🦬 Musk oxen and panoramas: hiking in Dovrefjell

Imagine a world where huge sheep-like animals, like ancient creatures from stories about the Ice Age, walk freely on huge mountains and grassy plains. You are standing on a mountain top. Below you is the Dovrefjell National Park, where the mountain peaks are covered in clouds and a clear mountain river flows quietly down the valley.

Dovrefjell is a special place where you can see amazing wildlife and beautiful landscapes, which makes it perfect for hiking. Here, you can get close to the famous musk oxen and enjoy the beauty of the Norwegian countryside.

Set off on an adventure in Dovrefjell — a place where fairy tales come true and every day is an amazing experience.

🏞️ Why is Dovrefjell worth visiting?

Dovrefjell-Sunnfjell National Park is famous for two things: its pretty views and for being the only place in Norway where you can see wild reindeer in their natural habitat. These amazing animals have lived here for thousands of years. They survived the last ice age.

The park has lots of different routes, from easy day hikes to longer trips where you can spend the night in comfortable DNT huts. There is something for everyone here, from people who love taking photos of nature to people who love being outdoors.

🚆 How to get to the national park

The easiest way to get to Dovrefjell is by train from Oslo. The journey takes 3.5–4 hours and you will arrive at Døvre or Oppdal station. From there, local buses and shuttles go to the main tourist stops and huts, such as Snøheim or Kongsvold.

If you are travelling by car, leave it at the Kongsvold or Hjerkinn car parks, where there are signs for the start of the marked trails.

🦬 Day 1: Trail to the musk oxen (from Kongsvold, 10–12 km)

Start your adventure by taking the most popular route in the national park, which goes past the wild sheep's habitat. The path from the Kongsvoll hut offers beautiful views and the chance to see these special animals.

The trail goes through gentle mountain plateaus covered in flowering tundra and moss. After a few kilometres, you will probably see the first musk oxen. These animals are quite calm, but it is important to keep a distance of at least 200 metres so as not to disturb them. Bring binoculars and a camera with a telephoto lens to take great pictures.

After that, go back to your nice old hut in Kongsvoll for a traditional Norwegian dinner and a warm welcome.

🗻 Day 2: Climbing Mount Snøhetta (2,286 m, 14–16 km)

On the second day, we will climb Mount Snøhetta, which is the highest point in Dovrefjell and one of Norway's most famous mountains. The trail starts at the Snøheim hut, which you can reach by shuttle bus from Hjerkkin.

The route is moderately difficult and runs along a rocky plateau with short but fairly steep climbs. At the top, you can see amazing views of valleys covered in a type of brown tundra, snowy mountains and glacial lakes.

Make sure you stop at the top to see the views and take some great photos. Here, at over 2,000 metres high, you will feel like a true mountain conqueror.

🚶‍♂️Day 3: A leisurely walk across the Khyrkkin Plateau (8–10 km)

On the third day, you can take a more relaxed walk across the Hjerkkinn plateau, where you can enjoy the slow pace and pretty views. There are lots of birds and small animals here, like foxes, hares and rare types of falcon.

The route ends at the famous Viewpoint Snøhetta, where there is a big building with windows all around it, offering views of Mount Snøhetta. Here you can relax, watch the animals and enjoy the last moments of your stay in the park.

🛌 Where to stay

• Kongsvold Fjeldstue is an old, cosy hotel with excellent cuisine and traditional interiors.
• Snøheim Lodge is a base for climbing Mount Snøhetta, with comfortable rooms and a restaurant.
• Hjerkinn Fjellstue & Fjellridning — excellent budget accommodation with beautiful views and a cosy atmosphere.

⚠️ Safety tips for observing moose

• Always keep a safe distance (at least 200 metres).
• Never approach the animals to avoid provoking them.
• If a musk ox approaches, slowly back away, avoiding sudden movements.
• Do not use flash photography or loud noises to scare the animals.

🎒 What to bring with you

• Comfortable, waterproof footwear and clothing suitable for the weather.
• Binoculars and a camera with a powerful lens.
• A map of the park and a compass or GPS navigator.
• Snacks and hot tea in a thermos.
• Protection from the sun, wind and insects.

🌿 Encounter with Norway's ancient nature

A trip to Dovrefjell National Park is not just a hike in the mountains; it is a real encounter with the unique world of pristine nature and ancient animals. Here, you will experience the harsh northern atmosphere, enjoy amazing views and feel like an explorer of the wild.

When you return home, you will have memories of adventures, incredible landscapes and, of course, encounters with the amazing mountain sheep — the symbols of this stunning national park.