Tromsø: Northern Lights Husky Camp & Aurora Dinner Tour

Summary

Husky camp warmth, aurora skies and fireside bacalao outside Tromsø

You’ll leave Tromsø behind for an Arctic night with friendly huskies, stories by firelight in a cozy gamme hut, homemade bacalao dinner (with chocolate cake), and real chances to see the Northern Lights overhead. You’ll return warmed by both food and fur — maybe still thinking about those puppies long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll never forget how quiet it got when our van left Tromsø behind. The city lights faded out in the rearview, and suddenly it was just snow, darkness, and this weird sense of anticipation. I could see my breath fogging up the window as we pulled up to the husky camp — honestly, I was more excited about meeting the dogs than anything else at first. Our guide, Sanna, waved us over with her big mittens and introduced us to a whole yard full of howling huskies (and a few sleepy puppies). I tried kneeling down to say hi to one, but he just licked my glove and rolled over like he owned the place.

While we waited for any sign of Northern Lights — which is what brought most of us here on this day trip from Tromsø — Sanna explained how they care for 200 dogs through the endless winter. She showed us their racing sleds and let us peek into the puppy pens (I still think about that little black-and-white one who kept chewing my shoelace). The air smelled like woodsmoke and wet fur, which sounds odd but felt oddly comforting. It’s cold out there, but they gave us these thick thermal suits and boots that made me feel like a marshmallow — not stylish, but who cares when it’s minus ten?

Dinner happened inside this round wooden hut called a gamme. We crowded around an open fire while Sanna ladled out steaming bowls of bacalao — spicy fish stew with hunks of bread on the side. I’d never had Norwegian food with Portuguese roots before; it was salty and warming in that way you only get after being outside for hours. Someone asked for seconds (not me… okay maybe me). There was chocolate cake too, which disappeared fast. Every so often Sanna would duck outside to check if the aurora was starting up yet.

When green ribbons finally started flickering across the sky, everyone rushed out in a half-panic trying to get their cameras ready. I just stood there for a minute — hands freezing, face burning from smiling too much — watching those lights move above all those barking dogs. Not sure if it was magic or just luck that night, but either way I’m glad I went.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Aurora camp visit and Northern Lights

• Travel 30 minutes from Tromsø
• Arrive at Aurora Camp
• Receive guide introduction to Aurora Borealis
• Visit dog yard and puppies
• Learn about dog sled racing and breeding
• Wear thermal suits and boots
• Dine in Gamme-hut by open fire
• Try Bacalao or vegetarian meal
• Enjoy home-made chocolate cake
• Watch Northern Lights and take photos
• Say goodbye to the dogs
• Return to Tromsø

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Northern Lights husky tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included at Radisson Blu Hotel in Tromsø.

Are vegetarian meals available during the dinner?

Yes, vegetarian meals are available if you request them when booking.

How far is the husky camp from Tromsø city center?

The camp is about 25-30 minutes away from central Tromsø by van.

Do I need special clothing for this tour?

No, thermal suits and boots are provided to keep you warm during your visit.

Can children join this Northern Lights husky experience?

Yes, children can join but must be accompanied by an adult; infants can ride in strollers or prams.

Is dog sledding included on this tour?

No, this tour does not include dog sledding—it's focused on visiting huskies and watching for auroras.

Is this activity wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible.

What food is served during dinner at the camp?

Bacalao (Norwegian-Portuguese fish stew) with bread is served; vegetarian options are available if pre-ordered; dessert is homemade chocolate cake.

What’s included

Your evening includes round-trip transport from Tromsø (with pickup at Radisson Blu Hotel), warm thermal suits and boots for comfort outdoors, a guided visit with over 200 huskies (plus puppies), stories around an open fire inside a traditional gamme hut with bacalao dinner (vegetarian option if booked ahead), homemade chocolate cake for dessert, coffee or tea throughout the night, plus all local taxes before returning back to town late in the evening.