According to Norse mythology, ‘Valhalla’ refers to the palace in which heroes killed in battle were believed to celebrate with the God Odin for all eternity. It stands for paradise or heaven, which is exactly what you will find when diving into the Norwegian fjords.
Of course, there is a catch. If you want to enter the ‘Fields of Eden’ in Norway, you will have to overcome the challenge of the icy waters. Diving in waters ranging between 5 and 12 degrees C can certainly be unimaginable for many.
Why expose yourself to so much unpleasantness? The best rewards are said to come from stepping out of the comfort zone and striving to do or learn something new. We promise that once you get the hang of it, the payoff will far exceed your expectations. What lays underneath could even make you get a taste for the cold, like a great diving warrior.
Fortunately, there are tools to make this mission easier and more comfortable to accomplish; starting, of course, with drysuits.
Unlike wetsuits, drysuits are filled with air, so it’s important to learn how to control them, along with your buoyancy.
If you’ve already mastered your drysuit skills, what are you waiting for to go diving in Norway? If, on the other hand, you haven’t done it yet, you can take the PADI dry-suit course — and let the fun begin!
Still not quite sure? Maybe seeing the exotic places where we dived there will make you change your mind.
Arendal
Arendal is one of the most important coastal shipping centres of Norway. With our passage through the place with the Sustainable Tour, we were able to dive with Arendal Undervannsklubb.
Not only did we marvel at the exotic kelp forest, we also witnessed the recovery of ‘ghost cages’ by the club members. These settle to the bottom when fishermen lose them, trapping and killing marine life without purpose.
It is wonderful to see divers taking part in initiatives to protect our playground!
Dalsøyra
Dalsøyra is an old fishing village that exclusively hides a gem for diving and relaxation: Gulen Dive Resort!
The dive center is right next to the accommodation and to enter the water it is only necessary to walk a few meters. Very convenient!
It is a peaceful place away from society, with undisturbed views. But don’t let this fool you, you will find a lot of fun too! You can have a beer at the ‘200-bar’ and enjoy the view from the jacuzzi after some great dives. Is there a better way to end the day?
Photo by Manu Bustelo Photo by Manu Bustelo
Kristiansund
The city of Kristiansund is spread across several islands, off the Norwegian coast. To get around, people use a very special means of public transport: the Sundbåten ferry service. It claims to be ‘world’s oldest public transport service in uninterrupted use’.
At the site, the Kristiansund Dykkerklubb accompanied us to dive in a place that felt like we were submerged on another planet.
Passing through a tunnel formed by a huge kelp forest, hides a surreal world full of giant crabs and what to our eyes seemed prehistoric species.
Photo by Ingebrigt Richard Arnøy Photo by Ingebrigt Richard Arnøy
Saltstraumen
Saltstraumen is a small strait with one of the strongest tidal currents in the world. It is located in the municipality of Bodø in Nordland county.
We were amazed by the beauty and richness of the underwater life on NORD&NE home reef. There was so much to see that our eyes didn’t know where to focus.
Seriously, LOTS of marine life!
Photo by Vebjørn Karlsen Photo by Vebjørn Karlsen
Finally, for those who still have some concerns about diving in Scandinavia, we want to highlight the exemplary way in which Clubs, Associations and Dive Centres followed safety standards when diving.
High fins to Norway!
Definitely a place to add to your diving bucket-list.