Where to see wild musk oxen in Norway: a complete guide

Just picture it – a super-powerful animal, calmly roaming those harsh mountain plateaus, like a living, breathing embodiment of the Ice Age! You know, I totally get it, that's exactly what those beautiful musk oxen are — they're ancient giants that can be found in the beautiful country of Norway. I'm so excited to tell you about this incredible opportunity to see wildlife in Europe!

🗒️ What you'll discover in this article:

So, let me tell you about these amazing creatures – the musk oxen.
Hey, I totally get it – you're dying to know where you can see them in Norway, and I'm here to help!
Hey, let me tell you how you can get to Dovrefjell-Sunnfjell National Park.
Here are a few things to consider when planning your trip.
We've got some great safety and observation tips for you!

Ovibos is a lovely place to visit, and a real living monument to the Ice Age!

Ovibos (Latin: Ovibos moschatus) is a wonderful creature belonging to the family Bovidae. You might have guessed by the name, but this is not a bull or a sheep. It's a unique species that has survived since the last Ice Age.

Appearance:

I really like the way it's built, it's got a thick coat and lovely horns that curve downwards and forwards.

Size:

Hey, did you know that adults can weigh up to 400 kg and grow to a height of 1.5 metres?

Habitat:

This little guy is a real high-mountain and tundra fan! He's not a fan of the warmer climates, he's much happier in the chilly mountains.

📍 Where do musk oxen live in Norway?

In Norway, musk oxen are a special animal. They can only be found in one region, and that is in the Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella National Park. Welcome to the home of the largest and only wild population of musk oxen in continental Europe!

Welcome to the beautiful Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella National Park!

Hey, so the park is actually in the middle of Norway, about equal distance from Oslo and Trondheim.

Hey, did you know that the park area is actually over 1,693 square kilometres?
The landscape is made up of beautiful mountain plateaus, wide valleys and tundra landscapes.

I wonder if the musk oxen know why they chose this place?

The climate and landscape are so reminiscent of the Ice Age, it's as if time itself has stood still. I know you'll be disappointed to hear there are no forests here, but I'm sure you'll love the many open spaces where the animals feel safe and can graze freely.

🚗 I totally get it – you're wondering how to get to Dovrefjell-Sunnfjellet National Park, right?

From Oslo:

If you're coming by car, it'll take you about 4.5 hours (350 km) on the E6 motorway towards Trondheim to get to the town of Dombås.
Hey, just so you know, you can hop on a train to get to Dombås or Hjerkinn station. And don't worry about getting there, trains run every day.

From Trondheim:

Hey, if you're thinking of coming by car, it'll take about 2.5 hours (200 km) on the E6 motorway to Hjerkinn.
Hey, just so you know, there are regular train services to Hjerkinn or Dombos stations, which is super handy!

Hey, I totally get it, getting to the main trails of the national park from Dombos and Hjerkinn stations can be a bit of a journey. But don't worry, it's super easy to reach them on foot or by booking a local transfer.

Hey, I just thought I'd let you know about this really exciting trip I'm organising to see mouflons!

If you'd like to see mouflons, it's a good idea to prepare in advance.

📅 Best time to travel:

Summer (June–August):

I absolutely love this time of year, it's by far the most comfortable for hiking! The animals are happily grazing, so they're easier to spot.

Autumn (September–October):

It's a beautiful time of year, isn't it? The bright colours and busy animals preparing for winter make it a special time of year.

You can absolutely go hiking in winter, but it's a good idea to make sure you have the right equipment and a knowledgeable guide.

🎒 What to bring:

It's always a good idea to have clothing that's suitable for when the weather changes. This could be layers that you can wear on top of each other, or something waterproof and windproof to keep you cosy and dry.
Hey, I totally get it, you need comfy hiking shoes with non-slip soles, and I've got you covered!
I'd love it if you could bring binoculars and a camera with a powerful zoom lens, if you don't mind!
Don't worry, you'll have food and water for the whole day!
Don't forget to slap on sunscreen and grab your sunglasses!
Don't worry, you've got everything you need to find your way around the park: a map or a GPS navigator.

🚶‍♂️Hey, I just wanted to let you know about some awesome routes and tours where you can see the beautiful musk oxen.

There are so many wonderful ways to get to know our lovely musk oxen!

🗺️ Independent Routes:

The most popular starting point is Hjørkin, which is a lovely place to begin your journey. And so, my friends, the magical journey begins as we step onto the Muskusstien, or Musk Ox Trail, a path that will lead us to the wonders that await us. It's a lovely trail, about 10 km long, that takes you through the musk oxen's main habitats.

👨‍💼 Guided tours:

Luckily, many local companies organise tours with experienced guides who know the animals' habits well and can guarantee almost 100% sightings of musk oxen. The average tour lasts for about: 5–6 hours.

I totally get it, so let me tell you about the advantages of a guided tour:

And you'll feel so much safer too!
You'll be so lucky, you'll be thrilled to know the chances are really high that you'll see some amazing animals!
I'm sure you'll find the stories about the life of mouflons and the history of the park really interesting!

Hey, just a friendly reminder of the safety rules when you're hanging out with our lovely mouflons!

Mouflons are not aggressive by nature, but they may attack if they feel threatened. It's so important to follow these rules:

Please try to keep a distance of at least 200 metres.
Please, don't try to get any closer for a photo.
Please don't feed the animals, guys!
If an animal comes towards you, just take a step back nice and calmly, but don't turn your back on it.
Please, please, please – always listen to the guide's advice and follow the park's recommendations.

Hey, let me share some tips on how to take beautiful photos of sheep 📸

I would really recommend using telephoto lenses (300–600 mm) to get good shots without having to get too close.
When you're ready to take your photos, why not try shooting early in the morning or closer to sunset? This is when the lighting is at its best, so you'll get some truly beautiful photos!
Hey, why not try snapping some pics of your furry friends against a beautiful mountain backdrop? This will help your photos feel more unique and show just how amazing our animal friends are! ☺️

Hey, let's talk about ethics!

Hey, just a friendly reminder that mouflons are a rare and protected animal, so let's all do our best to look after them! I'm so pleased to tell you that there are around 200 of them in Norway. We all love our furry friends, so let's show them some respect, follow the park rules and leave no trace of our visit.

Hey, I totally get it – you're going to need to know about where to stay, right?

We have some lovely guest houses and hotels for you to stay in, if you're thinking of visiting Dombos and Hjerkinn.
You'll be pleased to know that there are tent camps and campsites in the park, but please be aware that these are only in designated areas.

A trip to Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella National Park is a rare chance to see real 'living fossils' – the beautiful and enigmatic musk oxen. If you prepare well, show respect for nature and follow the recommendations, you'll have an unforgettable and safe trip.

Come and experience the wonder of Norway's beautiful, untouched nature for yourself! And don't miss the chance to meet the musk oxen, which have been a symbol of the planet's ancient history for thousands of years.