Tromsø: Husky Sled Self-Drive with Traditional Lunch

Planning a trip to Tromsø and eager for a truly memorable Arctic adventure? This self-driven husky sled experience offers a perfect blend of hands-on fun, breathtaking scenery, and cultural flavor. You get to lead a team of energetic huskies across snow-covered landscapes, learn the art of mushing, and refuel with a hearty Sami reindeer stew by an open fire. It’s a well-organized, immersive experience that’s highly rated, with a 4.9/5 score based on over 1,500 reviews.

What really sets this tour apart is the opportunity to drive your own sled—a rare chance that turns the activity into a personal achievement rather than just a ride. We love how guides like Scarlett and Lara make the experience approachable and informative, helping newbies feel confident even if they’ve never handled a sled before. However, it’s worth noting that this is a physical activity that requires a reasonable level of fitness and strength, especially for pushing or helping out on inclines.

This tour is a fantastic pick for dog lovers, adventure seekers, and anyone interested in authentic Sami culture. If you’re after a fun-filled day in nature that combines adrenaline with cultural insights and delicious food, this experience ticks all those boxes. It’s particularly suited for active travelers comfortable with cold weather and outdoor activity, but less so for those with mobility issues or health concerns.

Key Points

• Authentic Arctic Experience: Drive your own husky sled through stunning snow-covered landscapes.
• Expert Guidance: Friendly, knowledgeable guides like Scarlett and Lara help build confidence and share insights.
• Cultural Touch: Enjoy a traditional Sami reindeer stew around an open fire, with vegetarian options available.
• Great Value: For around $263, you get transportation, gear, about 45 minutes of sledding, and a hearty lunch—making it well worth the price.
• Stunning Scenery: Expect breathtaking views of Tromsø’s wilderness and Arctic vistas.
• Authentic Encounters: Meet and cuddle adorable husky puppies after the ride, adding a warm and personal touch.

A Deep Dive Into the Experience

Booking and General Info

This tour is priced at $263 per person, which includes transportation, snowsuit and boots, dog sled instructions, and approximately 45 minutes of self-drive sledding in a shared sled. The duration is about 4 hours, with flexible starting times depending on availability. The activity is offered by Tromsø Villmarkssenter, renowned for their caring approach to animals and commitment to genuine Arctic experiences.

You meet outside the Radisson Blu Hotel in Tromsø, 15 minutes before departure, where a check-in agent will greet you. The transportation is smooth, and the gear provided—warm suits and boots—means you won’t need to worry about packing your winter essentials.

What to Expect During the Tour

The day kicks off with a brief dog sledding instruction—guides like Jenny or Nadine make even first-timers feel at ease. Once geared up, you’ll hop onto a shared sled with another participant—most sleds are pulled by well-trained, athletic huskies eager to run.

The self-driving aspect is arguably the highlight. You’ll get to shout commands to the dogs, take control of the sled, and experience the thrill of guiding a team of powerful huskies through snow-covered forests and open tundra. Several reviews highlight how well-organized and smooth the process is, with guides offering helpful tips along the way.

A typical ride lasts around 45 minutes, but some reviewers mention that with a bit of effort, you might help push the sled uphill or assist in making the dogs’ work easier. Scarlett’s detailed instructions and friendly demeanor are frequently praised for making beginners feel confident. As Carmen notes, “Getting to guide our own sleds made the experience so much more exciting and immersive.”

The Midway Break and Traditional Lunch

Halfway through, you’ll switch places with your teammate, giving everyone a chance to both drive and relax. After the sledding, everyone returns to camp for a warm and hearty Sami reindeer stew called Bidos, served around an open fire. This meal is described as delicious and filling, perfect after some snowy exertion.

Along With the stew, a hot drink and signature chocolate cake await you in the cozy Gamme-hut—vegetarian options are available if requested beforehand. Many reviews mention how much they appreciated the warm, inviting atmosphere after the outdoor adventure.

Interactions with Huskies and Camp Atmosphere

Post-sledding, there’s plenty of time to pet and cuddle the husky dogs and puppies, a major highlight according to visitors. The dogs are described as friendly, well-cared-for, and eager to interact, which helps balance the adrenaline rush with some adorable animal moments. Several reviews, including Kirstin’s, praise the staff for their genuine love and care for the dogs, making the experience feel ethical and joyful.

Guides and Group Dynamics

Most reviewers comment on the friendly, helpful guides who make the day flow smoothly. Scarlett, Jenny, Lara, and Nadine are frequently singled out for their warmth, professionalism, and enthusiasm. Smaller groups—typically four sleds—ensure a personalized experience, with plenty of time to take photos, ask questions, and connect with the dogs.

Additional Considerations

While many people find this tour worth every penny, a few reviews mention the physical effort required. Driving the sled isn’t just fun—it demands strength, coordination, and balance. Reviewer Ellie notes, “The self-drive is a bit harder than it sounds,” so it’s best suited for active travelers in good health.

Weather can vary—some reviews mention near-blizzard conditions or rain, which can affect the sledding time. For example, one reviewer’s sledding was canceled due to less snow, but they still enjoyed meeting the huskies and sharing a cozy lunch. This unpredictability is part of Arctic adventure life, so flexibility is key.

Value and Overall Impression

Given the included gear, transportation, the duration of sledding, and the delicious meal, the approximate $263 price point offers solid value. The reviews highlight how this experience combines adventure, cultural insight, and animal interaction—making it one of the more comprehensive Arctic excursions available in Tromsø.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience suits adventure lovers who don’t mind a physically active outing in cold weather. It’s ideal for those eager to drive their own sled and enjoy a genuine connection with working huskies. Families with children over 16, as well as solo travelers and couples, will find it rewarding. However, it’s less suitable for travelers with mobility issues, back problems, or heart conditions, due to the physical nature and gear handling involved.

It’s also a fantastic choice for animal enthusiasts and those interested in Sami culture, thanks to the traditional meal and authentic setting. If you’re after a thrilling outdoor activity that allows you to actively participate rather than just observe, this tour ticks all the boxes.

FAQ

Is this experience suitable for children?
No, the tour is only suitable for ages 16 and above due to the physical demands and safety considerations.

What should I bring?
You’ll want to pack a hat and gloves to stay warm. The tour provides snowsuits and boots, so you don’t need to bring your own outdoor gear.

Can I participate if I’ve never driven a sled before?
Absolutely. Guides like Scarlett and Lara give clear instructions, and many first-timers leave feeling confident and excited.

How long is the sledding part?
The actual self-drive sledding lasts about 45 minutes. The entire experience including instructions, transportation, and meal lasts around 4 hours.

What if the weather isn’t snowy enough?
In case of less snow, sledding may be canceled or replaced with an alternative activity, like a husky meet-and-greet, with a partial refund. You might still enjoy meeting the dogs and having a cozy meal.

Is the tour ethical regarding the dogs?
Based on reviews, the dogs appear well-cared-for, happy, and eager to run. Guides emphasize their love for the huskies, and interactions afterward are gentle and affectionate.

Final Thoughts

This self-driven husky sled tour in Tromsø offers a genuine Arctic adventure packed with action, culture, and animal companionship. It’s perfect for travelers wanting to take control of their experience and create lasting memories in Norway’s snowy wilderness. The combination of expert guides, stunning scenery, and authentic interaction makes it a standout activity, especially if you’re comfortable with some physical activity and cold weather.

While it may not be suitable for everyone—particularly those with mobility issues or health concerns—the majority of active, animal-loving travelers will find this tour a highlight of their Tromsø visit. It’s a rare chance to drive your own sled, meet happy huskies, and enjoy a warm meal in Arctic surroundings—truly a bucket list experience.

Whether you’re after a fun, adrenaline-filled day or a chance to connect with nature and animals in one of the world’s most beautiful places, this husky sled experience is well worth considering.