Capercaillie Lek in Oppdal Book

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Sigbjørn Frengen, Oppdal Safari

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The capercaillie lek in Oppdal is often described as “the most beautiful adventure of spring.” There is something truly special about walking into the capercaillie forest on a spring evening, surrounded by silence, the scent of damp forest floor, and nature slowly awakening after winter.

The tour begins in the afternoon, when the guide takes you to the lekking site and sets up the photo hide. As dusk settles, you may hear the capercaillie arriving, either flying in or walking through the forest before taking their positions in the trees around the lek. The birds prepare for the next morning’s display, before gathering on the arena at first light.

What can you expect from a capercaillie lek experience?

As daylight begins to break, the characteristic clicking and grinding sounds start. It is common to wake up to the sounds and movements of the birds around the hide. Although it may take some time before the light is strong enough for photography, experience shows that the hours pass quickly as the capercaillies move close by and display in all their splendour.

The guide ensures safe arrangements and provides the necessary information before you are left to experience the night and early morning hours. Around 09:00, the guide returns to pick you up, when the birds have usually left the lekking site and returned to their feeding areas.

Book capercaillie lek here