Dog Sledding in Tromsø: What to Expect & Best Husky Tours
This site contains affiliate links, which means that we may earn a small commission, at no cost to you, for qualifying purchases. It supports the work that goes into keeping this content free. Thanks for reading! More info: Privacy Policy.
Planning a winter trip to Tromsø in Northern Norway and wondering if dog sledding is worth it or what to expect?
With so many outdoor activities to choose from, it can be hard to decide which ones are truly worth your time and money. Let me save you the guesswork – husky sledding is one of the best things to do in Tromsø in winter. It’s exciting, fun, and an absolute must.
Good to know: There are several places to go husky sledding in Tromso. While most tours look similar at first glance, there are a few important differences to be aware of – I’ll explain those later in this article.
I opted for this top-rated dog sled tour, and in this guide I share my personal experience, a short video of what it’s like, tips I wish I’d known in advance, and practical info on dog sledding (also with kids). So you’ll know exactly what to expect and how to pick the right husky tour in Tromso.
No matter which tour you choose, one thing is certain – you’re in for a thrilling ride through Arctic landscapes and an experience you’ll never forget.
Best Dog Sledding Tours in Tromso (& How They Differ)
As already mentioned, there are quite a few dog sledding tours around Tromso, and it might be overwhelming to understand how they differ.
TIP: If you’re unsure which tour to choose, look closely at the actual sledding time. Some tours focus more on shorter rides combined with camp activities (like meeting puppies or having a meal), while others offer longer rides for those who want more time on the sled.
Here is my hand-picked selection of the best husky sled tours, with a short description of what makes each of them unique. Click on the links for more details, rates, and availability:
- A short tour at Breivikeidet. This is one of the most budget-friendly dog sledding tours in Tromso. There are several reasons for this. First, the actual ride is shorter, about 20-30 minutes of sledding time. Furthermore, it doesn’t include lunch, only hot drinks and cake. This tour allows children from the age of 4.
- Longer tour at Breivikeidet. This dog sledding tour is somewhat longer than the one above, but it’s quite easy as the terrain is mostly very flat. This tour includes lunch and allows children from the age of 7.
- Dog sledding at Villmarkssenter. This tour is longer (about 45-60 minutes of actual driving time) and it also includes a full lunch. This is a self-drive tour that requires regular physical condition but they do not allow kids under 16. This is the tour that I chose and recommend for the first experience.
- Dog sledding on the island of Kvaløya. This husky safari is a lot longer (about 70-80 minutes) and includes hot drinks and cake. They allow children from the age of 7.
- Advanced tour at Camp Tamok. This tour is a bit more challenging because of the hillier terrain with some narrower sections and sharp bends. It requires a really good physical condition and is not suitable for under-16s. Hot meal is included. Tour duration is a lot longer, partly because the sledding time is longer, but also due to the location – about 1.5 hours drive from Tromso town center.
Good to know: All these tours include a round-trip transfer from Tromso town, thermal suits, etc.
PRO TIP: Check availability and book your husky ride well in advance! In the peak winter season, many dog sledding tours in Tromso are sold out at least 3 to 4 weeks in advance, for some dates, even months ahead. So don’t wait to book, or you might miss out on this experience.
READ ALSO: Best Tours in Tromso
What to Expect on a Self-Drive Tour (& Is It Difficult)
Most husky safari tours in Tromsø are self-drive, meaning you take turns steering the sled yourself. Two people share one sled – one drives while the other rides, and you switch halfway. It gives you both the thrill of being a musher and the chance to sit back and enjoy the scenery.
If you’re traveling solo, it’s also a fun way to meet new people. I shared my sled with a doctor from Japan who was also traveling alone. It was the first time for both of us, and we agreed it was one of the best experiences of our trip.
Good to know: Most companies require drivers to be at least 14–16 years old. No prior experience is needed, but husky sledding can be physically demanding, especially on longer tours or in hilly areas.
