Self-Drive Husky Sledding with Traditional Lunch Tromso

The Husky Camp Near Tromso

The husky camp lies in the snowy countryside about 25 minutes' drive from central Tromso, surrounded by mountains, birch forest and open white valleys. As soon as the bus arrives you hear the dogs: a chorus of barking and howling from a large pack of huskies who know it is time to run. The camp has kennels, sled trails leading straight out into the wilderness and warm shelters for guests.

Tromso husky sledding is one of the most popular winter activities in the Arctic, and starting so close to the city means you spend your time on the trail rather than on the road. The best time for dog sledding in Tromso is from late November to early April, when snow covers the trails; in the polar night the camp glows under lanterns and a soft blue twilight, while from February the days grow brighter and longer.

Meeting the Huskies

Most sled dogs in northern Norway are Alaskan huskies, a working breed chosen for endurance, speed and a love of running rather than for looks. They are lighter and leaner than many people expect, with thick coats that let them sleep comfortably in the snow at temperatures far below zero. Each dog has its own name and character, and the mushers know every one of them.

Before the ride you have time to greet the dogs, take photos and hear from the staff how the teams are trained, fed and cared for through the season. Lead dogs at the front respond to voice commands, while the stronger wheel dogs closest to the sled do much of the heavy pulling. Seeing how eager they are to run is one of the joys of the day.

Learning to Mush: Your Self-Drive Sled Ride

After a clear safety briefing you learn the basics of mushing: how to stand on the runners, how to use the brake and the snow anchor, how to lean into bends and when to step off and push on the uphill sections to help the dogs. Each sled is shared by two guests, with one driving and one sitting in the basket, and you swap places halfway so both get to drive.

The ride itself lasts about 45 minutes and follows trails through quiet forest and open snowfields with wide views of the surrounding mountains. The only sounds are the runners on the snow and the dogs panting. Is husky sledding worth it? For most guests it is the most exhilarating thing they do in the Arctic, and the self-drive format makes it truly your own adventure.

Bidos Lunch by the Open Fire

Back at the camp you warm up around an open fire with a bowl of bidos, the traditional Sami stew of reindeer meat simmered with potatoes, carrots and onion in a rich broth. Bidos is a dish of celebration in Sami culture, served at weddings, confirmations and on the Sami National Day, and it is the perfect meal after time in the cold.

Sitting by the fire while the dogs rest nearby is a relaxing end to the activity, with time to share photos and ask the staff more questions about life with huskies. Vegetarian options are available on request, so please let us know any dietary needs when you book and we will pass them on in advance.

The Gamme Turf Hut

The visit ends inside a gamme, a traditional turf hut once used by Sami and coastal families in northern Norway. Built with a wooden frame covered in layers of birch bark and turf, a gamme keeps the warmth in and the wind out, and its low doorway and central fire give it a cosy, sheltered feel even in the depths of winter.

Here you are served a hot drink and a slice of the camp's chocolate cake before the transfer back to Tromso. The combination of the sled ride, the Sami meal and the turf hut gives a real taste of Arctic life in a single morning, leaving your afternoon and evening free for other plans in the city.