It is an unforgettable experience when the capercaillies arrive at the lek while you lie quietly in your sleeping bag, waiting for them to begin their distinctive display. As the first clicking sounds are heard just outside your hide, your whole body tingles with excitement, and you hardly dare to breathe.
One of the most exciting experiences the Scandinavian spring forest has to offer is witnessing a capercaillie lek. There are many lekking sites, but finding a truly good one is far from easy. Even if you ask local people, they are rarely willing to reveal their secret locations.
At Natur&Foto, however, we know someone who is happy to guide us to a fantastic capercaillie lek deep in the forests of Snåsa, in central Norway. The lek is located high in the terrain, where the birds perform their display in an open, beautiful old Scots pine forest.
Each participant will have their own hide tent. We must be inside our hides no later than 9:00 PM. The capercaillies arrive at the lek shortly afterwards and remain perched in their feeding trees until around 3:30 AM. They then fly down to the forest floor, where the spectacular display begins and continues until well into the morning, usually until around 9:30 AM.
After each morning at the lek, we return to Eggen Farm, which serves as our base. Here you can download your images, recharge batteries, take a shower, and relax. Everyone has their own bed where they can rest before the next session.
As if three mornings at a capercaillie lek were not enough, you’ll also experience the unique hospitality of Snåsa. Our local partner prepares all meals using locally sourced ingredients, and he personally takes care of the cooking. Enjoying the excellent food at the farm is an experience in itself.
