Norway

The Lofoten and the Vesterlen, two chains of islands with breathtaking landscapes that overlap each other 300 kilometers north of the polar circle, are where most whale watching takes place in Norway. A whale watching trip is ideal when the sky is lit up by the northern lights in winter or when it never gets dark in the summer. The tiny harbor town of Andenes, which is located in Vesterlen's north, is the most significant location during the summer. There are only 3.000 residents, but more than 15.000 tourists visit the city each year to see the sperm whales, which live permanently in the waters off Andya. As a result, encounters are very likely. The small neighboring town of St. and Andenes serve as the starting point for about half of all summer whale watching tours in Norway. Another excellent and educational whale center with life-size models is located in Andenes. The best time to see sperm whales is between June and August, though pilot whales, minke whales, and other dolphin species do occasionally surface as well.