Self-Drive Husky Sledding Adventure in Tromsø
We visited Tromsø in February with two main goals in mind: relaxing amidst the snowy backdrop and embarking on a Self-Drive Husky Sledding Adventure. This half-day experience goes beyond just sledding— you’ll learn about the dogs, how to drive the sled, and enjoy a delicious meal along the way.
As always, we tried to not plan ahead, booking a few days in advance, but we got lucky with finding two available spots. We’d recommend booking early, as these Self-Drive Husky Sledding Adventure end to fill up quickly.
In this article, we’ll share our complete experience of the Self-Drive Husky Sledding Adventure in Tromsø. If you’re planning a trip to Norway, especially Tromsø, this guide will provide you with plenty of helpful information. But for now, let’s dive into the best part: the Self-Drive Husky Sledding Adventure!
For more on Tromsø, you can check out our: Tromsø Travel Guide: 15 Unforgettable Things to Do in 6 Days – Your Ultimate Itinerary
Video of the trip
Table of Contents
Where to stay in Tromso
For us, it is important where we are staying, and before booking any activity we always frst book our accommodation, in Tromso, we would recommend:
- (€): Smarthotel Tromsø
- (€€): Radisson Blu Hotel, Tromsø
- (€€€): Enter St. Elisabeth Suites
Booking the tour
The Self-Drive Husky Sledding experience we did was with the Tromso Wilderness Center. However, spots fill up quickly, and you’ll need to book directly through their platform. If you’re looking for an easier option, consider this Self-Drive Husky Sledding experience, which is incredibly easy to book and has fantastic reviews.
Self-Drive Husky Sledding Step by Step
Beginning of the adventure
We arrived at the Self-Drive Husky Sledding center at 10 AM. After checking in, we were each given a pair of boots and polar clothes to put on. Then, we waited for the pick-up bus from Tromsø. If you don’t have your own transportation (like we did with a rental car), there’s a bus that picks you up and drives you back to town after the adventure.
Leaning
Once everyone had arrived for the Self-Drive Husky Sledding and was geared up, we gathered for a brief 10-minute course on sledding. The guide walked us through the basics—how to brake, how to properly steer the sled, and explained all the essential safety measures to make sure we were ready for the adventure ahead. With clear instructions and helpful tips, we felt confident and excited to begin. The guide also made sure to emphasize the importance of communication with our dogs and the need for a steady pace, as we would all be working together to ensure a fun and safe experience.
The ride
Now the Self-Drive Husky Sledding adventure starts. We then made our way to the sleds, with each team of two receiving one. Once everyone was geared up and ready to go, we couldn’t help but feel the excitement in the air. I was given the opportunity to take the lead, so I started driving, with Tina tucked into the sled behind me. At first, I was a little slow, mostly because we had to stop several times as some people were struggling to keep up with the pace. The dogs, on the other hand, were absolutely full of energy and eager to race ahead, so it was a bit of a challenge to keep them under control.
As we continued, we swapped places, and Tina took over the reins. Instantly, the pace improved, and we were able to enjoy the experience much more. The dogs were pulling faster, and everything seemed to flow a bit smoother. However, while the ride was fun, we did feel that the sledding itself was a bit slower than we had anticipated. Despite that, the thrill of speeding through the snowy landscape, with the dogs leading the way, made it all worth it. The beautiful surroundings, the excitement of the dogs, and the sense of adventure made this experience unforgettable.
The dogs
After 45 minutes of self-drive husky sledding, we returned to the center, where we learned a lot of fascinating facts about the dogs. These Alaskan Huskies have been bred for long-distance sledding for over a century. Despite their lean physiques, they eat a lot to fuel their energy. We learned that the smartest dogs are placed at the front, guiding the team, while the stronger ones are positioned at the rear to help pull the sled. Interestingly, there is no “alpha dog” in their pack; they work together as a team, each playing a vital role.
Afterward, we had the opportunity to cuddle with the dogs for about 20 minutes, which was a delightful experience. We also got to meet the younger huskies, who were just as friendly and full of energy as their older counterparts. The whole Self-Drive Husky Sledding experience allowed us to bond with these amazing dogs and gain a deeper appreciation for their strength, intelligence, and loyalty.
Lunch
Next, and to round up the Self-Drive Husky Sledding, we sat down for lunch with a lovely French couple from Bordeaux. They were incredibly friendly, and it was a pleasure chatting with them, especially as they shared their experiences with the Northern Lights adventure. We learned a lot from their insights.
For lunch, we were served a hearty reindeer stew or a vegetable couscous tabouleh with bread. Both options were delicious, and for dessert, we enjoyed a rich chocolate cake paired with coffee or tea. The meal was satisfying, and the best part was that you could help yourself to more than one portion if you were still hungry. It was the perfect warm and comforting meal after our exhilarating husky sledding adventure.
End of the tour
After lunch, we parted ways with the French couple and had a chance to chat a bit more with our guide, Noa, a German seasonal worker who shared some of his experiences working in Tromsø. It was nice to hear about his time in the Arctic and learn a bit about life as a seasonal guide. After the conversation, we were ready for the next part of our journey, feeling grateful for the incredible experience we had with the husky sledding and looking forward to the rest of our time in Tromsø.
It is not the destination where you end up but the mishaps and memories you create along the way
