How to see Wild Musk Oxen
in Norway
Before I left Berlin for Norway, my colleagues gave me a travel guide called “55 Experiences in Norway,” and it introduced me to something I’d never heard of—the wild musk oxen in Dovrefjell National Park. I didn’t even know such a creature existed! After exploring Norway for a while, I can say this safari has been one of the most memorable experiences of all.
On a whim, I rented a car for the weekend and drove down the E6 from Trondheim to a small town called Oppdal, which also happens to be a popular skiing destination. Nearby, you’ll find Dovrefjell National Park, a protected area spanning 1,830 square kilometers. This mountainous park is home to Norway’s most genetically original mountain reindeer, Arctic foxes, golden eagles, and, of course, musk oxen. These prehistoric animals roamed Norway alongside woolly mammoths tens of thousands of years ago and were reintroduced to Dovrefjell in the 1950s. Today, around 200 musk oxen roam freely in the park. Visitors can explore the park independently or book a guided musk ox safari to get up close to these fascinating animals.
What even are Musk Oxen?
Musk oxen are hoofed animals that have been native to the Arctic for thousands of years. They are found in Greenland, Arctic Canada, and Alaska. In 1913, two vertebrae of musk oxen were discovered in Norway, leading scientists to conclude that the animals once inhabited this region approximately 30,000 years before the last ice age.
The specific herd in Dovrefjell National Park was brought from Greenland in the 1950s and reintroduced to Norway. The herd is limited to a maximum of 300 animals due to disease outbreaks that occur whenever the population grows too large. Musk oxen thrive in dry, cold weather; however, due to climate change and rising temperatures, conditions often become too wet for them. Since their fur lacks sufficient fat, they cannot tolerate such weather and may die from pneumonia. Calves are especially vulnerable as they have not yet developed long fur.
Male musk oxen can weigh up to 450 kilograms, while females can reach up to 250 kilograms. During winter, the animals lower their body temperature by 2°C and shrink their organs to conserve energy. Musk oxen also grow extra wool, which is among the warmest in the world. I even bought a handmade hat crafted from this wool. While the fine fibers don’t provide much wind protection, the hat certainly keeps my head warm.
Male musk oxen can be quite aggressive, particularly during mating season, which occurs between August and September. There have been several reported cases of attacks on humans who did not follow safety guidelines. For this reason, I highly recommend only seeking out musk oxen with the guidance of an experienced tour guide.
The Best Time to See Musk Oxen
While many visitors come in winter to see musk oxen with their snow-covered fur, we chose to visit in October, when the landscape was already covered in snow but without the icy coats on the animals. Generally, you can spot musk oxen year-round, but the ideal time is during their mating season in August and September. During this time, they’re more focused on mating and are less skittish around people, allowing you to get closer.
How to Get to Dovrefjell National Park to See Musk Oxen
Where exactly is Dovrefjell National Park?
Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella National Park is located in Eastern Norway, spanning the counties of Innlandet, Trøndelag, and Møre og Romsdal, and stretching from Isfjorden in the west to Kvikne in the east. The park is accessible by both train and car, though driving is often the most comfortable choice.
Getting there by train:
The Dovre Line runs 485 km between Oslo and Trondheim, taking about seven hours in total and offering scenic views of Trøndelag and Gudbrandsdal. Occasionally, you might even spot a few musk oxen from your seat! You can hop off at Dombås station to access the Dovrefjell area, then take a taxi to the Musk Ox Trail starting points in Kongsvoll or Grønbakken. Check the Vy railway website (vy.no) for current timetables.
Getting there by car:
Driving is the most flexible option for reaching Dovrefjell. It’s about a two-hour drive south on the E6 from Trondheim or five hours north on the E6 from Oslo. Parking is available at Grønbakken, which is where we began our safari.
Musk Ox Safari in Dovrefjell National Park
We decided to book a guided safari through Dovrefjell National Park to safely experience musk oxen encounters. Oppdal Safari (moskussafari.no) offers several options, including private, photography-focused, and even multi-day camping safaris. We chose the classic Musk Ox Safari, a group tour lasting 3-7 hours and covering about 12 kilometers, costing around NOK 580 per person (€50 or $52).
Our group met at Oppdal railway station and included our guide, his dog Tell, and four other participants. After following our guide by car to Grønbakken, the trailhead, we embarked on our adventure. Even from a distance, our guide spotted the first musk ox far up the hill. He had binoculars ready, which helped us spot the animal clearly as we set off through the snowy landscape.
We trekked across the tundra, surrounded by breathtaking mountain views. Our guide spotted three oxen to our left, a single male straight ahead, and another in the distance. Opting to approach the male, we followed our guide toward the animal’s feeding area, staying at a respectful distance. Eventually, we settled down with a warm drink and cinnamon buns our guide had packed, enjoying close-up views through the telescope he’d brought along. It was like glimpsing into the ice age as we watched the musk oxen with their long, shaggy coats and imposing horns.
After some time, we moved closer to observe more oxen, coming within 70 meters of the male and 100 meters of the herd. Through the telescope, every hair was visible, an unforgettable sight that’s worth braving the cold. Before heading back, our guide showed us a valley where musk oxen are known to die—mysteriously, many return here at the end of their lives.
In the end, we returned to our cars, grateful for seat heaters and warmth. It was an adventure I’ll never forget and a highlight for anyone looking to see musk oxen in their natural habitat.
Important Safety Tips for Musk Oxen Encounters
Musk oxen are wild animals and can be aggressive if they feel threatened. It’s essential to follow safety guidelines when observing them:
- Keep a 200-meter distance from musk oxen. They can run up to 60 km/h, so don’t assume you could outrun them.
- Avoid surrounding or surprising the animals. Stay on the same side of them as other tourists.
- Let the musk oxen spot you first and resume feeding before attempting to get closer.
- If an ox approaches unexpectedly, retreat calmly to show you’re not a threat.
How to Prepare for a Musk Ox Safari
Dress for the Weather
For tours in autumn, winter, or spring, bring gloves, a hat, warm layers, a waterproof jacket, trekking pants, warm socks, and sturdy, waterproof hiking shoes.
Bring a good Camera with you
The zoom on your phone may not capture distant animals well. A good camera with a zoom lens is worth bringing to capture high-quality photos.
Pack enough Food and Water
Safaris can last up to seven hours, so be prepared with snacks and enough water to stay energized.
