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Dog sledding

Arctic temperatures and several meters of snow are no match for the natural impressions and cultural twist that will warm your soul while dog sledding in Greenland.

Perfect pace

There’s something about experiencing Greenland’s majestic landscapes from the perspective of a dog sled that snowmobiling or a ski tour simply cannot match. Maybe it is the slower pace that gives plenty of time to take in all the impressions or maybe it is the combination of sled dogs panting plus the rhythmic beat of their large paws, a sound that is suddenly magnified against a backdrop of pure silence.

Enjoying this fascinating experience of man and dog working together in nature does necessitate a small tolerance for chilly temperatures, but Arctic fanatics are not the only ones that can take pleasure in dog sledding. Even if the cold typically does not agree with you, it is nothing a cup of hot tea, borrowed sealskin garb, and a blanket made of reindeer skin can’t fix.

HOLISTIC EXPERIENCE

Dog sledding is, no doubt, a classic way to experience Arctic nature, but what the unsuspecting visitor does not know, and what is unique about dog sledding in Greenland, is that a heavy dose of Inuit culture comes along for the ride. Dog sledding helps tell the story of how Greenlanders adapt to the robust environment that surrounds them. Contrary to other Arctic locations, dog sledding in Greenland is a way of life, by choice if not by necessity. Living in and off of the nature is central to Greenlandic identity, and therefore when you are close to the nature, you are also close to the Greenlandic culture.

Twin Dog Sledding Mushers In Greenland

“It was fantastic going on the sled to see the views on the mountains! And the action of it – I loved going fast!”

Package Tours

Greenland by Topas – Dog Sledding, Igloo Lodge and Northern Lights in Ilulissat

Greenland by Topas

Dog Sledding and Northern Lights in Ilulissat

Sled dogs are in their element under the frosty sky, crackling snow and fluttering Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) of the Greenlandic winter. Overnight stay in Igloo Lodge.

FROM €2,812
Tasermiut Expeditions: Thule Dog Sledding Expedition

Tasermiut Expeditions

Thule Dog Sledding Expedition

Expedition in total freedom using traditional Greenlandic sledges. Share with authentic Inuit their daily way of life.

FROM €6,500
Greenland Travel: Winter adventure! Vacation in a snowy paradise

Greenland Travel

Winter adventure! Vacation in a snowy paradise

Sail on Ilulissat Ice Fjord and see the icebergs. Go dogsledding. See northern lights. Walk the Ice Cap. Go explore! Greenland is waiting

FROM €2,095
Greenland Tours – Frozen West

Greenland Tours

Frozen West

5 days exploring Disko Bay in winter incl. visit to the Greenland Ice Cap

FROM €1,335
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GREENLANDIC SLED DOGS

Spending an afternoon riding along with Greenlandic sled dogs is something you won’t soon forget. They have a commanding presence with their shrill voices and thick winter coats that allow them to endure winter’s wrath.

The energy level and endurance of sled dogs is unmatched, and it seems the command ‘Go’ is completely unnecessary as they are constantly in ‘Go’ mode! Sled dogs howl and jump at the mere sight of the musher, and you better hold on to your dog sled or else these instinctive pullers will speed off without you!

THE ART OF MUSHING

The sled dogs provide the power, but the real star in the dog sledding world is the musher. Greenlanders are people of few words and are often taken as shy, but accompany them mushing a pack of sled dogs and their presence will suddenly be known. With a handful of command calls and a formidable whip as their only tools, the mushers skillfully drive their packs of sled dogs in order to safely reach their favorite fishing hole or hunting grounds.

Mastering the art of mushing is vital to prevent sled dogs’ disobedience from turning into a matter of life or death, and in Greenland the learning starts early. Passing from one generation to the next, children often have their own small sleds and even a few dogs of their own, though they are never mistaken that the dogs are working animals and not pets. It is a proud day when a Greenlander forms his first pack and leads it over mountains and sea ice.

