Spend the Night in This Unique Husky Lodge in Norway
Alta, in Finnmark, is a magical place that one should visit. Here you will find prehistoric rock carvings, igloo hotels, national parks and glaciers, reindeers and of course the Northern Lights. From Holmen Husky Lodge, perfectly located near the Alta river, you can also explore this wondrous part of Norway while going on dog sledding trips.
Glamping at Holmen Husky Lodge
Holmen Husky Lodge has been around since 1996 – but has evolved through the years. At the heart of the facilities is an old, Nordic-style barn that has been renovated to function as the main building. Fitted with large bay windows that allow you to overlook the yard, the old barn is where the meals are served and where you can spend some snug time, relaxing between adventures.
You will be sleeping in Tipi bungalows (for two people or more) with floor-to-top windows that will make you feel in communion with nature. Don’t worry about roughing it up though: all Tipis are carpeted, have a wood-fired fireplace and electric blankets – plus, there’s always a husky or two to snuggle with! If the weather allows it, there’s also an outdoor jacuzzi and sauna to hop into.
But perhaps one of the most impressive offerings of the lodge is the Lavvo, a traditional Sami tent that allows you to relax and exchange stories around the fire, cook a meal or have a drink. The Sami heritage is vibrant in Finnmark, and you can actually arrange a tour from the lodge to a traditional Sami village, where you will learn more about the indigenous people’s unique traditions.
Exploring the area
The Alta region is basically made for dog sledding. The long winters and topology of the Finnmark plateau, along with the pristine nature of the area, have all the makings of an exciting adventure for both you and the Huskies who will be taking you on a sled ride. Of course, you’ll have guides who will help you operate your sled, and make sure everything is under control.
You can choose to go dog sledding and dog cart touring along the Alta river, or combine your trip with an overnight stay at the Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel in Alta and marvel at the ice sculptures. Holmen Husky Lodge is also perfectly located for Northern Lights spotting. But if you don’t want to leave everything to chance, you can hop on a minivan and participate in a Northern Light Safari. In the summer, you can enjoy the Alta River to its fullest with a riverboat adventure – or just relax and enjoy the scenery.
Getting to know the pups
We probably saved the best for last. Holmen Husky Lodge has more than 100 huskies, all of them friendly and attention-loving – so much so, that their website warns that you should be prepared for “enthusiasm and muddy paws” when you’re around them. Assuming that you are, you can also visit the kennel, meet the pack and learn all about how the huskies are taken care of. Did we mention that, in the summer, it’s usually husky puppy season? Hugging adorable furballs should probably be part of every hotel’s activities.
KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?
Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.