Is it difficult to drive a husky sled? Not at all. The dogs are well-trained and know exactly what to do, and you’ll get a short introduction before starting. Your job is mostly to steer and, on occasion, help by pushing the sled uphill. With very enthusiastic dogs (like the ones we had), you’ll also need to use the brakes now and then to avoid catching up with other sleds. Overall, I found driving a husky sled surprisingly easy – and incredibly fun.
Husky Sledding with Kids
Dog sledding in Tromsø is also possible with children, but age requirements differ between companies. Some tours allow kids from 4 years old, others from 7, and some from 16. Children ride in the sled with a parent, and if needed, guides can help by taking an extra child along.
Here are some of the best husky tours in Tromsø for families:
Good to know: Kids always ride in the sled with a parent, so unlike adult pairs, you won’t be switching drivers halfway. If you’re traveling with more children than adults, guides can usually take one of them along. No need to stress about the logistics – you’ll be able to sort it out easily once you’re there.
READ ALSO: Tromso Winter Itinerary for 3 Days
My Experience on a Husky Sled Tour in Tromsø
Wondering what a dog sledding tour is really like? Here’s my experience – from transfers and gear to the sledding itself, plus meeting husky puppies, reindeer, and enjoying lunch.
Transfers & Gear
Most husky sleigh tours in Tromso include round-trip transfers from the city center (the best area to stay). Depending on where your chosen kennel is located, expect a 30–90 minute drive. The scenery along the way is stunning, and the ride itself feels like part of the adventure. The tour I did was about half an hour outside the city, and lasted about 4 hours, including transfers.
On arrival, we were welcomed by a local guide and directed to the reception and changing area – time to suit up in the provided thermal gear. Once everyone was geared up, we headed out to meet the mushers and, of course, the dogs.
PRO TIP: Husky sled tours in Tromso provide warm overalls, and many also include boots and mittens. Use everything they offer! It keeps you toasty and protects your own clothes from snow, dog hair, and dirt.
Dog Wellbeing & Mushing the Husky Sled
From the moment you meet the huskies, you’ll be amazed at their energy and how much they genuinely love to run. If you have concerns about their welfare, those worries usually vanish once you see the bond between the dogs and the mushers. I can’t speak for every kennel, but the one we visited in Tromsø clearly treated their dogs with great care.
Dog sledding tours are usually done in groups. The calmer, more experienced huskies – usually older females – take the lead, while professional mushers guide the first sleds. The rest of the dogs naturally follow along.
We had the last sled in the line, pulled by six young male huskies. They were so fast and eager that we often had to slow them down. It was obvious they were having the time of their lives – and so were we!
Before setting off, the mushers explain the basics, and you pick it up quickly. Mushing a sled does require some balance and a bit of physical effort (like helping on uphill stretches), but the dogs do most of the hard work.
Another pleasant surprise: the sledding time was much longer than I expected. I thought it would be a short 10–20 minute ride, but ours lasted more than 75 minutes, and I loved every minute. Just keep in mind that the length of the ride depends on the tour you book, and that’s often the biggest factor in the price, so check carefully before booking (see also our hand-picked selection of tours at the top of this guide).
TIP: Here’s a short video to give you a quick impression of what dog sledding in Tromsø is really like.
Meet Husky Puppies
After the ride, we had time to spend with the dogs. To be honest, I’m not really a dog person and usually don’t feel very comfortable around them.
But these huskies were so gentle and friendly that it was impossible not to cuddle them – and that’s not even counting the puppies.
The kids in our group couldn’t get enough of playing with the huskies, and even I ended up staying much longer than I expected.
Warm Norwegian Lunch
Most husky sledding tours in Tromsø include a hot lunch, and it’s usually much better than you might expect. Think hearty local dishes like fish soup or reindeer stew, with vegetarian or vegan options available if you request them in advance. Warm drinks and a slice of rich Norwegian chocolate cake are often part of the experience too.
Our tour also included lunch, and it was so delicious that I completely forgot to take photos while eating. Instead, here’s a picture of the cozy bonfire right next to the restaurant – a perfect spot to warm up before or after your sled ride.
