Dog sledding in Greenland

Greenlanders have been using dog sleds for more than 4,000 years to survive in the harsh Arctic climate. Historically, dog sledding was the only means of transport across the frozen fjords and sea when fishing and hunting seals, and across land when hunting musk oxen. For this reason, the dog sled is an important part of Greenland's culture.

Few Greenlanders use dog sledding for hunting or fishing today. Over the last 20 years, the sled dog population has more than halved, down to approx. 15,000 dogs. The snowmobile often replaces this traditional means of transport. Dog sledding has now become a leisure activity for both locals and visitors. Dog sledding competitions are held in some places.

Dog sledding in Greenland is generally a winter activity. The season for dog sledding here runs from December to April, but if you want to be absolutely sure of good conditions, choose January to March. Besides being the high season for dog sledding, the period is also high season for the Northern Lights in Greenland.

In the summer, however, there is one place in Greenland where it’s possible to go dog sledding, namely on Disko Island. Here you can enjoy the excitement of dog sledding on the Lyngmark glacier, which is several hundred metres above sea level.

Dog Sledding Regions

In Greenland you can experience dog sledding on the entire east coast.

On the west coast it is only possible (and allowed) north of the Arctic Circle. South of the Arctic Circle, winter is not long enough for it to be beneficial to keep sled dogs.

In Greenland you can experience dog sledding on the entire east coast.

On the west coast it is only possible (and allowed) north of the Arctic Circle. South of the Arctic Circle, winter is not long enough for it to be beneficial to keep sled dogs.

Greenlandic sled dogs are keen working dogs. Before departure, the dogs bark with excitement, pulling at their harness to get going.

They’re extremely robust and can tolerate temperatures as low as minus 57 degrees Celsius, living outdoors year round, regardless of the weather and wind.

By law, all dogs must be tethered to a chain at least 3 metres long when not ‘working’. Puppies under 6 months old are exempt from this law.

The sled dog diet consists primarily of fish, seal meat, blubber and is sometimes supplemented with dry food.

We offer dog sledding trips of varying duration, from 2-4 hour introductory trips, to overnight multi-day tours - for the truly adventurous. Whatever you choose, the magnificent Greenlandic nature lies just beyond your doorstep, without traces of civilisation. You’ll be captivated by the snow, ice and untouched Arctic wilderness.

When travelling by dog sled, it’s extremely important to be properly dressed. You may be sitting still for quite long periods at a time. Without physical movement and appropriate clothing, you may feel quite cold. We strongly recommend wearing seal fur clothing as your outer layer. Your base layer should be wool, which is breathable. In addition, you should wear sunglasses or ski goggles to protect your eyes against the sun and reflected light from the snow and ice.

When booking your dog sledding tour with us at Topas, don’t forget to enquire about the rental of seal fur clothing for your forthcoming trip.