Tromsø: Snowmobile & Ice Domes Tour with Reindeer Visit

Summary

Snowmobiling arctic valleys then wandering icy domes near Tromsø

You’ll ride snowmobiles across Arctic valleys near Tromsø with a local guide, swap drivers mid-way, then warm up over stew in a Sámi tent before exploring magical ice domes and meeting reindeer up close—a mix of adrenaline and quiet moments you’ll remember long after the trip.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the quiet to hit so hard after the bus left Tromsø and we rolled into Tamokdalen. The snow was everywhere—like someone had pressed mute on the world except for our boots crunching and a couple of crows overhead. Our guide, Erik, handed out these huge thermal suits that made us all look like awkward astronauts. I was nervous about driving the snowmobile (never done it before), but Erik’s instructions were clear enough that even my nerves calmed down. The engine’s rumble felt weirdly comforting once we got going—wind biting at my cheeks, cold air sneaking in under the helmet every time I grinned.

We stopped halfway through to swap drivers—my hands were shaking a bit, partly from excitement, partly from holding on too tight. There was this moment where the sun just barely peeked through some clouds and everything went kind of blue-gold for a second. I tried to say “beautiful” in Norwegian and got it wrong; Erik laughed and corrected me (I still can’t pronounce it). Afterward, we warmed up inside a lávvu tent around a fire. The smell of stew mixed with woodsmoke clung to my jacket for hours—honestly, I didn’t mind.

The Tromsø Ice Domes were colder than I thought but also somehow cozy? Wandering between the ice sculptures felt like walking through someone’s dream—soft lights bouncing off frozen walls, little details carved everywhere. We met a few huskies who seemed way more interested in playing than posing for photos. And then there were the reindeer—gentle eyes, soft noses, surprisingly quiet except for their hooves crunching snow. It all felt both surreal and oddly grounding at the same time. Even now, sometimes when things get too loud back home, I remember that hush outside the domes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Snowmobiling and Ice Domes Visit

• Depart Tromsø city center by bus
• Bus journey to Tamokdalen wilderness camp
• Receive gear and safety instructions
• Drive snowmobile, swapping drivers halfway
• Relax with hot meal and drink by open fire
• Visit Tromsø Ice Domes Snow Park
• Explore snow and ice sculptures and snow maze
• Meet huskies and visit reindeers

Top questions

How long does it take to get from Tromsø to Tamokdalen?

The bus journey from Tromsø city center to Tamokdalen takes about 90 minutes.

Is lunch included on this tour?

Yes, a warm stew is served inside a traditional Sámi tent during the tour.

Do I need experience to drive a snowmobile?

No prior experience is needed; guides provide full instructions before you start.

Can children join this day trip from Tromsø?

Passengers must be at least 7 years old to join this activity.

Is pickup from Tromsø included?

Yes, roundtrip transfer from/to Tromsø is included in the tour.

What should I wear for snowmobiling near Tromsø?

All necessary winter gear is provided—including thermal suit, boots, gloves, and helmet.

Are there any health restrictions for joining?

This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular issues.

Will we see reindeer on this tour?

Yes, you’ll visit reindeer near the park as part of your day trip experience.

What’s included

Your day includes transfer from Tromsø city center to Tamokdalen and back again, all winter clothing and safety gear for snowmobiling with an English-speaking guide, instruction on how to drive safely (no experience needed), a hot stew lunch inside a Sámi lávvu tent by an open fire, entry to explore the Tromsø Ice Domes Snow Park at your own pace—including time with huskies—and finally a visit with local reindeer before heading home.