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, most notably through the practice of dogsledding.

While snowmobiles have largely replaced dog sleds in daily life, dogsledding remains a beloved cultural activity in Norway, both as a local pastime and a serious competitive sport. It’s an activity that’s always high on the list for visitors, offering a unique way to explore some of our most beautiful areas and learn more about our history and culture.

Although it may have existed earlier, the oldest archaeological evidence of this mode of transportation is dated to around 1,000 A.D. As far as archaeologists can tell, dogsledding was invented by the Inuit people in the northern parts of modern Canada, before it rapidly spread throughout the continent. Early dog sleds were much smaller than they are today, usually just a single dog pulling minimal cargo such as firewood.

As time went on, however, the power of using multiple dogs became more appealing. People realised that larger loads could be carried over longer distances when the effort was distributed over more animals. It didn't take long for colonists to recognise the value and power of using dogs during winter, and European settlers quickly began incorporating sled dogs into their lives.

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

The French-Canadian military used dog teams during the Seven Years' War, which were particularly useful because they were less expensive than horses, but equally (and often more) equipped to handle large loads and freezing weather.

Word of this practice eventually made its way to Europe. It was particularly appealing to polar adventurers, who saw the value of using these animals on their quests to find the poles. Roald Amundsen, the pioneering Norwegian explorer who became the first person to reach the South Pole, famously used dog sleds on his journey.

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

You’ll often have the chance to meet the dogs (and their puppies!) at the kennels before setting out on a husky adventure, learning about their care, training, and the bond between the dogs and their mushers.

The musher is the person responsible for driving the sled and managing the dog team. During a ride, the musher is not only in control of the sled's direction and speed but also takes care of the dogs. Mushing is a skill that requires communication, trust, and teamwork.

Inspired by the Iditarod in Alaska, Norwegian sledders established the Finnmark Race (Finnmarksløpet) in 1981. Although only three mushers participated in the inaugural race, today interest is high enough that the contest is split into two - with one track for teams with up to eight dogs, and another for teams with a maximum of 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 mining town of Røros, it covers a 600-kilometre loop of dense forests and frozen lakes.