Arctic Docuseries Set in Norway
If you are coming to Norway to explore Norway’s stunning Arctic landscape and you’re antsy to get there, we don’t blame you! You’ve probably been spending hours looking longingly at stunning photos but, if you’re looking for something better to tide you over, might we recommend a docuseries?
There are so many incredible documentary film series about the wildlife and landscape in Norway’s Arctic that will help you get your fix while you wait for your take-off date. Here are a few we love.
Svalbard: Minute by Minute
Norway’s state-owned NRK recently aired this 13,319-minute broadcast. The documentary followed the entire nine-day and five-hour journey of the expedition vessel, MS Spitsbergen, as it sailed around its namesake island, Spitsbergen, the largest island of Svalbard.
The series celebrates the signing of the Svalbard treaty which gave Norway sovereignty over the Norwegian archipelago but granted access rights to the other signatories. The docuseries is meant to give viewers a first-hand look at the devastating impact climate change has had on the Svalbard region.
BBC One - Frozen Planet
It’s clear that Svalbard, located about 4 hours north of Tromsø, is of special interest to documentary filmmakers all over the world. The island, on which the polar bears outnumber the humans, was also featured in BBC One’s Frozen Planet series. The series was co-produced by BBC and The Open University and leveraged the production team responsible for the Planet Earth and Blue Earth docu-series.
Frozen Planet looks at the spring, summer, autumn, and winter months and explores the survival techniques used by various Arctic animals including, of course, the polar bears on Svalbard. The final episode of the series outlines the damaging impact climate change and the melting of the ice caps has had on both the human and wildlife inhabitants of the Northernmost regions across the planet.
The first-hand look at the impact of global warming on the landscapes and wildlife of Norway’s Arctic region certainly inspires action. If you’re looking for ways to make your Arctic travels more eco-friendly, reach out to our team at Fjord Tours to learn more about your available options or check out this article on eco-friendly travel!
BBC One - Human Planet
BBC produces some spectacular nature documentaries. But, their Human Planet documentary shifts focus to put a closer lens on the interaction between the human species and the natural world in this 8-episode docuseries.
The Norway-related portion of the episode highlights the reindeer herding season in Arnøya. The Sami people of Norway’s arctic have practiced reindeer herding since the 17th century.
For the Sami people, reindeer herding is both a profession and a way of life. If you’re interested in experiencing the Sami culture first-hand and learning more about reindeer herding you can join in on a Reindeer sledding in Tromsø. With this activity, you’ll have an opportunity to interact with these beautiful animals, experience the Northern Lights, and enjoy a hot meal around an open fire in a reindeer herder’s tent. You’ll also have an opportunity to hear stories and learn more about the Sami culture and how they have been able to survive for so many centuries in the harsh arctic climate.
We hope that these gorgeous documentary series will help give you a taste of Norway’s Arctic region while you wait for your chance to visit it yourself. Check our tours here.
The best arctic experiences
Check out our exciting collection of activities in the arctic here!
Arctic fjord cruise in Tromsø
Tromsø • 4 hr
From 1250NOK
Available 1 February - 23 October
Silent whale watching cruise in Tromsø
Tromsø • 9 hr
From 1790NOK
Available 25 October - 31 January
Northern Lights cuisine cruise in Tromsø
Tromsø • 3 hr
From 1790NOK
Available 13 September - 22 March
Arctic island hopping from Tromsø
Tromsø • 11 hr 30 min
From 1990NOK
Available 15 May - 31 August
Dog sledding in Tromsø
Multiple locations • 7 hr
From 2290NOK
Available 1 December - 31 March
Snowmobile safari in Tromsø
Tromsø • 7 hr
From 2490NOK
Available 10 December - 31 March
Coastal safari and local taste
Tromsø • 6 hr
From 1490NOK
Available 1 September - 14 April
Whale watching in Lofoten
Svolvær • 14 hr
From 3490NOK
Available 15 June - 31 August
Arctic fjord cruise in Tromsø
Tromsø • 4 hr
From 1250NOK
Available 1 February - 23 October
Silent whale watching cruise in Tromsø
Tromsø • 9 hr
From 1790NOK
Available 25 October - 31 January
Northern Lights cuisine cruise in Tromsø
Tromsø • 3 hr
From 1790NOK
Available 13 September - 22 March
Arctic island hopping from Tromsø
Tromsø • 11 hr 30 min
From 1990NOK
Available 15 May - 31 August
Dog sledding in Tromsø
Multiple locations • 7 hr
From 2290NOK
Available 1 December - 31 March
Snowmobile safari in Tromsø
Tromsø • 7 hr
From 2490NOK
Available 10 December - 31 March
Coastal safari and local taste
Tromsø • 6 hr
From 1490NOK
Available 1 September - 14 April
Whale watching in Lofoten
Svolvær • 14 hr
From 3490NOK
Available 15 June - 31 August
Life in the arctic
Get to know the arctic region and be inspired to plan your next arctic adventure!
