Some maelstroms develop because of temporary environmental conditions, while some exist in areas that are so conducive to their existence that they've existed for hundreds of years. There are three permanent maelstroms: Saltstraumen—the world's strongest maelstrom located off the coast of Norway.

Yes, maelstroms are very real and powerful whirlpools that occur in specific geographical locations, though they are rarely the "ship-swallowing" monsters depicted in literature like Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea. The most famous real-world maelstrom is the Moskstraumen off the coast of the Lofoten Islands in Norway. It is caused by the collision of powerful tidal currents and the unique shape of the seabed, creating a massive area of turbulent water and whirlpools that can be dangerous for small vessels. Another well-known maelstrom is the Saltstraumen, also in Norway, which is the world's strongest tidal current, with water speeds reaching 40 km/h. In 2026, these sites are popular tourist attractions where people can witness the raw power of the ocean from a safe distance or on guided boat tours. While a modern cruise ship is much too large to be pulled under by a maelstrom, these natural phenomena remain a testament to the incredible and sometimes terrifying force of the tides moving through narrow coastal passages.