ARCTIC PICTURES
Wildlife photography trip
Musk oxen in the Dovrefjell
It's finally that time again!
Hiking & Wildlife Photography Trip to Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella National Park in Norway
Nowhere else on the European mainland do we have the opportunity to get so close to the primeval musk oxen.
The musk oxen
These animals, which belong to the goat family, were introduced to Dovrefjell in 1947 and have since established a fairly healthy and stable population of approximately 300 animals.
Male animals can weigh up to 400 kg. Nevertheless, they can reach speeds of up to 60 km/h when necessary!
From Kongsvoll and Hjerkinn, there are two hiking trails where you are very likely to encounter them. Although these animals are purely herbivores, they can certainly defend themselves if threatened, so you should not approach closer than 200 meters.
Autumn marks the start of the mating season – this is the best time to get impressive pictures of the animals. Firstly, the landscape is already changing into beautiful shades of red and yellow, and secondly, the musk oxen are still staying at higher altitudes where they don't have too many hiding places.
© M. Schwenn
The focus of this photo tour is entirely on wildlife photography. During our daily hikes, excursions, and drives, we will try to find musk oxen in their natural habitat and position ourselves as best we can, while exercising all due care and respect.
For this, we use both the direct access on foot via Kongsvoll and the approach via Hjerkinn and the former military site.
Of course, we will also focus on landscape photography and visit suitable destinations in the surrounding area.
We have an impressive glacial mill very close by. Here, the small River Drive has carved a deep channel into the rock, creating fascinating formations.
Early in September, the sparse birch stands offer a colorful spectacle when the bright yellow seems to compete with the fiery red dwarf willows on the ground.
With a bit of luck, you might occasionally spot moose, Arctic foxes, and wild reindeer. Besides ptarmigan, bluethroats, and golden plovers, an eagle sometimes circles the peaks of Dovrefjell.
We will of course also keep an eye out for the Northern Lights and, if the opportunity arises, drive into the mountains at night.
We live near Oppdal at a campsite in small cabins that have both a private bathroom and a small kitchen.
IMPORTANT!
This tour is a hiking and photography trip that requires more than just basic fitness. We hike between eight and thirteen kilometers daily, not only on established trails but mostly off-trail. Participants should therefore be able to cover these distances daily, even with camera equipment.
Dates: September 7th - 15th, 2025
€2,695,- plus flights
Services:
Overall tour management: Dr. Oliver Schwenn
7 nights in simple wooden cabins
All transport from the first to the last day
Breakfast
Not included in the travel price - additional services
Arrival and departure (flights to and from Trondheim)
Food and drinks
Shuttle bus to the area if necessary
Number of participants: min. 3, max. 6
