Tromsø: Dog Sledding Tour with Local Guide & Pickup

Summary

Dog sledding in Tromsø with friendly huskies and local tips

You’ll drive your own team of Alaskan huskies through snowy forests near Tromsø with guidance from a local musher. Thermal suits keep you warm as you swap turns steering and soaking up views of the Lyngen Alps. Afterward, share coffee and stories back at camp — an Arctic adventure you’ll remember long after you leave Norway.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the sound — not silence, but this wild mix of barking and yelping as we stepped off the minibus at the husky farm outside Tromsø. The air felt sharp on my face, colder than I’d expected even bundled up in the thermal suit they handed me (which, by the way, is way puffier than it looks in photos). Our guide, Erik, grinned and introduced us to a few of the dogs by name — apparently there are 84 of them, each with their own quirks. One named Freya kept nudging my glove for attention while Erik explained how to steer the sled. I was nervous but also weirdly excited. You can’t really fake that kind of energy from the dogs; they just want to run.

We set off two to a sled, taking turns as “musher.” When it was my turn to drive, I almost forgot what Erik had said about leaning into corners — until we hit a curve and I nearly tipped us over (my friend still teases me about that). The snow under the runners made this soft hissing sound and sometimes you’d catch a whiff of pine from the forest patches we passed. There were these moments when everything went quiet except for paws hitting snow and our breath hanging in the air. At one point we stopped for photos — honestly, I just wanted to stand there and look at those mountains in the distance. The Lyngen Alps looked unreal in that pale Arctic light.

Afterwards, back at base camp, someone poured strong coffee into tin mugs while a couple of dogs flopped down at our feet like they owned the place. My hands were still tingling from gripping the sled but I didn’t mind. Erik told stories about growing up here — he said winter feels less dark when you’re out moving with the dogs every day. It made sense somehow. So yeah, if you’re thinking about a dog sledding tour near Tromsø, just know it’s not only about speed or scenery — it’s something you feel in your bones after.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Dog Sledding Adventure in Tromsø

• Meet experienced mushers and dogs
• Enjoy sledding trip with mountain views
• Share sled with another person, switch mushers
• Stop for photos along the way

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this dog sledding tour?

No, but transfer from Tromsø city center to the husky farm is included.

Do I get to drive my own dog sled?

Yes, guests take turns driving their own team of huskies during the tour.

Are thermal suits provided for dog sledding?

Yes, thermal suits, hats, and gloves are provided for all participants.

How many people share each sled?

Two people share each sled and switch roles during the trip.

Is lunch included on this tour?

No lunch is included, but coffee or tea is provided after sledding.

How far is Tromsø from the husky farm?

The transfer takes about 45 minutes each way from Tromsø city center.

Can pregnant travelers join this activity?

No, it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or heart issues.

Will I see northern lights during this tour?

Northern lights may be visible during dark season tours but aren’t guaranteed.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip transfer from Tromsø city center to the husky farm (about 45 minutes), all necessary thermal clothing like suits, hats, and gloves to keep you warm on the trail, hands-on guidance from experienced local mushers throughout your dog sledding adventure, plus hot coffee or tea served back at camp before heading home.