📝 How to prepare for wildlife watching in Norway: a useful checklist
When you're travelling in cold winds and unpredictable weather, it's so important to be prepared. And if you're going to be around animals, it's a good idea to be cautious, too. This handy list will help you remember everything you need, feel comfortable and avoid disturbing the lovely inhabitants of Norway's forests, fjords and plateaus.
| Task | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Check the 48-hour weather forecast | Weather in the mountains can change in an hour |
| Download offline maps + shelter coordinates | No signal in tundra and remote areas |
| Charge your phone, camera batteries, and power bank | Cold drains batteries fast |
| Share your route with a friend or campsite host | Safety rule in sparsely populated regions |
| Read park rules (drones, fires, distance from animals) | Fines up to 1500 NOK + unnecessary stress for wildlife |
| Layer | Examples | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Base Layer | Merino wool thermal underwear | Wicks moisture, retains body heat |
| Insulating | Fleece jacket / down vest | Traps heat, dries quickly |
| Outer Layer | Waterproof jacket (10,000 mm+), softshell trousers | Blocks wind and rain |
| Accessories | Thin beanie, buff, gloves, warm socks | Ears, fingers, and neck lose heat first |
| Footwear | Trekking boots with grippy soles | Snow + rocks + bogs = slippery terrain |
We totally understand that you might need some essential equipment to get the job done, so here's a list of what you'll need:
- I totally get it, you're after some 8x42 binoculars, right? And you're wondering if they're the right ones for you. Well, they're great for handheld use, and you don't even need a tripod.
- You'll need a camera with a 200–400 mm lens, or if you've got a smartphone, you can use a telephoto lens adapter.
- Just wanted to let you know that the monopod is great for stabilising at long focal lengths.
- Don't worry, I've got a headlamp and spare batteries for you!
- You'll be so glad to have this reusable 1-litre bottle, and you can't go wrong with energy bars or nuts!
- Just thought I'd let you know that a 5–10 litre dry bag is the perfect way to keep your electronics and dry socks safe and sound!
- I'd let you know about this awesome foam seat pad. It's great for making waiting for animals more comfortable, and it's so handy!
- I just thought I'd mention that our mini first aid kit has everything you need to take care of any little mishaps. It's got plasters, an elastic bandage, insect repellent, and personal medication.
- We just want you to be safe and have an amazing time, so when you book a tour, we'll make sure you're covered for any outdoor activities.
🦌 How our little ones behave when they're out and about in the wild!
Just be quiet and move slowly – animals tend to react to sound faster than to smell.
- Distance: Hey, just a heads-up for all you small animal and bird lovers out there: make sure you keep at least 25 metres between you and the next person, for everyone's safety!
- Hey, just so you know, moose and deer are at least 100 metres away.
- Hey, just so you know, there are sheep and bears in the area, and they're around 200 metres away.
It's always best not to feed them anything but home-cooked food. This is because foreign food can sometimes make them unwell and make them lose their fear of humans.
When you're out walking in our beautiful national parks, please keep your dogs on a short lead (less than 2 metres).
And please, if you could avoid pitching your tent on animal trails, that would be really appreciated. Just look for a nice open spot with a gorgeous view, and you'll be all set!
We kindly ask you to refrain from using drones in most parks, as they are a disturbance to the birds during their nesting season.
I thought I'd share some of my favourite apps with you! They're super useful and I hope you enjoy them!
- Yr.no is here to help you plan your day, with an accurate Norwegian hourly weather forecast.
- Merlin Bird ID is an amazing tool that helps you identify birds by their photo or voice.
- iNaturalist is an awesome tool that helps you keep track of all your wildlife observations and helps you identify species.
- If you need offline maps with trails, Norgeskart is the one for you!
| Animal | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Bear | Speak calmly, back away slowly sideways, do not run |
| Wolf | Maintain eye contact, back away slowly, make yourself appear larger |
| Lynx | Stay still, don’t approach, let it leave first |
To make sure you're all set for your adventure, don't forget to keep your feet warm, make sure your camera battery is charged, and that you're ready to take that perfect shot, without causing any harm to the beautiful surroundings. Print out this handy checklist or save it on your phone, and you'll be all set for a comfortable and safe Norwegian adventure!