WELCOME TO NORWAY WITH ROGER BRENDHAGEN

In this document, you will find some important information regarding the trip to Norway.

Please read through the document. Should you have any questions afterwards, you are most welcome to contact Hans Elmqvist at Zoom Photo Tours by phone at +46 70-180 90 99 or via email at hans.elmqvist@zoomphototours.com

WELCOME TO NORWAY WITH ROGER BRENDHAGEN

In this document, you will find some important information regarding the trip to Norway.

Please read through the document. Should you have any questions afterwards, you are most welcome to contact Hans Elmqvist at Zoom Photo Tours by phone at +46 70-180 90 99 or via email at hans.elmqvist@zoomphototours.com

CURRENCY / EXCHANGE
During the trip, the local currency is Norgeian Krona, NOK. You can exchange at a bank before your departure or at an AMT in Oslo.

TRANSPORT
Transportation to Dovrefjell can be by train, flight/train combination, or car. You should not arrive in Hjerkinn later than 16:00 (4 PM) on Thursday and should not plan your return trip earlier than 14:00 (2 PM) on Sunday.

Train: If you choose to travel by train, your final destination is Hjerkinn in Dovrefjell. If you’re arriving by train, please inform us of your arrival time at info@zoomphototours.com so we can coordinate your pickup at the station.

Flight: If you choose to fly, the nearest airport is Værnes, north of Trondheim. From there, take the train to Hjerkinn in Dovrefjell. You can also fly to Oslo and take a train from there to Hjerkinn. Please email your arrival time to info@zoomphototours.com so we can arrange pickup at the station.

Car: If you are driving, head directly to Hjerkinn Fjellstue.

WHATSAPP
We have created a WhatsApp group for the trip. Here, you can communicate, share photos, and exchange information with other participants and with Roger before, during, and after the trip. You will receive an invitation via your phone.

If you’re not already using WhatsApp, we recommend downloading the app via the App Store or Google Play, and then letting us know at info@zoomphototours.com so we can send you an invitation to join the group.

If you have any trouble joining the group, email us and we’ll assist you.

PARTICIPANT LIST
Below is a link to the participant list for the trip. Please note: If a participant has opted not to share their details, only their name will be listed.

Participants – Musk oxen

SEND YOUR ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE TIMES
IMPORTANT! If you haven’t already sent us your arrival and departure times so we know your travel plans, please do so as soon as possible — especially if you’d like to be picked up at the station. Send the information to info@zoomphototours.com.

EXTRA NIGHTS
If you plan to arrive the day before or stay an extra day and would like help booking additional nights at the hotel, please send us an email at info@zoomphototours.com and we’ll make the arrangements.

CURRENCY / EXCHANGE
During the trip, the local currency is Norgeian Krona, NOK. You can exchange at a bank before your departure or at an AMT in Oslo.

TRANSPORT
Transportation to Dovrefjell can be by train, flight/train combination, or car. You should not arrive in Hjerkinn later than 16:00 (4 PM) on Thursday and should not plan your return trip earlier than 14:00 (2 PM) on Sunday.

Train: If you choose to travel by train, your final destination is Hjerkinn in Dovrefjell. If you’re arriving by train, please inform us of your arrival time at info@zoomphototours.com so we can coordinate your pickup at the station.

Flight: If you choose to fly, the nearest airport is Værnes, north of Trondheim. From there, take the train to Hjerkinn in Dovrefjell. You can also fly to Oslo and take a train from there to Hjerkinn. Please email your arrival time to info@zoomphototours.com so we can arrange pickup at the station.

Car: If you are driving, head directly to Hjerkinn Fjellstue.

WHATSAPP
We have created a WhatsApp group for the trip. Here, you can communicate, share photos, and exchange information with other participants and with Roger before, during, and after the trip. You will receive an invitation via your phone.

If you’re not already using WhatsApp, we recommend downloading the app via the App Store or Google Play, and then letting us know at info@zoomphototours.com so we can send you an invitation to join the group.

