Tromsø: Self-Drive Husky Dog Sledding Adventure

Imagine gliding over snow-covered landscapes, your team of lively Alaskan Huskies pulling you through the silent beauty of the Arctic. For about 4 hours, you get to mush your own sled in Tromsø, Norway, an activity both exhilarating and surprisingly accessible. Led by friendly guides, you’ll learn how to steer and control your sled, all wrapped up in warm gear, then end your journey around a fire in a Sami Lavvo with hot drinks and cake.

What we love about this tour is how much interaction it offers—driving your own sled is not only fun but makes the experience more personal and memorable. Plus, the stunning scenery of mountains and fjords as you sled through pristine snow is truly breathtaking. On the downside, it’s a physically engaging activity, so you’ll want to be comfortable with some exertion, especially if snow conditions are challenging.

This adventure suits active travelers, animal lovers, or those wanting a hands-on experience in the Arctic. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a genuine, behind-the-scenes look at sledding culture, combined with the chance to meet and cuddle the huskies. If you’re seeking a unique, photo-worthy experience that involves a bit of a workout, this tour will tick all your boxes.

Key Points

• Self-Drive Adventure: You get to mush your own team of huskies, making the experience more engaging.
• Stunning Scenery: Expect spectacular Arctic landscapes with mountains and fjords.
• All Equipment Provided: Warm arctic suits, boots, hats, and mittens ensure you stay warm.
• Interactive & Educational: Guides offer insights about the huskies and sledding techniques.
• Post-Ride Comfort: Finish with hot drinks and cake around a cozy fire in a Sami Lavvo.
• Suitable for Active Travelers: Requires a modest level of fitness and willingness to help push the sled if needed.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Honest Look at the Experience

When we picture the perfect Arctic adventure, it usually involves snow, mountains, and a pack of energetic dogs. This tour in Tromsø delivers all of that, with the added bonus of you being in control of your own sled. Starting point is straightforward, right in front of Scandic Ishavshotel—a convenient location for those staying in central Tromsø. The tour begins with a short, scenic drive on a comfortable minibus to a kennel on Kvaløya, where you’ll meet over 130 lively Alaskan Huskies.

One of the biggest draws here is the chance to drive your own sled. The guides provide a quick and clear demonstration on how to stand, steer, and handle the sled. Based on multiple reviews, the sleds are easy to drive, even for beginners, and you’ll have several opportunities to swap roles with your partner or fellow travelers. As one reviewer, Julie, said, “the sleds were easy to drive,” making this accessible for most people, including older travelers.

The scenery along the trail is awe-inspiring. You’ll pass through snow-laden forests, mountains, and fjords, with plenty of stops for photos. Some reviews highlight the stunning snowy wilderness and the magnificence of the landscape. Guides are eager to share their knowledge, answering questions about the dogs and their training, which adds an educational element to the fun.

The sledding itself lasts approximately 70-80 minutes, covering about 10 km. This duration is considered just right—long enough for an exhilarating ride but not so tiring that it ruins your day. The activity is described as a good workout by those with some fitness, as you might need to help push the sled on inclines or when snow conditions are tough. Mark’s review notes that sledding through fresh snow can get hard going, especially uphill, requiring some physical effort.

All necessary winter clothing—arctic suits, boots, woolen socks, hats, and mittens—are provided, ensuring you’re warm enough to enjoy the ride comfortably. You should bring your own camera to capture the scenery and dogs, although space is limited on the sled itself.

After the sledding, everyone congregates in the Sami Lavvo, where hot chocolate, tea, and delicious cake await. It’s a cozy end to an active morning, and many reviews emphasize how much they appreciated the warmth and friendliness of the guides and staff. Several reviewers mention the friendly, well-cared-for dogs and the opportunity to cuddle them after the ride, which adds a heartfelt touch to the experience.

The Authenticity and Value

A recurring theme in reviews is how well-organized and professional the experience is. The guides are praised for their knowledge and friendliness, making everyone feel safe and well-informed. The price is viewed as good value, especially when considering the personal interaction with the dogs, the quality of gear provided, and the scenic beauty.

It’s worth noting that the tour is not suitable for children under 7 or pregnant women, reflecting safety considerations. Also, participants should be prepared for some physical activity, and snow conditions might influence the difficulty of the trail.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

If you love animals, enjoy outdoor adventures, and are physically capable of handling some exertion, this tour is perfect. It’s ideal for those who want to go beyond typical sightseeing, engaging directly with the Arctic landscape and the incredible Huskies. It’s also a wonderful choice for couples, families (over 7), or friends seeking a memorable shared experience.

