The dogs’ paws on the snow, their eager breathing and the view of the endless white landscapes give a sense of freedom and grandeur that is hard to describe.
Experience the interaction between the Greenlandic sled dogs. Photo; Aningaaq R. Carlsen, Visit Greenland.
The Greenlandic sled dog. Very special in its kind. Photo; Aningaaq R. Carlsen, Visit Greenland.
Dog sledding; experience an age-old tradition.
Sled dog sledding in Greenland is more than just a tourist attraction – for many of our travelers it is also an insight into a world where Greenlandic nature, culture and tradition meet; past and present merge, and as a visitor you get to experience an age-old tradition in the great outdoors.
A special collaboration, musher and sled dog.
The sled dogs used for the tours are known for their endurance and adaptability to the Arctic conditions. They are eager to work, and many travelers report the fascination of experiencing the dogs’ strong instincts and cooperation with their handler, who guides the sled through the terrain with commands and hand gestures.
The origin of Greenlandic sled dogs.
The origins of dogs go back thousands of years, from the first Arctic peoples who lived by and with nature. Here, dogs were a natural part of hunting, transportation – for survival in what some would call one of the world’s harshest climates.
Historically, Greenlandic sled dogs have played an indispensable role in the survival and lifestyle of the Inuit. For centuries, they have helped Inuit hunt seals, walruses and polar bears, and have served as the primary means of transportation between settlements and hunting grounds.
The Greenland Sled Dog is a large and powerful dog breed with tremendous stamina and strength, which is why it has been – and still is – suitable for pulling sleds over long distances on ice and snow. The dogs are suited to extreme weather conditions, with their thick coats, robust physique and high energy levels making them ideal for their work. (Note that if a snowstorm starts, Greenlandic sled dogs will lie down, wrap their tails around themselves, and when the snowstorm has passed, get up and shake off the snow again).
The special breed of dogs.
The Greenland Sled Dog has a special status in our country and is even protected by legislation in some regions where it is forbidden to introduce other dog breeds to preserve the pure population of Greenland dogs. This makes Greenland one of the only places in the world where a pure breed of sled dog has been preserved without genetic influence from other breeds.
Read more about how Greenland Dog Adventure works to preserve the Greenland Sled Dog here: Greenland Dog Adventure.
Frequently asked about sled dog mushing in Greenland:
- Season: Typically from November to April, depending on the region and snow conditions.
- Duration: We can arrange tours that vary over days to 2 hours.
- Geography: Sisimiut, Ilulissat, Kangerlussuaq, Disko Bay.
- Dressing up: The cold takes many by surprise. You can rent the right starter winter clothing for the conditions.
- Dog sledding with children: Children can participate, but please contact us and we will arrange the best route for children.
- Contact with the sled dogs: Always ask the dog handlers first. They know the dogs and can guide you on which dogs and when the Greenlandic sled dogs can be petted.
- Guide: All dog sledding tours are with a guide/dog handler. Who knows the weather conditions, routes and the dogs.
- Meet puppies:
Greenlandic sled dog, by DiskoBay Tours.
Go dog sledding in the vast hinterland of Sisimiut. Photo; Aningaaq Carlsen, Visit Greenland.
A new litter has been born at Hotel Sisimiut.
We organize sled dog tours from 2 hours to several days.
Johanne and Henning, dog sledding in Kangerlussuaq. Photo; Anders Beier, Visit Greenland.
