Day Trips & Excursions

Dog Sledding & Scenic Photo Safari

Experience more than just dog sledding on this full-day excursion from Bodø. We combine a dog sledding adventure in Saltdalen with a scenic photo safari through some of the beautiful landscapes and small communities of Northern Norway – with time to stop and experience the places we pass along the way.

We leave Bodø around 08:00 and head towards Saltstraumen, where we make our first stop to see the home of the world’s strongest tidal current. From here, we continue inland towards Misvær, a rural village surrounded by mountains, passing small settlements and farms on our way towards Saltdalen.

The journey itself is part of the experience. Rather than simply drive to the dog sledding site, we take our time along the way. We make several photo stops at viewpoints and other places that catch our eye, allowing you to experience the landscape rather than simply drive through it. The exact stops may vary with the weather and conditions, but the aim is always to give you a chance to experience more of Northern Norway beyond the main attractions.

With a maximum of 6 guests, we keep the group small, giving us the flexibility and freedom to stop for photographs – and allowing space for everyone to enjoy the serenity of the Arctic landscape.

Around 11:00 we arrive at the husky farm in Saltdalen, where you will meet the sled dogs and your local guide. You can help harness the dogs before receiving a safety briefing and learning the basics of driving a dog sled. Two guests normally share one team of four huskies, taking turns as driver and passenger as you travel approximately 8 kilometers through the winter landscape. No previous dog sledding experience is required. If you prefer to sit back and enjoy the ride, you can also travel as a passenger on the guide’s sled.

After the dog sledding, we return to a cosy lavvu – inspired by a traditional Sami tent – and gather around the fire with a warm drink. This is your chance to warm up, enjoy the packed lunch that you have brought with you and relax for a while. Your guide will be happy to answer any questions you may have about the dogs, the local area or the work involved in dog sledding before we start the journey back to Bodø.

We set off back towards Bodø, following a different route. Along the way, we stop in Rognan, a small town with a long tradition of boatbuilding. From here, we continue towards the coast, with further opportunities to stop for photographs, depending on the conditions and the time available.

We expect to be back in Bodø around 16:00. The day brings together dog sledding, local places and a scenic journey through Northern Norway – with time to slow down, take photographs and enjoy the journey along the way.

Price

from
NOK 4000

6,000 per person when booking 2 seats

4,000 per person when booking 3-6 seats

 

Minimum booking: 2 guests

Group size: maximum 6 guests

 

 

 

  • Level

    Easy to moderate

  • Duration

    Approx. 8 hour, including scenic drive from and back to Bodø, photography stops and 2 hours at the husky farm.

  • Group size

    Maximum 6 guests

  • Season

    October - April. If there is not enough snow for traditional dog sledding, the experience will be operated with specially made wheeled sleds.

  • Meeting point

    We meet at the lobby of Scandic Havet, Tollbugata 5, Bodø. Pickup and drop-off at your accommodation can be arranged by prior agreement.

  • Booking dates

    Selected dates are available in the calendar. If you would like to book the tour on a different date, please get in touch with us and we will see what we can arrange.

FAQ: Dog Sledding & Scenic Photo Safari

  • Do I need any previous dog sledding experience?

    No. The tour is suitable for first-time visitors as well as those who have tried dog sledding before. Before setting off, your guide will provide a safety briefing and explain how to handle the sled.

    Two guests normally share one team of four huskies and take turns driving and riding as a passenger. If you prefer not to drive, you can enjoy the experience as a passenger on the guide’s sled.

    Driving a dog sled does require some physical effort, particularly when steering and helping the dogs on uphill sections, so a reasonable level of mobility and fitness is recommended.

  • What is included in the dog sledding experience?

    The dog sledding takes place at a husky farm in Saltdalen. You will meet the huskies, help harness your husky team and learn the basics of driving your own sled before heading out on an approximately 8-kilometre dog sledding trip.

    The experience is accompanied by a local guide, and there is time afterwards to spend time with the dogs and learn more about life with huskies in Northern Norway.

  • Is lunch included?

    No, lunch is not included. Please bring your own packed lunch.

    There is a good opportunity to eat after the dog sledding, when we return to the cosy lavvu for a warm drink around the fire. You are also welcome to bring snacks for the journey.

  • What should I bring?

    Dress warmly in winter-appropriate clothing with wool or thermal layers, warm footwear, mittens and a hat.

    Bring a day pack with your camera, extra clothing, snacks and a packed lunch. The day includes several stops outdoors, so it is important to be prepared for changing weather conditions.

    There are thermal coveralls available at the dog sledding site.

  • Where do we meet?

    The meeting point is in the lobby of Scandic Havet in central Bodø. The address is Tollbugata 5, 8006 Bodø.

    If you would prefer to be picked up at your accommodation or another location in central Bodø, please get in touch with us in advance and we can arrange this by agreement.

  • How long is the tour?

    The full excursion takes approximately 8 hours.

    We normally leave Bodø around 08:00 and arrive at the husky farm in Saltdalen around 11:00. The dog sledding experience and time at the husky farm take approximately two hours, before we begin the journey back towards Bodø.

    We expect to arrive back in Bodø around 16:00. Exact timings may vary depending on weather, road conditions and the route and photo stops on the day.

  • What places do we visit on the scenic photo safari?

    The morning route takes us from Bodø towards Saltstraumen and onwards through Misvær before continuing inland towards the dog sledding site in Saltdalen.

    On the return journey, we take a different route and stop in Rognan, known for its long boatbuilding tradition. We also make stops at viewpoints and other places along the way when conditions and time allow.

    The exact route and photo stops may vary depending on weather, road conditions and the season.

  • Is this a photography tour?

    The scenic photo safari is about experiencing and photographing the landscapes along the journey rather than learning technical photography.

    We make several stops to take photographs and enjoy the surroundings. You do not need to be an experienced photographer – simply bring your camera or phone if you would like to capture the scenery.

  • What happens if the weather is bad?

    Northern Norway’s weather can change quickly, so the exact route and photography stops may be adjusted according to conditions. We always aim to make the journey as enjoyable as possible while keeping safety first.

  • What happens if there is not enough snow for dog sledding?

    The dog sledding takes place in Saltdalen, an inland area where winter conditions are more stable that around coastal Bodø.

    Should there be insufficient snow for traditional dog sledding, the experience will be operated with specially made wheeled sleds, allowing you to enjoy the husky experience even when there is no or very little snow.