Dog sledding in Norway

Dogs have always been an important part of human life, and that is perhaps truer in the Arctic than anywhere else in the world. Their thick fur and padded paws allow them to survive and thrive in the cold and snow, making them invaluable companions in the far north. Across Scandinavia, dogs have been instrumental in shaping the way of life, with dog sledding in Norway being one of the most notable examples of this enduring practice.

While snowmobiles have largely replaced dog sleds in daily life, in Norway dog sledding remains a beloved cultural activity, both as a local pastime and a serious competitive sport. A dog-sledding experience is always high on visitor’s wish lists, offering a unique way to explore some of our most beautiful areas and learn more about our history and culture.

The oldest archaeological evidence of dog sledding dates to around 1,000 A.D., when it was invented by the Inuit people in northern Canada before spreading rapidly across the continent. Early sleds were small, typically using a single dog to pull minimal cargo like firewood.

Over time, people discovered that larger loads could be transported over longer distances by using multiple dogs to distribute the effort. European settlers quickly recognised this advantage particularly during winter and adopted dog sledding.

(Image copyright: John M. Blankenberg/Wikimedia Commons)

During the Seven Years' War, the French-Canadian military employed dog teams because they were less expensive than horses while being equally (or better) suited for heavy loads in freezing conditions.

Knowledge of dog sledding eventually reached Europe, appealing especially to polar explorers. Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen famously used dog sleds to become the first person to reach the South Pole. Ever since, dog sledding in Norway has remained common for competitive racing, work, transportation, and recreation.

The most common breed used for dog sledding in Norway is Alaskan huskies, owing to their strength, endurance and resilience to the cold. Alaskan huskies are known for their friendly, energetic personalities, making them great companions for both short rides and long expeditions.

On our dog-sledding experiences you’ll often have the chance to meet the dogs (and their puppies!) at the kennels before setting out on a husky sleigh ride, learning about their care, training, and the bond between the dogs and their mushers.

(Image credit: Christoffer Sandmark - Visit Norway)

The musher is responsible for controlling the sled's direction and speed while managing and caring for the dog team.

Inspired by the Iditarod in Alaska, Norwegian sledders established the Finnmark Race (Finnmarksløpet) in 1981. This dog-sledding race has transformed from three mushers to such a spectacule that it now runs two separate tracks - one for teams with up to eight dogs and another accommodating teams with up to 14.

Held in March, it is the longest dog sled race in Europe, stretching over 1,200 kilometres and 13 stages across Norway’s northernmost region. It’s a gruelling competition that takes mushers and the team of huskies through some of the Arctic's most challenging and beautiful terrain.

Though not as long as its northern counterpart, the Femund Race (Femundløpet) in southern Norway is the world's largest dog sled race, attracting participants from across Europe. Starting in the UNESCO-listed mining town of Røros, it covers a 600-kilometre loop of dense forests and frozen lakes.