Meet Reindeer
Most husky sledding kennels in Tromsø also offer other Arctic activities, such as reindeer sledding. That’s why you’ll often find reindeer living on the same farm. Depending on your tour schedule, you may even have a chance to see them.
On my tour, I had a little free time after lunch before our transfer back to town. I went for a short walk around the snowy surroundings and came across several reindeer grazing – it was a lovely surprise.
TIP: Ask the staff if they have reindeer on-site and whether you can visit them briefly.
Is Dog Sledding in Tromso Worth It?
I guess you already know my answer – yes, dog sledding in Tromsø is absolutely worth it.
It’s not a cheap activity (check current prices here), but winter adventures in the Nordics rarely are. If you’ve already come all the way to Tromsø in winter, make sure you experience the very best it has to offer. Otherwise, what’s the point?
Alongside chasing the Northern Lights and riding the Fjellheisen cable car, dog sledding is one of the top three things you shouldn’t miss in Tromsø in winter. The landscapes, surrounded by snow-covered mountains, make the experience even more memorable.
Looking for more inspiration on what to do? Check out our full guide to the best things to do in Tromsø in winter and our hand-picked selection of the best Tromsø tours.
Practical Information
- Season: Dog sledding in Tromsø is only possible in winter, when there’s snow – typically from November to April. If you visit outside of winter, you can still meet the huskies and join summer activities, but sledding is not available.
- Tour length: Most dog sledding tours are about 4 hours door-to-door (including transfers), with longer full-day options available. Actual sled time varies a lot by tour (20–80 minutes), so check the details before booking. PRO TIP: Compare “time on the sled,” not just total tour duration.
- Meals: Most tours include a warm lunch or dinner, but always check what’s included before booking.
- Booking: Tours are extremely popular and sell out fast, so book well in advance to avoid disappointment. Here is the best-priced dog sledding tour, and this is the highly-rated tour I personally did.
- Clothing: Dress warmly, but don’t worry too much about gear. Thermal suits are provided, also for children. For the youngest kids, you can usually request extra blankets.
LEARN MORE: What to Wear in Norway in Winter
FAQ
- When can you go dog sledding in Tromso? Dog sledding requires snow, so it’s only possible in winter. In Tromsø, the season usually runs from November through April.
- Why is dog sledding so expensive? Caring for huskies is a year-round commitment – they need food, veterinary care, and daily attention. Add to that the costs of highly trained guides and Norway’s high wages, and you’ll understand why tours aren’t cheap.
- Is dog sledding difficult? Not really. Mushing a sled does require some balance and light physical effort (like helping uphill), but the dogs do most of the work. You’ll get a quick instruction beforehand, and most people pick it up within minutes.
- Can you bring the kids? Yes, but it depends on the tour. Some dog sledding tours in Tromso accept children from age 4, others from 7, while some have a minimum age of 16. Kids always ride in the sled with an adult. See this tour for the age of 7+, and this one for 4+.
- Is dog sledding ethical? I cannot say this for every place and every kennel in the world, but overall, yes. Huskies are well cared for, and their enthusiasm for running is obvious. From what I’ve seen in various places in Norway, Alaska, and on a recent husky tour in Rovaniemi, Finland, the dogs are treated like family members.
- Where else can you go dog sledding in Norway? Tromsø is one of the top places, but you’ll also find excellent tours in Alta and even Svalbard, where you can experience true Arctic dog sledding.
More tips for your trip to Norway in winter:
- TROMSO:
- SVALBARD:
- Practical info:
Looking for even more travel inspiration and destination guides all over the country? Check out our Norway travel guide.
TIP: Did you find this guide helpful? Bookmark this post for later, share it with your friends, and save it to Pinterest to inspire your next trip.
Hi Jurga,
Do you happen to have a direct link to the dog sledding tour or can tell me the company it was done with. The link in your article goes to a Tromsø minibus tour. I scrolled down on that page to see if I could find a dog sledding tour (after reading your reply on another comment about this same issue) but I only see Northern lights tours. Thanks for your help!!
