A story about the Golden Eagle hide.

Back in 1998 I started photographing Golden Eagles at this place in the mountains near my home town Stjørdal, 460 meter above the sea level, not far from the Trondheim Værnes Airport in central parts of Norway. I started out with a small and primitive Golden Eagle hide, some mornings was freezing cold in the uninsulated HIDE. Lately we have built bigger and more comfortable Golden Eagle Hide.

The task was not so easy when using fuji velvia and provia. We was glad that the eagles showed up and that we could photograph them. I slowly started to learn about these big raptors that you rarely see when wandering around in the Norway nature. They are shy after being haunted for centuries by humans. I learned that they are beautiful creatures, living in pairs as adult individuals in life long relationships. I also learned that they tolerate a lot of different photography when they are used to the place.

golden eagle hide
It started in 1998. Fuji Velvia 50 iso gave limited possibilities.
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Close to the eagles for the first time in 1998. This was not common back the.

During some years I started to know these to individuals living in the area. I understood that they were territorial and that they chased away all other eagles and raptors. After a short break there I started again 2008-2009. The digital era had started and I could do more out of the situations. New hides and better comfortability made it easier to spend long days there. The Golden Eagle hide is built near a old hunters cabin and this was a good place to stay during nights and in the morning it was only 200 meter walking distance to get into the hides.

Five years ago we started to rent out the hides and the Red cabin. The Red cabin went from a hunters cabin where hunters used to stay, back in the beginning of 1900 all raptors was shot here in Norway, to a eagle photography accommodation cabin. We have gad customers from most parts of Europe. Japan and even South Africa have had representants from their country in this cabin.

golden eagle hide
I discovered very early that Red Foxes killed in the traffic was a good bate for the eagles.
golden eagle hide
Golden Eagle - in ancient times holy creatures to humans.
golden eagle hide
Golden Eagle juvenile coming for the bate.

I will tell more about how we do things when using the Golden Eagle hide in a post here within a few weeks. What kind of equipment and how we use it will be secrets we will reveal for you. Everything is about spending time with the eagles. They tolerate a lot of different types of photography, from use of huge tele lenses to wide angel remote controlled cameras.

-Svein

Upcoming Svalbard Tours

svalbard winter landscapes
Svalbard

Svalbard winter landscapes

10. Apr 2026 - 18. Apr 2026
Svalbard winter landscapes offers some of the most spectacular scenery imaginable. The dramatic landscape, composed of towering mountains, deep fjords, sweeping valleys, and the vast expanse of the Arctic Ocean, makes this region an extraordinary destination for exploration and photography. At this time of year, the landscapes themselves are the primary focus, though wildlife is never far from sight. The dramatic setting is enhanced by the presence of polar bears, which can often be seen traversing the scenic terrain or drifting across ice floes. These encounters provide breathtaking photographic opportunities in the heart of the Arctic wilderness.
Spots available 3 SPOTS AVAILABLE
Season Early Season, Winter season
Duration 9 days
svalbard winter photography expedition
Svalbard

Wildlife photography expedition

01. May 2026 - 09. May 2026
Wildlife photography expedition in May, the region already experiences the constant daylight of the midnight sun. While clouds may lessen the intensity of the sunlight, they also create a variety of patterns and possibilities for photography. Still we will see some of the coolers from sunsets and sunrises. Even though the nights can remain very cold, it is possible to observe wildlife resting and hunting on the ice-covered fjords or within the pack. In this bright, winter-like environment, participants can enjoy remarkable wildlife encounters in truly picturesque, icy conditions by joining our Svalbard photo expedition. Our wildlife photography expeditions represent the ultimate in polar exploration at any time of year.
Spots available 6 SPOTS
Season Early Season, Winter season
Duration 8 nights / 9 days
polar bear photography
Svalbard

Pack Ice expedition Svalbard

28. Jun 2026 - 07. Jul 2026
In early summer, our Svalbard tours experiences a unique transformation as some of the snow melts, yet large areas remain covered by drift ice. The pack ice is still relatively close to the Svalbard islands, making it easily accessible for exploration and wildlife observation. This period offers remarkable opportunities to witness Svalbard's diverse wildlife. Polar bears, walruses, whales, seals, and a variety of birdlife are particularly active, increasing the chances of close wildlife encounters. The movement of these animals makes this an ideal time for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers alike.
Spots available 4 SPOTS AVAILABLE
Season Main season, Peak season
Duration 9 nights/10 days
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Svalbard

Pack Ice expedition Svalbard

07. Jul 2026 - 21. Jul 2026
Svalbard is renowned for its rich diversity of Arctic wildlife. The most iconic resident is the polar bear, often referred to as "The King of the Arctic." These magnificent creatures traverse the frozen seas and rugged coastlines in search of seals and sustenance. It is not uncommon to witness polar bears caring for their cubs in this challenging yet thriving environment. While they may occasionally be spotted along the shores, the drifting pack ice is their true habitat. Remarkably, over 60% of the polar bear population migrates into the pack ice during early summer, making this region vital for their survival. This pack ice expedition Svalbard will be a unique chance for extraordinary wildlife encounters.
Spots available 2 SPOTS AVAILABLE
Season Main season, Peak season
Duration 15 days
peak season expedition svalbard
Svalbard

Peak season expedition Svalbard

21. Jul 2026 - 31. Jul 2026
Another expedition into the pack ice. We will visit the spectacular bird cliffs, walrus haul-out places, do landings and cruise into the pack ice north of Svalbard. More than 60% of the Polar Bear population migrate into the pack ice during early summer. In late July the bird cliffs are still full of wildlife. We also will visit Walrus haul-out places on land and maybe some interesting places for Arctic Foxes along with other wildlife. The Svalbard Archipelago is surrounded by the Arctic Ocean, and its not far before we start entering what we call “the pack ice”. This is a magical environment in many ways. It is also the real home of the polar bears and other wildlife like seals, walruses and whales. Join us for this peak season expedition Svalbard.
Spots available SOLD OUT
Season Main season, Peak season
Duration 11 days
svalbard photography expeditions
Svalbard

Polar Bear adventures in the pack

30. Aug 2026 - 09. Sep 2026
The Adventure of Navigating the Pack Ice. The pack ice can be likened to a nameless continent, composed entirely of drifting ice and teeming with wildlife. It stretches across vast expanses of the ocean, with the ice moving according to ocean currents, tides, and winds. Navigating these icy areas requires patience, but the rewards are great when wildlife is spotted. Especially will this be a Polar Bear Adventure. Some of the expedition will be dedicated to exploring the Islands of Svalbard. In late August and early September, the light in this region becomes more colorful. Sunsets and sunrises return after the long, sunlit summer, transforming the landscape with vibrant hues.
Spots available 4 SPOTS AVAILABLE
Season Autum season, Main season
Duration 10 nights/11 days
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