Dovrefjell National Park - '25
On this journey I take you to the National Park of Dovrefjell, located in the mountains of Norway.
Dovrefjell National Park and the Mighty Muskox the survivor of the ice age!
Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella National Park, located in central Norway, is a vast and rugged wilderness known for its dramatic mountain landscapes, alpine tundra, and unique wildlife. The park covers approximately 1,693 square kilometers and is home to some of Norway's most iconic species, including wild reindeer, arctic foxes, and golden eagles. However, one of the park's most famous inhabitants is the mighty muskox.
Muskoxen (Ovibos moschatus) are prehistoric-looking animals that have roamed the Arctic regions for thousands of years. These powerful creatures, with their thick coats and curved horns, are well adapted to the harsh climate of Dovrefjell. Originally native to North America and Greenland, muskoxen were reintroduced to the area in the 20th century after having disappeared from Europe during the last Ice Age. Today, the population in Dovrefjell is the only wild muskox herd in Norway and one of the few in Europe.
It's essential to keep a safe distance, as muskoxen can be unpredictable and may charge if they feel threatened. The best time to see them is during the summer and early autumn, when they graze in the open landscapes. In winter, their thick fur helps them withstand extreme cold as they search for food beneath the snow-covered terrain.
Beyond its wildlife, Dovrefjell is also historically and culturally significant. The region has long been an important travel route, with traces of old pilgrimage roads and military history. The park's rugged beauty and rich biodiversity make it a popular destination for photographers looking to experience Norway's wild and untouched landscapes.
Below you can find my 4K movie of the Norwegian journey to the Muskoxen
The journey ... to Dovrefjell National Park!
Raf and I took a flight from Amsterdam to Trondheim in Norway, from there we still had a 3 hours drive to our basecamp in Oppdal. After arriving in the late evening we had a quick dinner and went to bed for an early morning start of the expedition.
The climb was pretty heavy, around 6 km to the top and going from 890m height to 1430m and this with wearing snowshoes all the time.
The muskox (Ovibos moschatus) is a large, shaggy-haired mammal that has roamed the Arctic for thousands of years. It belongs to the Bovidae family, making it more closely related to goats and sheep than to oxen, despite its name. Here's a look at its history:
Ancient Origins
The muskox evolved during the Pleistocene epoch (about 2.5 million to 12,000 years ago).
It originally lived across North America, Europe, and Asia, coexisting with other Ice Age megafauna like woolly mammoths and saber-toothed cats.
Fossils show that muskoxen once ranged as far south as Spain and the British Isles.
Survival Through the Ice Age
Muskoxen thrived in cold climates due to their thick fur and ability to find food beneath the snow.
While many Ice Age species went extinct, muskoxen persisted in Arctic regions, particularly in Greenland and northern Canada.
Decline and Conservation
By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, muskox populations declined due to overhunting and climate change.
In the 1930s, conservation efforts began, leading to reintroductions in Alaska, Russia, and Scandinavia.
Today, muskoxen are mainly found in Canada, Greenland, Alaska, and Russia, with stable populations thanks to protective laws.
Cultural and Economic Importance
Indigenous Arctic peoples, such as the Inuit and Sami, have historically hunted muskoxen for meat, hides, and qiviut (a soft underwool used for clothing).
Modern conservation programs promote sustainable qiviut farming without harming the animals.
The last night of our stay in Norway, we were able to capture the Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis which is one of nature's most spectacular phenomena. They appear as colorful, shimmering lights in the night sky, mostly visible in the polar regions.
What Causes the Northern Lights?
The aurora is created by the interaction between the solar wind (charged particles from the sun) and Earth's magnetic field. Here's how it works:
The sun emits a stream of charged particles (solar wind) into space.
When these particles collide with Earth's magnetic field, they are directed towards the poles.
The charged particles hit gases in Earth's atmosphere, such as oxygen and nitrogen.
These gas molecules release energy as light, creating the aurora.
Colors of the Northern Lights
Different gases in the atmosphere produce different colors:
Green – Oxygen (most common)
Red – Oxygen (at higher altitudes)
Blue & Purple – Nitrogen
Pink & Yellow – A mix of gases
Where and When to See the Northern Lights
Best seen in the Auroral Oval, which includes Alaska, Canada, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland, and Russia.
They are most visible during winter when the nights are long and dark.
Peak aurora activity often follows high solar activity, such as solar storms.
But on every good story comes to an end, time to say goodbye to a nice groep of wildlife photographers,
A big thanks to Giovannini Jonathan for the nice adventure.
Snap shots
below some iphone snapshots of out trip