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Are there big spiders in Norway?

House spiders, species numbers and why bites are rarely a problem.

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Short answer

Yes, Norway has some large spiders, such as the large house spider, which can reach almost 8 cm including its long legs but is harmless to people. Serious venom effects in humans are rare at Norwegian latitudes. House spiders are shy, run away quickly and are useful because they catch flies and mosquitoes.

Flora and fauna of Norway a shield icon with a check mark next to a tent and a small no-campfire sign on a green hillside

Why

  1. Store norske leksikon lists 641 spider species recorded in Norway, out of nearly 50,000 described worldwide.
  2. The large house spider (Eratigena atrica) has a body of 10–16 millimetres, but with its long legs the total length can reach almost 8 centimetres.
  3. Spiders whose bites are dangerous to people, such as the brown recluse (Loxosceles reclusa), live in the Americas, and serious venom effects are rare at Norwegian latitudes.

Details

The house spiders you notice indoors are mostly males looking for females in late summer and autumn. The small house spider (Tegenaria domestica) is 6–10 millimetres long without its legs. Outdoors, the garden cross spider (korsedderkopp) is another large species, and the myredderkopp can grow to more than 2 centimetres in body length.

Tip

If a house spider comes indoors in autumn, catch it under a glass and put it outside; it is shy and harmless.

Common misconception

The big spiders that come into Norwegian homes in autumn are dangerous.

What actually happens

They are usually male house spiders looking for females. They look large because of their long legs, but they are harmless and shy.

People also ask

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Sources

Information checked on 15 October 2026.

Flora and fauna of Norway

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    Mosquitoes and biting midges are common in Norway in summer, but in Norway their bites are harmless, although they itch and can swell.

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    Dumpster diving is generally not legal in Norway, because the bins usually stand on private property and the waste belongs to the business until it is collected.

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    Yes, Norwegian police officers have generally carried firearms on duty since 1 July 2025, within limits set by the Norwegian Police Directorate (Politidirektoratet).

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    The City of Oslo counted 1,459 homeless households in its own survey in late 2024, using the national definition of homelessness.

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