Yes, it will be cold. But the crystal clear waters of the fjords and the lakes, the many mysterious shipwrecks, and the chance to snorkel with killer whales will make up for it. Here are the best spots in Norway for you to get your scuba game on.
It may be a small strait, but Saltstraumen packs a punch. Located just 10 kilometres outside Bodø in Nordland county, Saltstraumen has a reputation amongst divers for being one of the strongest tidal currents in the world. With such strong water movement (at times, the height difference between the ocean and the fjord can reach one metre), the marina flora and fauna that can be found here are diverse — making for beautiful underwater pictures. As a diving spot, Saltstraumen is ideal for divers of all levels.
How would you feel about snorkelling next to the ruins of a sunken town? It sounds like something out of a post-apocalyptic movie and yet it is quite possible to arrange. Lake Lygnstøylvatnet in Norangsdal valley was formed only a century ago due to a rock fall, and beneath the water surface, the foundations of the old structures still remain. You can glide next to the old road, the submerged bridge and the ruins of farmhouses, but note that you need to be very careful not to cause any damage to this underwater marvel.
One of the most famous dive resorts in Norway, Gulen is located in Sogn og Fjordane county. Gulen was a military base during World War II and as such, some of the most important shipwrecks in all of Northern Europe are waiting for you in its depths. There are currently more than 25 vessels you can explore underwater, with the most famous one being the DS Frankenwald, a German steamship.
Located between Lillesand and Kristiansand in the south, the diving base at Skottevik offers prospective divers the luxury of diving in some of the warmest waters in Norway. Thanks to the warm temperature in the water, the marine diversity here is extraordinary, and you can find species of fauna in a variety of colours that will make you feel like you’re diving in the Mediterranean. Many shipwrecks can be found here as well, among them the German freighter MS Seattle.
In the northern part of Norway lies Narvik, a harbour town with a significant history as some of Norway’s most important battles during World War II took place here. As a result, the underwater area is full of shipwrecks with everything from cargo ships and warships to even a seaplane. Diving in Narvik will be like an exciting history lesson.
Skarberget is also located in northern Norway, in the municipality of Tysfjord. It is famous amongst divers for offering great nighttime diving experiences, as well as being one of the best wall dives in the country. There are many orcas hunting herring here, so you may get to encounter one of them.
The Lofoten archipelago is an enchanting destination for all types of travellers, but divers will be particularly pleased. Think rock walls with unfathomable depths, canyons, kelp forests, strong currents and a number of shipwrecks that have been maintained in perfect condition thanks to the ice cold waters.
