Looking for the best dog sledding in Tromsø, Norway? I’ve got you covered!
Travelling to Norway and joining a Tromso dog sledding tour is an incredible experience you won’t forget. Tromso is one of the best destinations for an amazing dog sledding adventure. Not just because there are so many tours to choose from.
With its spectacular mountain views, friendly huskies, and experienced guides, it’s no wonder why adrenaline-seekers flock here for the best dog sledding tours in Norway.
I’ve been fortunate enough to try dog sledding up north myself, and I can attest to how incredible the experience is. Not only was my dog sledding experience incredibly fun, but I also felt confident that I was getting a top-notch tour with expert guides who had knowledge about the terrain and were well-versed in safety measures.
Plus: the dogs seem so happy! For an animal lover, I know this is especially important when choosing which dog sledding in Tromsø to go on.
So if you’re looking for an amazing way to explore Norway and experience the thrill of dog sledding, look no further than Tromso/Tromsø (I never know whether to use the ø or just an o when I write!
With some of the best tours available in the country, you can rest assured that you’ll be getting great value for your money on an unforgettable adventure.
Table of Contents
Quick Tromsø Travel Guide
Where to stay: Tromsø is a small and walkable city, so you’ll find that there are lots of hotels close to the city center. My personal favourites are Clarion The Edge, the Scandic Ishavshotel and the Radisson. Most northern lights tours will actually pick you up from outside the latter two (the hotels are right across the street from each other). More budget-friendly accommodation includes the Tromsø Activities Hostel and the Comfort Xpress. I’ve written a guide to my favourite hotels in Tromsø here.
Where to eat: I have many favourite restaurants in Tromsø, and am particularly fond of La Famiglia (Italian), Restaurant Lotus (international) and Bardus Bistro (Norwegian). I have heard great things about Restaurant Skirri as well (seafood). All are within walking distance in the city center. For after-dinner drinks, the Tromso Ice Bar is a fun experience.
Top activities and tours in Tromsø
- Tromsø Arctic Reindeer – Sami experience
- Polaria Museum
- The Tromsø Cable Car (and mountain top)
- Tromsø University Museum
- Dog Sledding (check out my guide to the best ones here)
- Whale Watching (winter months only)
- Northern Lights Tours (of course – here are my favourites)
Guide: The Best Things to do in Tromsø
Packing for Tromsø: Tromsø is a popular winter destination in Norway, and packing for Norway in winter is no joke. Think layers, layers, layers – and always wear a thin layer of wool underneath your clothing on the coldest days.
Getting to the city center: If you are flying into Tromsø airport (TOS), you can book a private transfer to your hotel in advance here. Alternatively, the airport express bus leaves several times a day, and is usually timed with the arrivals.
My Top 3 Picks: Tromso Dog Sledding
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Husky Sledding Self-Drive Adventure in Tromso
✅ Viator Badge of Excellence
✅ Highest rated
✅ Max 20 participants
Small-scale Husky sledding off the beaten track
✅ 2 hours from Tromsø – less busy
✅ Photo Session
✅ Picnic Lunch
Fun & Easy Morning Dog Sledding Adventure
✅ Early Morning Departure
✅ Self-drive dogsledding
✅ Hot drinks included
Best Tromsø Dog Sledding Experiences
Dog sledding in the northern Norwegian city of Tromsø is an incredible experience. From the beautiful snow-covered hills and mountains to the friendly, high-spirited huskies pulling you along – it’s an adventure of a lifetime!
If you’re looking to go dog sledding in Tromsø, I’ve compiled a list of some of the best tours available. Most of them offer transportation from the city center so that you don’t have to worry about getting there. You can also rest assured that all dogs used on these tours are treated well – Norway has some of the strictest animal welfare laws in the world.
I have made this list in order to help you choose the tour that is best for your trip. So let’s take a look at what’s out there!
Top tip: most of the tours leave from right outside Scandic Ishavshotel. So, if you haven’t booked your hotel in Tromsø yet, consider staying there in order to have a really short commute. In fact, most tours in Tromsø leave from the docks outside the hotel.
