Welcome in Tromsø!
What are you doing for your next vacation? Why not try the thrill of dog sledding in Tromsø?
In this comprehensive guide, we’re about to open the doors to an exhilarating husky safari in Tromsø, providing you with all the information you need to make the most of this thrilling experience.
From introducing you to the heartwarming huskies to guiding you towards the dog-friendly sledding tours in Norway, we’re here to ensure your journey is filled with excitement and wonder.
Get ready to dive into the snowy landscapes, forge unbreakable bonds with these amazing canines, and set out on an expedition that promises to be an unforgettable chapter of your life.
What are the best best dog sledding tours in Tromsø? These are our 3 picks:
- Self-Drive Dog Sledding Tour – Ideal for adventurous and active guests!
- Half-Day Husky Sledding With Lunch – Perfect for active guests with an appetite for Norwegian cuisine!
- Visit a Husky Farm And The Northern Lights – Great option for guests who may have mobility limitations but still want to enjoy the company of huskies!
Top Dog Sledding Tours In Tromsø
Self-Driven Dog Sledding Tour
Discover the essence of Arctic Adventure with the most popular dog sledding tour in Tromso, led by the dynamic husband-and-wife duo, Hege and PT.
They transformed their dreams into reality by founding Arctic Adventure Tours back in 1999.
You get all the equipment you need in your tour costs; all you have to do is arrive, and they take care of the rest. The husky kennels are home to 130 dogs that can’t wait to hit the trail with you.
Highlights:
- Drive your own team of huskies across the Arctic wilderness
- Learn how to control your sled and follow an experienced guide on the trail
- Be provided with all the necessary equipment to keep you safe and warm
- Enjoy Hege’s famous homemade chocolate cake and a hot drink around the cozy fireplace in the Sami Lavvo
- Interact with the kennel of over 130 Alaskan huskies before and after your trip
About this activity
Your adventure begins at the rendezvous point in Scandic Ishavshotel. Hop on the tour bus and take a trip out to our kennel on the island of Kvaløya.
We’ll introduce you to the dogs, and you can spend some time making friends with your new furry companions.
Then, it’s onto the trail briefing, where our professional guides break down everything you’re going to do on your trip. We’ll discuss how to behave around the dogs and give you a brief, informative demonstration on how to operate the sled and your husky team.
After the briefing, it’s time to start the adventure! We’ll take you to the starting point where your husky team is raring to go. Each sled gets a passenger and driver, and you have the opportunity to swap between the roles during your tour.
Our guides help you off from the starting line, ensuring you’re comfortable with the sled and the dogs. During the 90-minute trail, you’ll see some spectacular Tromsø scenery with arctic landscapes.
Remember to bring your camera; there’s going to be plenty of photo opportunities!
After you complete the trip, our staff take care of the husky team and the sled while you head over to the Sami Lavvo for some hot beverages and a slice of Hege’s legendary homemade chocolate cake.
What a way to end the day!
Half Day Husky Sledding Tour With Lunch
Step into a world of natural wonder with Tromsø Villmarkssenter, where a journey that began as a haven for sleddogs in 1988 has evolved into a captivating adventure.
This best dog sledding tour in Tromso for the money lasts four hours, and we guarantee that the time will fly by as your experience the adrenaline-rushing intensity of navigating the sled and dog team.
Highlights:
- Marvel at the beautiful mountains and fjords of Norway
- Meet 200 Alaskan huskies and cuddle with the puppies
- Enjoy a hearty meal around a cozy fire
- Lunch included
- 4-hour trip
About this activity
We collect you from the rendezvous point via bus and drive you to our dog kennels. You have time to spend with the huskies and their adorable pups before kitting yourself out for the adventure with all gear included in your tour costs.
We’ll introduce you to your professional sled driver, or “musher,” as we like to call them. After the introductions, it’s time to start the trip.
You’ll be sharing your sled with one or two other people on tour, giving you plenty of opportunities to discuss the amazing scenery while snapping photos of the natural beauty surrounding the landscapes.
Your tour involves a smooth ride through the mountain ranges surrounding the city of Tromsø, stretching as far as the Malangen peninsula and the Balsfjord before heading back to camp.
After you arrive at headquarters, you get time to talk to the drivers and cuddle with the dogs and their puppies. We’ll share information with you on training the dogs and caring for them, and we’ll also give you a lesson on the history of dog sledding in Norway.
