Northern Lights Husky Visit

If you’re planning a trip to Tromsø and want to combine the thrill of husky encounters with the awe of the northern lights, this tour might catch your eye. While I haven’t done it myself, the reviews and details paint a pretty compelling picture of what you can expect. Whether you’re a dog lover, a keen aurora chaser, or just looking for a memorable Arctic evening, this experience hits many of the right notes.

What I really appreciate about this tour is how it balances wild Arctic scenery with warm comfort—think cozy fires, hearty Norwegian fish stew, and cuddles with gentle huskies. Plus, the fact that it includes warm clothing gear and professional guides means you’re well taken care of, even in the coldest night. On the flip side, it’s not a dog sledding adventure, if that’s what you’re after, so keep this in mind. Still, for those who want a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere with plenty of dog interaction and a good chance to see the northern lights, it offers a solid experience.

This tour is best suited for animal lovers, those interested in Arctic culture, or travelers who want a comfortable way to enjoy the northern lights without the more demanding activities like sledding or chasing multiple locations. It’s also a good pick if you want a balanced mix of wildlife, local food, and stargazing, with the comfort of hotel pickup and drop-off.

Key Points

• Combines husky interactions with northern lights watching, offering a well-rounded Arctic experience
• Includes warm clothing gear, so you’re prepared for the cold night
• Offers a hearty local dinner in a cozy setting while waiting for the aurora
• Professional guides help you understand the northern lights and local culture
• Not a dog sledding tour, but dog cuddles are plentiful and relaxed
• Good value for the price, especially considering the included meals, gear, and transportation

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

The Itinerary and Location

The tour kicks off with hotel pickup at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Tromsø around 6:45 pm, with around 25-minute transport to the Aurora Camp—about 30 minutes from the city center. Being away from the city lights is a major plus; the darkness is essential for catching the northern lights at their best. The camp is set up specifically for aurora viewing, which means fewer distractions and better chances of seeing those shimmering green curtains.

The Setting and Atmosphere

Once at the camp, you’ll find yourself in a warm, welcoming environment. The guides are described as knowledgeable and engaged, eager to share insights about the northern lights, huskies, and local customs. As you arrive, you’ll be greeted by the sight of over 300 huskies—a dog lover’s paradise. Many reviews mention how relaxed and happy the dogs seem, which is a testament to their well-being.

Meeting the Huskies

One of the highlights, according to reviews, is the time spent with the dogs. Visitors rave about cuddling with the huskies and puppies, exploring the kennel at leisure, and getting to know these animals. The dogs are described as relaxed and genuinely enjoying the interaction, which makes for a warm, friendly atmosphere. Guides often share stories about sled racing and animal welfare, making the experience both fun and educational.

The Dinner and Warmth

In our cozy Gamme-hut, you’ll sit around an open fire, savoring a local bacalao—a spicy fish stew with regional ingredients. Vegetarian options are available if you request beforehand, which is a thoughtful touch. The meal is described as tasty, with reviews mentioning delicious food and a friendly setting. After the meal, there’s time for photo ops and to say goodbye to the dogs before the lights appear.

Waiting for the Aurora

The guides are vigilant, watching the sky for signs of activity. They keep you informed and are quick to call everyone outside for optimal viewing. Even if the weather isn’t perfect—cloudy or rainy—many reviewers still appreciated the warmth inside, the chance to pet the dogs, and the overall ambiance. Several reviews mention how the guides helped enhance the experience, whether through storytelling or calling guests out to see the lights at just the right moment.

The Aurora and Final Moments

If the northern lights do make an appearance, you’ll love the magical glow dancing across the sky. Many reviewers mention how lucky they felt to see even a mild aurora, describing the moment as unforgettable. For those who don’t see the lights, the campfire, good company, and cozy atmosphere still make the trip worthwhile. The tour wraps up with a relaxed return to Tromsø, usually around 10 pm.

What’s Included and What’s Not

This tour provides hotel pickup and drop-off at the Radisson Blu, transport, a warm thermal suit and boots, dinner, and guidance. Coffee and tea are standard, and local taxes are covered, which simplifies the experience.

