Dog sledding is one of the most unforgettable winter activities in Tromsø, but choosing the right tour isn’t always straightforward.
One of the biggest decisions you’ll make is whether to drive your own dog sled or ride as a passenger?
Both options take you through the breathtaking Arctic wilderness with a team of energetic Alaskan huskies. The difference lies in how you experience the journey. A self-drive tour is active and immersive, while a passenger tour lets you relax and fully enjoy the scenery.
If you’re wondering which experience is the better fit, this guide compares both options and helps you choose the right dog sledding tour for your trip to Tromsø.
to experience the Arctic wilderness.
What Is a Self-Drive Dog Sledding Tour?
A self-drive dog sledding tour puts you in the role of the musher—the person who controls the sled and guides the dog team through the snowy landscape.
Before setting off, experienced guides explain everything you need to know, including how to steer, brake and safely work with the dogs. No previous experience is required, making these tours suitable for complete beginners.
Most self-drive tours pair two guests on one sled. One person drives while the other sits in the sled, and halfway through the tour you usually switch places so both guests get the chance to drive.
Driving a dog sled is surprisingly intuitive. While it does require some balance and moderate physical effort, the dogs know the route well and the guide is always nearby if assistance is needed.
A self-drive tour is perfect if you:
- Enjoy active outdoor adventures.
- Want a hands-on experience.
- Like trying something new.
- Want to experience what it’s like to be a musher.
- Don’t mind a little physical activity.
is suitable for beginners after a safety briefing.
What Is a Passenger Dog Sledding Tour?
On a passenger tour, an experienced guide drives the sled while you sit back and enjoy the ride.
You’ll still experience the excitement of travelling through the Arctic behind a team of huskies, but without the responsibility of controlling the sled yourself. This allows you to focus entirely on the scenery, take photos and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Passenger tours are particularly popular with families, older travellers and visitors who simply want a comfortable way to experience dog sledding.
They’re also an excellent option if you have mobility limitations or prefer not to participate in the more physically demanding aspects of the activity.
A passenger tour is ideal if you:
- Prefer a relaxed experience.
- Want to enjoy the scenery without distractions.
- Love photography.
- Are travelling with young children.
- Have back, knee or mobility issues.
Self-Drive vs Passenger Dog Sledding: The Key Differences
| Feature | Self-Drive | Passenger |
|---|---|---|
| Drive your own sled | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Physical effort | Moderate | Minimal |
| Adventure level | Very high | High |
| Photography opportunities | Good | Excellent |
| Suitable for beginners | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Suitable for families | Limited (age restrictions apply) | Excellent |
| Comfort | Moderate | Excellent |
| Guide controls the sled | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
Neither experience is objectively better. The best choice depends entirely on the type of adventure you’re looking for.
Who Should Choose a Self-Drive Tour?
If you’ve always imagined yourself racing through snowy forests behind a team of huskies, a self-drive tour is probably the right choice.
Although “driving your own sled” sounds intimidating, these tours are designed for beginners. After a thorough safety briefing, most visitors quickly gain confidence and enjoy the challenge.
Many travellers describe driving their own sled as one of the highlights of their trip to Northern Norway. It creates a stronger connection with the dogs and makes the experience feel even more authentic.
We especially recommend a self-drive tour if you’re travelling as a couple or with friends. Sharing the sled and switching drivers halfway through the adventure gives both people the opportunity to experience being the musher.
If you’re planning your trip and haven’t chosen a tour yet, have a look at our guide to the best dog sledding tours in Tromsø, where we compare our favourite experiences and explain who they’re best suited for.
Who Should Choose a Passenger Tour?
Not everyone wants an active adventure—and that’s perfectly fine.
Passenger tours allow you to experience everything that makes dog sledding special without worrying about steering or braking. Instead, you can simply enjoy the Arctic landscape while an experienced guide takes care of the dogs.
This option is particularly suitable for:
- Families with young children.
- Older travellers.
- Visitors with limited mobility.
- People recovering from injuries.
- Anyone who prefers a more relaxing excursion.
Passenger tours are also ideal if photography is one of your priorities. Since you’re not concentrating on driving, you’ll have more opportunities to admire the scenery and capture the moment.
Some passenger experiences even combine dog sledding with additional activities, such as visiting the huskies or searching for the Northern Lights later in the evening.
Can Beginners Drive Their Own Dog Sled?
Absolutely.
One of the biggest misconceptions is that you need previous experience to drive a dog sled. In reality, almost everyone joining a self-drive tour is doing it for the first time.
Before leaving the kennel, guides provide a detailed introduction covering:
- How to steer the sled.
- How to use the brake.
- How to help the dogs on uphill sections.
- Basic safety rules.
- What to do if you fall behind.
The dogs themselves are highly experienced and know the routes well, making the experience much less intimidating than many first-time visitors expect.
As long as you’re reasonably fit and willing to follow the guide’s instructions, there’s no reason to be nervous about choosing a self-drive experience.
What About Clothing?
Whether you choose a self-drive or passenger tour, staying warm is essential.
The good news is that our recommended tours all provide insulated outerwear and winter boots, so you won’t need specialised Arctic clothing.
Depending on the tour, you’ll typically receive:
- An insulated Arctic or thermal suit.
- Winter boots.
- In some cases, woollen socks, hats and mittens if needed.
For tips on dressing in layers and what to wear underneath your suit, read our complete guide on what to wear for dog sledding in Tromsø.
Our Recommendation
Both experiences are fantastic, and you won’t make a wrong choice.
If you’re looking for the most immersive and adventurous experience, we’d recommend a self-drive tour. Driving your own sled creates a unique connection with the dogs and gives you a real taste of traditional mushing.
If comfort, photography or accessibility are more important, a passenger tour is an excellent alternative. You’ll still enjoy the incredible Arctic scenery and spend plenty of time with the huskies without the physical demands of driving.
Whichever option you choose, dog sledding is one of the most memorable winter experiences Tromsø has to offer.
If you’re still deciding which tour to book, explore our guide to the top dog sledding tours in Tromsø to compare our favourite experiences and find the one that best matches your travel style.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Self-drive tours are designed for beginners, and guides provide full instructions before the tour starts.
Yes, many dog sledding tours in Tromsø welcome families with children, although the minimum age varies depending on the experience. As a general rule, passenger tours are the most family-friendly option, while self-drive tours often have a higher minimum age because guests are responsible for driving the sled.
For our recommended tours:
- Self-Drive Beginner Tour: suitable for children 7 years and older.
- Half-Day Self-Drive Husky Tour with Lunch: 16 years and older.
- Husky Visit & Northern Lights: suitable for all ages.
Not at all. Many visitors prefer passenger tours because they can fully relax, enjoy the scenery and take photographs throughout the experience.
Yes. Most self-drive tours allow two adults to share one sled and switch roles halfway through the tour.
Passenger tours generally offer the best photography opportunities because you don’t have to concentrate on steering the sled. However, most self-drive tours include stops where you can take photos and spend time with the huskies.