Jens Kristian Kvernmo has established himself as one of Norway’s most captivating wilderness adventurers and television personalities. From his humble beginnings in Steinkjer to becoming a household name through groundbreaking survival programmes, Kvernmo’s journey represents the epitome of Norwegian outdoor culture and adventure television.
Biography
Born on 1st January 1986 in Ogndal, Steinkjer municipality, Jens Kristian Kvernmo’s passion for the wilderness was cultivated from childhood. Growing up in Norway’s stunning natural landscape, he was profoundly influenced by his grandfather and father, who regularly took him on outdoor expeditions throughout his youth.
Kvernmo’s early inspirations include the legendary Norwegian explorer Helge Ingstad, whose adventures in the Canadian wilderness would later influence many of Jens’s expeditions. This foundation in traditional Norwegian outdoor culture would prove instrumental in shaping his future career as an adventurer and television personality.
Before achieving fame as a wilderness expert, Jens Kristian Kvernmo served with distinction in the Norwegian Armed Forces. His military service included specialised training as a sniper and participation in international operations in Afghanistan, experiences that undoubtedly contributed to his remarkable resilience and survival skills in extreme environments.
Career
Jens Kristian Kvernmo’s television career began in earnest in 2017 when he appeared on TV2’s survival reality series “Alene” (Alone). The programme challenged contestants to survive in the Norwegian wilderness for as long as possible, using only basic equipment and their wits. Kvernmo’s exceptional survival skills and engaging personality helped him win the competition, catapulting him to national fame.
Television Projects
Following his success on “Alene,” Kvernmo starred in NRK’s “Vinterdrømmen” (Winter Dream), also in 2017. This programme showcased his ability to thrive in Norway’s harshest winter conditions, further cementing his reputation as a premier wilderness survival expert.
The success of “Vinterdrømmen” led to two additional seasons under the title “Jens i villmarka” (Jens in the Wilderness), with the final season airing in 2020. These programmes demonstrated Kvernmo’s evolution from reality TV contestant to established television personality and wilderness educator.
In 2018, Jens Kristian Kvernmo was honoured with the title “Wilderness Artist of the Year,” recognising his significant contributions to outdoor education and adventure television in Norway.
Jens Kristian Kvernmo’s television career has continued to flourish with several notable recent productions:
- “Jens og Isak PÃ¥ Tynn Is” (2023): This series followed Kvernmo’s 4.5-month journey living with the Inuit on Greenland’s north coast, attracting over half a million viewers
- “Jens i Mongolia” (2024): His latest adventure series documents his experiences with Mongolian nomads, showcasing his continued commitment to learning from indigenous cultures
Books
Beyond television, Jens Kristian Kvernmo has established himself as a sought-after author and motivational speaker. His published works include:
- “The Hunt for a Wild Life”
- “What I Learned from Grandpa”
- “The Dream of Greenland”
As a lecturer, Kvernmo draws upon his extensive experiences living with indigenous peoples across the Northern Hemisphere, including the Sami in Norway, Chipewyan Indians and Inuit in Canada, Greenlanders, and Mongolian nomads. His presentations focus on themes of resilience, sustainability, and the importance of maintaining harmony with nature. Through these experiences, he has learned ancient techniques of living in balance with nature, which he shares through books, lectures, and documentaries.
He lives by the philosophy:
“If we learn to use nature, we will love it more. And if we love it, we will take better care of it.”
Personal Life
One of the most discussed aspects of Jens Kristian Kvernmo’s personal life is his relationship with world-record mountaineer Kristin Harila. The couple’s relationship began in January 2023 during a ski expedition to Svalbard, where their shared passion for outdoor adventure brought them together.
Their relationship gained significant public attention when Harila completed her record-breaking feat of climbing all 14 peaks over 8,000 metres in December 2023. Kvernmo provided crucial logistical support throughout her expeditions, and Harila publicly dedicated her achievement to him, describing him as her inspiration and motivation.
The couple shares custody of their beloved Siberian husky, Tarzan, who has become something of a social media sensation and frequently accompanies them on their adventures.
Net Worth
While specific figures regarding Jens Kristian Kvernmo’s net worth remain private, his diverse career spanning television production, book publishing, lecture circuits, and brand partnerships suggests substantial financial success. His multiple television series, particularly those broadcast on major Norwegian networks NRK and TV2, likely generate significant income through both initial production fees and ongoing royalties.
Additional revenue streams include:
- Book sales and publishing rights
- Television projects on NRK TV and TV 2
- Corporate speaking engagements and lectures
- Potential sponsorship deals and brand partnerships
- Expedition photography and documentation rights
Industry experts estimate that successful Norwegian television personalities of Kvernmo’s calibre typically earn substantial sums, though exact figures are rarely disclosed publicly.
Controversies
Despite his generally positive public image, Jens Kristian Kvernmo has faced some criticism regarding his approach to documenting indigenous cultures. Critics have argued that in series such as “Jens og Isak pÃ¥ tynn is” he has romanticised communities that have experienced significant colonisation impacts, potentially failing to acknowledge historical trauma adequately.
These criticisms highlight the ongoing challenges faced by adventure documentarians in respectfully portraying indigenous cultures while creating engaging entertainment content.
Whether he’s sleeping in a hand-built shelter in -30°C weather or hunting with indigenous trackers in Mongolia, Jens Kristian Kvernmo exemplifies what it means to live deliberately. His message is clear: nature is not something to escape to — it’s where we belong.
Jens continues to inspire a new generation of Norwegians — and global audiences — to reconnect with the natural world, take care of the planet, and dare to live adventurously.