To me, Northern Norway, with its spectacular fjord scenery, is a paradise in itself. Nature here is strikingly beautiful with snow covered mountain peaks, long, deep fjords, glaciers and sheltered valleys.
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An Arctic Wonderland where the cold winter nights often are lightened up by the magical dancing northern light.
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For the past 8 years or so, the scenic nature of county Troms has been accompanied with yet an other amazing natural attraction.
It is the winter whales that again put the arctic winter in Northern Noway on the bucket list of many.
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The huge amount of orcas and humpbacks, gathering in the fjords to feast on the overwintering herring, is also the reason to my repeatedly annual visits here during the darkest and coldest time of the year.
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This time, I'm here during the entire month of November, guiding four winter whale trips for Waterproof Expeditions.
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Out in field, we work patiently with the animals, spending plenty time observing the behaviour of these fascinating cetaceans, to get good and gentle encounters for both animals and our guests.
The whales attract a lot of spectators and the number of whale watching boats on the fjord has rapidly been increasing every year. Despite the many vessels, we try our best to escape the crowd with the aim to be surrounded by nothing else but nature and the wildlife.
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The video below, made by Vera Gudenrath who joined our second November trip, nicely shows how we operate during our expeditions:
The growing number of tour operators does make it harder to be alone with the whales, but with enough time, will and patience, the getaway to the more isolated fjords pays off. Surrounded by the sound of silence and in company of relaxed whales, this is the magical place to be.
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The following footage is captured by Manuel Clavel Rojo, who joined our first trip of the season:
I feel very fortunate to meet so many wonderful people during our trips and to be able to share and experience this Norwegian paradise and its amazing wildlife together with fellow nature and wildlife enthusiasts.
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Video next is made by Susanne Spindler, who joined M/S Malmö´s very last winter whale trip of the year:
Time flies quickly when busy and in good company, the month of November has therefore been passing by in high speed and my guiding assignment for this winter whale season has so found an end.
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My biggest thank you to the awesome crew and co-guides for great cooperation and superb teamwork. Your countless smiles make life onboard our cozy live-aboard ship M/S Malmö a true pleasure and I hardly can wait for next time working with you all.
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Many warm thanks also to all our wonderful guests for joining our trips. The world is small for like minded people so I´m living in great hope to meet you again, whether it is in cold or warmer waters!
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Grateful for yet another wonderful month in these spectacular fjords, where the gentle giants have showed us their daily presence in great numbers, I’m now off towards further adventures.
Bye winter whales, maybe I will meet you down south, or next autumn!
"Deep, vast oceans, mysterious forests or breathtaking heights, with this blog I want to share my immense passion for wonderful planet Earth. Through my work I hope to spread a keen interest in our environment and its vulnerable inhabitants. Sharing my life´s ventures in nature and among wildlife, both underwater and above. Adventures to inspirit life, raise awareness and inspire others."
