FAQ – Frequency asked questions.
Are the musk oxen dangerous?
– The musk oxen are considered to be peaceful animals. They are not like other animals who flee when they feel threatened. They actually attack! A grownup musk ox weight around 450 kilograms. The bulls can reach a shoulder height of around 1,2- 1,6 meters. The females are slightly smaller but still impressive in size. Having a licensed guide with you, you are a lot safer. We know how to read the animals and will keep you safe, so you can focus on the experience and take photos or film.
How far is it to walk to the musk oxen?
– It depends on the season. The musk oxen are wild animals and move freely in the national park, making it difficult to predict how long each hike will be. Autumn from 4 -15 km each tour. Winter we use snow shoes and poles, the distance is from 10 – 20 km each tour.
How fit do I have to be?
– We walk in a slow and steady pace. Some of our tours require that you are in good physical condition, have some hiking experience and a relatively good stamina level. You will be informed of this in the tour description of your chosen tour. In case you have any doubt about the required fitness level or your tour, please feel free to contact us and we will be happy to advise you on whether the tour is suitable for you. We arrange private tours as well, where you can walk in your own pace. The winter conditions are a bit more demanding than the rest of the year. But with the right gear, it’s no problem.
How cold is the winter in Dovrefjell?
– December, January and February, the temperature can be between -15 to -35 degrees. It can also be very windy. It’s cold, but the air here is dry so it’s not too bad. With the right clothing, gear and backpack, the hike get a lot easier. We will help you when you book us.
Is it difficult to walk with snowshoes and poles?
– No. It’s a lot easier than you might think. The snow shoes keep you safe so you don’t slip on the icy areas. Safer with camera equipment in our backpacks. It’s a bit like walking with big shoes. Normally we take them off when we come to the musk ox. We walk in a slow and steady pace so it’s not difficult. We had several guests who never tried snow shoes before.
Do you rent out snowshoes and poles?
– On our winter tours, snowshoes and poles are included in the price.
When are the autumn colors perfect?
– The autumn colors appear after the first nights with minus degrees. When the days get shorter and the temperature drops, the leaves start to change color. The green chlorophyll in the leaves breaks down, revealing other pigments like red, orange and yellow. It’s like nature’s own fireworks show. Normally all of September and half of October. 2023 the autumn colors started to appear in the end of August, so it’s difficult to predict.
Do you offer landscape photography?
– Yes. Check our gallery.
How many do you bring on each tour?
– We prefer small groups, 6-10 persons. This way it’s a more personal experience. Everyone is well taken care of and helped to get the best photos. We always makes sure our guests are in the first row when taking photos. We guide groups, school classes, students, families on request. Since we are two licensed guides, it’s not a problem to follow up a group on their adventure in the land of the musk oxen.
Do I have to carry my own backpack during the hiking tours?
– Yes. Make sure your backpack is big enough for your own camera gear, food and drinks and extra clothing. If you book a private tour and need assistance because of health issues, we will help you.
Do you offer accommodation and all meals, packages?
– Yes. We offer packages with accommodation, all meals, transportation and guiding. Hotel, cabins, camping and rooms.
Do you offer meals that can be modified for vegetarians and special diets?
– Yes. All of the establishments we work with are able to adapt to specific diets, as long as you inform us in writing at time of booking.
Do I need Travel insurance?
– Yes definitely. It is essential that you have travel insurance. It is needed in order to cover partial or entire cancellation of your trip, loss/theft of personal possessions, and/or money, medical expenses, and valid cover for your activity. Please verify that you chosen incurable policy applies in the country you are visiting.
Do you offer private guiding?
– Yes we do. All year on request. A personal guide, only for you. Experience the musk oxen in its natural habitat, ensured that the guide safeguard both you and the animals. Walk in your own pace without being stressed by others.
I dream about seeing the musk oxen. But Im not fit enough for a long mountain hike. Can we go with snow mobiles? Or other vehicle? –No. Snowmobiling and other vehicles are not permitted in the National park. We suggest you book us for a private tour, so you can go in your own pace and we will assist you with carrying your gear and help you to fulfill your dreams.
Do you offer tailor-made tours?
– We love to design custom made tours! If you have a specific idea, we can design together a tailor-made holiday according to your wishes and requirements. Whether you wish to add additional days to an existing offer or create your own holiday, we can arrange it for you! Just contact us.
Do you offer musk ox safari for families?
– Yes, we do. All year on request. We prefer small groups since it’s the best for the wildlife. Being two licensed guides it’s not a problem for us to take good care of a group.
Are the tours kid-friendly?
– It depends on the tour, how old your kids are and their ability level. We can tailor make a tour for you and your kids.
Is it possible to take good photos during summer? –Yes. We arrange tailor-made tours for photographers during summer. Just tell us your wishes and we will try to fulfill them. During summer we often find family groups of musk oxen. We have plenty of opportunities to get the musk oxen in different settings. We see many other species during our summer hikes.
Im interested in one of your tours but the date does not suit me. Is it possible to choose another date?
– In most cases yes, but please contact us.
Can I add extra days if I join one of your workshops?
– In most cases yes, but please contact us.
What are the chances to see the musk oxen? –The chances are very high! By joining our tours, you are almost guaranteed. We are locals who know the area. We always go out and check the conditions before our booked tours. That way we know where to enter the National park on our hikes. The musk oxen are wild animals who walk around freely.
What’s the nearest airport?
– OSL, Oslo airport, Gardermoen. Dovrefjell is located around 4 hours by train or car from the airport.
Can I come by train?
– Yes. We can pick you up at the train station near us, and provide all transportation during your stay.
Do you sell gift cards and prints?
– Yes, just contact us. All of our photos can be purchased in different sizes and designs
Are you ready for a true nature experience? Join us and we will do our very best to make sure you have an unforgettable time here at Dovrefjell, Norway.
Do you have any question? Don’t hesitate to get in touch!