Dovrefjell: Musk Ox Safari Hike with Local Guide & Coffee

Summary

Walk Dovrefjell’s wild trails searching for musk ox with local insight

You’ll hike through Dovrefjell’s raw landscape with a local guide who knows where to find musk ox (and when to wait). Expect real wildlife moments, stories over coffee outdoors, and plenty of time to soak up that wild Norwegian quiet. It’s less about chasing photos and more about feeling small in a big place—you’ll remember that part.

What’s the experience like?

“If you hear them before you see them, that’s when you know they’re close,” our guide Rune said, grinning as he zipped up his jacket against the wind. We’d just left Oppdal behind—me, two Dutch hikers, and Rune—and already the air felt different: sharper, with a kind of earthy chill I can’t quite describe. The drive to Dovrefjell is short but somehow feels like crossing into another world. I was nervous about the hike (Norwegian ‘moderate’ is not always my version of moderate), but Rune just kept chatting about the musk oxen’s moods and how sometimes they just vanish for hours. No promises, he said—nature doesn’t do schedules.

We walked single file over lumpy ground that squished underfoot—lichen everywhere, soft and pale green like old wool. The wind carried this mix of cold stone and something animal I couldn’t place at first. Every so often Rune would stop and point out tiny flowers or some bird circling way above us (“that’s a rough-legged buzzard!”). There were moments when we all went quiet, listening for that heavy shuffle he’d described. And then—no joke—a low grunt from somewhere ahead made my heart thump so loud I thought maybe the musk ox would hear it too.

The actual sighting was weirdly calm. They were just there: big shaggy shapes moving slow across the slope, steam rising off their backs in the cold sun. We kept our distance (Rune was strict about 200 meters—“they look lazy but don’t test them”). He poured us coffee from a battered thermos while we watched. It tasted smoky and strong; maybe it was just the mountain air messing with my senses. Someone tried to whisper “muskox” in Norwegian and totally butchered it—Rune laughed so hard he nearly spilled his cup.

I still think about how small I felt out there, watching those animals just… exist. There wasn’t any big moment or dramatic ending; we just sat until our toes got cold and then started back down, legs tired but heads buzzing a little. If you go, bring more snacks than you think you’ll need—I finished mine way too soon.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Musk ox safari in Dovrefjell park

• Drive or ride to Dovrefjell
• Hike through mountain areas
• Search for musk oxen
• Observe flora and fauna
• Return from hike

Top questions

How long does the musk ox safari in Dovrefjell take?

The safari lasts between 4 and 7 hours depending on where the musk ox are located that day.

Is transportation from Oppdal included?

You use your own car from Oppdal to Dovrefjell unless you arrange a ride with the guide in advance if seats are available.

What fitness level is required for this hike?

You should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness as the terrain can be uneven and challenging at times.

What should I bring on the musk ox safari?

Bring weather-appropriate clothes, waterproof shoes with ankle support, food for the day, and something to drink.

Are children allowed on this tour?

The lower age limit for children is 7 years old.

Will we definitely see musk ox?

The chance of seeing musk ox is very high (99%), but sightings depend on nature and cannot be guaranteed.

Is lunch provided during the safari?

No lunch is provided; you should bring your own packed lunch and drinks for the day.

What language does the guide speak?

The guides speak Norwegian and English.

What’s included

Your day includes guiding by an experienced local who shares stories about Dovrefjell’s wildlife and plants along the trail plus hot coffee or tea served outdoors during your break—all while hiking at a pace set by where the musk ox roam that day.