Norway Photography Tour:

SPARROWHAWKS & JAYS

LOCATION

NORWAY, EUROPE

TRAVEL DATES

OCTOBER

PRICE

FROM £1,750

MAX GUESTS

5

FITNESS

INTERMEDIATE

MORE INFORMATION

Autumn Sparrowhawk Photography Tour in SOUTHERN Norway.

Experience an unforgettable autumn wildlife photography adventure in southern Norway, dedicated to capturing Sparrowhawks chasing Jays in stunning autumnal colours. This exclusive bird of prey photography tour offers incredible close-up opportunities from professional hides located just 12–15 metres away from the action.

Set in the wild forests near Marnardal, this region of southern Norway provides a breathtaking backdrop of golden birch, pine, and maple, the perfect stage for photographing fast-moving raptors in natural light. The hides have been purpose-built for photographers, allowing unobtrusive views and clear shooting angles while ensuring the birds remain relaxed and behave naturally.

The Eurasian Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus) is renowned for its speed and precision as it hunts smaller birds through dense woodland. Witnessing and photographing Sparrowhawks pursuing Jays (Garrulus glandarius) through the autumn foliage is a thrilling experience that combines action, beauty, and technical challenge.

This Norway bird photography workshop runs during the peak of the autumn season, when colours are at their most vibrant and light conditions are ideal for photography. Every session from the hides offers the chance to create powerful, dramatic images of these elusive raptors in flight and at rest.

While our main focus is on Sparrowhawks and Jays, the hides also attract a variety of other forest birds, including Ravens, Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Crested Tits, Bullfinches, and Greenfinches — adding variety and interest to your portfolio.

With expert local guidance, comfortable hides, and stunning seasonal scenery, this autumn bird photography tour in Norway is a unique opportunity for wildlife photographers seeking dynamic action shots, intimate encounters, and authentic Nordic wilderness experiences.

HIGHLIGHTS

Exclusive Access to Purpose-Built Photography Hides

Photographing Sparrowhawks in autumn is a truly unforgettable experience. Set in the vibrant forests of southern Norway, this tour offers the rare chance to capture these agile raptors as they chase Jays through a blaze of golden and crimson foliage.

The purpose-built hides, positioned just 12–15 metres from key flight paths, provide an exceptional and intimate perspective while ensuring minimal disturbance to the birds. From these hides, you’ll have the opportunity to photograph fast-paced hunting sequences, natural perching behaviour, and stunning autumn backdrops bathed in soft seasonal light.

Norway’s autumn wilderness is alive with colour, texture, and movement making it a perfect setting for bird of prey photography. The crisp air and warm tones of the forest floor enhance every image, highlighting the beauty and intensity of these elusive raptors.

The joy of capturing nature at its most dynamic and beautiful.

EQUIPMENT REQUIRED

Our guide to helping you pack for this unforgettable trip.

Your chosen camera setup.

A focal length of 300mm - 500mm is preferable for the hides (the flexibility of a zoom is good).

Spare memory cards and batteries.

The hide provides hide plates, but a tripod, gimbal/fluid head or equivalent is required for the pop-up tents.

Warm clothing (the temperatures can be up and down at this time of year) and durable, supportive foot wear such as walking boots/shoes.

Waterproofs and puffa coats may be required to walk to the hides!

A head torch is recommended in case we enter and exit the hides under the cover of darkness.

Laptop and card reader.

Small-Group Norway Photography Tours with Expert Hosts

WHAT IS INCLUDED?

All transfers from/to Kristiansand Airport.

Accommodation on a 4 night basis.

3 days in purpose built hides plus afternoons looking for Moose.

Daily transport from/to the Hides.

Host/Guide.

We will be on hand to discuss camera setting etc. for each setup/scenario.

Breakfast, packed lunch & evening meal are included in the price - We have full use of kitchen facilities and usually cook as a group together.

Evening editing sessions to go through images.

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED?

Travel to and from Norway (suggested flights will be communicated upon booking)

Snacks, sundries and alcoholic drinks.

Travel, personal or equipment insurance.

Tips.

Any additional purchases of a personal nature.

Camera Equipment (enquire about gear hire).

FOLLOW OUR JOURNEY

ITINERARY

Day 1 - Travel to Norway, we will meet at the airport in Kristiansand and transfer to our accommodation.

Day 2 to 4 - We will spend mornings and early afternoon in the hides and then go in search of other local wildlife including Moose on foot and in vehicles.

Day 5 - After breakfast and a final morning of photography, will be transferred back to Kristiansand Airport to travel home from Norway.

Book Your Norway Photography Adventure Today

NOTES

A walk of 10 minutes (200m) is required to reach the open field Hide.

We will rotate between the main hide and chair hides to give different angles and backgrounds to achieve a variety of images.

DATES

7th - 11th October 2026

PRICE

£1,750 twin room

*single supplement is available in a separate apartment (2 minutes from main building) at an additional cost.

Please enquire for details and availability.

Deposit - A non-refundable deposit of £650 is required when booking. The balance will be required 60 days before the trip.

FAQS

Any questions? We’re here to help. Don’t see you answer here, feel free to send us a message.

  • International flights and other required scheduled flights are not included unless otherwise stated. Necessary road transfers once in the destination country, will be included if stated in the tour details.

  • Absolutely not! Our trips and tours welcome guests of all levels of photographic experience, from complete beginners to seasoned professionals. Our tours are intended to be enjoyable learning experiences for everyone and are often the best platform for sharing tips and tricks. We like to think that every day is a school day regardless of experience!

  • From day one, we wanted to make our tours accessible to the masses. There are plenty of over priced tours out there in our opinion, and therefore our objective has always been to offer affordable opportunities to our guests, whilst maintaining a high level of experience.

  • If you are interested in single occupancy, please message us and enquire. Some of our tours offer a single supplement at a small additional cost, so please do not let it put you off enquiring.

  • Apex Adventures aim to provide small group experiences and therefore we try to maintain a low client to host ratio. Most of our trips are for 3-6 travellers but on a few of our larger group trips, you can expect 6-8 travellers with 2 photo hosts.

  • No! We have partnered with the UK’s leading photographic equipment hire company ‘Lenses for Hire’ and can also offer you a personalised discount code. Just let us know and we will be happy to help.