From Tromsø: Husky Experience with Self-Drive Dog Sled Ride

Introduction: A Unique Tromsø Adventure for Dog Lovers and Nature Seekers

If you’re visiting Tromsø and craving a truly memorable Arctic experience, the Husky Experience with Self-Drive Dog Sled Ride offers a fantastic blend of adventure, scenery, and authentic connection with Arctic working dogs. While we haven’t personally tried this tour, the glowing reviews and detailed descriptions make it clear that this is a highlight for many travelers craving a hands-on outdoor activity.

What we love most about this experience is driving your own team of huskies—an intimate and exhilarating way to connect with these energetic dogs—and the stunning winter landscapes you’ll pass through, with plenty of photo opportunities. Plus, the warm hospitality at the camp, including cozy drinks and cake afterward, ensures comfort after your chilly ride.

One thing to keep in mind is that the sled ride is relatively short—about 30 minutes total—so if you’re hoping for a full half-day or longer sledding adventure, this might feel a bit quick. Still, for those looking for a manageable intro or a family-friendly outing, it’s just right.

This tour suits adventurous travelers, dog lovers, and first-timers alike—anyone eager to experience the Arctic’s beauty while getting up close with friendly huskies in a safe, well-organized setting.

Key Points

• Hands-on Experience: Drive your own husky team, making the adventure more personal and engaging.
• Stunning Scenery: Expect beautiful winter landscapes and a picturesque camp in Breivikeidet.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable staff ensure safety and share interesting facts about the dogs and environment.
• Inclusive Gear: Thermal suits, boots, hats, and mittens are provided, so no need to bring your own winter gear.
• Short but Sweet: The sled ride lasts around 30 minutes, perfect for a quick Arctic thrill or light introduction.
• Authentic Interaction: Plenty of time afterward to cuddle and take photos with the huskies, which many reviews praise highly.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary in Detail: What You Can Expect

Starting Point and Transportation

The adventure kicks off at Samuel Arnesens gate 5 in Tromsø’s city center, where you meet your guide for a safety briefing and equipment fitting. From there, a scenic 50-minute bus transfer transports you through the snowy Norwegian landscape to the camp in Breivikeidet.

This transfer is part of the experience, as it provides a warm-up for your Arctic outing and offers a chance to enjoy the snow-covered scenery. Several reviews mention the transfer as smooth and comfortable, with one reviewer noting the value of the guided commentary during the ride.

Arrival at the Breivikeidet Camp

Located in a picturesque valley near the sea, the camp features a cozy, well-organized setup with friendly staff ready to help you gear up. You’ll be provided with thermal suits, winter boots, hats, and mittens—crucial for staying warm in the snowy outdoors. This equipment is included, which simplifies packing and ensures you’re well-prepared.

Once geared up, your guide will run through safety instructions and basic sled steering techniques. This is especially helpful if you’re new to mushing, as it demystifies the process and builds confidence before you hit the snow.

The Dog Sledding Experience

The core of the tour is driving your own husky team. Expect about 10-15 minutes of sledding in each direction, with a pause midway for photos. Many travelers mention that the sledding pace is deliberately slow and comfortable, making it suitable for photography, family participation, or those a bit wary of fast rides.

The guide will instruct you on how to handle the sled, and if you’re lucky, you might get to switch seats and be a passenger, capturing stunning shots of your own “mushing” skills. Several reviews highlight how much fun it is to drive the dogs, with one reviewer saying, “It was an extremely professionally managed activity,” and another noting how energetic and friendly the dogs are.

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Interaction with the Huskies

Post-ride, you’ll have ample time to pet, cuddle, and bond with the huskies. Many reviews praise the friendly, well-cared-for dogs and the guides who share insights about each pup. One reviewer happily said they “came away wanting to take Uzko, Salmon, Punky, and Peanut home,” reflecting the strong affection these dogs inspire.

This part of the experience is often cited as the highlight—getting close to the animals and understanding their role as hardworking Arctic companions. Many travelers note the positive impression the guides give of the dogs’ wellbeing, which alleviates concerns about animal welfare.

Warm-Up and Refreshments

Back at the camp, you’re invited into a panoramic restaurant, where you can enjoy hot drinks, cake, and friendly conversation with your guides. This is a cozy way to unwind and learn more about the dogs and the Arctic environment. Several reviews mention the warm hospitality as a significant plus, with the hot drinks and cake being especially appreciated after the chilly sled ride.

