Musk Ox Safari Norway - Jotunheimen Travel

Musk Ox Safari – Dovrefjell

Dovrefjell National Park is home to over 200 musk oxen, the sole population in Europe outside Greenland and other arctic regions. Join our 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. Our knowledgeable guides will ensure your safety and provide expert guidance throughout the day.

Highlights

Watch wild Musk ox
Hiking in Dovrefjell National Park

Included

Guide
Transport from Hjerkinn Fjellstue

Season & Price 2024

01. June – 30. September
Every day on request

Adult: NOK 615
Children (6-12 years): NOK 320
Private groups on request

Min. 2, max. 18 participants per guide

Description

Join our guided tour as we venture into Dovrefjell National Park in search of musk oxen. Before beginning our hike, we often use a car lift to reach the optimal starting point. Following established trails, we’ll explore the park where the musk oxen roam freely, making hike durations unpredictable. Typically, it’s a moderate trip spanning 7-15 km and lasting 5-6 hours.
To respect the animals, we maintain a distance of 200 meters. 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.

No guiding in May due to the calving period for reindeer and musk ox.

Excluded: Food, Binoculars, Tripod

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!

Program

Pick up at Hjerkinn Fjellstue: 09:40

We will first drive you to the main meeting point where the whole group meets, and the guide will welcome you. We will check your equipment and prepare the hike for today with a weather forecast and more information on what to expect today.

We will then drive to our starting point, from where the hike will start. Depending on where the musk oxen are, we need to hike for 1-2 hours to reach them. Since these are wild animals, it is difficult to predict how long we need to hike.

Underway, we take breaks, and the guide will share their knowledge about the flora, fauna, and culture of the region. When we are so lucky to spot the musk oxen we will use the time to watch them from a safe distance to not disturb them. The guide will bring a telescope and it is possible to rent binoculars beforehand if you like.

Please bring your own lunch with you and enough water for the day. We will be back at around 3/4 pm.

Add on

Extra night at Hjerkinn Fjellstue NOK 1.999

Extend your stay at Hjerkinn Fjellstue (incl. breakfast, packed lunch, and dinner)

Important details

To fully enjoy your cycling 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 shoes for cycling, and bringing sunscreen and sunglasses.

Food

Bring a packed lunch with you for the day and something to drink (preferably warm tea when it is cold in the mountains).

Difficulty

Easy

Kilometres: up to 12 kilometers
Ascent: up to 600 meters
Terrain: Fine paths that may have shorter sections that are rugged and steep.

Hikes that have the same start and end point. On these trips, you can decide the length yourself. Anyone with normal physical fitness can participate without problems. The tours are usually around 2-4 hours. The terrain is easy to walk and without major climbs. The trip does not require any special equipment.

Equipment list

Bring some extra warm clothes, as the weather can change fast in the mountains. We advise you to wear waterproof hiking shoes, preferably with ankle support. You will receive an equipment list with the booking.

Cancelation

Bad weather is not a reason for cancellation, and we conduct the tours in almost any weather as long as the guide can ensure safety.

Find more day tours

Opplev Jotunheimen med oss!

Day to day

Day 1: Oslo - Gjendesheim

Bus: Valdresekspressen fra Oslo

Transport from Oslo bus Terminal (Oslo Airport).
If you are coming from Oslo Airport, you must count about 1 hour to transfer to Oslo Bus Terminal.

If the time schedule does not fit your flight we can help with accommodation in Oslo, adding one extra night. Let us know.

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.

Day 2: Knutshøe

First ridge: Knutshøe

Level of difficulty: medium
Duration: 4-6 hours
Distance: 13 kilometers
Ascent: 700 meters

Knutshø is called Bessegens little brother. The mountain has a very cool shape and are exposed with lakes on both sides. The ridge has two challenge points where you will have to use all hands and feet.

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.

Day 3: Boat cruise to Gjendebu

Boat: Boat cruise to Gjendebu

I dag skal dere ta den flotte båtturen over Gjendevannet. Hvis dere ønsker en kortere båttur, kan dere vandre langs den første delen av innsjøen.

Alt. hike from Gjendesheim to Memurubu

Level of difficulty: Easy
Duration: 2-3 hours
Distance: 10 kilometers
Ascent: 400 meters

This hike is a nice and easy walk alongside the lake.

Accommodation: Gjendebu Turisthytte DNT
At 990 masl at the west end of Gjende Lake you will find Gjendebu. The hotel offers a traditional and historic atmosphere, with good local food - and is the oldest cabin of DNT, built in 1871.

Day 4: Bukkelægret

V

Hike: Bukkelægret

Level of difficulty: Medium
Duration: 5 hours
Distance: 11 kilometers
Ascent: 850 meters

Bukkelægret is an exciting, steep walk with a longer flat section in the middle. The trip takes you through several mountain lakes packed with mountain trout - a perfect area to have lunch. The high route gives a great view over the water Gjende. In the steepest parts of this route you can hold on to the chain for extra safety, or hike an alternative route.

Accomodation: Memurubu DNT
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 just as long. Cows are still grazing around the tourist hut, which lies at the mouth of the river Muru in the valley Memurudalen.

Day 5: Besseggen

Hike: Besseggen

Level of difficulty: Medium
Duration: 6-8 hours
Distance: 14 kilometers
Ascent: 1132 meters

Besseggen is one of Norway's most popular hikes. There is a fantastic view of majestic Jotunheimen on a trip over the narrow, airy ridge. With the green Gjende Lake 400 meters straight down on one side, and the deep blue Bessvatnet Lake on the other, you will have an experience you will never forget.

Accommodation: Gjendebu Turisthytte DNT

At 990 masl at the west end of Gjende Lake you will find Gjendebu. The hotel offers a traditional and historic atmosphere, with good local food - and is the oldest cabin of DNT, built in 1871.

Day 6: Gjendesheim - Oslo

Bus: Gjendesheim - Oslo

Transport from Gjendesheim to Oslo bus Terminal (Oslo Airport).
If you are going to Oslo Airport, you must count about 1 hour to transfer from Oslo Bus Terminal.

If the time schedule does not fit your flight we can help with accommodation in Oslo, adding one extra night. Let us know.

See bus departures from Gjendesheim below Practical information.

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.