Tromsø: Self-Drive Dog Sledding & Arctic Husky Safari

Summary

Dog sled your own team past Lyngen Alps and fjord views

You’ll drive your own dog sled through snowy trails near Tromsø, trade places with your travel partner halfway, meet friendly huskies up close, then thaw out by a fireplace with hot soup and drinks before heading back into town. It’s a rush—and way more personal than you might expect.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what it’s like to actually drive your own dog sled in Norway? I didn’t think I’d get the hang of it so fast, but there we were—forty-five minutes outside Tromsø, boots crunching on packed snow while a bunch of huskies barked like they already knew us. Our guide, Erik, handed out these thick suits and grinned when he saw my nervous hands. “Don’t worry, they know what to do,” he said, nodding at the dogs. The air smelled sharp—pine mixed with something wild—and honestly, I was more excited than scared.

The first few seconds on the sled felt like chaos. My partner sat bundled up behind me, and then—just like that—the dogs took off, paws thudding over the trail. I could hear them breathing hard and see little clouds of steam rising from their backs. It’s not silent at all; there’s this constant rhythm of runners scraping over ice and dogs yipping when they want to go faster. We switched halfway through so both of us got to mush (I nearly fell off trying to swap places—Erik laughed but didn’t judge). The Lyngen Alps looked unreal in the distance, all jagged white and blue shadows. I kept forgetting to take photos because steering took both hands and most of my brain.

Afterwards my cheeks were burning from cold and grinning too much. Inside the cabin smelled like woodsmoke and soup—hot reindeer stew if you wanted it, or veggie for me. Everyone crowded around the fire swapping stories about which dog was fastest or who nearly tipped their sled (guilty). Erik told us about moose wandering through in summer and how every husky has its own quirks—he pointed out one named Luna who apparently steals mittens if you’re not careful. I still think about that weird mix of exhaustion and happiness sitting there with numb fingers wrapped around a mug of cocoa.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Dog sledding adventure near Tromsø

• Drive 45 minutes to husky farm
• Receive sled handling briefing
• Start 60-minute dog sledding ride
• Switch positions with partner halfway
• Return to farm and warm by fireplace
• Enjoy hot lunch and drinks

Top questions

How far is the dog sledding location from Tromsø?

The husky farm is about a 45-minute drive from Tromsø.

Do I get to drive my own dog sled?

Yes, this is a self-mushing tour where you control your own sled.

Is pickup included from Tromsø?

Yes, scenic transfers by comfortable coach are included both ways.

How long do we spend actually dog sledding?

You’ll be out on the trails for around 60 minutes of active mushing.

Can single travelers join?

Yes—solo guests are paired up with another guest or sometimes a guide for the sled ride.

Is lunch provided after the tour?

A hot lunch (soup) and drinks are served inside by the fire after mushing.

Are winter clothes provided?

Thermal suits, boots, gloves, and hats are provided for all participants.

Is this suitable for kids?

No—the minimum age is 12 years old for this activity.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup in Tromsø by coach for a scenic 45-minute drive to the husky farm near the Lyngen Alps. You’ll get kitted out in thermal suits, boots, gloves and hats before a safety briefing. After an hour of self-drive dog sledding (with position swaps), warm up inside with hot soup and drinks before returning to town in comfort.