The Definitive Guide to Dog Sledding in Tromsø

It’s safe to say that the distant Arctic destination of Norway’s Tromsø has captured the imagination and hearts of travellers all over the world. The dynamic city, situated on the island of Tromsøya in northern Norway, is renowned for its distinctive culture, breathtaking scenery, and remote wilderness. When visiting this picturesque area in the winter, dog sledding in Tromsø is one of the most popular excursions. It’s not hard to imagine why, snow-covered landscapes, adorable huskies, and an adrenaline-filled ride all make for a memorable experience! In this article, our Tromsø expert, Natalia (Manager of the Nordic and Greek Regions at Manawa), has listed her personal recommendations for the best dog sledding activities in Tromsø!

Tromsø Wilderness Center

Self-drive vs. Guided Dog Sledding

In order to pick the best dog sledding in Tromsø excursion that suits your preferences and abilities, it’s important to take into account the difference between self-drive and guided dog sledding. ‘Self-drive’ means that you will be driving and steering your very own team of dogs, which requires both strength and stamina (depending on the length of the tour). But don’t let that put you off! Many of the dog sledding activity options allow you to switch drivers midway through the excursion, meaning that one person will be seated on the sled while the other one drives the husky team, etc. In order to drive your own team of huskies, most companies require participants to be at least 16 years old with younger children seated on the sled.

Regardless of the type of dog sledding tour, they are all led by seasoned professionals that provide a safety briefing along with an introduction to dog sledding techniques. ‘Guided’ dog sledding tours signify that you’re a passenger on the dog sled while a musher (dog sled driver) leads the husky team. Although participants are seated, it’s still a thrilling ride as the energetic dogs pull you through the snow-covered landscapes of Norway at high speeds!

Guided Dog Sledding Excursions- including transportation from Tromsø

With 'Tromsø Wilderness Center' in Kvaløya

• Guided Half-day Dog Sledding Ride in Kvaløya - including transportation from Tromsø - The one and only guided dog sledding tour from Tromsø that Manawa offers is located in Kvaløya and is one of Norway’s largest islands which is connected to Tromsøya by bridge. The convenient 30-minute bus ride from Tromsø is included in the excursion price. This guided activity in Kvaløya features 40 minutes of dog sledding, where you’ll sit back and be driven through Kvaløya’s awe-inspiring winter topography! In addition, participants are treated to a snack and hot drink before returning to the bustling city of Tromsø. Welcoming adventurers of all ages!

Tromsø Wilderness Center

Half-day Dog Sledding Excursions - including transportation from Tromsø

With 'Norwegian Travel' in Breivikeidet

• Self-Drive Dog Sledding near the Lyngen Alps from Tromsø - This 4.5-hour dog sledding excursion in Breivikeidet includes bus transfers to and from Tromsø (50 minutes each way) as well as 50-65 minutes of dog sledding with the possibility to take turns driving the dog sled team. Since the terrain is flat, it is ideal for a first-time dog sledding experience! As such it is family-friendly, welcoming explorers ages 7 and up. Cake and beverages await at the end of the excursion before returning to Tromsø.
• Self-drive Dog Sledding and Husky Experience near the Lyngen Alps from Tromsø - What makes this dog sledding tour in Breivikeidet so special is the focus on spending time with the adorable huskies and cuddling them. This fun-filled excursion is guaranteed to be a hit with your little ones ages 4 and up. Don’t forget your camera! While it has the same 4.5-hour duration as the above excursion, this activity includes 20-30 minutes of dog sledding on flat terrain with the option to switch driving positions. 50-minute bus rides to and from Tromsø in addition to steaming cups of coffee and tea plus delicious cake are also included.

With 'Tromsø Wilderness Center’ in Kvaløya

• Self-Drive Dog Sledding in Kvaløya from Tromsø - Geared for participants ages 16 and up, this 4-hour excursion in Kvaløya features 40 minutes of fast-paced self-drive dog sledding! Just a 30-minute drive from Tromsø (included in the excursion fee), participants are treated to hot stew around a crackling fire with warm drinks and dessert after their trek in the wilderness. An amazing way to warm up after an Arctic adventure!

