Dog Sledding + Northern Lights Combo Tours

The Double Bucket List: Dog Sledding Under the Northern Lights

For many travelers, a trip to Tromsø is defined by two goals: seeing the Northern Lights and going dog sledding. A combo tour allows you to achieve both in a single, high-value evening.

Mushing a team of huskies through the silent, dark wilderness while the Aurora Borealis dances overhead is, quite simply, the most magical experience the Arctic has to offer.

The Evening Atmosphere: Sledding in the Dark

Sledding at night is a completely different sensory experience compared to daytime tours.

Visuals: You rely on the moonlight reflecting off the white snow and your powerful LED headlamp to see the trail. The dogs’ eyes reflect the light, appearing like little beacons leading the way.
Sound: In the dark, the sound of the sled runners carving through the crusty snow and the rhythmic “pant-pant-pant” of the huskies is amplified.
The Aurora: If the lights appear while you are moving, it can be hard to keep your eyes on the trail! Most guides will plan stops at scenic viewpoints so you can safely watch the display.

How the Combo Tour Works

Typically, an evening tour follows this structure:

Pickup (6:00 PM): Transport from Tromsø city center to the husky farm (30–90 minutes).
Kit-Up: Putting on thermal suits and headlamps.
The Ride (60–90 mins): Sledding through the valley or forest under the night sky.
The Wait: After the ride, you’ll gather around a campfire in a Lavvu for a hot meal. This is “prime time” for the Aurora, which often appears between 9:00 PM and midnight.

Success Rates and Expectations

It is important to remember that the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon.

Visibility: While dog sledding tours take place in areas with low light pollution (ideal for the Aurora), clear skies are still required.
The Backup Plan: Even if the lights don’t show, the experience of nighttime dog sledding and the traditional campfire dinner is a world-class adventure in its own right.

Best Time for Combo Tours

To maximize your chances, choose the months with the longest nights: November, December, and January. February and March are also excellent, but you’ll have a shorter window of total darkness.

View Evening Combo Tours & Prices