REVIEW · TROMSO
Tromsø: Puppy Training at the Husky Kennel with Lunch
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by Tromsø Villmarkssenter · Bookable on GetYourGuide
Four-week-old huskies set the tone fast. This Tromsø outing mixes puppy teamwork training with real time outdoors—plus fjord-and-mountain scenery and a hearty lunch afterward.
I especially like how the day is built around the dogs’ development. You get hands-on time with puppies from 4 weeks to adolescence, learning age-appropriate exercises, and you also spend time with the wider husky group (including the friendly adult dogs). Another big win is that the handlers clearly prioritize dog wellbeing, so your interaction feels safe and respectful, not like a circus show.
One thing to consider: this is an active, muddy-in-the-real-world walk. Expect wet boots and rain gear to matter, and it’s also not suitable for wheelchair users or people with animal allergies.
In This Review
- Key points before you go
- From Tromsø to the husky kennel: where the day starts
- Puppy training you can actually picture: 4 weeks to adolescence
- The hike near the husky farm: exercises in real Norwegian weather
- Meeting 200 huskies: cuddles, yard time, and safe handling
- Who you’re learning from matters: the role of the handlers
- Lunch in a cozy setting: what you’ll eat and why it’s part of the value
- Price and value: what you’re really paying for
- What to bring, and what to expect when it’s wet and cold
- Should you book it? My honest take
- FAQ
- How long is the Tromsø puppy training and lunch experience?
- Where do I meet for the tour?
- What’s included in the price?
- Is there a vegetarian meal option?
- What should I bring?
- Are pets allowed?
- Is alcohol allowed on the tour?
- Is the tour available in English?
- What if I’m canceling?
Key points before you go
- Age-based puppy training: 4-week pups to teenagers, with different exercises for each stage
- You walk the grounds: a 1 to 1.5-hour hike near the farm as part of the training
- Big husky time: cuddle opportunities with puppies and time with the other sled dogs
- Guides with real rapport: you’ll hear practical, calm instruction from staff like Bram and Nadia, Max and Brahm, and Oystein
- Warm lunch break: meal served after you’ve been out in the cold and wet
From Tromsø to the husky kennel: where the day starts
The tour runs about 270 minutes, starting in Tromsø and taking you out to the Husky Kennel at Tromsø Villmarkssenter. You’ll be picked up with transport from and back to Tromsø, so you’re not juggling buses and taxis while you’re excited about puppies.
The meeting point is outside the main entrance of the Radisson Blu Hotel in Tromsø, and you’ll want to arrive around 15 minutes early. The bus leaves on time, and if you miss it because you’re not at the meeting point, your spot won’t be refunded—so treat that early arrival like part of the experience, not an afterthought.
Even before you meet the dogs, the ride adds to the mood. Several people highlight the snowy drive through the Norwegian countryside, which helps you feel like you’re actually going somewhere out of town, not just popping into an attraction.
Other husky and dog sledding tours in Tromso
Puppy training you can actually picture: 4 weeks to adolescence
This isn’t just meet-and-greet cuddling. It’s structured around training dogs for sled racing—an ambition that keeps the whole operation focused on teamwork, discipline, and gradual learning.
What makes it click is that you train by age stage. You start with the youngest sled dogs (around 4 weeks), then move up toward adolescence. The handlers guide you through exercises that match what the puppies can handle, so you’re not stuck doing the same thing for the whole session.
And yes, you still get plenty of that soft-puppy magic. People consistently gush about the cuteness and energy, but the best part is that you’re doing it with context: you’re learning why certain handling choices matter for their growth and confidence.
If you’re traveling with kids, this is a huge plus. Adults get the practical training story, while kids get short bursts of action that still feel meaningful—pat, hold, walk, repeat.
The hike near the husky farm: exercises in real Norwegian weather
A key part of the experience is a hike close to the husky farm—about 1 to 1.5 hours—built around training tasks. Depending on the puppies’ age, the exercises may look simple on the surface, but they’re clearly meant to build coordination, comfort outdoors, and teamwork with handlers.
Plan for wet ground. Even if the day is bright, you can run into mud and puddles. The tour includes rain clothes and boots, which is great, because this is one of those places where your own sneakers can quietly become soaked and miserable.
Several people mention the walk being a real workout because the dogs can be strong and energetic, especially when you’re handling the older pups. That’s not a bad thing—it just means you should be ready for a little motion and pull, and you should listen closely to the guidance before you step into the training zone.
Meeting 200 huskies: cuddles, yard time, and safe handling
You’ll have time with a big group—up to 200 Alaskan huskies—so you’re not stuck with just a few dogs. People highlight two things most: the puppies you can cuddle, and the adult sled dogs you can interact with afterward.
One small but important detail: you’re not there to feed or do random treats. Feeding animals isn’t allowed, so you’ll rely on approved interaction and the handlers’ direction. That keeps the dogs focused and helps maintain a healthy routine for them.
