Dog sledding in Ilulissat
Dog Sledding
The dog sled is a deeply rooted symbol of Greenland, and has an incredible history that stretches over 2000 years and. Dog sledding is an important part of Inuit culture
This means of transport has survived through thousands of years, and has retained its basic principle, which dates back to the Viking Age. Some dogs in harnesses tied to a simply constructed wooden sled. It is remarkable that only a few means of transport can boast such a long tradition.
The image of some dogs harnessed to a simple wooden sled has become synonymous with Greenland. The whistle of the sleds against the compacted snow and the creaking ropes as the sled twists with the terrain breaks the total silence. The experience cannot be explained - it must be tried.
A dog sled tour in Greenland is not just a form of transport, but a journey into the history and culture of this unique island. It is an opportunity to enjoy nature and feel the rhythm of the dogs' paws and the cold wind that bites the cheeks. It is a chance to catch a glimpse of the heritage that has been preserved over the centuries and a reminder of the strength and endurance of the people and animals who have used this method to explore the harsh Arctic landscapes.
See also the section importantinformation about dog sledding
2 hours
Feb - april
1 person
Dog sledding "off the beaten track"
* Supports smaller, local tour operator
This dog sled tour starts from the Igloo Lodge and is only offered to guests staying at the lodge.
The tour lasts 2 hours. On part of the route, we drive outside the established dog sled track, and are therefore completely to ourselves in the harsh nature. We come out to a fantastic view point of the Icefjord, and in clear weather we can see the huge glacier "Sermeq Kujalleq" and the Ice Sheet.
The dogs stand on the frozen lake at Igloo Lodge during the winter, and on this tour you are thus there when the dogs are prepared for the ride and when they are fed afterwards.
On this trip, the terrain is predominantly flat, and therefore anyone who is over 8 years old and has a healthy back and neck can participate.
See also the section importantinformation about dog sledding
This tour is operated by Dogsled Academy - a small tour company run by Jørgen Kristensen who lives in Ilulissat. You can look forward to meeting Jørgen in his wonderful person. Jørgen is actually a dog sledding super star here in Greenland. He has won the national dogsledding race 5 times in a row, and he has many great life stories to tell. What we love about Jørgen is his fascinating and mild approach to the dogs and the strong bond he has with them. This mild and open approach also counts for guests on his tours where he loves to explain and tell stories. Jørgens dogs are very friendly and therefore we love having them as permanent residents at our lodge during the winter.
Important information about dog sledding
- The exact route taken with the dog sled will depend on the conditions on the given day.
- Conditions can change very quickly. Sometimes there is deep snow and the dogs run slowly, while other times it will be more icy, rocky or with exposed soil and moss.
- The dogs run at different tempi from day to day and from team to team. The duration of the trip is estimated, but can fluctuate depending on the team, snow consitions etc.
- Greenlandic sled dogs are more working animals than pets, and they are raised more hardy than many other dogs.
It occasionally happens that dogs get entangled in the lines, get under the sled, get into fights with other dogs, or similar things that can seem violent to outsiders. - If you have back or neck problems, or if you are immobile, dog sledding is not for you.