#1 The Highest Rated Dog Sledding Tour in Tromsø
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 4,5 hours | ✅ Book it!
The Husky Sledding Self-Drive Adventure in Tromso is the perfect adventure for travellers looking to explore the rural Arctic. This small group tour – with just 20 people per group – includes transport from the city centre and a hot chocolate in the lavvu tent after.
It’s an exciting way to get up close and personal with nature, while learning more about this unique environment from knowledgeable guides.
Plus, you’ll get to experience the thrill of driving huskies through stunning snow-covered scenery – an unforgettable experience!
Dog sledding in Tromsø is the perfect outdoor activity for families to experience together. With stunning views of the fjords and a unique Arctic landscape, this tour offers families a one-of-a-kind adventure.
Along with the thrilling experience, its lower age limit of 7 years makes it accessible to most families with young children, offering the appropriate level of adventure for everyone involved. The tour takes full advantage of this majestic setting, with plenty of opportunities for spectacular photos and great memories.
“The journey to the kennels was amazing with stunning scenery and we were greeted by the very excited huskies who were very eager to get going. The sled ride was surreal, breath taking views and gorgeous deep sparking snow.”
sharonmann73, travelled March 2023 (read more reviews)
#2 Best off the beaten path dog sledding (outside of Tromsø)
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | 📍 LOCATION: Målselv | ✅ Book it!
This tour is an adventure for those who want to explore the wilderness and get away from the tourist crowds. They have about 30 dogs in their camp, making it a little smaller and more intimate than some of the other tours.
Located in Målselv two hours from Tromsø, you can either take your own car or a bus to get there (driving yourself is better, though).
This tour is perfect if you want to join a less popular experience that focuses on discovering nature, but with all the amenities of a guided tour. With photo sessions included, you’ll be able to capture magical moments during your trip!
During this tour, you’ll spend about 2 hours sledding behind your happy huskies, before sitting down for an outdoor picnic (we Norwegians love dining outside).
As mentioned, I recommend having your own car in order to get to this tour. The upside of this is that you can do some sightseeing on the way, and perhaps even stop to see some northern lights on the way back (if you go at the right time of year)!
“Unbelievable experience! Thanks to our amazing guide, we truly got to learn how to “drive” the great pack of dogs since it was just my boyfriend and I, and experience a breathtaking winter wonderland. We plan on returning in the future for one of the longer expeditions that they offer 🙂 We rented a car from Tromso and had nice drive there/back.”
Stephanie_c, travelled February 2023 (read more reviews)
#3 Best for busy bees: Morning Dog Sledding
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 4 hours | ✅ Book it!
The early-bird dog sledding tour in Tromsø is the perfect experience for those who want to enjoy all that the city has to offer. The tour starts at 10 am, which means you’ll be back in time to explore all the great things you can do in Tromsø.
On the tour, you’ll get to meet and greet the dogs, who will be your trusty companions for the day, as well as learning how to set up a sled and hearing stories about life in Tromsø from local guides.
Once everything is prepared, you’ll be able to enjoy zooming across the landscape on a thrilling dog sled adventure!
As with all the tours in the top 3, a polar suit is included, so you’ll stay nice and warm during your ride. At the end of the dog sledding, a hot beverage is waiting for you back at camp.
“Amazing experience!! Loved everything! Would definitely do it again if we get the chance! I recommend it to everyone.”
Denise, travelled April 2024 (read more reviews)
#4 Best for Northern Lights: Husky Camp Evening Visit
⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 4 hours 15 minutes | ✅ Book it!
Tromsø is home to some of the world’s most beautiful husky puppies (bold, I know). And what better way to experience them than with an evening visit to a husky farm?
Though it won’t be a dog sledding tour, it will still provide an enjoyable and unique experience. You will have the opportunity to feed, play, and pet these majestic creatures, all while learning about their habits and behavior.
Plus, there will be a delicious dinner at the husky farm to make sure you stay energized throughout your visit! Since this is an evening visit you may even get the chance to witness one of nature’s most magical events: the stunning Northern Lights.