If you have any trouble joining the group, email us and we’ll assist you.

PARTICIPANT LIST
Below is a link to the participant list for the trip. Please note: If a participant has opted not to share their details, only their name will be listed.

Participants – Musk oxen

SEND YOUR ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE TIMES
IMPORTANT! If you haven’t already sent us your arrival and departure times so we know your travel plans, please do so as soon as possible — especially if you’d like to be picked up at the station. Send the information to info@zoomphototours.com.

EXTRA NIGHTS
If you plan to arrive the day before or stay an extra day and would like help booking additional nights at the hotel, please send us an email at info@zoomphototours.com and we’ll make the arrangements.

PLEASE NOTE! Depending on the prevailing weather conditions, the program may be adjusted in order to maximize photo opportunities.

DAY 1 (September 11) – WELCOME TO DOVREFJELL
Arrival at Hjerkinn Fjellstue in Dovrefjell during the day. For transportation options to Dovrefjell, see the “Before the Trip” section.
At 17:00 (5 PM), we meet in the reception area where Roger Brendhagen will welcome you, followed by a presentation introducing you to nature photography and offering tips and advice for the next day’s photo adventure. The evening ends with a pleasant dinner. (Dinner)

DAYS 2-3, (SEPTEMBER 12-13) – FULL DAYS OF PHOTOGRAPHY
Early in the mornings, we leave the cabins for full days up on Dovrefjell. Under Roger’s guidance, we hike through a rich ecosystem with flora and fauna dating back to the Ice Age. The main focus of our days in the field is the impressive musk ox. Few places in the world offer such good photo opportunities of this animal as Dovrefjell. When the musk oxen slowly and majestically roam across the hilly landscape, it feels like being transported back to a bygone era. Seeing these mighty animals with their distinctive horns, thick fur, and the dramatic mountains in the background is a magnificent photo experience. If we’re lucky and get close to the musk oxen with the surrounding landscape as a backdrop, the composition possibilities are many. With Roger’s expertise and extensive experience in the area, we explore the mountain during the days, and with a bit of luck, we may also have the opportunity to photograph reindeer and Arctic foxes. As we spend the whole days out in the field, there is plenty of time for personal guidance from Roger. We will also have a packed picnic lunch up on the mountain. After full days on the mountain, we spend the evenings on image editing. Roger will show how to get the most out of your images in editing software. There will also be time for image critique during the evenings. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 4, (SEPTEMBER 14) – MORNING SHOOT & CONCLUSION
Once again, we rise early to be on the mountain, and with a bit of luck, the autumn weather with its vibrant colors and strong contrasts will allow for impactful images. In the early morning light, we photograph the mountain’s wildlife and landscapes, with the peak Snøhetta at 2,286 meters being the absolute highlight. Back at the hotel, we will review your images, after which you’ll select your two best photos from the weekend. Before lunch, Roger will evaluate the participants’ images to select the “Workshop Photo,” which will move on to Zoom’s Photo of the Year 2025 competition. The workshop is expected to conclude around 14:00 (2 PM) (Breakfast, Lunch)

DAY 1, (SEPTEMBER 1) – WELCOME TO DOVREFJELL
In the afternoon, we arrive at Dovrefjell, where we are greeted by Roger Brendhagen and a tour guide from Zoom Fotoresor. Check-in at Hjerkinn Fjellstue. After a pleasant dinner, we begin our days together with a lecture by Roger introducing us to nature photography and providing tips and advice for tomorrow’s photo adventure. (D)

DAYS 2-3, (SEPTEMBER 12-13) – FULL DAYS OF PHOTOGRAPHY
Early in the mornings, we leave the cabins for full days up on Dovrefjell. Under Roger’s guidance, we hike through a rich ecosystem with flora and fauna dating back to the Ice Age. The main focus of our days in the field is the impressive musk ox. Few places in the world offer such good photo opportunities of this animal as Dovrefjell. When the musk oxen slowly and majestically roam across the hilly landscape, it feels like being transported back to a bygone era. Seeing these mighty animals with their distinctive horns, thick fur, and the dramatic mountains in the background is a magnificent photo experience. If we’re lucky and get close to the musk oxen with the surrounding landscape as a backdrop, the composition possibilities are many. With Roger’s expertise and extensive experience in the area, we explore the mountain during the days, and with a bit of luck, we may also have the opportunity to photograph reindeer and Arctic foxes. As we spend the whole days out in the field, there is plenty of time for personal guidance from Roger. We will also have a packed picnic lunch up on the mountain. After full days on the mountain, we spend the evenings on image editing. Roger will show how to get the most out of your images in editing software. There will also be time for image critique during the evenings. (B, L, D)

DAY 4, (SEPTEMBER 14) – MORNING SHOOT & CONCLUSION
Once again, we rise early to be on the mountain, and with a bit of luck, the autumn weather with its vibrant colors and strong contrasts will allow for impactful images. In the early morning light, we photograph the mountain’s wildlife and landscapes, with the peak Snøhetta at 2,286 meters being the absolute highlight. Upon returning from the photo expedition, we review your images and work with image editing. (B, L)

ELECTRICITY
Norway uses power outlet  C and F, the same as in Germany. If you are coming from the UK an adapter is needed.

CLIMATE / CLOTHING
Even though it’s early September, temperatures can drop quite a bit—especially in the early mornings. Since we’ll be in the mountains, the weather can change quickly—from sunshine to rain in just minutes.

We recommend dressing in layers, so you can easily add or remove clothing. Bring warm base layers as well—it’s hard to take great photos if you’re cold. Also pack thin gloves and a hat for early mornings and late evenings.

As it can be windy, windproof and waterproof clothing is a must. Waterproof hiking boots are recommended, or at least sturdy walking shoes that can handle rain. A mountain poncho / “Jervenduk” is practical to bring, as it can serve as a seat pad, wind protection, or rain cover.
There is no dress code for the conference sessions or dinners.

PHONE
To call Norway, use the country code +47. To call Germany from Norway, use +49 and to the UK +44.

Even though Norway is not in the EU, most mobile plans apply the same rates as in the rest of EU. However, check with your mobile provider to confirm that this applies to your plan.

WIFI
Wi-Fi is available at the hotel.

IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS
Roger Brendhagen: +47 484 01 818
Hjerkinn Fjellstue: +47 940 50 429
Emergency numbers: 112 – Police, 113 – Ambulance, 110 – Fire Department

PACKING LIST

BAGS

• A suitcase or large duffel bag.

• A camera backpack.

SHOES & CLOTHING

• Sturdy outdoor shoes that can handle wet conditions, such as hiking boots or waterproof boots.

• Wind- and waterproof outdoor clothing.

• Warm clothing, including an extra windproof sweater.

• Toiletries.

OTHER GEAR

• Binoculars, if you have.

• Mobile phone.

• Thermos for bringing coffee from the hotel.

MEDICAL SUPPLIES

We recommend bringing some personal medical supplies such as:

• Band-aids.

• Antiseptic cream.

• Paracetamol (e.g. Alvedon) or equivalent.

CAMERA EQUIPMENT

• Your digital camera.

• Telephoto lens, preferably up to 500mm or more.

• 70–200mm lens.

• Wide-angle lens, e.g., 24–70mm.

• Memory cards as needed, plus a portable hard drive.

• A teleconverter (optional).

• Mono- or tripod.

• At least one extra camera battery.

• Charger for your camera and other electronic equipment.

• A power strip with two to three outlets for charging camera batteries, phones, etc. at the same time.

• Cleaning equipment such as microfiber cloths, air blower, and other camera cleaning tools.

• A laptop for photo editing preferably with Photoshop or Lightroom.

• An external hard drive for backing up images, if not backing up to your laptop.