Birdwatching

The varied types of landscape in Valdres hold a wide variety of bird species, among them several that are sought after in the northern parts of the Western Palearctic. 

Birds of the high country and mountains

Birds of the open mountain areas of Valdres are typically Horned Lark, Ring Ouzel, Rock Ptgarmigan, Northern Wheatear, the red-starred Bluethroat, Lapland Longspur and Snow Bunting as well as waders such as Golden Plover, Dotterel, Temminck's Stint, Dunlin, Common Ringed Plover and Purple Sandpiper. Raptors such as Golden Eagle, Hen Harrier, Rough-legged Buzzard, Merlin and Common Kestrel hunt over open spaces. In low willow thicket with openings, Great Snipe can be found.

Birds of the mountain pastures and spruce forests

The birch and spruce forests in the area hold Black Grouse, Capercaillie and Siberian Jay - to mention a few. Among owls Northern Hawk Owl and Eurasian Pygmy Owl are easiest to find, but also Short-eared Owl, Tawny Owl, Tangmalm's Owl and Long-eared Owl do occur when the conditions are favourable.

Common Cranes nest in the wet parts of the mountain farm areas. White-throated dipper is at home in a number of streams and rivers throughout the region, both high and low. Where there's open water during winter, it can be found all year round.

Great nature experiences

Birdwatching is a splendid way to get closer to nature and can have great nature experiences in store. All you need is a pair of binoculars and a field guide, although a telescope is recommended at some sites. Also, you need to have a car at your disposal as you will be visiting remote areas without public transport access. 

Birding in Valdres can easily be combined with a family holiday, and most locations are within one hour's drive from the region's centre Fagernes. 

Below we've listed a number of good locations throughout Valdres with directions and species you can expect to find. Another good site that is outside the region of Valdres but within one hour's drive from Fagernes, is Dokkadelta at the northern end of Lake Randsfjorden. There are bird hides at Våten (southern side) and Odnes (northern side of the delta).

Happy birding!