With ‘Arctic Adventure Tours’ in Kvaløya

• Self-drive Dog Sledding Excursion in Kvaløya from Tromsø - Another amazing tour, dog sledding in the winter wonderland of Kvaløya, this dog sledding experience is unique in that the total time spent driving the team of huskies is longer, approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes, depending on the weather and snow conditions. Much like the above-listed activity, the 30-minute bus rides from Tromsø to Kvaløya and back are included in the price and the duration of the activity is 4 hours. This is a family-friendly excursion and children ages 7 and up are welcome to join the fun! Participants also enjoy hot drinks and snacks before departing for Tromsø.

With 'Tromsø Aurora Husky' in Kvaløya

• Beginner Self-drive Dog Sledding Excursion in Kvaløya from Tromsø - Welcoming Arctic explorers of all ages, this 4-hour, family-friendly dog sledding excursion in Kvaløya includes Tromsø transfers, thermal suits, winter boots, and 45-60 minutes of exciting dog sledding with magnificent mountain views! After the unforgettable journey into the wilderness, participants are offered a delicious warm meal with hot drinks to complete the unforgettable experience before saying goodbye to their new four-legged friends and returning to the original departure point in Tromsø.

Tromsø Wilderness Center

Full-day Dog Sledding Tours - including transportation from Tromsø

With 'Norwegian Travel' in Tamok Valley

• Beginner Self-Drive Dog Sledding Safari from Tromsø - This 6-hour experience includes a 95-minute bus ride (each way) to and from the centre of Tromsø to the camp in the remote and picturesque Tamok Valley. Before 45-60 minutes of dog sledding on flat terrain, you’ll be treated to a light and hot meal. This activity is excellent for beginners and kids aged 7 and up.
• Intermediate Self-Drive Dog Sledding Excursion from Tromsø - A 7-hour excursion for sporty Arctic adventurers, with a 95-minute bus ride each way (included in the price). Because of this activity’s challenging uphill terrain, it does require more endurance, which is why the tour is recommended for ages 16 and up. Participants will savour a warm meal before embarking upon their journey, dog sledding in Tamok Valley, for 65-90 exciting minutes, depending on the day’s snow conditions.
• Self-Drive Dogsledding with Ice Domes Snow Park and Reindeer Visit from Tromsø - This 8-hour package has it all; reindeers, huskies, and a visit to the famed Ice Domes Snow Park to see the incredible ice/snow sculptures. The scenic 95-minute bus transfer (each way) is included as is a delicious hot meal after 20-30 adrenaline-filled minutes of dog sledding in Tamok Valley. Due to the excursion’s challenging topography, the minimum age is 16. Re-energized and warmed up, it’s time to meet Norway’s iconic reindeer before touring the Ice Domes Park and returning to Tromsø

With ‘Aurora Husky’ in Moen, Målselv

• Intermediate Self-drive Dog Sledding Safari in Moen from Tromsø - A 2-hour drive from Tromsø (transfers included), Moen is located in the Målselv Municipality and is known for the stunning and rugged Arctic landscapes of the Målselv Valley. This dog sledding in Moen tour includes 35-50 minutes of driving your own husky team in addition to a hearty lunch and welcomes participants ages 12 and up.

With 'Active North' in Skibotn

• Self-Drive Dog Sledding Excursion in Skibotn near Tromsø - Skibotn is a charming village located in Skibotn Valley near the border of Finland and is celebrated for its proximity to the Lyngenfjord along with its captivating landscapes. A 90-minute drive from Tromsø (bus transfers included), this 8-hour excursion, dog sledding in Skibotn, features 1-1.5 hours of dog sledding in the wilderness with a light meal after the adventure. Little explorers ages 5 and up can join the tour.
• Evening Self-Drive Dog Sledding Safari in Skibotn Valley near Tromsø - This 8-hour dog sledding in Skibotn activity has the same specifics as the excursion listed above, except for the starting time. If luck is on your side, you may witness the vibrant colours of the Northern Lights in the heart of the snow-covered Arctic landscapes of Skibotn Valley while enjoying your magical and unforgettable dog sledding experience!

Tromsø Wilderness Center

Dog Sledding Experiences - WITHOUT transportation from Tromsø

With ‘Norwegian Travel’ in Tamok Valley

• Advanced Self-drive Dog Sledding Excursion in Tamok Valley near Tromsø - As mentioned earlier, the incredible landscapes of Tamok Valley are a mere 95-minute drive from Tromsø. Since this excursion in Tamok Valley traverses uphill terrain, the 4-hour tour is labelled as advanced because participants may have to push the sled at some points. Prior dog sledding experience is not required. However, mushers (dog sled drivers) do need to be at least 16 years old to take part. After 1-1.5 hours of adrenaline-filled fun driving a dog sled team, a hot meal with warm beverages around a crackling fire awaits! *Transportation from Tromsø is not included.

With ‘Run Wild Mushing’ in Malangen

• Self-drive Dog Sledding Excursion in Malangen near Tromsø - Located 1 hour away from Tromsø, Malagen is both a region and a fjord known for its forests and mountains. This dog sledding excursion has 2 different options. The first excursion, dog sledding in Malangen, is a 4-hour morning tour with 1.5 hours of dog sledding and the second is a 2-hour afternoon activity with 30 minutes of dog sledding. Both tours include hot drinks and snacks around a campfire and welcome mini explorers ages 3 and up. *Transportation from Tromsø is not included.
• Evening Self-drive Dog Sledding Excursion in Malangen near Tromsø - This remarkable evening excursion, dog sledding in Malangen, is 3 hours long and includes 1 hour of dog sledding under Norway’s spectacular Northern Lights. Participants must be at least 3 years old to join. A roaring campfire with hot berry juice and snacks conclude this unique dog sledding tour. *Transportation from Tromsø is not included.

With ‘Aurora Husky’ in Moen, Målselv

• Intermediate Self-drive Dog Sledding Safari in Moen, Målselv - The extraordinary Målselv Valley is situated 2 hours away from Tromsø by car. This 2.5-hour activity has 35-50 minutes of dog sled driving on flat terrain, depending on the snow conditions of the day. In addition, drivers lead a team of 4-6 huskies with a minimum age of 12 years old. After savouring the mountainous panoramas and an action-packed ride, lunch and hot beverages are provided. *Transportation from Tromsø is not included.

With ‘Active North’ in Skibotn

• Self-Drive Dog Sledding Excursion in Skibotn near Tromsø - As mentioned before, Skibotn is located near the Finnish border and is famed for its proximity to the Lyngenfjord and the Lyngen Alps. During this 5.5-hour tour, participants ages 5 and up will spend approximately 1-1.5 hours traversing the amazing topography of Skibotn, complete with magnificent mountainous scenery. The experience is complemented by a light meal and a snack after saying goodbye to your four-legged friends! *Transportation from Tromsø is not included.
• Evening Self-Drive Dog Sledding Safari in Skibotn Valley near Tromsø - All of the details for this dog sledding excursion in Skibotn are the same as listed above, except the total duration is 4 hours and the starting time is in the evening. Although the Northern Lights can never be guaranteed, you may catch a glimpse of the Aurora and participants will be enchanted with the landscapes of northern Norway in the evening on this high-speed 1-1.5-hour dog sled ride! *Transportation from Tromsø is not included.

As you may have noticed, dog sledding in Tromsø takes place outside the city at varying locales, which makes the Arctic wilderness experience all the more immersive, scenic, and fun! A word of advice from Natalia when dog sledding in Tromsø; don’t forget to wear proper insulated winter boots and extra warm socks in addition to several underlayers. Although most companies provide thermal suits, be sure to check the inclusions before booking. Since the huskies are travelling at a fast pace, the snow underneath their paws flies, sunglasses or goggles definitely come in handy!

If Tromsø has piqued your interest, be sure to check out our other articles such as The Wildlife of Tromsø, Best Family-friendly Activities in Tromsø, and Best Northern Lights Activities in Tromsø!