Norway’s Arctic Climate
Norway’s Arctic is one of the most astounding places on the planet. From the vast untouched snowy landscape, to the breathtaking Aurora Borealis, to the unique wildlife, the Arctic is truly something incredible. Unfortunately, climate change is having a devastating impact on Arctic regions worldwide. If change doesn’t occur rapidly to repair the damage that has already been done, the results will be devastating for Arctic regions as well as the rest of the world.
Animals in the arctic
It should come as no surprise that the Arctic region is one of the toughest places on earth for wildlife to live. Humans have been able to adapt fairly well to living in this part of the world due to the ability to wear clothing and reside in heated structures throughout the majority of the winter. However, for the animals that are forced to stay outside and venture through the Norwegian fjords and other areas of the Arctic, the climate is much more inhospitable.
How to have the ultimate arctic adventure
When you book a trip to somewhere adventurous like the Arctic, you want to make sure that every second of the journey is packed with as much excitement as possible. But in order to do this, you need to know a variety of things about your destination such as where to sleep, what to do, and what to eat while you are there.
The Arctic Circle
Sitting at Earth’s most northerly latitudes, you can think of the Arctic as the planet’s hat. The main focus of this area is, of course, the North Pole, however there is so much more to it than that. Surrounding the North Pole is the Arctic Circle which stretches out into different countries, forming a line around the top of the Earth. Let’s take a closer look at this fascinating part of the world.
The Svalbard Global Seed Vault
Is Svalbard worth visiting? In a word, yes! Svalbard has fascinated travelers for a long time. The Norwegian archipelago lies just below the North Pole and is one of the world’s northernmost inhabited areas with almost 3,000 human residents. In Svalbard you will also find a fascinating building; The Svalbard Global Seed Vault.
Life in the Arctic
The majority of people who have not gone on a Norwegian cruise have likely never seen the Arctic in person. Therefore, when they picture locals living there, what might come to mind is the image of people wrapped in massive puffy winter jackets all year round and walking through roads that are covered in several feet of snow and ice.
Land of the Midnight Sun
Norway is famous for its natural beauty, and it’s also known around the world as the “land of the midnight sun”. The northernmost regions of the country experience a remarkable natural phenomenon in which the sun stays up for several months during the summer. In this article, we’ll tell you all about this interesting phenomenon and tell you how you can experience the midnight sun for yourself!
Why does the sun not rise in the Winter?
There are basically two different kinds of people in the world when it comes to sunlight. Some are classified as “morning people,” which means that they absolutely love to wake up early in the morning to the warm glow of sunlight. On the flip side of the coin, their counterparts are known as “night owls,” which means that they actually prefer the evening when the sun is on its way down.
Norway’s Arctic Climate
Norway’s Arctic is one of the most astounding places on the planet. From the vast untouched snowy landscape, to the breathtaking Aurora Borealis, to the unique wildlife, the Arctic is truly something incredible. Unfortunately, climate change is having a devastating impact on Arctic regions worldwide. If change doesn’t occur rapidly to repair the damage that has already been done, the results will be devastating for Arctic regions as well as the rest of the world.
Animals in the arctic
It should come as no surprise that the Arctic region is one of the toughest places on earth for wildlife to live. Humans have been able to adapt fairly well to living in this part of the world due to the ability to wear clothing and reside in heated structures throughout the majority of the winter. However, for the animals that are forced to stay outside and venture through the Norwegian fjords and other areas of the Arctic, the climate is much more inhospitable.
How to have the ultimate arctic adventure
When you book a trip to somewhere adventurous like the Arctic, you want to make sure that every second of the journey is packed with as much excitement as possible. But in order to do this, you need to know a variety of things about your destination such as where to sleep, what to do, and what to eat while you are there.
The Arctic Circle
Sitting at Earth’s most northerly latitudes, you can think of the Arctic as the planet’s hat. The main focus of this area is, of course, the North Pole, however there is so much more to it than that. Surrounding the North Pole is the Arctic Circle which stretches out into different countries, forming a line around the top of the Earth. Let’s take a closer look at this fascinating part of the world.
The Svalbard Global Seed Vault
Is Svalbard worth visiting? In a word, yes! Svalbard has fascinated travelers for a long time. The Norwegian archipelago lies just below the North Pole and is one of the world’s northernmost inhabited areas with almost 3,000 human residents. In Svalbard you will also find a fascinating building; The Svalbard Global Seed Vault.
Life in the Arctic
The majority of people who have not gone on a Norwegian cruise have likely never seen the Arctic in person. Therefore, when they picture locals living there, what might come to mind is the image of people wrapped in massive puffy winter jackets all year round and walking through roads that are covered in several feet of snow and ice.
Land of the Midnight Sun
Norway is famous for its natural beauty, and it’s also known around the world as the “land of the midnight sun”. The northernmost regions of the country experience a remarkable natural phenomenon in which the sun stays up for several months during the summer. In this article, we’ll tell you all about this interesting phenomenon and tell you how you can experience the midnight sun for yourself!
Why does the sun not rise in the Winter?
There are basically two different kinds of people in the world when it comes to sunlight. Some are classified as “morning people,” which means that they absolutely love to wake up early in the morning to the warm glow of sunlight. On the flip side of the coin, their counterparts are known as “night owls,” which means that they actually prefer the evening when the sun is on its way down.