Since seeing the northern lights in Tromsø is one of the main reasons people visit the city, and on this tour you can check both the northern lights and huskies off your bucket list!
“Incredible trip. We only booked this as our other trip was cancelled, but were so made up. We got up close and personal with the huskies and the puppies. Very chilled atmosphere. We visited in November when it was -10 degrees but we were looked after and kept warm with suits, gloves, outdoor fires and hot drinks and marshmallows. We were kept informed throughout the evening and we had a wonderful time. I have allergies and am gluten free and it was no worry at all. Would highly recommend.”
Sarah_b, travelled April 2023 (read more reviews)
#5 Best for Photography
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 4 hours 20 minutes | ✅ Book it!
This is the perfect tour for photographers and photo lovers.
As on all the tours, you can experience the thrill of driving yourself, and get a chance to relax as a passenger as well. This tour stands out because it includes stops for photos along the way, and photography is a focus of the tour.
The tour have a maximum capacity of 16 people, making it one of the smaller on the list. This ensures that everyone gets enough time to take in the views and snap some memorable shots. It also gives you more personal attention from the guides.
No experience in photography (or dog sledding) is needed – just an interest. The knowledgeable guides are happy to help you get the perfect photograph, no matter your level of experience!
Bonus: A few more Tromsø husky tours
Below are a few more tours to choose from – all are great, but they didn’t quite make the list mainly because they are quite similar to another tour already on there.
- Private Dog Sledding Tour including Overnight Stay at Husky Lodge ($629)
- Fun & Easy Dog Sledding Adventure – Noon Tour ($230)
- Puppy Training Experience at a Husky Farm in Tromso (not dog sledding – $116)
Tips before you go dog sledding
Dog sledding in Tromsø is a great way to take in the spectacular views of the fjords and snow-covered scenery! Before you set off on your adventure, there are a few things to consider when preparing for cold weather dog sledding.
As temperatures can get quite low, it’s important to wear a wool baselayer for extra warmth – make sure you also bring gloves and a warm hat! Even though every dog sledding tour will provide you with a polar suit to keep you warm, they won’t provide any baselayers.
In order to stay comfortable while mushing your huskies, having the right pair of shoes is critical. Insulated boots with good grip will be essential for navigating slippery trails and deep snow, and I always recommend wool socks when packing for Norway in winter.
If you are particularly prone to cold fingers, handwarmers can be an invaluable addition to your kit. With these tips in mind, you’ll be ready for a fantastic day on the snow-covered trails of Tromsø!
FAQs About dog sledding in Tromsø
Below are some frequently asked questions about going on a dog sledding tour in Tromsø. If you have a question that isn’t on the list, leave it in a comment below!
Yes, there are lots of places in Tromsø where you can go dog sledding.
Prices vary depending on the company you book with and the length of your tour, but typically prices range from 1000 NOK ($100) for a shorter tour up to 3500 NOK ($350) for longer excursions.
Dog sledding is an exhilarating activity that involves a team of sled dogs (usually 6-8) pulling a sled through the snow. It’s a great way to experience the thrill of mushing, as well as explore remote areas you may not have otherwise accessed.
No prior experience or special equipment is necessary to participate in dog sledding tours offered by local companies! All necessary supplies are included in the booking price, including protective clothing and gloves.
Yes. Norway has very strict animal welfare laws, and the huskies on all dog sledding camps are treated very well.
🤩 This is the highest-rated dog sledding tour in Tromsø!
Final Thoughts: dog sledding from Tromsø
Dog sledding in Tromsø is an exciting and unique adventure that should not be overlooked. From the beautiful snow-capped mountains to the stunning fjords, this experience will leave you with memories for a lifetime.
If you’re looking for a thrilling way to explore this incredible city, there’s nothing quite like it. Make sure to book your tour in advance, because they tend to sell out quickly – especially the small group ones.
Doing so will ensure you don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to get up close and personal with nature. So, what are you waiting for? Book your dog sledding adventure in Tromsø today!
