Norway is famous for whales, orcas, and puffins, but we also share our cold, clear seas with several species of sharks. From the gentle, plankton-eating basking shark that cruises near the surface in summer to the mysterious Greenland shark that haunts deep fjords, sharks are a quiet part of our marine story. As someone born and raised here, I grew up swimming in the fjord, fishing off skerries, and later guiding visitors along the coast. Sharks have always been there in the background, rarely seen, almost never a problem, but essential to a healthy ocean.
If you are wondering whether sharks in Norway are dangerous, the short answer is no for ordinary swimmers and beachgoers. Shark incidents here are extraordinarily rare, to the point that most Norwegians have never even seen a shark in the wild, let alone had a negative encounter. Your best chance to see one is along the western and northern coast in summer, when basking sharks sometimes appear during plankton blooms.
Curious to know which species live here, when you might spot them, and how to behave if you are lucky enough to cross paths? Let’s take a deeper dive into sharks in Norway.
What Sharks Live in Norway?
Several shark species use Norwegian waters, though most stay far offshore or deep below the surface. Here are the ones you are most likely to hear about:
Basking shark
Norwegian name: brugde. The basking shark is a filter feeder and the second largest fish in the world. It glides with its mouth open, sieving plankton near the surface, especially in late spring and summer when the water is rich with life. Despite its size, it is completely harmless to people. Seeing one is unforgettable. The dorsal fin can be huge and sometimes fools people into thinking of a “movie shark,” but this gentle giant is more like a slow-moving whale in behavior.
Greenland shark
Norwegian name: håkjerring. This is our local legend. Long lived, slow, and usually deep, the Greenland shark is associated with Arctic and sub-Arctic waters. It sometimes moves into deep fjords, but it is rarely seen by divers and almost never by casual swimmers. Scientists consider it one of the longest living vertebrates on Earth. It looks like an ancient submarine — powerful, but unhurried.
Porbeagle
Norwegian name: håbrann. A sleek, powerful relative of the mako and great white, the porbeagle is a fast pelagic hunter that prefers colder waters of the North Atlantic. Anglers sometimes encounter it offshore. It is not a species beach swimmers need to worry about, but it deserves respect if you are fishing.
Spiny dogfish
Norwegian name: pigghå. Much smaller than the sharks above, this is the species most commonly encountered by Norwegian fishermen. It schools in large numbers and can show up around banks and along the shelf. It looks like a small shark because it is one, but it is not a threat to people.
Other wanderers such as blue sharks and small catsharks may pass through. The North Atlantic is busy, and our long coastline means surprises are always possible, especially offshore.
Are Sharks in Norway Dangerous?
For typical travelers who swim at beaches, paddle kayaks, or snorkel close to shore, the risk from sharks in Norway is vanishingly small. The cold, relatively low-productivity nearshore environment and the species we have simply do not create the same conditions associated with shark incidents in warmer oceans. I swim in the fjord every summer, and my biggest concerns are jellyfish stings or stepping on a sharp shell.
It helps to keep perspective. Most sharks you could conceivably meet here are either deep-living, small, or feeding on plankton. The few larger predatory species, like porbeagle, are typically far offshore and focused on fish. If you treat wildlife with respect, you will almost certainly never have a negative moment with a shark in Norway.
Where and When You Might See Sharks
If your dream is to actually spot a shark, you need luck, patience, and the right timing.
Basking sharks in summer
The best seasonal bet is the basking shark between late May and August, when plankton blooms near the surface. Look along the outer coast of western Norway and up toward Nordland, Vesterålen, and Troms. On calm, sunny days, scan for a large triangular dorsal fin and a tail fin breaking the surface behind it, moving slowly in a straight line. Whale watching boats in Vesterålen occasionally report sightings while searching for sperm whales. I have seen basking sharks twice in my life here, both times on glassy July mornings near tide lines where plankton gathered.
Greenland sharks in deep fjords and Arctic waters
These are more a treasure of research cameras than tourists. If you are diving, your best shot is in winter or early spring in very deep, cold fjords in northern Norway or around Svalbard, but encounters are still rare. Most Norwegians only know them from documentaries and museum stories.