Handling changes as the dogs get older. One review specifically notes that when working with adolescent dogs, participants used a padded belt with leashes attached. That’s a practical solution: it helps you manage strength and keeps everyone safe while the dogs learn how to move with people.
Also, the yard time feels like it has a purpose. People mention opportunities to pet and cuddle the dogs, plus time to wander around the area and take in how the kennel operates when you’re not actively in the training session.
What I like about this part is that it avoids turning the dogs into props. Guides like Max and Brahm (and others) are described as enthusiastic and focused on the dogs’ comfort, which you can feel in how the interactions are guided.
Who you’re learning from matters: the role of the handlers
The difference between a fun animal day and a memorable one is instruction quality. Here, you’re working with experienced handlers and you get a live English tour guide throughout.
Names that came up in feedback include Bram and Nadia, Max and Brahm, Jenny and Rom, Oystein, Florian, Leonardo, and Lena. Different personalities, same theme: clear direction, good pacing, and a strong emphasis on keeping the dogs happy and safe.
That shows up in the little things: how the guides help you get comfortable before you interact, how they explain what you’re doing and why, and how they keep the group moving without rushing past the best puppy moments.
If you’re worried you’ll feel awkward around dogs, don’t. The vibe is more calm teacher than hard-sell showman. You’ll get enough time to bond, then enough guidance to feel confident doing the training tasks.
A few more Tromso tours and experiences worth a look
Lunch in a cozy setting: what you’ll eat and why it’s part of the value
After time outdoors, you get lunch included. It’s not just a snack stop. The meal is described as served in a cozy building with warmth—people mention warming up by a fire, hot drinks, and desserts like chocolate cake.
What you might eat varies, but common mentions include soups and a classic Norwegian feel. One review notes fish soup; another mentions hot berry juice; and there’s a vegetarian option available.
This matters for value. At $172 per person for about four and a half hours, you’re paying for the full package: transport, trained guidance, protective gear, structured dog interaction, and a real sit-down meal. Lunch helps make the day feel complete instead of “tour, walk, leave.”
Also, the fact that vegetarian food is available is a genuine quality-of-life upgrade. You’re not negotiating a workaround or skipping the meal.
Price and value: what you’re really paying for
$172 sounds like a lot until you break down what’s included. You’re paying for more than puppy cuddles. You’re paying for a guided experience that gives you:
- transport from/to Tromsø
- rain gear (clothes and boots)
- guided training time and hands-on interaction
- time with many dogs (not just a handful)
- lunch and dessert
That’s the main value: the dogs, the training process, and the staff time. Operations that care about welfare and structure don’t cut corners with gear or guidance, and that shows in the overall feel.
If you’re comparing this to a quick “touch a husky” stop, the difference is obvious. Here you walk, learn, handle according to age stage, and then recover with a meal. It’s closer to a half-day activity day than a short animal visit.
What to bring, and what to expect when it’s wet and cold
You’ll get rain clothes and boots, which helps a lot, but you’ll still want to plan like Norway weather can change fast. Wear layers you can move in. Bring a change of clothes if you get cold easily, because even with protection, you might end up damp or muddy around the edges.
If you’re traveling with kids, read the child requirements carefully. You must bring a child safety seat. The activity provider cannot guarantee seats in their transportation, so for small children/infants you’ll need to bring your own car seat or arrange your own transport. And children must be accompanied by an adult.
A few other practical notes:
- Pets are not allowed.
- Alcohol and drugs are not allowed.
- The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users.
- People with animal allergies should consider avoiding it.
Should you book it? My honest take
Book this if you want a real husky day, not just a quick photo stop. I’d especially recommend it to families and dog lovers who like hands-on learning and don’t mind a hike in cold, wet conditions. The combination of age-based puppy training, lots of friendly husky time, and a warm lunch by the fire makes the day feel worth the price.
Skip it if you have mobility constraints, animal allergies, or you’re hoping for a very low-energy visit. This experience has movement, strong dogs in training sessions, and weather that you can’t control.
If you’re okay getting a bit muddy and you want to understand how huskies are trained for sled racing, this is a top pick in the Tromsø area.
FAQ
How long is the Tromsø puppy training and lunch experience?
The duration is 270 minutes, or about 4.5 hours. Check availability to see starting times.
Where do I meet for the tour?
Meet outside the main entrance of the Radisson Blu Hotel in Tromsø. Plan to arrive 15 minutes before departure.
What’s included in the price?
Transport from and back to Tromsø, rain clothes and boots, guiding, and lunch are included.
Is there a vegetarian meal option?
Yes, a vegetarian meal is available.
What should I bring?
You should bring a child safety seat if traveling with children who require one. You’ll also want to dress for cold, wet weather even though rain clothing and boots are provided.
Are pets allowed?
No, pets are not allowed.
Is alcohol allowed on the tour?
No, alcohol is not allowed.
Is the tour available in English?
Yes, there is a live tour guide in English.
What if I’m canceling?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
