible animals and their environments to ensure they are still wandering the coastlines of Svalbard for many more years to come.
However, for those dreaming of seeing wild polar bears in Norway, there are still options. Snowmobile tours, wildlife tours, boat tours, and expedition tours all offer the chance to see polar bears without disrupting these incredible creatures. Of course, polar bear sightings can't be guaranteed. But, these experiences won't leave anyone feeling empty handed, with sights of majestic arctic scenery and wildlife in Norway a sure thing, and the chance to spot the elusive polar bear always present on Svalbard.
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Explore the home of the polar bear with Up Norway…
Journey to towering snow-covered peaks and navigate otherworldly icy seas, experience the magic of a sun that never sets and watch wildflowers bloom over Scandinavian fields.
Taste succulent king crab in the shadow of majestic mountains, adventure to ancient glaciers and explore valleys carved by fire and ice. Watch out for walruses, seals, and maybe even the king of the Arctic himself, the elusive polar bear. Take an escape from the escape with the Far Out in Svalbard journey, an expedition you will never forget through the realm of the mighty polar bear.
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Danny Dodd
Travel CuratorHi! I'm Danny, and I'm a Travel Curator here at Up. Get in touch, and I'll do my best to answer any questions you might have.
December 20th, 2021
The Arctic Bug
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