However, it’s important to note that dog sledding is not included, so if that’s your main goal, you’ll need to look elsewhere. Also, there’s no dedicated northern lights chase—the focus is on a comfortable, relaxed viewing experience at the camp, with guides doing their best to spot the aurora if it appears.

Price and Value

At around $171.57 per person, this tour offers good value when you consider the included clothing gear, dinner, and transportation. Multiple reviews mention how the experience exceeded expectations, especially with the delicious local food and engaging guides. Some note that the price might feel steep compared to other Arctic activities, but for the convenience, warm gear, and the chance to interact closely with huskies, many agree it’s worth it.

The Experience’s Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths:

• Expert guides who know their stuff and enhance the experience
• Close encounters with huskies—petting, cuddling, and learning about the dogs
• Comfortable setup with warm clothing, cozy dinner, and fire-side ambiance
• Good chance to see the northern lights in a dark, open setting
• Tasty local meal and desserts that add to the culture

Potential Drawbacks:

• No dog sledding included, which might disappoint those specifically wanting that activity
• Weather dependency—cloudy nights mean less chance of aurora viewing, though this seems to be par for the course in Arctic trips
• Limited to one location—if you’re hoping for multiple viewing spots or chasing the lights across different areas, this might feel a bit static

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for wildlife and dog lovers, those who want a relaxed, cozy Arctic night, or families looking for a friendly, educational outing. If you want an authentic local dinner and the chance to pet and learn about huskies, it’s a great choice. Keep in mind, this is not a high-energy activity like dog sledding or nighttime chase tours, so if your goal is an adrenaline-filled adventure, you might want to look elsewhere.

If you’re traveling with children who enjoy animals and don’t mind cold evenings, this could be a memorable outing—just ensure they’re prepared for the weather with the provided gear. For those who prefer a more active or varied aurora experience, consider combining this with other tours in Tromsø.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off only at the Radisson Blu Hotel, making logistics simple and straightforward.

How long is the tour?
It lasts about 4 hours and 15 minutes, giving plenty of time to mingle with the huskies, enjoy dinner, and watch for the northern lights.

What should I wear?
The tour provides thermal suits and boots, so just dress warmly underneath. Warm layers, hats, and gloves are advisable, especially if the weather turns cold or windy.

Can I see the northern lights on this tour?
While the guides do their best to spot the aurora, it’s weather-dependent. Some reviews mention seeing a mild aurora, but cloudy skies might mean no sightings. Still, the night’s cozy setting and the chance to see the lights make it worthwhile.

Is dog sledding part of this experience?
No, dog sledding is not included. This tour focuses on interacting with the huskies, learning about them, and observing the northern lights.

Is this suitable for children?
Children who enjoy animals and are comfortable in cold weather will likely love it. The tour is family-friendly in that sense, but always check the weather and the child’s comfort with outdoor winter conditions.

What’s the food like?
Dinner features local bacalao, a spicy fish stew, with vegetarian options available. Many reviewers describe the food as delicious, and there’s also a chocolate cake for dessert.

How crowded does it get?
The tour has a maximum of 48 travelers, so it’s not overly large. Reviews indicate the groups are well-managed and intimate enough to allow interaction with the dogs and guides.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are free up to 24 hours in advance, allowing flexibility if your schedule shifts.

Final Thoughts

For anyone seeking a relaxed, friendly introduction to Arctic life in Tromsø, this Northern Lights Husky Visit offers a lovely blend of animal interaction, local cuisine, and aurora watching. While it doesn’t include high-energy activities like sledding, it compensates with authentic experiences, knowledgeable guides, and a warm, inviting atmosphere.

It’s best suited for those who prioritize comfort, culture, and animal encounters over adrenaline or multiple sightseeing stops. If you’re lucky enough to see the northern lights, it’s a night you’ll remember forever; if not, the company, scenery, and cozy dinner still make it worth your while.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Arctic traveler, this tour provides a meaningful snapshot of Tromsø’s charm—an experience that’s both memorable and truly heartwarming.