Hike with a zoologist guide: trails where animals are closer

Why not try something different this year and explore Norway's national parks with a zoologist? It's a really exciting way to travel and you'll learn so much along the way! You'll get to see wild animals and learn about them, which is going to be so much fun! You can see rare birds or animals like musk oxen in their natural home, which is really exciting! But please remember to stay far away and use professional equipment to make sure you don't disturb them. I'm so excited to tell you about this amazing opportunity to learn more about wildlife and make some truly special memories!

Why are Jotunheimen and Dovrefjell considered the best places to watch wildlife?

There are lots of animals and birds in Jotunheimen, including reindeer and moose. Dovrefjell is famous for its wild goats, which you can see with a professional zoologist. The guides will tell you all about the animals' habits and help you find the best places to watch them.

Which animals do you most often see on tours with a zoologist?

On these tours, tourists most often see moose, musk oxen, reindeer, foxes, and many birds, including golden eagles and white-tailed eagles. The person with you who knows about animals will stay at least 200 metres away, and a professional telescope with 15–45× magnification will let you see the animals without bothering them.

What rules do you need to follow when you are watching wild animals?

The most important rule is distance. Stay at least 200 metres away from large animals to avoid stress and conflict. Use telescopes and binoculars, stay calm and do not try to feed or attract the animals.

What can you learn about the plants from a zoologist along the route?

A zoologist will also tell you many interesting facts about the local plants, such as how plants interact with animals and which berries and herbs animals eat. You will learn how to tell cloudberries and blueberries apart and why dwarf birch is important for the natural environment of Norway's national parks.

What's the best equipment for watching wildlife?

The best tool is a small telescope that can be taken anywhere. This can magnify things between 15 and 45 times, and will make things look very clear even from far away. You will also need a pair of binoculars that can magnify things between 8 and 42 times. This equipment lets you watch animals easily and without disturbing them.

Which campsites or huts are good for spending the night while on a wildlife tour?

The Gjendesheim huts in Jotunheimen and the Kongsvold Fjeldstue in Dovrefjell are great places to spend the night. They are located close to wildlife viewing areas, making it easy to go out and see the animals early in the morning and in the evening.

What are the benefits of travelling with a professional zoologist?

A zoologist will help you choose the best places and times to see the animals and plants in the area, which will make your trip much more interesting. You will learn about the animals and plants that live there and see animals that are difficult to spot without a professional guide.

What can I do to keep the group safe when we are watching wildlife?

Please always follow the guide's instructions. Move quietly and avoid sudden movements. Also, don't use flashes or loud noises. The guide will make sure there is a safe distance between the animals and the group, and will keep an eye on how the animals are behaving to make sure they are calm and that the observation is safe and enjoyable for everyone.

A hike through Norway's national parks with a zoologist is such a wonderful way to see wild animals up close and safely, learn about nature and have a trip you'll always remember.

Have you already done any of these trips? We'd absolutely love to hear all about your experiences, impressions and photos, so please feel free to share them in the comments. We can't wait to see your stories and photos, and the best of them will be published in our catalogue. I'm sure this will encourage other travellers to have exciting encounters with wildlife, which is just wonderful!