Imagine a group of dogs harnessed, waiting impatiently for the driver to give the start signal. You're ready, wrapped up snugly in the warmest sealskin and sitting comfortably on the reindeer skin on the sled while the sun blazes down on you.The sled takes off and you feel at one with Mother Nature, whilst the dogs happily pant along through the magnificent, snow-covered landscape.
Dog sled driver's license
If you ever have the chance to experience this unique form of transport, it will probably be as a passenger - unless you wish to try your hand at driving a dogsled yourself.
You can actually take a drivers training course for dog sledding in Tasiilaq on Greenland's east coast, where after a couple of days of training you can qualify for a license to drive a dog sled!
Dog sledding - Where to drive a dog sled
The use of the dog sled is possible in the area north of the Arctic Circle and in Eastern Greenland where the conditions are right for sledding. The area is known locally as "The dog sled districts." Sisimiut and Kangerlussuaq are the two most southerly towns on the west coast from where it is possible to drive dog sleds during the winter and spring.
The best months for dog sledding are February, March and April. It is possible to drive dog sleds during the summer months on Lyngmarksbræen near Qeqertarsuaq on Disko Island at an elevation of 7-800 metres (2,300-2,600 feet).
In Eastern and Northern Greenland the dog sled continues to play an important role today as a means of transport for fishermen and hunters, as it has done for several thousand years.
Treat yourself to a trip on a dog sled - it's the experience of a lifetime.
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Facts about
Dog sledding
Sled dogs are found just north of the Arctic Circle and in East Greenland. A total of about 25,000 sled dogs live here.
Practical info about Dog sledding
Adventure level
Easy:
No physical requirements. No previous experience needed.
Moderate:
Little or no requirements on physical condition or previous experience.
Demanding:
Some requirements on physical condition. Previous experience may be needed for some activities.
Strenuous:
Highly demanding activities, requiring good physical condition and endurance. May involve extremely low temperature, rough terrain, etc. Previous experience needed.
Please note that some activities can be found on several adventure levels, and offerings may vary by location.
Available in...
What time of the year?
The green bars show when you can experience the place or the phenomenon, or do the activity or the event.