An extreme adventure in the country of the fjords to observe musk oxen, wild reindeer and the northern lights. Group expedition to discover the snowy Norwegian landscapes where nature will give us authentic postcards to enjoy and photograph.
There is a region in northern Europe where it is still possible to meet the ancient Musk Ox. An animal that was close to extinction at the end of the 20th century due to massive hunting. It was then that protection was granted and reintroduction plans began in different parts of the north, not being effective in all because it is an animal highly adapted to the cold but at the same time so much sensitive. Until about 70 years ago, it was only possible to see it in the most isolated regions of the Arctic Circle.
Today, due to the work of organizations and governments, we can say that there is a stable population and it is out of danger of extinction.
There is unique fauna in Dovrefjell Park and impetuous landscapes that we will make the most of in its winter stamp. It is not just a photographic trip, it is a real experience in search of photographs and experiences.
For this trip, a good leader with experience in Nordic environments and capable of locating the oxen even with poor visibility is needed. Luckily we have one of the guides who has achieved the best results locating and photographing these animals.
Together, we will go out in search of oxen in a territory probably snowy and with luck, we can see on one of the typical blizzards that hit the region at this time, everything uncomfortable that it may be at a logistical level is more than compensated at a photographic level, it is one of the most sought after and valued images by photographers from all over the world.
From the beginning to the end of the trip our objective will be to photograph the musk ox and another animals in extreme conditions, but we will also have times of rest and relaxation, we have accommodation with all the comforts and comfortable rooms, and a few kilometers away, a restaurant and bar service where we can recover from a good day in the snow.
Some night we will sleep in tents inside the park. This way we will get the best photographs of oxen and hopefully at night we will be able to contemplate the northern lights and dedicate an impressive photo session to it. (OPTIONAL)
The program is an estimate of the activities that we will carry out, but it is totally adaptable to the situations, that is, the schedules can vary based on the needs of the group, the locations can change depending on the weather, etc…
We go by Train or Vehicles, depending on the state of the roads, to the North from Oslo airport.
Route: Between 3 and 4 hours of changing landscapes await us, we take the opportunity to get to know each other and talk about what this adventure will bring us. A landscape photo also is usually taken along the way.
Arrival: The first thing we will do upon arrival is go to the accommodation, distribute the rooms and depending on the arrival time we will plan a first reconnaissance outing and first attempt at animal observation.
If it’s late, it’s best to go to the supermarket and get supplies for the next few days, have dinner and then a brief explanation about the plan for the next day.
Today is the first day of the adventure, we have a good breakfast and begin our first approach to the Musk Ox areas.
We may have to snowshoe and it won’t be easy.
We have the whole day to familiarize you with the environment, with the cold and with the clothes you are wearing, we have a week ahead of us and this day is the most important.
At the end we return to the accommodation.
Today is the perfect day to approach the groups of oxen that we have located, we will go trekking and spend the whole day outside.
Our goal will be to reach the animals and photograph them at the right distance.
Hot thermos, something to eat and a lot of desire is the only thing we will need to make it a great day.
Today will be a special day, we are not in such a hurry to go out, so it is the day that we can sleep the most, why? Well, because today we sleep with the tent outside, our main objective will be the furthest herds, first we have to do an approach trekking to the area where we will set up the base camp, we will try to make it close to some oxen.
We will sleep and hopefully we will be able to see some northern lights, it is the most magical scenario that anyone can imagine, we will calculate everything and put all our experience to make it happen, although we depend on the only factor that we cannot control, the weather.
Without doubt, a night you will never forget.
After a long and hard night, the most awaited moment has arrived, we are going to warm up the body with an infusion or a coffee and off we go.
We leave the tents and take our photographic equipment to take probably the best photos of the trip, for that we have worked so hard.
Waking up so close to the animals and being so early will allow us to achieve spectacular lights, typical of this time of year.
We will be there until noon and after eating something, we will have to start the return march, a long way awaits us to the accommodation.
Headlights on, the last meters to the cabin will be glorious, when you live the adventure you will understand why.
This afternoon you may take the longest hot shower of your life, and you will have certainly earned it. Enjoy!
Breakfast time and if we have obtained good musk ox pictures, it is a great day to try to photograph other species.
Today is a beautiful day, each participant chooses their animal and dedicates the day to it with the tips and tricks of our specialist.
Many of you will be alone today at different points to be able to photograph the chosen species, on the way back the guide will go for each one of you and together you will return to the accommodation.
The experience of being completely alone with your camera in a place like this and having the possibility to get a photo, that no one else is going to have, is really exciting.
Today is our last day, we return to Oslo so we have to say goodbye to the place.
If there is time, we can take a last tour of the surroundings, take some photos of details or landscapes.
Once in Oslo, we go to the hotel and have the farewell dinner.
Airport and return home
Up to the Musk Oxen, in this vast territory, we find undulating peaks combined with large clearings, some unevenness at a distance of between 500 and 1000 meters that drastically break the flat and desolate landscape turning it into abrupt and aggressive depending on where it is framed from. It truly offers many possibilities that will not leave the most creative photographers indifferent.
It is not allowed to go in search of reindeer and foxes, but in case they cross us we can enjoy the encounter, as has happened to us on previous trips.
Among others, here is a list of animals that share territory with oxen: Arctic Fox (casual), Wolverine, Wild Reindeer (casual), Alpine Hare, Snowy Partridge, Snowy Bunting and Montane Chickadee
Our accommodation is a typical Norwegian log cabin. With comfortable beds, kitchen, hot shower, TV and everything you need to feel comfortable at the end of the day. Although there is also the possibility of spending one of the nights in the middle of the mountain with the musk oxen in a tent. But don’t worry, the northern lights can also be seen from our cabin.
The food in the accommodation is included. We also have restaurants and a supermarket near the accommodation and a kitchen in the house where we can prepare anything
In order to carry out the trips there must be a minimum of 4 participants and they will be filled in order of reservation. In case of being less or a private group, contact us directly.
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