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  1. Home
  2. Our Destinations
  3. Norwegian Coast
  4. Norway: Travel Guide
  5. Wildlife on the Norwegian Coast
  6. Skrei

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Fishing boat
A fishing boat in Lofoten Photo: Trym Ivar Bergsmo Photo

Skrei

The Valentine's Fish has prepared its whole life to get on your plate.

Skrei (Arctic codfish) is derived from Old Norse for “the wanderer”, a very precise description of this codfish returning to the Norwegian coast after years roaming the Barents Sea. The reason for its return is spawning - i.e. find a mate – hence The Valetine's Fish.

The water conditions in Vestfjorden, between Bodø and Lofoten, are particularly suitable for spawning, attracting skrei by the million towards the Lofoten archipelago every winter between January and March. And with them come the fishermen.

Lofotfiske (“Fishing in Lofoten”) is an institution in Norway, attracting thousands of fishermen to Lofoten to catch what in fact is one of Norway's´s oldest exports. The Vikings brought the Skrei with them for trading on their excursions, and Skrei has even been the subject to a special tax to the king.

It is possible to tell the Skrei apart from the Arctic cod both in appearance and taste. It is a bit longer and more pointed, has whiter, crisper flesh, with firm flakes.

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    The Roundtrip Cruise

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    The Cruise South

    • Experience the natural wonders of Lofoten
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Further reading

  • Whales
  • Sea Eagle
  • The Atlantic Puffin

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When packing for Antarctica, remember to bring your mittens! 🧤
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#hurtigruten #antarctica #weexplore #whattopack #ribboat #travel #berniesanders #berniesmittens #berniesandersmeme #bernie #berniesandersmemes What's better than a warm embrace from someone you love? We hope we can all hug each other soon again. For now, we're sending you a virtual hug for National Hug Day. 📷: Chelsea Claus / Hurtigruten 
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#hurtigruten #weexplore #nationalhugday #hug #penguin #antarctica #travel #adventuretravel #wildlife For Penguin Awareness Day, here are some facts you might not know about everyone's favorite flightless bird: 
- Their black and white "tuxedo" is a smart camouflage called countershading
- You'll never actually see them with polar bears (despite what you've seen in classic cartoons)
- Penguins huddle together to protect themselves—or to stay warm
- You can see this fascinating creature if you go with Hurtigruten to Antarctica (but this we bet you knew already!)
 📸: Ingemund Skålnes / Hurtigruten

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