Porbeagle far offshore
Pelagic fishing charters operating well out in the Norwegian Sea sometimes see or hook porbeagle. For visitors, this is a specialist experience rather than a casual opportunity.
Tips for Responsible Encounters
If you do see a shark, especially a basking shark near the surface, keep your distance. These animals move with purpose and conserve energy. I recommend staying at least 50 meters away with a boat or kayak, giving more space if there are multiple animals or if you notice a change in behavior. Never chase, cut in front, or try to swim with a basking shark. It can be tempting to hop in for a photo, but a tail slap from a multi-ton fish is no joke, and stress is bad for the animal.
If you are snorkeling and a small shark or dogfish appears, simply stay calm and let it pass. Do not try to touch wildlife, and avoid flash photography in the water. If you are fishing and accidentally hook a protected or sensitive species, keep it in the water, use barbless hooks where possible, and release it promptly and gently. Many charter skippers along the coast are excellent at handling these situations.
Fishing and Regulations You Should Know
Shark management in Norway is taken seriously, and rules can change, especially for species that are red-listed or recovering. Some sharks have long been targeted historically, others not. In recent years the focus has shifted toward protection and strict control of bycatch for vulnerable species. If you are planning any fishing that could involve sharks, always check the latest guidance from the Directorate of Fisheries before you go. Your skipper should already have up-to-date rules, and reputable operators brief their guests on what to do if a shark is encountered.
In general, expect limits or prohibitions on keeping certain species, requirements to release sensitive species unharmed, and an emphasis on careful handling. The ocean is not a museum, but we act like responsible guests.
Sharks in Norwegian Culture and Language
It is fun to know the Norwegian names, because coastal people will use them naturally. Brugde is the basking shark, håkjerring the Greenland shark, håbrann the porbeagle, and pigghå the spiny dogfish. The word hai is a general term for shark. If someone from the coast says they saw a brukde in summer, you can be fairly sure they mean a basking shark cruising a plankton line.
Older Norwegians remember when dogfish and other small sharks were more commonly landed. In some communities you still hear family stories about håkjerring from far north waters. Today, sharks are more often a sign of a thriving sea that we hope to pass on.
Practical Advice for Swimmers, Surfers, and Kayakers
If you are in the water along the Norwegian coast, your safety routine is mostly about cold, currents, and visibility. A few habits serve you well:
Dress for the water, not the air. Hypothermia is the real risk.
Know the tide and wind. Fjords can funnel both.
Avoid fishing hotspots if you are swimming. Hooks and lines are a bigger hazard than wildlife.
If you see a large dorsal fin, stop and watch rather than paddling straight at it. Give it room.
Carry a small action camera if you want proof. Shark sightings make the day for local nature groups, and video helps confirm what you saw.
These simple practices are what I use myself. They keep the day calm and let you enjoy the surprise visitors.
For Divers and Wildlife Enthusiasts
If sharks are high on your wish list, plan for the long game. Join pelagic-focused boat tours during summer in Vesterålen or Troms where basking sharks are an occasional bonus while looking for whales. Book with operators who prioritize wildlife welfare and follow clear codes of conduct. If you are a diver, talk to local clubs about deep fjord conditions and seasonal visibility. You will hear honest assessments about what is realistic.
Bring decent binoculars and a polarizing filter for your camera to cut surface glare. Most basking shark sightings are just fin and back, but sometimes the whole body rolls near the surface. Early and late day light helps, and calm water is your friend.
The Bigger Picture: Why Sharks Matter in Norway’s Seas
Sharks are not just curiosities passing through. They are part of the complex web that keeps our seas resilient. Predators help balance populations, which in turn supports the plankton cycles behind our fish stocks and the seabird and whale spectacles visitors love. The Greenland shark tells a story of patience and longevity in cold oceans. The basking shark is a floating reminder of how rich summer waters can be. The porbeagle shows the athletic side of the North Atlantic.
As Norwegians, we spend a lot of time looking out to sea. When a dorsal fin breaks the surface, most of us smile first and reach for the camera second. If you come at the right time of year, you might get that moment too. Keep your distance, keep your wonder, and let the ocean keep its calm rhythm. Sharks in Norway are real, rarely seen, and not a reason to avoid the water. If anything, they are a quiet sign that the system is still working.