Reindeer & husky sledding: An adventurer’s guide to Tromsø cruise port

Words by Karen Pasquali Jones

Home to 1,000 fjords and some of the most spectacular scenery in the world, Norway is the capital of adventure as well as beauty and no where is this more reflected than in its northernmost city of Troms​ø.

Top of the list after sailing through a UNESCO-protected fjord, marvelling at the towering mountains and world’s most unspoilt natural wonders, is to learn about the Sami culture and experience a Reindeer sled ride – even if it isn’t Christmas. 

Join a Sami reindeer herding family in Troms​ø, who have been living and working with reindeer for generations.

Enjoy a 30-minute sledding ride with a guide, feed 300 of the reindeer before heading inside a gamme tent to eat a traditional Sami meal around a fire. Listen to traditional stories, joiking (singing Sami songs) and hoping to catch a glimpse of those mesmerising Northern Lights.

Of course, Reindeer aren’t the only means of sledding here, 250 miles inside the Arctic circle. Alaskan Huskies are arguably just as cute and more than capable of competing in the annual Finnmarksløpet dog sled race. Known for its frozen landscape of rivers, lakes, mountains and tundra, and low temperatures, which drop to -49 degrees, this is the toughest race on the planet.

Take a scenic drive across Tromsø to Kvaløya Island, which is also known as Whale Island – taken from the Sami direct translation, thanks to its cluster of central mountains resembling the majestic mammals.

Here, the dogs and puppies who compete in the world’s northernmost and Europe’s longest sled dog race live in the Husky Wilderness Camp.

The dogs cover more than 600 miles over four to five days beginning on the first weekend of March, but the Huskies at the camp are ready to welcome visitors the rest of the time.

After cuddling and being licked by Huskies – no sneaking a puppy under your coat! – head back to Tromsø, Norway’s most lively city, which is said to have the most bars per capita in the country.

– READ MORE: Swim with whale sharks on this wildlife cruise to Indonesia –

While husky and reindeer sledding might be the headline act, Tromsø is far from a one-trick town. Often called the Gateway to the Arctic, calling on Tromsø cruise port promises a whole host of experiences.

Start with the Arctic Cathedral, Tromsø’s most iconic landmark — its dramatic triangular design mimics the surrounding mountains, and inside you’ll find stunning stained glass that glows during the long polar nights. Then head to the Fjellheisen cable car, which whisks you up Mount Storsteinen for panoramic views over the city and fjord – particularly magical if timed with a glowing aurora overhead.

Back in the centre, wander the city’s colourful wooden houses and warm up in one of Tromsø’s many cosy cafes. For something more immersive, visit Polaria, an Arctic-themed museum and aquarium where you can learn about the region’s fragile ecosystems and watch bearded seals at play.

Foodies should make time for a meal of locally sourced Arctic cuisine – think king crab, reindeer stew or smoked salmon – and if you’re after a tipple, don’t miss a visit to Mack Brewery, the northernmost brewery in the world.

With its unique mix of wild nature and Nordic culture, Tromsø makes the perfect base for an unforgettable Arctic adventure — both on and off the sled.

– READ MORE: What to expect from a Norwegian Northern Lights cruise –