Musk Ox Safari – Dovrefjell
Dovrefjell National Park is home to over 200 musk oxen, the only population in Europe outside Greenland and other arctic regions. Join this safari for a great opportunity to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, amidst the stunning landscape of Dovrefjell. Alongside them, you may also encounter various bird species and wild reindeer. Knowledgeable guides will ensure your safety and provide expert guidance throughout the day.
Highlights
- Watch wild Musk ox
- Hike in Dovrefjell National Park
Included
- Guide
- Transport from/to Hjerkinn Fjellstue
- Tour description
- Organizational support and backup from our team
Season & Price 2026
June – October
Daily departures
Adult: NOK 750
Children (6-12 years): NOK 375
Min. 2, max. 18 participants per guide
Private groups on request
Description
Join this guided safari hike to venture into Dovrefjell National Park in search of musk oxen. Before beginning the trip, you get a short transfer to reach the optimal starting point. Following established trails, you’ll explore the park where the musk oxen roam freely, making hike durations unpredictable. Typically, it’s a moderate hike of 7-15 kilometers which can last 5-6 hours and is suitable for hikers in normal shape.
To respect the animals, you maintain a distance of at least 200 meters from the musk oxen. The guide will provide telescopes. Binoculars are available for rent.
With group sizes of 2-18 people per guide, our knowledgeable guides will share insights on musk oxen, local wildlife, plants, and regional history together with you.
No guiding in May due to the calving period for reindeer and musk ox.
Below is more information about the schedule, equipment, meals, and meeting point.
Can not find what you are looking for? See our frequently asked questions page, or send us an email – we will help you!
Add on
Extra night at Hjerkinn Fjellstue
Person in double room: NOK 1.940
Single room supplement: NOK 580
Extend your stay in Dovrefjell while staying at Hjerkinn Fjellstue (incl. breakfast, packed lunch, and dinner).
Rental of binoculars: NOK 50
For safety reasons and to not disturb the animals, you keep a safe distance while observing musk oxen. You can rent binoculars in advance, if you wish a closer look to this impressive animal.
Important details
To fully enjoy your hiking adventure in the mountainous areas, it’s important to dress appropriately for the weather conditions and local temperatures. For a comfortable and enjoyable experience, we recommend wearing warm, waterproof clothing, sturdy mountain hiking boots that provide ankle support, and bringing sunscreen and sunglasses. It is not recommended to wear trail runners, everyday shoes, or sneakers.
Meals
Bring a packed lunch with you for the day and something to drink (preferably warm tea when it is cold in the mountains).
Difficulty
Medium
Kilometre: up to 15 kilometres
Ascent: up to 600 ascent meters
Terrain: Varied trail that may have shorter sections that are rugged and steep.
On these trips, it is mountainous terrain, and there can be long ascents and descents. The tours are usually around 5-7 hours. It can be rocky and demanding surfaces, which require that you are in normal to good physical shape.
Equipment list
Bring some extra warm clothes, as the weather can change fast in the mountains. The tours take place in almost any weather as long as the guide can ensure safety. We advise you to wear waterproof hiking shoes, preferably with ankle support. You will receive an equipment list with the booking.
Find more day tours
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Day to day
Practical information
Below you will find practical information about this trip.
Can not find what you are looking for? See our frequently asked questions page, or send us an email – we will help you!
Departures from Oslo
Monday-Wednesday
8.30 am – 1.05 pm
Thursdays
8.30 am – 1.05 pm
3.05 pm – 7.05 pm
5.00 pm – 9.05 pm
5.20 pm – 9.03 pm (Directly from Oslo Airport)
Friday
8.30 am - 1.05 pm
1.05 pm – 5.45 pm
5.20 pm – 9.03 pm (Directly from Oslo Airport)
Saturday
8.30 am - 1.05 pm
10.20 am – 1.35 pm
Sunday
10.20 am – 1.35 pm
12.20 pm – 4.50 pm
5.20 pm – 9.03 pm (Directly from Oslo Airport)
Luggage transport
We will send your luggage from cabin to cabin, so you only need to bring a daypack.
Departures from Gjendesheim
Monday-Friday
2.00 pm – 6.35 pm
Saturday
10.00 am – 2.45 pm
2.00 pm – 6.35 pm
Sunday
10.00 am – 2.45 pm
10.00 am -2.21 pm (Directly to Oslo Airport)
4.00 pm – 8.20 pm
5.35 pm – 10.00 pm
Meals
All restaurants offer food based on local ingredients. For breakfast, there will be a buffet. Here you also need to make yourself a packed lunch that you bring to lunch for the day. Use your beewax food wrap. It is possible to fill a thermos, check with the accommodation. Dinner will be served in the afternoon/evening.
Accomodation
Gjendesheim Turisthytte DNT:
Gjendesheim Turisthytte has a history dating back to 1878. The hut is run by DNT and is located in the heart of the Norwegian mountains, with Besseggen Ridge as a neighbor.
Gjendebu Turisthytte DNT:
At 990 masl at the west end of Gjende Lake, you will find Gjendebu. The DNT cabin offers a traditional and historic atmosphere, with good local food – and is the oldest cabin of DNT, built in 1871.
Memurubu Turisthytte:
Memurubu is a tourist hut at the end or start of the famous Besseggen hiking trail. Memurubu is originally an old mountain pasture dating back to 1872, but has had tourists for just as long. Cows are still grazing around the tourist hut, which lies at the mouth of the river Muru in the valley Memurudalen.
Trails and weather
The conditions in the autumn are wonderful, but it can also give some challenges. You need to be prepared to walk in the snow in case of snowfall. We have also described alternative routes for the steepest parts if the exposure or conditions makes it uncountable. In September, normal temperature is between 0-10 degrees.
All the paths are well-marked. The terrain varies from flat and easy to rocky and hilly. All the hikes as a short steep, exposed crux where you will have to use both legs and arms. Thou these sections can be avoided by walking an alternative route around.
Equipment list
We will send you equipment-list when ordering.
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