Article ‘6 dos and dont’s of dog sledding’ →

Read More

  • Transportation for millennia

    Dog sledding in Greenland has been a mode of transportation and hunting for approximately 5000 years. Recently, it has also become a leisure activity for Greenlanders and tourists.

  • Avannaata Qimussersua

    An annual dog sledding competition, called Avannaata Qimussersua, takes place in North Greenland.

  • Where?

    Sled dogs territory is in towns above the Arctic Circle on Greenland’s west coast and in all towns on the east coast.

  • Breeding

    Sled dogs are a very ‘pure’ breed due to strict crossbreeding regulations. No other breeds are allowed into sled dogs territory. If sled dogs leave the area, they cannot return.

  • Enhanced senses

    Sled dogs have a special ability to read the environment. For example, they can sense when ice is too thin to cross, and they will stop.

Local providers

Red view from livingroom, Photo by Ilulissat Guesthouse

Ilulissat Guesthouse

Ilulissat, Qupaloraasuk 56,
3952,
Phone: +299 27 89 80More information
Dogs on a dog sledding trip near Ilulissat in Greenland fanning out in typical west Greenlandic fashion. Photo by Mads Pihl - Visit Greenland

Albatros Arctic Circle

Kangerlussuaq, Mittarfiit Aqq.
3910,
Phone: +299 84 16 48More information
Jumping snowmobiler on snowmobil expedition in Sisimiut. Visit Greenland

Sisimiut Snowmobile Expeditions

Sisimiut, Sisimiut Vandrehjem Kaalikassap Aqq. 25,
3911,
Phone: (+299) 522 514 (after 16:00)More information
Hotel Sisimiut 01

Hotel Sisimiut

Sisimiut, Aqqusinersuaq 86,
3911,
Phone: (+299) 864 840More information
Hotel Qaanaaq 01

Hotel Qaanaaq

Qaanaaq, Postbox 88
3971,
Phone: (+299) 971 234More information

Hotel Icefiord

Ilulissat, Jørgen Sverdrupip Aqq. 10,
3952,
Phone: (+299) 944 480More information
Hotel Hvide Falk 03

Hotel Hvide Falk

Ilulissat, Postboks 20,
3952,
Phone: (+299) 943 343More information
Hotel Disko Island in summer. Photo by Topas

Hotel Disko Island

Qeqertarsuaq, Ph Rosendahlip Aqqutaa 9,
3953,
Phone: +299 92 16 28More information
Aerial view of the hotel with sunrise in background in Winter. Photo by Hotel Angmagssalik

Hotel Angmagssalik

Tasiilaq, Suulup Aqqutaa B 725,
3913,
Phone: +299 98 12 93More information
Woman mask dancing on a sunny day in Aasiaat. Photo by Honest Greenland - Visit Greenland

Honest Greenland

Aasiaat, Qimmeqarfik 60,
3950,
Phone: +299 27 77 90More information
Greenland Travel 01

Greenland Travel

Copenhagen, Wilders Plads 13 A,
1403,
Phone: +45 33 13 10 11More information
Tiny dog sleds in the huge East Greenland landscapes between Tasiilaq and Sermilik

Dines Tours

Tasiilaq, Gentoftevej B-924,
3913,
Phone: +299 98 21 43 / +299 59 87 59More information
Boat tour into the Pack-ice near Angmagssalik. Photo by Arctic Wonderland Tours, Visit Greenland

Arctic Wonderland Tours

Tasiilaq, Suulup Aqqutaa B-725,
3913,
Phone: +299 98 12 93More information

World of Greenland

Ilulissat, Kussangajaannguaq 7,
3952,
Phone: (+299) 944 300More information
The Aasiaat Seamen’s Home from outside on a sunny day. Photo by Aasiaat Sømandshjem

Hotel Søma Aasiaat

Aasiaat, Sammiarneq 9,
3950,
Phone: (+299) 892 711More information

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