Those looking for a relaxing, scenic tour might prefer a less active option, but if you’re after authenticity, excitement, and a bit of a workout, this trip hits the mark. It’s especially suited for travelers who value well-informed guides and a well-organized experience that combines adventure with cultural insight.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

The day starts with a simple meeting point at the front of the Scandic Ishavshotel, where you’ll spot the Arctic Adventure Tours mini bus. This is a smart, hassle-free start, especially if you’re staying centrally. The drive to the kennel takes around 40 minutes, during which you can enjoy views of the surrounding snow-capped mountains.

Upon arrival, your guides will suit you up in thermal arctic gear—a necessary step for comfort and safety. The provided clothing is praised in many reviews, saving you from lugging heavy gear through airport security or buying your own. Once dressed, a brief demonstration of sled handling will prepare you for the trail.

The dogs are eager and excited, often barking and jumping with energy. After a quick intro, you’ll be paired up to drive your own sled—a process described as easy to learn. Multiple reviews highlight how intuitive and fun it is to take the reins, with some travelers swapping drivers multiple times.

The sled trail is carefully chosen to showcase the Arctic’s natural beauty, with plenty of opportunities to stop, snap photos, and enjoy the serene snow-covered scenery. Guides are attentive and happy to answer questions about the dogs’ lives, training, and the history of sledding in Norway.

At the end of your ride, you’ll return to the Sami Lavvo—a traditional tent that provides warmth and comfort. Here, you can relax with hot chocolate and cake, exchanging stories about your adventure. The cozy fire and friendly atmosphere make it the perfect ending to a day of outdoorsy fun.

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Authentic Experiences and Personal Touches

One of the strongest points of this tour is how interactive it is. Unlike passive sightseeing, here you’re directly involved—driving, helping push the sled, and cuddling the Huskies. Travelers consistently mention how caring and well-loved the dogs appear, which adds an authentic, heartfelt dimension to the activity.

The guides’ knowledgeable commentary and friendly demeanor are often highlighted as making the experience even more enjoyable. They’re clear about safety and instructions, ensuring everyone feels confident, even if it’s their first time mushing.

The combination of adventure, scenery, and animal interaction offers a balanced experience. It’s physically engaging without being exhausting, and visually stunning without feeling overwhelming. The hot drinks and cake afterward add a warm, comforting touch—especially after being out in the cold.

The Value for Money

Given that the tour includes transportation, gear, guides, and a full sledding experience, many consider it good value—especially considering the personal engagement with the huskies and the stunning scenery. The reviews consistently praise the organization and the friendliness of staff, making the experience feel well worth the price.

While some might find the activity physically demanding, most agree that the unique opportunity to drive your own sled and interact with the dogs justifies the cost. Plus, the hot chocolate and cake are a delightful bonus that add to the value, making the tour feel like a complete Arctic experience.

The Sum Up

This self-drive husky sledding adventure in Tromsø offers a rare chance to take the reins and get up close with some of the most energetic dogs in the Arctic. It blends adventure, scenic beauty, and authentic interaction into a memorable outing.

If you’re active, love animals, and want a personalized experience in Norway’s winter wonderland, this tour will likely be a highlight of your trip. The guides’ knowledge, the cheerful Huskies, and the breathtaking views make it a well-rounded, worthwhile activity.

It’s especially suited for travelers who prefer engaging activities over sightseeing from a distance, and who appreciate the chance to learn about sledding culture while getting some fresh air and exercise. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a day away from urban life, this tour promises a genuine, fun-filled Arctic adventure.

FAQ

How long does the sledding last?
The sledding part of the tour lasts approximately 70-80 minutes, covering around 10 km of snow-covered terrain.

What is included in the tour?
The experience includes transportation from the hotel to the kennel, guidance, warm arctic suits, winter boots, woolen socks, hats, and mittens if needed, plus hot drinks and cake at the end.

Is this activity suitable for children?
This tour is not suitable for children under 7 years due to safety concerns and the physical demands of the activity.

Do I need any prior experience?
No, the guides provide a short demonstration on how to drive the sled, and many reviews say it’s easy to learn. A basic level of fitness is recommended, as some effort may be needed to help push the sled on inclines.

What should I bring?
Bring warm clothing, including hat, gloves, and extra socks. A camera is recommended to capture the scenery, but note space is limited on the sled.

Are vegetarian or vegan options available?
Yes, vegan options are available upon request.

Can I drive the sled myself?
Yes, you will mush your own team and have multiple opportunities to swap roles with your partner or guide.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour operates rain or shine, but snow conditions might affect the difficulty. The guides are experienced in adjusting to weather and trail conditions.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility should your plans change.

How physically demanding is the tour?
It does require some physical effort, especially on inclines or deep snow, making it best suited for those with moderate fitness.

This Tromsø husky sledding trip balances fun, scenery, and authentic Arctic culture, making it a memorable choice for adventurous travelers eager to drive their own team of huskies and experience the winter landscape firsthand.

You can check availability for your dates here: