Tromso Wilderness Center - Dog sledding — Attraction in Tromsø

Fantastic staff, really well-organised experience, good food, excellent camping setup, we loved spending time with the dogs, and the walk was really fun too.

Overall the experience is super professional and very high quality.

However, whilst we’re grateful for the staff and food and beautiful overnight stay… dogs like these did not evolve to live in groups of hundreds. They evolved to live in groups reaching a maximum of around 30.

The staff made a point of explaining on multiple occasions that the dogs have to be chained up in pairs or alone to prevent fights from occurring, and that the arrangement of the dogs is the solution to "a social puzzle".

We humans are all very susceptible to accepting answers to things that seem logical, even if they don’t actually fully answer the right questions.

These dogs spend the vast majority of their lives unable to pursue their basic instincts: exploring, interacting with one another as social animals, experimenting with their surroundings etc.

Yes, they have their basics well met (food, shelter etc.), but a great body of research, not least Dr Harry Harlow's monkey studies, clearly shows that this is by no means enough to keep intelligent, complex living things content. Would the same conditions keep any of us content?

Chaining up hundreds of dogs in a huge yard like this, solving the "social puzzle" by isolating them in pairs or alone is, in fact, not a good solution. It's an inhumane solution to an inhumane and unnecessary problem.

Imagine, if you will, a big industrial farming company from the USA telling the public that "in our factory farms, we have to give the cows a lot of antibiotics to prevent disease". Again, it sounds like a necessary solution to the problem.

But the root problem is not the disease - it's the factory farms themselves; scaling up milk and/or beef production to maximise profits.

Yes, this arrangement at this dog centre in Norway seems as though it might be towards the better end of factory-style animal keeping operations in the world, and I'm glad to know that the dogs are able to interact with people most days.

But they cannot build relationships as they ought to be able to. Even the humans, loving as they may be, are mostly just ephemeral tourists.

We are grateful of the kindness and enthusiasm we were shown by the guides and we loved meeting and walking the dogs.

But who is it benefiting to have so many dogs?

It takes a wilful blindness / suspension of our intuitive understanding of biology and love of life on Earth to consider this kind of operation as reasonable / okay / necessary.

They don't need this many dogs by any means to run the tourist side of the operation.

The only reason they need so many dogs, as far as I understand it, is so that they can breed them for sled-pulling races, so that the owners can attempt to win the annual 1,200km race with the best possible set of dogs.

Perhaps a kinder, more futuristic way to run this operation would be to make it much smaller and less factory-like, and/or to make it more modular, so that dogs can exist in more natural sizes of “packs”, with much more freedom, closer to what they...

The Aurora Camp and dog sledding experience at Tromsø Villmarkssenter was nothing short of magical. From start to finish, it was an unforgettable Arctic adventure that combined natural beauty, friendly huskies, and warm hospitality.

The evening at the Aurora Camp began with the chance to meet and fuss over the huskies—such beautiful, friendly dogs who clearly love what they do. As we spent time with them, the Northern Lights made a surprise appearance.

A special mention to Jitske and Nadia, our knowledgeable and engaging hosts. They shared fascinating insights about the dogs, their care, and the lives of these incredible animals. Their passion for the huskies and their work was clear and added so much depth to the experience.

Afterwards, we gathered inside a large wooden ‘tent’, warmed by a roaring fire. Over a simple vegetarian dinner and some surprisingly perfect hot blackcurrant juice, sharing tables with the other guests.

Sitting outside later by open fires under the Arctic sky, hoping for another glimpse of the aurora, was a peaceful and memorable moment. We even got to sledge down a hill with mats provided.

The next morning brought the highlight of the visit—the dog sledding. Bundled up in warm overalls provided by the centre, we glided through snow-covered landscapes while the dogs enthusiastically pulled the sled. We had stunning snow but the snow hitting our faces only added to the experience, we weren’t uncomfortable, thanks to the clothing. I recommend you take your own ski goggles though, if you have them. The dogs were clearly in their element, happy and eager to run, which made the experience even more special.

A huge thank you to Jenny, our dog sled driver. Jenny’s expertise and calm guidance made the ride smooth and safe, allowing us to fully enjoy the breathtaking scenery. Her clear bond with the dogs and passion for what she does shone through, making the whole sledding experience even more enjoyable.

A few unexpected moments added to the adventure, including navigating an unexpected dip in the track over a stream and pausing while an escaped dog was rounded up. It all felt like part of the fun and authenticity of the experience.

After sledding, saying goodbye to the huskies was the hardest part. We chose to spend more time with them rather than watch a video about husky racing—cuddling them was far more appealing!

Lunch back at the centre wrapped up the experience perfectly, with more hot juice, tasty couscous, and chocolate cake.

The entire experience ran smoothly, and the staff were fantastic—knowledgeable, friendly, and clearly passionate about the dogs.

This was a very special experience. If you’re visiting Tromsø, Tromsø Villmarkssenter’s Aurora Camp and dog sledding should be top...

Unforgettable Adventure at Tromø Wilderness Centre: Dog Sledging Delight

I recently had the incredible opportunity to experience dog sledging at Tromø Wilderness Centre, and it truly exceeded all expectations. From start to finish, every moment was filled with excitement, wonder, and pure joy.

The staff at Tromø Wilderness Centre were not only incredibly helpful but also extremely informative. They guided us through every step of the experience, ensuring our safety while also sharing their vast knowledge of the wilderness and the magnificent dogs that would be our companions on this adventure.

Speaking of the dogs, they were the true stars of the show. Friendly, energetic, and bursting with enthusiasm, they made the entire experience unforgettable. Interacting with these amazing animals was an absolute highlight, and it was evident that they were well cared for and loved by everyone at the centre.

The sledging experience itself was nothing short of fantastic. Gliding through the pristine wilderness, surrounded by stunning landscapes and the serene beauty of Tromø, was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The rush of the cold wind against my face, the sound of the sledge slicing through the snow, and the sight of the dogs eagerly pulling us along will stay with me forever.

However, it's important to note that dog sledging is not for the faint of heart. The weather conditions can be challenging, with wet snow and cold temperatures adding to the adventure. But for those willing to brave the elements, the rewards are beyond measure.

In addition to the exhilarating sledging adventure, one of the most memorable moments was warming up by the crackling fire and indulging in some fantastic reindeer soup. After a day filled with excitement and adrenaline, there's nothing quite like cosying up by the fire with a hearty, delicious meal. The rich flavours of the reindeer soup combined with the comforting ambience of the wilderness centre created the perfect ending to an already unforgettable experience. It's these little touches that truly make Tromø Wilderness Centre a standout destination for anyone seeking an extraordinary adventure in the heart of nature.

In conclusion, my time at Tromø Wilderness Centre was truly unforgettable. From the incredible staff to the amazing dogs and the exhilarating sledging experience, every aspect exceeded my wildest dreams. If you're looking for an adventure that will stay with you for a lifetime, look no further than Tromø...