Return Journey

After your visit, you’ll change back into your own clothes and board the bus for the 50-minute return trip to Tromsø. The entire tour lasts approximately 4.5 hours, making it a manageable yet memorable addition to your Arctic itinerary.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Expert Guidance and Well-Organized Setup

The tours are praised for their professional management and friendly, knowledgeable guides. Multiple reviews commend the staff for their warmth, safety focus, and eagerness to share information. The safety briefing and equipment provided are clear and comprehensive, making the experience accessible even for first-timers.

Authentic Connection with Huskies

Many reviewers emphasize the quality of interaction with the huskies—petting, cuddling, and taking photos. The dogs are described as happy, energetic, and well cared for, which is a significant reassurance for animal-conscious travelers.

Picturesque, Heartwarming Environment

The scenic setting plays a big role in the appeal. The camp’s location in a beautiful winter landscape near the sea offers dramatic views and great photo ops. Several travelers mention that the scenery alone makes the trip worth it, regardless of the sledding duration.

Value for Money

While the tour is not cheap, many reviews consider it worth the cost given the included gear, guide service, and the unique experience of self-driving a dog team. The opportunity to mush your own sled and interact with the dogs makes this a memorable, high-value activity for Arctic travelers.

Practical Considerations for Travelers

Duration and Pace: The total experience is 4.5 hours, with about 30 minutes of sledding. While some might wish for longer rides, many find the short duration perfect for a first experience.

Weather and Clothing: The tour provides winter gear, but travelers should ensure they also wear warm clothing layers, thermal socks, and scarves beneath the gear for full comfort. The Arctic can be very cold, especially if snowing or windy.

Group Size: The experience is designed for small to medium groups, with the possibility of splitting larger groups into two halves—one for sledding, one for relaxing and refreshments, then switching.

Age and Physicality: The activity is rated as easy and suitable for people who can walk 200 meters and stand for a short period. Children aged 4 and above can participate, but under 4s are not allowed.

Accessibility: Not suitable for wheelchair users or pregnant women. No pets are allowed on the tour.

Authentic Feedback from Travelers

The high praise from over 800 reviews reflects the overall satisfaction. Many highlight the warmth and friendliness of the guides, the beautiful scenery, and the thrill of driving the sled. One reviewer said, “This was our favorite thing we did in Tromsø,” and another called it “an activity I would do again without hesitation.”

The authenticity of the experience—interacting closely with happy, well-treated huskies—is a recurring theme. While some wish the ride were longer, almost everyone agrees that the experience is worth every penny.

The Sum Up: Who Will Love This Tour?

This self-drive husky sled experience offers a fantastic blend of adventure, scenery, and authentic Arctic charm. It’s perfect for dog lovers, those curious about mushing, or travelers looking for a manageable, hands-on outdoor activity that doesn’t require days of commitment.

If you appreciate friendly guides, stunning landscapes, and animal interaction in a safe and well-organized environment, this tour will suit you well. It’s especially valuable if you want a short, impactful Arctic experience that creates lasting memories and amazing photos.

However, if you’re seeking a longer, more intense sledding adventure or have mobility restrictions, you might find the 30-minute sled ride a bit brief. Still, for many, this activity offers a beautiful, genuine slice of Arctic life—and a story to tell long after the snow melts.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes roundtrip transfers from Tromsø, making logistics straightforward and stress-free.

What clothing is provided?
Thermal suits, winter boots, hats, and mittens are included, ensuring you stay warm during the outdoor activity.

How long is the sled ride?
The total sledding time is around 30 minutes, split into two 10-15 minute sessions with a photo stop in the middle.

Can I drive my own husky team?
Yes, the tour is designed for you to drive your own sled, guided by instructions from the staff.

Is this activity suitable for children?
Children aged 4 and above can participate, though under-4s are not allowed. The activity is rated as easy and manageable for most children.

What should I wear?
Bring warm clothing, including thermal layers, socks, scarf, and sturdy shoes. The provided gear offers additional protection.

Is the sledding fast?
No, the sledding pace is deliberately slow and comfortable, making it accessible for beginners and perfect for photos.

Can I take photos during the ride?
Absolutely. There’s a dedicated photo stop midway, and many travelers love capturing the moment of mushing.

Are animals treated well?
Yes, reviews consistently describe the huskies as energetic, happy, and well cared for, with guides emphasizing their welfare.

Is the tour suitable for non-snowy weather?
The tour is designed for winter conditions; if snow is scarce, the experience might be less scenic or available. Always check the weather forecast before booking.

In essence, this Tromsø husky experience offers a well-rounded, authentic Arctic adventure that combines breathtaking scenery, friendly guides, and the thrill of driving huskies in their element. It’s a top pick for anyone wanting a taste of traditional dog sledding, with enough comforts and safety to make it a truly enjoyable outing.

You can check availability for your dates here: