Tromsø: Puppy Training at the Husky Kennel with Lunch

Puppies, fjords, and muddy boots await. This four-and-a-half-hour outing from Tromsø combines a scenic drive, hands-on husky training, and time with dogs from four weeks old to adolescence. I especially like the close contact with the dogs and the chance to see how future sled racers learn teamwork. The main consideration is that young and teenage huskies can be surprisingly strong, so this is not just a gentle petting visit.

The setting adds real value. You get mountain and fjord views, a walk through Norwegian nature, protective rain gear, and a hot lunch near the end. I also like that the handlers focus on the dogs’ welfare rather than treating the kennel as a simple photo stop. Mud, wet paws, and energetic dogs are part of the bargain.

Key points to know before booking

• About 200 Alaskan huskies live at the kennel, from tiny puppies to working sled dogs and older animals.
• The training is hands-on, with exercises adapted to the puppies’ ages and abilities.
• The walk can last 1 to 1.5 hours, and adolescent dogs may pull hard.
• Rain suits and boots are supplied, a major help in Tromsø’s wet or muddy weather.
• Lunch is part of the experience, with local-style food, hot drinks, and vegetarian options.
• The tour suits families and all ages, but children need adult supervision and small children require their own car seat.

Why this Tromsø husky experience feels different

Many kennel visits are built around a quick cuddle and a photograph. This one gives you a better sense of the dogs’ working lives. The operator hopes to take part in dogsled racing, so summer training matters. The puppies are not simply displayed. They are gradually introduced to walking together, following instructions, and working as a group.

That gives the visit a useful purpose. You can still enjoy plenty of puppy affection, but you also see the early stages of a real job. The handlers explain how dogs are raised, trained, cared for, and eventually handled as sled dogs.

You should expect a lively atmosphere. Puppies may jump, nip at clothing, wander off, or become distracted by every leaf and boot. That is part of learning for them, and part of the fun for you. The older dogs bring a different kind of energy: friendly, powerful, and ready to move.

The high rating of 4.9 from 385 reviews reflects the experience’s strongest qualities: kind staff, lots of time with the animals, strong organization, and food that is better than many people expect from an included tour meal.

The ride from Tromsø to the kennel

You meet outside the main entrance of the Radisson Blu Hotel in Tromsø 15 minutes before departure. A check-in agent greets you there, and the bus leaves on time. If you arrive late and miss it, the booking is not refundable, so this is one morning when arriving early is wise.

The drive takes roughly 30 minutes according to several detailed accounts, though the exact time can vary. The route is part of the pleasure. You leave the town behind and head toward open Norwegian scenery, with mountains, water, and rural views along the way.

Transport is included in the $172 price, which matters in Tromsø. You do not need to arrange a taxi to a remote kennel or work out a return journey after lunch. The bus also makes this a practical choice for anyone without a rental car.

If you are bringing a baby or young child, plan ahead. The operator cannot promise child seats on the bus. You must bring your own car seat or arrange your own transport, and the tour price remains the same even if you drive yourself.

Meeting puppies from four weeks onward

The first major part of the visit centers on the youngest dogs. The age range can begin at about four weeks and continue through several stages of puppyhood. That means the exact dogs you meet will depend on their age and the kennel’s training schedule.

The very young puppies are usually the soft, sleepy, irresistibly cute part of the morning. Older puppies are more active and curious. You might hold them, play with them, and watch them test their legs and attention spans. The handlers explain how to approach them and help you stay comfortable.

This is a good place to slow down. Instead of rushing from one animal to the next, take time to notice the differences between the ages. A four-week-old puppy and a three or four-month-old puppy have very different needs and personalities.

You are not allowed to feed the animals, and that rule is important. The dogs’ diet and training should remain under kennel control. You can give them attention, gentle handling, and affection, but food is not part of the visitor interaction.

Small children often love this part most, though children must stay with an adult. Puppies are lively and can be clumsy, so an adult should help a child handle them safely and gently.

Training exercises in the Norwegian outdoors

The central activity is a walk near the kennel, usually lasting about one to one and a half hours. The purpose is to let the puppies experience teamwork and outdoor conditions. Exercises are adjusted according to age, so the youngest dogs will not necessarily do the same work as older pups.

You may walk across open ground with the puppies, help them experience new surroundings, and take part in simple activities that encourage cooperation. The scenery gives the outing more appeal than an enclosed yard. Mountains and fjords provide a striking backdrop, while the walk gives the dogs space to learn.

Expect mud in wet weather. One detailed account described the puppies as messy, which is hardly a surprise when several excited dogs are learning outdoors. The provided rain suits, waterproof outer layers, and sturdy boots are therefore not just a nice extra. They protect your own clothes from mud, wet grass, and enthusiastic paws.

Wear comfortable clothes underneath the outer gear. One participant specifically recommended bringing a change of clothes because moisture can sometimes get under the suit. That is sensible advice for Tromsø, especially in autumn or during a rainy summer day.

The puppies are not the only dogs involved. Depending on the schedule, you may also work with adolescent dogs. These dogs can be much stronger than they look. A padded belt with attached leashes has been used for handling the older pups, and the handlers stay close to help you manage them.

You should be prepared to walk rather than simply stand in a field. If you want a quiet animal encounter with no physical effort, this may not be your best Tromsø activity. If you like being part of the training, the pulling and excitement make the experience more memorable.

Meeting the adult sled dogs

After the puppy activities, you get time with the older dogs in the yard. This may be the surprise highlight for many people. The adult huskies are described as friendly, gentle, and eager for attention, and you can spend time petting them and learning about their lives.

With around 200 Alaskan huskies at the kennel, there is a lot to see. The dogs have different ages, temperaments, and stages of work. Some are active sled dogs, while others may be retired or no longer training at the same level.

The handlers can also explain how retired dogs may be adopted. That adds an important human touch to the visit. You are not only seeing the animals as athletes. You are learning what happens after their working years and how the kennel thinks about their long-term care.

This is where the staff make a real difference. Guides named Lena, Oystein, Max, Bram, Brahm, Nadia, Jenny, Rom, Florian, and Leonardo have all been praised for being warm, attentive, and able to explain the dogs’ behavior. The guide team changes, so you should not book around one particular name, but the repeated strength is clear: the staff care about both the dogs and your safety.

You should also understand that animal behavior varies. Even friendly sled dogs may be excited, noisy, or physically strong. Follow the handler’s instructions, approach calmly, and let each dog decide how much contact it wants.

Lunch beside the fire

The final part turns the outing into a proper half-day experience rather than a brief kennel stop. You warm up indoors, often in a cozy hut or yurt-like building, and eat a hot meal after spending time outside.

Food details can vary, but the meals described include local-style dishes, fish soup, couscous for vegetarian participants, hot berry juice, hot chocolate, dessert, and chocolate cake. Several people singled out the soup and cake as highlights. One family even received a birthday cake for a child, though you should not assume that is included for every celebration.

Vegetarian food is available, but mention your needs when booking or in the notes. One visit had a short-lived quantity issue with the vegetarian serving, which was corrected. That suggests you should communicate clearly in advance if you need a meat-free meal.

The lunch is valuable because Tromsø excursions can be expensive once you add transport and food. Here, the $172 price includes the return bus, guide, outdoor clothing, kennel activities, and lunch. The meal will not be the reason to book by itself, but it makes the price easier to justify.

It also gives the day a pleasant rhythm. You begin with travel and introductions, spend the active middle portion outside with the dogs, then finish with warmth, food, and conversation. That pacing helps families and mixed-age groups avoid feeling rushed.

Is $172 good value?

At $172 per person, this is not a budget activity. Tromsø is an expensive base for outdoor excursions, and a half-day kennel visit costs more than a simple self-guided walk. The question is what you receive for the money.

You get approximately 270 minutes, transport from central Tromsø, an English-speaking live guide, rain clothing, boots, several kinds of dog interaction, a nature walk, and lunch. More importantly, you get time with puppies, adolescent dogs, and adults. That range is unusual and gives the experience more depth than a short husky photo opportunity.

I consider it good value for dog lovers, families, and anyone who wants a structured outdoor activity without arranging transport. It is less convincing if you have little interest in animals or expect a major wilderness hike. The walk is close to the kennel, and the main attraction is the dogs, not a long trek through remote country.

The small-group feel mentioned in several accounts also helps. You have a better chance to ask questions and receive help with the dogs than you would in a large, impersonal attraction. Group size can vary, however, so do not count on a private tour.

Who should book this experience?

I would put this near the top of the list for:

• Families with children who love animals
• Adults looking for close contact with huskies
• Visitors who want a half-day activity outside Tromsø
• People interested in dogsled racing and animal training
• Anyone who appreciates scenery but does not want a full-day excursion
• Couples or families looking for a warm meal after an outdoor activity

Children of all ages can take part, but adults must supervise them. A two-year-old may enjoy holding or seeing the puppies, yet a young child may not manage the stronger adolescent dogs. Your guide will help decide what is suitable.

This activity is not suitable for wheelchair users, and people with animal allergies should avoid it. You will be close to many dogs, often for several hours, so this is not a minor exposure.

You also cannot bring pets, alcohol, or drugs. The no-feeding rule applies to the animals, and following it protects the dogs’ health and training.

Practical tips for a better visit

Arrive at the Radisson Blu meeting point at least 15 minutes early. The bus does not wait for late arrivals, and the activity is non-refundable if you miss the departure.

Bring a change of clothes, especially outside the colder winter months when rain and mud are likely. The kennel supplies rain gear and boots, but an extra dry layer remains useful.

Tell the operator the age and weight of every child in your group. If you need a child safety seat, bring one yourself or arrange separate transport.

Wear clothing that is comfortable under waterproof gear. You may be warm during the walk and then cool down while waiting for lunch, so layers are practical.

Keep expectations realistic. The dogs are friendly, but they are working animals with strength and energy. You may be pulled, pawed, jumped on, or covered in mud. For most people who book this activity, that is part of the memory, not a problem.

Should you book the Tromsø husky kennel tour?

Yes, if you want more than a quick puppy photo. The combination of puppy training, a walk in Norwegian nature, adult huskies, attentive handlers, scenic transport, and a hot lunch makes this one of the fuller animal experiences around Tromsø.

I would skip it only if you have animal allergies, need wheelchair access, dislike energetic dogs, or want a quiet sightseeing excursion. For everyone else, especially families and serious dog lovers, the $172 price buys a well-organized half-day with plenty of time around the animals. Bring dry clothes, arrive early, and be ready for muddy boots and a very enthusiastic welcome.

FAQ

How long does the husky kennel experience last?

The activity lasts 270 minutes, or four and a half hours.

Where do I meet the tour?

Meet outside the main entrance of the Radisson Blu Hotel in Tromsø 15 minutes before departure.

Is transportation from Tromsø included?

Yes. Transport to and from Tromsø is included in the price.

What language is the tour conducted in?

The live tour guide speaks English.

How many huskies can I see?

The kennel has around 200 Alaskan huskies, including puppies, adolescent dogs, adult sled dogs, and older animals.

Can children join the activity?

Yes. The experience is suitable for all ages, but children must be accompanied by an adult.

Is vegetarian food available?

Yes. A vegetarian meal is available. Add your dietary information to the booking notes.

Do I need to bring a child safety seat?

You must bring your own child safety seat if you are traveling with a small child or infant. The operator cannot guarantee that one will be available in the transport.