Dovrefjell: Muskox Safari Hike & Wildlife Spotting Tour

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Duration5h 30m

GroupUp to 18

LanguagesEN · NO

Mobile ticketAccepted

Walk Dovrefjell’s wild trails, meet muskox, share stories

You’ll hike through Dovrefjell’s raw landscape with a local guide, scanning for wild muskox and maybe catching sight of eagles or reindeer along the way. Expect muddy boots, real stories from your guide, and moments where time slows down as you watch prehistoric animals move across the hills. Bring your lunch—and maybe a sense of humor for Norwegian words.

5h 30m

Step-by-step itinerary

Muskox safari and hiking in Dovrefjell

Hike with local guides in national park
Look for muskox and other wildlife
Keep safety distance of 200 meters
Use telescope or binoculars for viewing
Take lunch break during hike
Hike 7 to 15 km with elevation

The Experience

Ever wondered what it’s like to stand in the middle of Dovrefjell, searching for something that looks straight out of the Ice Age? That’s where we found ourselves—boots damp from last night’s rain, following our guide Liv as she pointed to a distant brown shape moving against the grey-green hills. She handed me the telescope and whispered, “There.” I swear my heart thumped louder than my boots did all morning.

The hike isn’t exactly a stroll—more like a slow scramble over lumpy moss and loose stone, with wind that sneaks into every gap in your jacket. I kept thinking about how the muskox have survived here for thousands of years. Liv told us they’re actually more closely related to goats than oxen. Didn’t expect that. The air smelled sharp, almost metallic, and sometimes you’d catch a whiff of wet earth or old pine needles crushed underfoot. We stopped for lunch on a rock outcrop—cheese sandwiches taste different when you’re squinting at wild reindeer in the distance.

We kept our distance (Liv was strict about that), but even from 200 meters away those muskox felt huge. Someone in our group tried to say their Norwegian name—“moskus”—and Liv laughed at our attempts. The clouds kept shifting; one minute everything was washed in silver light, then suddenly you’d lose sight of the animals altogether. There was this weird hush whenever we spotted them—nobody wanted to break it by talking too loud. I still think about that silence sometimes.

What’s included

Your day includes guiding from an experienced local who brings along a telescope for close-up wildlife viewing; just remember to pack your own lunch and drinks before setting out together from Hjerkinn into Dovrefjell’s rugged hills.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Dovre & Lesja Aktiv