This tour is also designed for fit beginners. Bear in mind that dog sledding is more physically demanding than a stroll around town. However, average fitness is sufficient—the kind needed for cycling trips with luggage over hilly terrain. Being able to adapt to challenging weather and snow conditions is very important. A willingness to pitch in, along with tolerance and stamina, are valuable qualities.

Over several stages, the route follows a figure eight through the mountains. The direction we travel around this loop depends on the weather and snow conditions. If the forecast calls for good weather at the start of the tour, we head straight for the national park. If better weather is expected toward the end, we cross the national park on the return journey.

In the following description, we trace the circular route through the mountains in a counterclockwise direction:

1. Day
Arrival at Bardufoss Airport and Setermoen Bus Station. mehr ...

Your guide will pick you up here and take you either to the Huskyfarm Innset or to Jan and Ane’s Husky Farm, depending on who your guide is. At the farm, you’ll meet the four-legged participants on the tour. You’ll stay in a holiday apartment or guesthouse with all the usual comforts, including a shower and kitchen. During dinner at our restaurant, you’ll discuss the first details of the expedition.

You’re also welcome to arrive a few days early. That gives you more time to enjoy the snow: meet the huskies, go snowshoeing or skiing on your own, try a one-day dog sledding tour, relax in the sauna, and acclimatise.

2. Day
This day is devoted entirely to preparing for the expedition. mehr ...

First, each participant is assigned a dog team so that the dogs and their musher can get acquainted.
Next, you’ll get an introduction to the art of dog sledding. The aim is to ensure everyone can handle the dogs and slede as independently as possible. We’ll cover all your questions: Which dog goes where? What are all the different lines for? What should I do if I fall over? You’ll practice harnessing and hooking up the dogs, then take a short lap around the yard with a team to get a first taste of the fun ahead.

Equipment is another important part of the preparation. We’ll thoroughly check that your gear is suitable and help fill any gaps. Your equipment needs to be ready for all the conditions you may encounter.

A look at the map will give you a rough idea of how the tour is planned.

3. Day
Today, we’ll pack the sleds, harness the dogs, and release the starting rope. mehr ...

Destination: Our lavvo (a traditional Sámi tent) in Storbukta. We’ll cover many kilometres across Lake Altevatn’s ice. We leave the ice about 500 metres from the lavvo, then head through open birch woodland to the tent. In terms of sledding, this is an introductory day.

The lavvo is a large, comfortable tent with a good wood-burning stove and benches for sitting and sleeping. We’ll spend a cosy first night here.

4. Day
Today we head through Rohkunborri National Park to Leina. mehr ...

Day four takes us through the birch-covered “Great Valley” in Rohkunborri National Park. Snow blown down from the surrounding mountains often gathers here, giving the valley a fairytale-like atmosphere. Only fox tracks—and sometimes lynx or wolverine tracks—remind us we are not entirely alone.

Our destination is a small cabin by Lake Leinavatnet.

5. Day
Day five takes the group toward the border mountains mehr ...

First, we follow Lake Leinavatnet for several kilometres. Then we climb a pass at almost 800 metres above sea level. The landscape opens up, the mountains become more rounded, and the view stretches far east across a vast white wilderness. From the top of the pass, we enjoy impressive views west towards Norway and east towards Sweden.

The descent leads onto the Sarevuopmi tundra, where the sled brakes send fountains of snow flying. Soon we reach the first birch trees in the valley. The route continues north through the sparse birch forest, and our small, secluded cabin for the night is not far away.

6. Day
We turn our noses back towards the west, through the famous valley of Dividalen mehr ...

This will be the longest day of the expedition. First, we follow the tundra and, after a few kilometres, reach a small, dense birch forest. We’ll need to find a suitable way through and cross the forest.

We continue towards Sweden. Once there, we follow Lake Kiehpanjärvi towards Norway and into the Dividalen Valley.

Our destination is a small cabin at the far end of Altevatnet—or the cabin by Lake Leinavatnet where we stayed on Day 4.

7. Day
It’s heading west. mehr ...

On the ice of Lake Altevatn, we head west towards the lavvo at Storbukta. We’ll spend most of the day on the lake, enjoying the magnificent wilderness around us.

8. Day
After a short ride through the forest, we feel the ice of Lake Altevatn beneath the sled runners again. mehr ...

The dogs soon realise we’re heading back home and pick up the pace. Before the participants can enjoy the shower and sauna at the husky farm in Innset, though, the dogs still need to be unharnessed and the sleds unloaded.

We’ve covered around 160 kilometres through challenging terrain, so the sauna is a welcome way to relax tired muscles.

After a few hours enjoying our spa, we round off the evening with a good meal in our small restaurant.

9. Day
Breakfast and Farewell to the Dogs mehr ...

Afterwards, you’ll be transferred to your departure point.

Please note: In the event of poor weather, heavy snowfall, or avalanche danger, the route may change. We have several beautiful alternative routes available.

Please read our Dogsledding manual !

Tour-Info

Tour-Info