This is the hands-on version of husky sledding: after a briefing, you stand on the runners and drive a sled pulled by a team of huskies, with a guide giving one-to-one help, and swap with your companion so everyone takes a turn as driver and passenger. The tour meets in front of the Scandic Ishavshotel on the Tromsø waterfront, where a minibus takes you to the kennel. Arctic thermal suits and warm boots are provided, and coffee, tea, snacks and cake are included. The route covers a trail of roughly twelve kilometres according to reviewers, and the whole outing takes about four hours. Travellers from age seven can join, with children sharing a sled with a parent.
How it works: arrive ten minutes before departure and look for the black minibus with the operator's name on the side. At the kennel the guides introduce the dogs, explain how to brake and steer, and harness the teams. The huskies are eager and loud before the start, then go silent as soon as they run. The sled is steered by leaning and by using the brake, and the guide stops the group regularly so you can change places.
What to know: a basic to moderate level of fitness is needed. The tour is not recommended for pregnant travellers or wheelchair users. The operator does not list season dates on the page, and the experience depends on snow conditions, so ask about the plan if you travel before a settled snow cover in November. Sled dogs are working animals, and the better operators make time to meet and pet them after the run.
Pairing: a daytime husky tour combines naturally with an evening aurora chase, but give yourself a break in between, because both involve long periods in the cold. In the polar night the light is blue and soft, which makes the afternoon run especially atmospheric.
What to expect
The experience
A guided, self-drive dog sledding outing with a briefing, a kennel visit and a hot drink and cake.
Best time
Daytime in the snow season, when the polar twilight makes the trail glow blue.
How long
Four hours from the Scandic Ishavshotel and back.
Tips
Arrive ten minutes early, ask about snow conditions and wear warm layers under the provided thermal suit.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Active travellers who want to drive the sled themselves.
- Families
- Children from age seven can join, sharing a sled with a parent.
- Couples
- Take turns driving and riding, then warm up with cake and a hot drink.
- Pair with
- An evening Northern Lights chase.
- Time needed
- A full afternoon of four hours.
Good questions
Do I drive the sled myself?+
Yes, after a briefing you learn to control a sled and mush your own team, with one-to-one support from the guides. You swap between driver and passenger during the trip.
What is the minimum age?+
The minimum age is seven, and children share a sled with a parent. A basic to moderate level of fitness is required.
What is included?+
Arctic thermal suits, warm boots, transport to the kennel, and coffee, tea, snacks and cake. The tour starts and ends at the Scandic Ishavshotel.
Who should not take part?+
The tour is not recommended for pregnant travellers or wheelchair users. Check the details on the booking page for other limits.
Is there enough snow in November?+
Snow cover varies from year to year, so ask the operator about conditions before you travel. Later in the winter the snow is more reliable.