When the day is over, we’ll head to the camp to enjoy a tasty traditional meal of “bidos” featuring reindeer, vegetables, and broth.
Visit A Husky Farm & The Northern Lights
Join us on our captivating visit to a real Husky Farm in Tromsø, where you’ll embark on a mesmerizing journey to witness the spellbinding Northern Lights in all their glory.
But that’s not all! On this unforgettable expedition, you’ll have the opportunity to warm your soul over a crackling campfire, roasting marshmallows to your heart’s content. Be prepared to be embraced by the fluffy affection of the resident huskies, as they share their heartwarming stories about the Northern Lights, adding a touch of magic to your experience.
Highlights:
- Experience the mesmerizing Northern Lights
- Indulge in the cozy warmth of a campfire while roasting delicious marshmallows.
- Savor the delectable flavors of bacalao, a Norwegian delicacy prepared with succulent stockfish (cod) and a rich tomato sauce.
About this activity
Discover the mesmerizing natural spectacle of the Aurora Borealis, a breathtaking phenomenon, just a short 30-minute drive from downtown Tromsø. Immerse yourself in the enchanting ambiance of a husky camp, where you can relish hot beverages and indulge in grilling marshmallows over a crackling open fire.
Take refuge inside an authentic lavvo, a traditional Sami tent, while you await the mystical lights to grace the night sky. Nestle comfortably on reindeer skins amidst the captivating wilderness or sit back on provided chairs as you gaze at the celestial dance. Throughout the experience, your knowledgeable guide will be on hand to address any curiosities you might harbor.
Although the appearance of the Northern Lights hinges on Mother Nature’s whims, the opportunity to mingle with 200 Alaskan huskies, including their adorable puppies, is an extraordinary delight in itself!
Indulge in a delectable Norwegian-style meal, as your guide skillfully serves up a sumptuous bacalao dish, crafted with succulent tomatoes and premium Norwegian stockfish (cod).
Embrace the culinary goodness while savoring the company of fellow explorers amidst this Arctic wonderland.
Other Tours
Most Popular Whale Watching Safari in Tromsø
Explore the beauty of the Kvaenangen Fjord by Skjervoy and see orcas and/or humpback whales chasing large amounts of herring fish. Hop into a rigid-inflatable boat (RIB) for a once in a lifetime experience in a small group.
Meet Reindeer Up Close & Personal in Tromsø
If you’ve ever wanted to meet reindeer, Tromsø is also one of the best places to visit to do it: With the right guide by your side, you can get close enough to feed them and go reindeer sledding: Who hasn’t ever wanted to do that?
Catch The Northern Lights In The Wilderness
Tromsø is one of the best places in the world you can visit to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights. Just like whale watching, time is crucial, and it’s important that you book your stay during the right time.
How to Prepare For a Dog Sledding Tour in Norway?
What is the best time to go dog sledding in Tromsø?
The best time to go dog sledding in Tromso (Norway) is typically during the winter months, which span from late October to early April. This period offers the ideal conditions for husky sledding in Tromso due to the presence of snow and colder temperatures.
In Norway’s northern regions, such as Tromsø and Finnmark, the winter season is particularly popular for husky sledding excursions because it ensures enough snow for the huskies to pull the sleds smoothly. Additionally, the colder temperatures are well-suited for the energetic huskies, as they thrive in these conditions.
During the spring and summer periods, visitors can also enjoy husky farms, where they have the delightful opportunity to visit a husky farm in Tromsø!.
Is husky sledding in Tromsø ethical?
Yes, husky sledding in Tromsø is ethical and animal friendly. In Tromso, Arctic Adventure Tours and the Tromsø Villmarkssenter, committed to ethical practices prioritize the welfare of their husky dogs. These operators ensure the dogs receive proper care, maintain good health, and have suitable living conditions.
Beyond personal enjoyment, these experiences play a role in preserving the heritage of the indigenous Sámi people, who share a longstanding history with sled dogs. By participating in these activities, you’re not only supporting local communities and sustainable tourism but also gaining valuable insights into the unique bond between mushers and their loyal canine partners.
When approached conscientiously and ethically, dog sledding ventures in Tromsø can deepen your appreciation for the Arctic environment, promote conservation efforts, and contribute to responsible travel practices.
Why is dog sledding in Norway so expensive?
The cost of dog sledding tours in Norway can be high because of various important reasons. Firstly, taking care of the dogs is a priority, which includes their health, training, and good food. Secondly, the places where these tours happen might be far away and challenging to access, which requires special arrangements and transportation, adding to the overall cost.
However, many people find that the incredible experience and memories gained from these tours make the price well worth it.
Do I ride the sled myself, or is a musher (dog driver) available?
You have the opportunity to drive the sled yourself on the shorter tours, with professional guides to help you along the way. The longer tours require a professional musher to navigate the trail and control the dog team.
Do sled dogs enjoy pulling sleds?
Yes, sled dogs live for the thrill of the chase. They are working dogs by nature, and they start feeling frustrated if they don’t get time out on the trail.
Why are sled dogs kept on chains?
As working animals, sled dogs like to run. As a result, the tour operators keep the dogs on chains mounted to a post. This setup allows the dogs to run around in circles to burn off energy when they start to feel frustrated. If huskies can’t run, they begin to exhibit bad behavior, and they will howl in frustration.
How long can sled dogs run without a break?
The average husky sled dog team can run for around 100-miles without taking a break. These athletic animals live for the mush. Due to the huge amount of energy they expend on a trip and the cold weather conditions, the dogs have huge appetites and require excellent care from their handlers to stay fed, fit, and healthy.
How many dogs can pull a sled?
Sled dog teams vary in size depending on the requirements for distance and weight carried on the sled. You get sledding teams of two, four, six, and eight dogs, with racing teams including up to 16 dogs blazing the trail.
History of Dog Sledding in Norway
Dogs are man’s (and woman’s) best friend and for a reason. These domesticated animals are critical to life in Northern Europe and throughout the arctic circle. The thick fur of the Alaskan husky and Malamute let them spend days out in the cold weather without any problems.
As a result, sled dogs played a significant role in shaping life in arctic countries around the globe. Dog sledding was critical for transportation, hunting, and working throughout the arctic circle, especially in Norway.
It’s safe to say that, without sled dogs, Norway would not be the prosperous nation it is today.
The First Records of Dog Sledding
The oldest records in human history pointing to the use of dog sleds extend back to 1,000 A.D. According to archives discovered by archeologists, the Innuit people were the first to utilize dogs for sledding. The dogs would help the people with their lives in the Great White North, assisting them with getting to fishing grounds and bringing home the catch to their families.
Sled dogs were an important part of life to the Innuit, and they would care for the dogs like family members. It wasn’t long before dog sledding spread to other parts of Canada and around the arctic circle.
The first examples of dog sleds don’t look anything like the models used today. The Innuit would harness a single dog to a light sled for pulling lightweight cargo across the frozen terrain. Typically, the dogs would transport firewood and basic supplies for the villages.
Eventually, sledders started using larger dog teams and bigger sleds capable of hauling more cargo and weight. Today, sledders use teams carrying more cargo weight and passengers. However, the teams were still smaller than those in use today, typically using six dogs to haul the sled.
Dog Sledding Around the Globe
As European settlers arrived in the Great White North, they found the local people’s use of dog sleds intriguing, taking the practice back to their homelands, where they integrated it into their daily lives. It wasn’t long before dog sleds became interwoven into European culture, especially in the frozen lands of Norway.
Fun Fact: Did you know the French-Canadian military relied on dog teams during the Seven Year’s War?
Dog teams grew in popularity across Northern Europe due to the low cost of keeping and caring for the dogs compared to horses. The dogs offered the same utility to life as horses, carrying the same loads while reducing costs associated with maintaining the mode of transport.
Dogs were also better equipped to handle the freezing climate, allowing all-weather use in all seasons. Their dense coats and wide, thickly padded paws permit them to run through the snow without succumbing to the cold conditions.
Polar adventurers also used dog sled teams to navigate their travels around the arctic circle. Roald Amundsen, a legendary Norwegian explorer, was the first man to reach the South Pole. He did it with the help of a dog sled team, writing the relationship between people and dog teams into the history books.
Dog Sledding Competition
Norway played a huge role in popularizing dog sledding throughout Europe and the world, founding the world’s longest competitive dog sled race, “the Finnmarkslopet.” Three mushers participated in the first race in 1981, and the race grew over the next 40 years into classes for track events featuring eight-dog and 14-dog teams.
The race continues today, with each event covering 310-miles and 620-miles, respectively. The race occurs on the 10th week of the new year, usually in mid-March. Today, local Norwegians compete with teams from around the world.