Unspoiled nature, mountainous terrain, fjord scenery and the ocean: that's more than enough reason to visit Norway. But that's not all – the ocean and the surrounding fjords are teeming with a wide variety of fish (both salt- and freshwater species). Fishing on the shores of Norway is an exciting adventure for the whole family – beginners as well as seasoned fishermen. But what should you know before your journey to this mythical land of trolls?
Weather preparedness
Although Norway is a Northern country, its climate is influenced to a large degree by the Gulf Stream – particularly in the fjords. The ocean, maintaining above-freezing temperatures even in the winter months, makes winters milder and summers cooler. Winter temperatures in the area around the Ravariba fishing and diving centre are on average slightly above freezing, while summer temperatures rarely exceed +20 degrees Celsius.
In the winter, you should wear a rain-resistant down coat, hat and gloves. For the summer, bring clothing you would otherwise consider appropriate for the spring or autumn. It's best to wear several layers – it's always more pleasant to remove an extra coat when you're too warm than to freeze in the dampness of an unexpected fog. Long pants, wind-resistant coats and a raincoat are absolutely necessary even in June – one of the driest summer months.
Preparing for life in a holiday home
The beauty of the Ravariba holiday homes is their remote location. The nearest village lies 4 km away, and the nearest towns are 18 km away. The homes are fully equipped with all amenities, including fully equipped kitchens, but you should either bring all food and other necessities (including any medication) with you, or purchase them in the nearest towns.
If you've chosen to use our airport transfer service, don't worry – in case you've forgotten something and need to shop, we can provide any transportation services you require.
Preparing for fishing
Fishing in the Atlantic Ocean or in fjords is best done with deep sea fishing rods, and no additional permits or licences are required. Make sure to comply with these conditions:
- Size. Fishes under a certain size must be released back into the water. Ask your guide about these restrictions.
- Fishing bans for certain species or fishing spots during a certain time. This information will also be provided by our guide.
- Tourists are not allowed to sell their catch. The permissible amount of fish or filet to be transported out of the country is 10 kg. This limitation does not apply to fish that you use for sustenance during your stay.
Fishing from a riverbank or lake shore requires a special day permit that you can purchase on site. The permit costs 15 EUR per day, and our guide will tell you where to get it. Spinning rods are the best for this type of fishing.
There are special fully equipped fish cleaning and preparation stations at the recreation centre. We invite experienced fishermen to come with their own favourite fishing rods and gear, but the recreation centre also offers to rent various equipment for the guests' convenience.
Active recreation opportunities
Recreation at the Ravariba centre goes beyond fishing. There are several hiking trails in the area, leading to the mountaintops above the clouds. We also offer wakeboarding and waterskiing for guests who enjoy active recreation.
We also offer diving and spearfishing. An oxygen tank compressor is available for the guests' convenience. You should note that the water temperature in the ocean does not exceed +15 degrees during the summer, so make sure your diving equipment is designed for the temperature.
Full recreation in Norwegian fjords
The Norwegian Association of Hunters and Fishermen (Norges Jeger- og Fiskerforbund) has developed guidelines for those looking to try their luck in Norwegian seas:
- Always put safety first. When at sea, always wear a life jacket.
- Treat fish and other wild animals with respect.
- Don't overfish.
- Clean up after yourself.
- Treat other people with respect.
- Know the basics of first aid.
- Dress according to the weather forecast – the weather can change very quickly.
- Take pride in being a fisherman.
See you in Namsenfjorden!