From Tromsø: Dog Sledding Adventure in Tamokdalen

Thinking about adding a dog sledding trip to your Norway itinerary? This experience, which takes you outside Tromsø into the snowy heart of Tamokdalen, might just be what you’re looking for. It’s a well-rated tour—nearly perfect, actually, with a 4.9 out of 5 from over 900 reviews—that promises a genuine Arctic adventure, guided by passionate experts and surrounded by incredible scenery.

What really wins us over is how much the tour emphasizes interaction with the huskies and the beautiful, unspoiled landscapes—both of which make it feel authentic, not just a touristy ride. Plus, the opportunity to guide your own sled adds a hands-on thrill that many travelers find unforgettable. On the flip side, the tour involves a roughly 1 hour and 45-minute bus ride each way, which can feel a bit lengthy if you’re pressed for time or not so keen on long transfers.

If you’re someone who loves outdoor adventures, animals, and scenic drives, this trip is likely to appeal. It’s especially suited for those comfortable with moderate physical activity and eager to experience the Arctic in a truly intimate way. It’s not designed for very young children, pregnant women, or folks with mobility issues, but otherwise, it’s a fairly accessible and family-friendly activity (with a few restrictions).

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points:

• Authentic husky interaction: Plenty of time with the dogs before and after sledding.
• Stunning scenery: Expect breathtaking Arctic views throughout the drive and trail.
• Guided by passionate experts: Guides are knowledgeable, friendly, and love sharing about their huskies.
• Comfort and warmth: Thermal suits, boots, and gloves are provided, making the cold more bearable.
• Long travel time: The trip involves almost two hours on a bus each way, so plan accordingly.
• Well-organized experience: From check-in to return, everything runs smoothly, with attention to detail.

The adventure kicks off early in Tromsø, with a comfortable bus ride through Arctic mountains and fjords lasting about 95 minutes. This is one of those scenic drives where you’ll want to keep your camera ready, as the landscape is filled with snow-covered peaks and forests that look straight out of a winter postcard.

Once you arrive at Tamokhuset, the real fun begins. The tour is split into two groups to maximize your experience. While one group gets geared up in thermal suits, boots, and gloves, the other visits the dog yard—getting to cuddle puppies and learn about how the huskies are cared for. We loved the way the guides shared fascinating facts about the dogs, making the visit feel warm and personal, despite the cold weather.

Sledding Experience: Guided and Self-Driven

The main event is, of course, dog sledding, which lasts around 3.5 hours including the preparation and the actual run. After instructions on how to steer and assist the sled, you’ll hop aboard with a partner, taking turns as mushers. The terrain is described as quite flat and open—ideal for a comfortable ride—yet some reviews mention the need to push uphill, which adds a bit of physical effort to the fun.

Participants consistently say that controlling the sled is easier than expected, and guides are there to help if you’re new to sledding. For many, the highlight is the interaction with the dogs—they’re full of energy and excitement, clearly loving their work. One reviewer shared, “The dogs seemed very well cared for, and our guides were very friendly,” which reassures that the huskies’ welfare is a priority.

Food, Warmth, and Relaxation

In between sled rides, everyone gathers around a campfire inside a tipi, enjoying hot fish soup, bread, and hot drinks. The reviews praise the delicious food, noting it’s a perfect warming treat after being outside. The cozy atmosphere, complete with stories from the guides, really adds to the authenticity of the experience.

Switching and Flexibility

The tour is well-structured with group switchovers, so everyone gets to both drive and enjoy the scenery from the passenger seat. As one reviewer put it, “We had lots of time with the dogs after to thank them and cuddle,” which is a big plus for those who love animals. The flexibility to switch between driving and riding makes the experience more engaging and less tiring.

The full day is about 7 hours from start to finish, including transportation, activities, and breaks. While the drive is scenic, it’s worth noting that nearly one third of the time is spent on the bus. So if you’re not a fan of long transfers, this could be a consideration.

Price-wise, this tour is on the higher end, but many reviews emphasize the value for money. For the cost, you get professional guides, high-quality gear, a meaningful interaction with the huskies, and a delicious meal. Many travelers felt it was a ‘once in a lifetime’ experience, citing the authenticity and the joy of working with the dogs.

The activity is rated as medium difficulty. You should be comfortable walking on snowy terrain and helping push the sled uphill at times. The terrain is described as quite flat and open, making it manageable for most, but some physical effort is involved. The experience isn’t suitable for children under 7, pregnant women, or those with mobility issues, given the physical demands and cold exposure.

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Climate and Clothing Tips

The provided gear—including thermal suits, hats, gloves, and boots—are designed to keep you warm, but reviews suggest bringing additional layers like thermal socks, inside gloves, and merino wool wear for extra comfort. The temperatures during the tour can be well below freezing, so layered clothing is your best bet.

Animal Welfare and Guides

It’s clear from hundreds of reviews that the dogs are well-loved and well-cared for. Guides are described as passionate, knowledgeable, and eager to share stories about each dog’s personality and history. Many reviewers appreciated how the staff even takes shifts sleeping with the dogs, emphasizing their dedication.

This dog sledding adventure is ideal for adventurers eager to guide their own sleds, animal lovers, and those craving Arctic scenery. While it’s a bit of a long haul due to the travel time, the scenic drive and the authentic interaction with the huskies make it worth it. The warm meal and friendly guides add a relaxing touch to the adrenaline-filled activity.

It’s not a trip for those who want a quick, inexpensive outing, but for genuine lovers of nature, animals, and outdoor fun, this tour offers a truly memorable Arctic experience. Many reviews describe it as “magical,” “surreal,” and even “a fairy tale”—and that’s not an exaggeration.

This tour is best suited for adventure seekers, animal enthusiasts, and travelers looking for an immersive Arctic activity. It’s perfect if you want to experience the joy of dog sledding firsthand, guided by caring professionals in an environment that’s both rugged and beautiful. If you’re comfortable with physical activity and don’t mind a bit of a journey, you’ll find this to be one of the most rewarding ways to see the Norwegian wilderness.

Final note: If you’re traveling with children aged 7 and above who are active and enjoy outdoor activities, they might also love this experience. However, pregnant women, mobility-impaired travelers, and those over 120 kg should consider other options.

Is the bus ride to Tamokdalen long?
Yes, it’s about 1 hour and 45 minutes each way, so be prepared for a scenic but lengthy transfer. Many reviews mention that the drive is quite beautiful and worth the time.

What should I wear for the tour?
The tour provides thermal suits, boots, and gloves, but layering with thermal socks and additional warm clothing is recommended. Bringing a scarf and weather-appropriate gear will help stay comfortable.

Can I drive the sled myself?
Yes, guides give instructions on how to steer the sled, and many reviews note that it’s quite manageable, even for beginners. You’ll get a chance to switch with your partner.

Is this activity suitable for families?
It’s generally suitable for children over 7 who are comfortable in cold conditions and active. The physical nature and cold weather are factors to consider.

How physically demanding is the experience?
It involves moderate effort, including walking on snow and helping push the sled uphill at times. Most people with basic fitness should manage, but it’s rated medium difficulty.

Are the huskies well cared for?
Absolutely. Reviews consistently praise how well the dogs are treated, with many staff members even sleeping with them. The dogs are excited and loved.

What’s included in the meal?
A hot fish soup, bread, and hot drinks are served around a campfire in a cozy tipi. Many find it a perfect, warming end to the outdoor adventure.

Is it worth the cost?
While it’s on the pricier side, many reviews say it’s a ‘once in a lifetime’ experience and worth every penny for the authenticity, scenery, and interaction with the dogs.

This Tromsø dog sledding tour offers a rare chance to really connect with Norway’s wilderness and its most beloved animals. The combination of scenic drives, guided instruction, animal interaction, and hearty food makes it a day full of memorable moments. It’s well-organized, authentic, and full of the kind of magic that keeps travelers raving.

If you’re up for a bit of physical activity, eager to learn about huskies, and dreaming of snowy Arctic landscapes, this trip should definitely be on your list. Just remember to pack warm layers and keep the long drive in mind. It’s a brilliant way to see the northern wilderness and create stories to tell for years to come.

You can check availability for your dates here: