Nordseter is a nice area for those who like birds and quiet nature experiences. In the mountain forests, by the marshes and around the lakes, you may be lucky enough to see or hear species such as Siberian jay, Lapland, bluethroat, cuckoo, willow grouse, black grouse, crane, redstart, birch finch and various thrushes. Over open mountain areas, birds of prey such as buzzards can appear, while lakes and ponds provide opportunities to see ducks and other waterfowl.
The best birding experiences are often early in the morning or late in the evening, when the mountains are calmer and the birds are most active. Bring binoculars, walk quietly, and feel free to use the areas around Nevelvann, the birch belt towards Lunkefjell and the open marsh and mountain areas around Nordseter as a starting point.
The Best Places to Spot Wildlife
The area around Nordseter and Sjusjøen is a vibrant landscape, shaped by the contrasts between marshes, birch forests and bare mountains. This variety makes the mountain a haven for many species. Down by Nevelvatnet, in the quiet marsh areas, wading birds and small game thrive. When the morning mist settles over the surface of the water and the day has just begun, you can see cranes wandering steadily through the fog while the small birds come to life along the shore. If you follow the path further up towards the birch belt at Lunkefjell, you can with a little luck spot a ptarmigan in summer plumage, perfectly camouflaged between heather and rocks, or a hare jumping silently into the shade. Further up, on the open flats of the Sjusjøen plateau, the buzzard circles high in the sky in search of small rodents – a sight that gives you the feeling of being part of something bigger.
The marshy areas by Nevelvatnet: Early mornings here are like stepping into a postcard. When the fog is low over the water, you can see cranes moving calmly through the haze, while wading birds pluck small prey from the shore.
The birch belt towards Lunkefjell: This is the place for those hoping to spot grouse or hare. In the meeting between forest and bare mountains, many animals have their natural hide, and with a little luck you will see white tails disappear silently between the bushes.
The Sjusjøen plateau: Here the landscape opens up, and the gaze is often drawn to the sky. It is not uncommon to see buzzards circling majestically over the terrain in search of small rodents. A quiet peep from a rock pile can quickly give you moments you remember for a long time.
Birdlife: From colourful small birds to the king of the mountains
Nordseter is a little paradise for bird enthusiasts. With binoculars and a little patience, you'll quickly spot some of the mountain's most charming residents. Lapland and Siberian Screech are curious little personalities who are happy to keep you company on the trip; They are like little mountain buddies who are never far away. When spring arrives in full force, it brings the beautiful bluethroat – the mountain's own nightingale, with its clear song and sparkling blue throat that catches the light in the willow thicket. And the Cuckoo, which is one of the most characteristic summer sounds at Nordseter. It is often heard in mountain forests, by marshes and in open landscapes from May and throughout the summer. Although it can be difficult to spot, the sound is easy to recognize – and for many, the cuckoo is a sure sign that summer has arrived in the mountains.
- Lapland and Siberian jay: Social small birds that like to approach when you are resting at the edge of the forest – almost as they greet you.
- Bluethroat: The mountain's own nightingale, known for its sparkling blue neck and clear singing. It often appears in willow thickets in spring and in the early summer.
- Grouse: The mountain people know it well – a master of camouflage. The winter plumage is dazzling white, while the summer plumage blends in with the heather
- Black grouse. Thrives in forests, marshes and open areas. In the spring, you may be lucky enough to hear games in the early hours of the morning.
- Great bird. Large birds are found in larger forest areas and are one of the most impressive forest birds you can experience.
- Crane. At marshes and wetlands, you may be lucky enough to see cranes. The areas around Nevelvann/the marshes are mentioned as good places for nature experiences
- Chaffinch and Birch Finch. Common songbirds in forests and mountain birch forests in summer.
- Spotted woodpecker. Can be heard drumming in the forest and seen in areas with spruce and pine.
- Buzzard. In good small rodent years, the buzzard can be seen over open terrain and mountainous areas.
- Mallard, female duck and other waterfowl. At lakes and ponds in the area, you can also see common waterfowl.
Tips for the best experience
The most evocative meetings often take place early in the day or late in the evening, when the light is softer and the mountain calms. Then you have the best chance of seeing the animals, because it is during these hours that nature really comes to life. Feel free to bring binoculars or a camera with a zoom, but most importantly – take your time. Find a nice rock, sit down and be quiet. After a few minutes, you will notice how the silence begins to breathe, and everything around you comes alive in small steps; a twig that crackles, a flapping of wings, a breath in the grass. That's when you see that you're not just visiting nature – you're part of it. To get the most out of meeting nature's own neighbors, it's about more than luck:
In winter, the snow tells its own stories. The traces of grouse, hare and fox are like little stories written in white. When you learn to read them, you gain insight into a hidden life that is otherwise easy to overlook. It's almost like discovering a secret language – the mountain's own story.
- Time: Dusk and dawn are magical. The animals are most active right after breakfast or before our dinner is served at the mountain lodge.
- Equipment: A good pair of binoculars is your most important aid. It allows you to observe without disturbing. A camera with a zoom provides nice memories to take home.
- Patience: Sit down, breathe calmly, and wait. Nature often shows itself when you become part of the silence.
- Tracking: Look for hare jumps, the straight line after a fox, or the fan-shaped grouse tracks.
Respect for nature
We remind all our guests to meet nature with respect, especially during the breeding and breeding season in the spring. Keep your dog on a leash, keep your distance when you see animals with cubs, and preserve the magic of being a quiet guest. If you are wondering where you can go to get the best experiences, feel free to ask us at the reception. We are happy to share recent sightings - and maybe, if you are really lucky, you will hear about the moose that strolled past the mountain lodge at dusk the night before.
At Nordseter and Sjusjøen, nature is not something you have to travel out to find. It's already here – around you, below you and right outside the door. All it takes is for you to stop for a moment to look.
At Nordseter and Sjusjøen, nature is never far away – it's just waiting for you to stop for a moment and listen.