Dog Sledding near Bodø, Saltdalen
This unique dog sledding experience gives you the thrilling opportunity to steer your own team of huskies through the majestic landscapes of Saltdalen. Set in a beautiful area far from crowds and noise, you will travel into pristine Arctic nature. An unforgettable adventure suitable for all ages and experience levels.
Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by your guide and introduced to the huskies. If you wish, you may help put on the dogs’ harnesses and experience their excitement firsthand – eager, vocal, and ready to run! This lively preparation stage is both fun and insightful, offering a glimpse into the strong bond between dogs and musher. Before setting off, your guide will provide a safety briefing and demonstrate the basic techniques of dog sledding.
Seven of us really enjoyed the experience, with the oldest being 70 and the youngest 30. The guides were excellent, providing full instructions and additional warm gear if needed! It was good to be involved in harnessing the dogs - who absolutely love what they do - prior to setting off.
The dog sledding experience takes you into the white snowy landscapes of Saltdalen, an area known for its beauty and quiet surroundings. Two guests usually share one dog team of four huskies where you will have the opportunity to steer the sled yourself. You can switch roles along the way, taking turns as driver and passenger. No previous experience is required.
For those who prefer to sit back and enjoy the ride, it is also possible to join as a passenger on the guide’s sled. Likewise, if small children are joining, they will ride safely of the guide’s sled. The route covers approximately 8 kilometers and takes around 40 minutes, passing through forests and open valleys, with the surrounding mountains creating a stunning Arctic backdrop.
After the ride, you will return to camp to warm up with hot blackcurrant tea or coffee, prepared on the open fire in a candlelit Sami-inspired lavvu. As the fire crackles, your guide will share stories from life in the North, and guests are welcome to ask questions and stay as long as they like, soaking in the atmosphere and learning more about Arctic life – a relaxed and memorable way to round off a truly authentic dog sledding experience.
The dog sledding was awesome! We had an amazing time and the coordinators were knowledgeable, friendly and helpful. I can highly recommend this experience!
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Level
Easy to Moderate. Please see details in the FAQ section below.
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Duration
The tour takes approx. 2 hours - please note that this does not include travel time to/from Bodø
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Group size
We run this tour with 1-8 people. Larger groups on request.
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Season
October - April. No snow? No problem: off-season (no snow) we will operate with specially made wheeled sleds/wagons.
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Meeting point
Dog sledding in Saltdalen is a "meet on location" tour. Please see details in the FAQ section below.
FAQ - Dog Sledding Day Trip, Bodø, Northern Norway
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Do I need any outdoor experience?
- The tour is designed for all, whether you are an experienced adventurer or new to dog sledding. No special skills are require – although good fitness and mobility will be an advantage if you opt to steer the sled yourself. The dogs do most of the work but steering is still somewhat physically demanding. Please note that there is always the option to ride on the guide’s sled. For small children this will be a requirement.
- Before the sledding adventure begins, your guide will provide a thorough safety briefing to ensure everyone feels comfortable, confident, and ready for the journey ahead.
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What do I need to bring?
- Dress warmly in winter-appropriate clothing (wool layers, warm footwear, mittens, and a hat),
- Bring a day pack for snacks, your camera, and extra clothing,
- We have a limited number of thermal coveralls available as backup.
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Where and when do we meet?
This tour is “meet on location”.
Click for driving directions to meeting point if you meet up on location (Google maps)
- How to get there – car? The easiest way to get to the dog sledding site is by (rental) car. Please click the map above and see driving directions here:
From Bodø follow route 80 to the small town of Fauske, head south along E6 until you reach the small village of Røkland. Leave E6, take the road to `Evenesdal / Vassbotnfjell` (yellow directional signs). From Røkland there is still 14 km to reach the husky farm; 3 km after leaving Røkland; take right for `Evenesdal`. Follow the road almost to the end and you will see the Husky farm on your right (white house by the river).
- How to get there – train? An alternative option is to go by train. The local train station is called “Røkland”. Please remember to click the option for “pick up/drop off” when you book the tour. The guide will then meet you at Røkland train station. Please be advised that there’ll be a slight add on cost for the pick up/drop off service. You can book train tickets here: https://www.reisnordland.no/ – Please note that the best train option is the F7 leaving Bodø at 12.27, arriving at Røkland at 13.45. For the return trip, the train leaves Røkland at 16.13 and arrives back in Bodø at 17.38. These train times are perfectly timed with the 2pm dog sledding tour.
- Private transfer: In case you dont have the option to drive yourself or take the train, you can get in touch for a tailor-made tour, which includes transportation.
- Meeting time: We operate this tour at fixed times. Please see start times in the booking calendar.
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Group size
- The typical group size is between 2 to 8 people. The tour is designed based on a preference for small groups, which improves the experience for both guests, dogs, and guide. Solo travellers are also welcome and we will indeed run the tour with only one person booked.
- Our maximum capacity is 20 people. Please get in touch for large groups.
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Weather cancellation policy
Naturally, dog sledding requires snow! Bodø is located on the Northern Norwegian coast, which means the snow cover near the town centre varies during the wintertime. This dog sledding tour will be operated in Saltdalen, an inland area with far more stable snow conditions.
There is normally no need to cancel this trip due to weather. The only exception is extremely strong wind and/or heavy rain. If the weather gets too bad, we will consider choosing alternative routes or experiences.