Fishing in Norway
From king crab and Arctic ice fishing to deep sea adventures: Norway is one of the world’s best fishing destinations, kept alive by centuries of seafaring tradition.
Frozen lakes sit below icy mountains, towering fjords are filled with deep waters and crystal-clear rivers weave through forested landscapes. Norway’s incredible landscapes usually feature a body of water. So it’s not surprising that fishing in Norway, in all its forms, is one of our best-loved activities.
Our coastline, fjords, lakes and rivers support a huge variety of fish and crustaceans, including famous skrei (Arctic cod), Norwegian salmon and red king crab. From the Sámi people and Vikings to today’s fiskevær (Norwegian fishing villages), fishing in Norway has long supported all kinds of communities. Our delicious fish and seafood are now famous in kitchens around the world.
But it’s not just about food. Fishing embodies the concept of friluftsliv (open air living), connecting you to Norwegian nature and culture like no other activity.
Sailing with Hurtigruten means exploring Norway’s epic coastline, visiting fishing villages and perhaps sampling super-fresh fish and seafood every day of your voyage. And, whether you’re a seasoned angler or a fishing novice, you can even try catching your own. With Hurtigruten you can go ice fishing in the snowy Arctic, sail around coastal islands on a traditional cutter boat or haul up a king crab from the depths of the sea floor.
Why is Norway famous for fishing?
A lengthy coastline
Norway, with its jagged edge of fjords, channels and islands, has the second longest coastline in the world. The country’s mountainous interior meant communities mostly settled along the shoreline – creating a nation of competent fisher folk who have always lived off the sea.
Pristine waters
The currents of the Gulf Stream create a nutrient-rich environment for fish. Plus, Norway is known for its cold, clean waters and rigorously enforced fishing regulations.
Abundant species
Norway’s varied habitats mean a variety of sea and freshwater fish and crustaceans thrive here, including skrei, salmon, saithe (often called pollock or coley), halibut, Arctic char, mackerel, trout and red king crab.
Deep-rooted fishing culture
It's said that saltwater runs in our veins! Expect fishing villages, traditional Norwegian fish dishes, such as tørrfisk (air-dried cod), and even fishing competitions wherever you go.
What types of fishing are available in Norway?
From deep sea adventures to peaceful freshwater sessions, here are some of the popular types of fishing in Norway.
Norwegian cod fishing
Season: January to March
Where: coastal waters near Lofoten and Vesterålen
Requirements: A permit or license is not needed but any fish you catch and keep need to be over a minimum size
Cod fishing in Norway is a cultural cornerstone. Every year, the skrei migrate from the Barents Sea to their spawning grounds in the waters around Lofoten and Vesterålen. The Lofoten fishing communities are renowned for their preservation techniques, including air-drying cod – and the World Championship in Cod Fishing is even held here, in Svolvær.
Visit Lofoten between January and March and with Hurtigruten you can board a traditional fishing boat to go on a deep-sea fishing trip. Try catching your own fish and learn how to prepare it from the experts.
Norwegian ice fishing
Season: January to April
Where: frozen lakes across the country
Requirements: A fishing license is needed for all freshwater fishing in Norway
Ice fishing is an ancient Sámi tradition still practised today, where anglers cut a hole through thick ice atop inland lakes to try and catch trout, perch or Arctic char. The cold waters often result in larger fish, due to several factors including higher oxygen levels, so you might land an impressive haul!
Visit Honningsvåg with us in winter and you can try Arctic ice fishing for yourself. Snowshoe across frozen landscapes and learn ice fishing techniques from the experts, before cosying up in a traditional lavvo (tent) to taste the catch of the day.
Norwegian king crab fishing
Season: year round
Where: in the Barents Sea, near Kirkenes
Requirements: king crab fishing is highly regulated, so it’s best to join a guided fishing tour
Red king crabs were introduced to Norwegian waters in the 1960s and have since become a culinary delicacy. Local fishermen lay specialist nets and cages (sometimes called pots) to capture the crabs, which can weigh up to 8kg.
Sail to Kirkenes or Honningsvåg with us and you can go on a king crab ‘safari’. Join us on a king crab fishing trip in the summer, travel by RIB to watch the crabs pulled from the seafloor. Or in take a king crab fishing trip in the winter, travel by snowmobile on the frozen ocean to see the cages hauled up through a hole in the ice. Whichever season, you’ll sample incredibly fresh king crab eaten the traditional way – with soft bread, mayonnaise and a squeeze of lemon.
Norwegian salmon fishing
Season: early June to the end of August
Where: rivers in Trøndelag and Finnmark counties
Requirements: A fishing license is needed to fish for salmon in Norway
Norwegian salmon (Atlantic salmon) makes up a huge portion of Norway’s fish export, and for good reason. Cold, clean waters result in large, delicious fish that are prized in restaurants around the world.
Salmon has influenced different parts of Norwegian history and culture, from the positioning of Norse settlements near salmon rivers to the popularisation of salmon fishing for sport in the early 1800s. Today, anglers flock to Norway’s rivers to go salmon fishing in the wild.
Norwegian fly fishing
Season: May to September
Where: rivers in central and northern Norway
Requirements: A fishing license is needed for all freshwater fishing in Norway
Fly fishing must be one of the most relaxing forms of angling, especially when set against the tranquil scenery of Norway’s rivers and forests. A lightweight ‘fly’, or lure, is cast upon the water’s surface to attract the fish who assume it is prey. The whole process combines skill, patience and a solid understanding of river ecosystems.
Fly fishers are rewarded with some of the country’s tastiest freshwater fish, including trout, Arctic char, grayling and pike. And the time spent outdoors in nature isn’t bad either.
Norway fishing trips with Hurtigruten
Explore our selection of optional fishing excursions to add to your voyage.
Arctic ice fishing
Try catching your own fish through a hole in the ice, then sample the day’s catch in a traditional Sámi tent.
Available to book on The North Cape Line – Winter.
Cutter fishing boat trip
Set sail on a traditional cutter fishing boat, learn about Norwegian fishing heritage and taste freshly caught red king crab.
Available to book on The Svalbard Line.
Fishing village visit
Enjoy a guided tour of the fascinating island of Magerøya, where fishing traditions shape the villages of Skarsvåg and Kamøyvær.
Available to book on The Coastal Express.
Fishing in Lofoten (summer)
Head out on a deep-sea adventure and learn how to use jigging reels to catch pollock, haddock and mackerel.
Available to book on The Svalbard Line.
Fishing in Lofoten (winter)
Set sail on an authentic fishing boat and try to catch skrei against the beautiful snowy backdrop of the Lofoten archipelago.
Available to book on The North Cape Line – Winter.
King crab adventure (summer)
Travel by RIB to witness fishermen haul the crab cages from the seafloor, before trying some delicious red king crab.
Available to book on The Coastal Express.
King crab adventure (winter)
Swap the boat for a snowmobile-pulled sled to fish for king crabs through holes in the sea ice, then taste the catch at the Snow Hotel.
Available to book on The Coastal Express.
RIB and king crab experience
Travel by RIB out into the Barents Sea to fish for red king crabs before enjoying a fresh crab buffet in a rustic cabin.
Available to book on The North Cape Line – Summer and The Svalbard Line.
Norwegian cruises with fishing trips
FAQs: Fishing in Norway
Norway offers fantastic fishing year-round, but the best time depends on what you want to catch. Coastal sea fishing is excellent in all seasons, with summer (June-August) bringing long daylight hours from the Midnight Sun, ideal for extended trips. January to April is peak season for skrei in northern regions like Lofoten, while winter in general offers the chance to fish under dark skies or even the Northern Lights. For fewer crowds, visit Norway in spring or autumn.
Find out more things to do in our guides of when to visit Norway.
You do not need a licence for saltwater fishing in Norway. However, if you plan to fish in freshwater lakes or rivers, you will usually need a local fishing permit, which can be purchased online or from local vendors.
Norway’s coastal waters are rich with a wide variety of fish species. Common catches include skrei, halibut, mackerel, saithe, haddock and redfish. In northern regions, you can also fish for red king crab during the season. Freshwater anglers can expect species like salmon, trout and Arctic char.
Absolutely. Norway is a great destination for both beginners and experienced anglers. Calm fjords, abundant fish stocks and accessible locations make it easy for first-time fishers to enjoy a successful and rewarding experience. And Hurtigruten guests can join guided fishing trips with all equipment included, making it even easier to try fishing in Norway.
Weather conditions can change quickly, so it’s best to dress in warm, layered clothing. Waterproof outerwear is essential, along with sturdy footwear with good grip. Even in summer, temperatures at sea can be cool, so bringing a hat and gloves is recommended. In winter, insulated clothing is a must and is provided on our fishing excursions.
Norway is known for its strong commitment to sustainable fishing practices. Strict quotas, seasonal regulations and responsible management help protect fish stocks and marine ecosystems. Visitors must follow local guidelines, including catch limits and conservation rules, to help preserve Norway’s natural resources for future generations.
Onboard our ships, we serve fish and seafood sourced from Norwegian suppliers, including award-winning and decades-old producers.
Red king crab fishing is typically available year-round in Norway. The one exception is in April, where fishing for crabs is not allowed due to the shell moulting season.