Why do whales come to Tromsø in winter?
Every winter, large schools of herring swim into the fjords north of Tromsø. They are drawn by the abundance of plankton and the calm fjords, which provide ideal feeding conditions.
Around this time, there are as many herring in the fjords of Northern Norway as there are people on Earth: a huge food source for whales, eagles, and people. This creates a rich feeding ground during the winter months and makes Tromsø one of the best places in the world for whale watching in winter.
Which whales can you see in Tromsø?
The Tromsø fjords are most famous for orcas and humpback whales, which are the species you are most likely to encounter during the winter whale watching season.
Orcas, also known as killer whales, travel in pods and are known for their black-and-white pattern and coordinated hunting behavior. Humpback whales are gentle giants, famous for their acrobatic breaches and their long migrations. On their journey, they stop along the coast of Tromsø to feed on the abundant herring in the cold Arctic fjords. They are often joined by porpoises, smaller relatives of dolphins, hunting together in search of herring. Occasionally, fin whales, minke whales, sperm whales, or pilot whales can also be spotted, but these sightings are more rare.
When to go whale watching in Tromsø?
The best time to see whales in Tromsø is from the end of October to the end of January. While the location and number of whales can vary slightly from year to year, this period offers the best chance to see wild whales in the Arctic fjords of Norway.
In winter, the daylight hours are short north of the Arctic Circle. Tromsø whale watching tours depart early in the morning, giving you the chance to experience both Arctic wildlife and the fjord landscapes during the limited hours of daylight.
At this time of year, the low sun often colors the sky in shades of pink and orange. Even though the daylight hours are short, the season of the Polar Night in Northern Norway is full of color, with the auroras often dancing across the night sky. Returning to Tromsø in the afternoon, you’ll be back in time to join an evening cruise to see this spectacular phenomenon.
