Self-Drive Husky Dog Sledding Adventure Tromso

Dog sledding on Kvaløya, the Arctic island near Tromsø

Kvaløya, the Whale Island, lies just west of Tromsø and is known for jagged mountains, fjords and open, snowy plateaus. A husky sledding tour on Kvaløya gives you a real sense of northern Norway's winter landscape without a long journey from the city. The kennel is about a 30-minute drive from Tromsø, and the trail winds through snowy terrain with views of the surrounding peaks.

The scenery changes with the weather and light, from bright blue days to soft twilight, and every trip feels different. If you are wondering whether a dog sledding day trip from Tromsø is worth it, this is the more active choice, because you drive the team yourself rather than sit as a passenger. Bring your camera, but keep it secure.

Driving your own husky team

On this tour you and your partner each take turns as driver and passenger, and the sled is yours for the whole trip. Before you set out, the instructor gives a short demonstration of the brake, the balance and the commands, and answers questions. You then follow the guide along the trail, and you can swap roles several times during the roughly 70 to 80 minutes on the snow.

Driving is more physical than it looks: you stand on the runners, lean into the turns and use the brake on downhill sections. The tour needs a basic level of fitness. The weight limit is 170 kg per sled for two people, so check this before you book, and remember that pregnant women, people with back problems and children under 7 cannot join.

The kennel and the Alaskan huskies

The kennel holds more than 130 Alaskan huskies, dogs bred for endurance, speed and a friendly nature rather than for looks. They are famously eager to run, and you will hear them before you see them. Before and after the ride, you have time to meet them, take photos and learn about how they are trained and cared for.

The dogs are as excited as the guests, and the crew helps you harness and calm your team. Kennel visits are one of the highlights for animal lovers, and they make this one of the top husky experiences in Tromsø. Keep hands away from the dogs' mouths, follow the instructor and never let go of the sled.

The lavvo, hot drinks and practical planning

After the ride, you go into the Sami lavvo, a traditional tent with a fireplace, for hot drinks and cake and to swap stories with the other guests. Vegan options are available on request, so tell us when you book. There is time to change out of the suits before the minibus takes you back to the meeting point in Tromsø.

The tour lasts about four hours and departs at 13:00 from a meeting point in Tromsø. Wear warm base layers, because the suit goes over your clothes, and bring a hat if you prefer your own. Drones are not allowed, and tripods should be left in the equipment room. Hotel pickup is not included.