Kim
Hi Kimberly, all the links work and direct you to the right tours during the dog sledding season. It’s summer now and most of the companies that organize winter tours take them offline because their booking systems for the next season aren’t open yet. Because of that, our links redirect you to other tours that are bookable at the moment.
Snow-permitting, dog sledding tours in Tromso start around November. So most companies usually start taking bookings in the late fall. I found just one company that takes reservations now already – see here. It’s not the exact same one we went with and described in the article, but the experience is very similar and the price is very good. So if you want to prebook now, you can do it. If you rather wait, I suggest you check again either in late fall or about 2 months before your trip.
@Jurga, thank you! I appreciate your input.
Jo!
I really love your posts about Tromsø! You really Five every small piece of information, so thank you for that!
Mi husband and I are going to Tromsø in January and we‘d line to book the dog sledding tour you went on as it seemingly checks all our boxes! 🙂
So I followed the link you posted, but unfortunately it only forwarded me to the list of dog sledding tours available.
Could you please give me further information or the exact name?
Thank you so much!
Greetings, Christina
Hi Christina, here is the link that should go straight to the tour that I did.
Sometimes these links get redirected to show the tour we recommended plus other related tours, with us having no control over it. Especially if it’s not the right season to book. But – in general – the first tour you see is the one we linked to originally. Anyway, try the link above – it should work.
Enjoy your trip!
Hi Jurga
Firstly, thank you so much for such an inspiring blog page – the details are incredibly helpful and the blogs have inspired me to go over to Tromso myself. 🙂
I am planning to go for a long weekend over February or March this year – mainly for the husky experience! I’ve not mushed before, but am a generally fit person… did you feel that the husky self-drive HALF day was enough? Or do you recommend I look at the full day option? Do you know if the full day option gives you clothing, like the half day?
My other question was around accomodation for one person – do you have any recommendations?
Were there any deals (e.g. combine 2 excursions for cheaper price)?
And was there any kind of orca tour that you know of?
Sorry, a lot of questions!
Thank you so much in advance though, I’m really excited 🙂
Kind regards,
Shona
Hi Shona, it’s hard to say about dog sledding. I really enjoyed it and the ride was long enough to be fun, but not too long to be tiring or too cold… So I really don’t know what to say. Of course, the full day trip might be more special, but since I haven’t done it, I can’t really comment on how it is. As for the clothing, pretty much all tours offer thermal packs so I’d think they’ll definitely have that for the longer tours.
For any special deals – no, not that I’m aware of. It’s expensive, but it’s also fully booked, so most companies don’t feel the need to give any discounts.
Orcas – it’s not the right season to see them in February-March. You have to go in late October-November if I’m not mistaken. In general, the best season to see any whales in Tromso is from November to January, if I recall well. If you are looking for more info about tours, please check this article – Best tours in Tromso.
And for the hotels – please check our Tromso hotel guide for the best suggestions. I was in Tromso on my own and stayed at the Thon Hotel Polar.
Have a great trip and if you decide to go, book your accommodation asap – February-March is a very popular time in Tromso.
Hi Jurga
Thanks so much that’s really helpful! Do you think 3 nights is enough?
Really appreciate your help
Shona
I think that 3 nights/ 2 days are about the absolute minimum for Tromso in winter. It’s a long trip just to get there and there is so much to see and do that you could easily fill a week… So it really depends on your flexibility and budget, but if you have the time and the money, I’d recommend staying a bit longer and exploring Tromso to the fullest. But then again, it also depends on the time of the year, available activities, and your personal interests.
Hi Jurga – sorry for all the questions !
One final one: I’ve now booked accom for 4 nights 🙂 flying in the Thursday and leaving the Monday.
Regarding how much clothes you need, and the layers needed (because I know it will be cold!) Do you think I’d get away with just a carry on small suitcase, or would I need to check in big bag of luggage?
I understand for most of the trips the guides provide the clothing , so thinking I’ll be okay with just carry on thermals!
I don’t know if you’ll be able to answer the next one – do you know if a 1 hour gap between flight connections in Oslo airport is enough time? (I appreciate you’ve maybe never been to Oslo airport , but thought I’d ask!)
Thank you again for all you’re help x
Hi Shona, it’s hard for me to say how much luggage you need. It also depends on how big your carry-on is (some airlines allow 12kg in a normal-size carry-on, while some others only a tiny handbag). If you are really good at wearing half your clothes and only packing some additional thermal underwear and a sweater or two, you may get away with hand-luggage only. I know I couldn’t (thus ‘Full Suitcase’ 🙂 ).
I took a suitcase for my trip to Tromso and I’m again taking it for my trip to Svalbard next week. The main reason is my tripod for aurora photography, but I also don’t want to wear three sweaters at the airport. Plus, I’m packing an extra pair of lighter shoes to wear at the hotel or to a restaurant. Plus – two pairs of gloves, two winter hats, ice cleats, feet- and hand warmers, etc. It quickly adds up.
Here you can find our tips on what to pack for Norway in winter.
As for your flight, I would never book a flight with just 1hr layover anywhere in the world. Oslo airport is quite big and while it’s not huge, flight delays are so common. Even if all goes as planned, one hour is really tight. By the time you are actually out of the plane, it’s usually at least 15-20 minutes after the official landing time. And boarding for the other flight usually starts at least half an hour in advance. So no, I wouldn’t risk it.
Do you drive the sled or is there an instructor to drive it?
Hi Jackie, as explained in my article (see sections ‘Guided Dog Sledding in Tromso’ and ‘Self-drive Husky Sledding – Your Mushing Adventure’, you can choose. If you don’t want to drive, you can book just the RIDE. If you want to drive the sled as well, you can book the sled DRIVE.
For more details and the difference between the two, you can find more info in the article above. Enjoy it!
Hey! Love this blog!! I am going to Tromsø at the end of November where there is no daylight at all!
I am keen on going sledging however is it worth it as it’ll be pitch dark and freezing?
I am a blogger hence would want really good footage / photos of the experience
Hi Aashni, even though the sun hardly comes up that time of the year, there will still be some light. It depends on the hour when you’d go I suppose.
If there is enough snow by then, then yes, definitely worth it – dog sledding is an incredible experience. Freezing cold is not an issue because you get thermal suits and really don’t feel the cold.
That being said, I went reindeer sledding in the evening when I was in Tromso (you can find a picture and explanation here – Tromso in winter) and I really enjoyed the experience. But indeed, you may not be able to take many nice pictures in the dark…So if you are only after some good pictures, then darkness will make it a real challenge no matter which activity you choose, except for the Northern Lights :).
WHAT TIME OF THE YEAR DID YOU DOG SLED AND ALSO SEE THE SCENERY? ALSO WHAT DO YOU CALL REALLY EXPENSIVE?
Can u dog sled in April and still see lovely scenery.
THANKS SO MUCH
ISABEL
Hi Isabel, this is the tour I did, it costs about 200EUR per person.
I was there at the beginning of March and it was a great time to visit Tromso and still more than enough snow for dog sledding. It probably depends on the year, but in general, dog sledding tours in Tromso run till the end of April.
As for the scenery, you can see it in the pictures and the video in the article. I found that it was AMAZING!
PS you won’t be able to book for April 2020 yet, but I advise booking the tour at least a month in advance, to avoid disappointment. Bookmark this post and come back towards January, by then you should be able to book it.
Hi Jurga,
What a lovely article…Its a pity we are not visiting in winter. We will be visiting Tromso on 13th June 2019. I was wondering if you have some information on whether its worth visiting the
huskyfarm then. Its very expensive so was wondering if it made sense in summer. Would not think twice if we were going in winter.
There is also a Husky cafe. It is cheaper to visit that in summer instead of the farm? Is it a similar experience?
Does one have to take an organised tour? Or can one go by public transport? Is it cheaper?
Would love your inputs.
Thank you.
Hi Aditi, I really don’t know if summer husky experiences are worth the money. It’s incomparable to husky sledding, that’s for sure. I can’t answer your practical questions as I haven’t done that.
If you are on a tight budget, I think that meeting huskies isn’t an absolute must and you better spend your money on something else. There are so many nice tours in Tromso, maybe try a fjord cruise in the summer instead…
Dear Jurga,
Thank you for your reply. It was very helpful. I guess I will have to visit Norway in winter sometime.
Cheers
Aditi
Concerning this dog sled tour that you took and are highly recommending, it sounds lovely, but how do you know that it is an ethical dog farm and that the dogs are treated well and there is a no-kill policy? What is the name of the farm and can one contact them directly? I’d like the experience but am concerned about the animal welfare and want to be a responsible traveler! Thanks for any info!
Hi LeighAnn, I understand your concern and I actually asked them this question when I was there.
From everything they told me and everything I read, Tromso Villmarkssenter treat their dogs extremely well. You see it in the way people working there interact with the dogs and how excited the dogs are to go sledding. It’s as if they are having the time of their lives… Really. I don’t know how to better explain it, but once you are there, all your doubts go away.
Don’t hesitate – it’s a wonderful experience and – at least with this company – I feel very confident to say that they treat their animals extremely well. It’s as if they are one big family.
Hi Jurga,
Thank you so much for your response. That is reassuring that you got good vibes when you visited! We are looking forward to it!
Hello Jurga!
Loved this post. I’m going to Tromso next week and you just convinced me to do the dog sledding. I wasn’t sure because as you pointed out, it’s an expensive experience, but the way you decribed it made me realise it is worth it.
I would just like to know wich company you did it with?
Thank you!
Hi Patricia, I did this husky sled drive tour. The same company also has sled ride tour. It’s basically the same experience, the only difference is that with the second option you don’t get to do any driving yourself and just sit in the sled.
Yes, it’s expensive, but it’s one of the best things I’ve ever done and would definitely do it again.
Thank you so much for the quick reply.
I was already thinking about going with this company, glad your experince with them was good!
Also, did you by any chance do the Aurora Chase Tour with this same company? I’m asking this because I noticed they have a package that includes the dog sledding during the day and the aurora chase tour at night. Since I want to do both of the tours, I’m considering if their service concerning the aurora tour is as good as the dog sledding!
thank you so much in advance
Hi Patricia, no I didn’t do it with them. The problem with auroras is that you never really know how the weather will be, so if you book a tour that just stays in one place the whole evening, your chances to see them are much lower. If you are lucky and it’s a clear night, you might even see the Northern Lights even in Tromso town, but if you just go to a place and stay there the whole time and by any chance that place is covered in the clouds that evening, you won’t see much.
I therefore recommend this highly-rated small group aurora tour in Tromso to my readers. They drive as far as reasonably possible to try to find clear skies and make sure you see the Northern Lights. It’s an excellent company with a very good reputation.
Hope this helps.
Thank you so much again! You were really helpful. And your blog is amazing!!!
Best wishes
Hi Jurga,
Thank you so much for all the useful tips and information. We now have your packing list and we are steadily reading through all the links. All of this put together is going to make our trip in January 2020 just unforgettable ! Thanks again !
Glad to hear that, Graham. I’m sure you’ll have a wonderful time in Tromso. It’s a real winter wonderland!
Happy travels!
Hi! What time of day did you go sledding? Would you consider an evening tour in December or do you think that not being able to see the scenery would take away from the adventure?
Hi Karen, I went dog sledding in the morning – leaving Tromso around 10am if I recall well. It was nice to enjoy the scenery, but I think it can be special at night too. Especially if you get to see the Northern Lights as well.
I’m just not sure if I’d want to drive the sled in the dark, especially if you haven’t done it before and don’t know the area well. The dogs are well trained, but I think I’d rather leave the driving to a local musher if going in the dark.
I did reindeer sledding in Tromso one evening and it was actually really fun, although there were no auroras that night.
Hope this helps.