Dog Sledding & Snowmobiling from Tromsø: Aurora Hunt

Drive huskies and snowmobiles through the Arctic dark, chasing the Northern Lights

This 10-hour evening activity from Tromsø combines dog sledding, a traditional Norwegian dinner, and a Northern Lights chase by snowmobile at Camp Tamok in the Tamok Valley. You drive the sled yourself with instruction from the mushers, then switch to snowmobiles after dinner, taking turns at the controls with a partner while your guide scouts for aurora. The package includes thermal gear, transfer from Tromsø, a two-course meal, and professional aurora portraits if the lights appear.

The Experience

Your evening starts with a bus transfer from Tromsø city center to Camp Tamok, where thermal suits, boots, gloves and a hat are waiting. The mushers brief you on sled handling, then you take the reins yourself and drive the huskies through the snowy wilderness—no watching from a passenger seat. After you return to the lodge, you warm up in the wilderness lounge over a two-course dinner while your guide explains the science of the Northern Lights, local conditions, and what to look for in the night sky.

Once you've eaten and absorbed the theory, you gear up again and head out on snowmobiles. You and a partner take turns driving the machine while your guide navigates the tracks, making several stops to scout for aurora. If the Northern Lights appear, you'll have time to photograph them from the snow. The ride back to Tromsø gives you time to decompress after the night under the stars.

Winter gear—suit, boots, mittens, helmet, balaclava—is provided, so you only need to bring warm layers underneath. You'll receive a husky driving license as a keepsake. If the aurora shows up, professional portraits taken during the hunt are shared with you within 48 hours. The snowmobile includes traffic insurance and a helmet; you must be at least 18 with a valid driver's license to operate it, and at least 130 cm tall to meet safety requirements.

What’s included

• Professional northern lights portraits (shared within 48 hours if captured).
• husky driving license.
• two-course Norwegian dinner.
• English-speaking guide.
• winter thermal suit, boots, mittens, hat and balaclava.
• snowmobile helmet.
• traffic insurance for the snowmobile.
• bus transfer from and to Tromsø city center.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Arctic Resorts

Is this one for you?The 10-hour commitment means this evening eats your whole night, but it packs three separate activities—dog sledding, dinner and snowmobiling—into one outing, so you're not juggling separate bookings across different days. You drive both the sled and the snowmobile yourself, which demands focus and physical effort; if you want to watch and relax, a shared tour with a driver doing all the work suits you better.

Traveler reviews

4.75★★★★★★★★★★

4 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What exactly do I do on the dog sled at Camp Tamok?

You drive the sled yourself after receiving instructions from the mushers. The guide leads you out on a guided route through the snowy wilderness, so you're handling the reins and the team, not riding as a passenger.

Do I get to drive the snowmobile, or am I a passenger?

You and your partner take turns driving the snowmobile under the night sky. Your guide operates the machine when it's your partner's turn and navigates the route while scouting for Northern Lights.

What happens if the Northern Lights don't appear?

Your guide will still take you out on the snowmobile to scout for aurora, making several stops along the tracks. The hunt itself is the experience; the lights are a bonus if conditions allow.

How long is the whole evening, and what time does it start?

The activity runs 10 hours total, starting with the bus transfer from Tromsø city center in the evening and ending with your return to the city after the snowmobile ride.

What's included in the dinner at Camp Tamok?

A two-course traditional Norwegian meal is served in the cozy wilderness lounge after your dog sledding, giving you time to warm up and rest before the snowmobile portion of the evening.

What if I'm not fit enough or have a health condition—can I still book?

The activity requires at least a moderate level of physical fitness. It's not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or pregnancy. Your guide can discuss your specific situation before the tour begins.