sleigh ride and dining experience

Key Points

• Duration of 3 hours makes this a perfect evening outing in Alta.
• Includes a traditional sleigh ride pulled by Norwegian Fjord Horses through scenic forests and along the Alta River.
• Enjoy a 3-course meal served around an open fire inside a wilderness shelter, with warm blankets provided.
• Departure from Alta to a nearby countryside farm, offering an authentic Arctic experience.
• Live English-speaking guide ensures smooth and engaging commentary throughout the trip.
• Flexible booking options allow cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and reserve now, pay later.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Experience a Cozy Sleigh Ride in the Norwegian Arctic

The sleigh ride and dining experience offers a relaxed, 3-hour adventure perfect for those wanting a taste of Arctic winter life without a long or late-night commitment. Starting from Alta, the tour takes you to a farm in the peaceful countryside where the real magic begins.

Here, you’ll climb aboard a traditional sleigh pulled by Norwegian Fjord Horses, renowned for their patience and resilience. The ride lasts through spectacular scenery, including dense forests and the Alta River, with the cheerful sound of sleigh bells accompanying your journey. This scenic trip combines the beauty of Norway’s winter landscape with the charm of a classic horse-drawn sleigh.

The Trail: From the Farm to the Forest and River

The sleigh ride leads through quiet woods, where the snow-covered trees create a stunning winter backdrop. The horses, small but tough, pull the sleigh steadily, creating a peaceful atmosphere ideal for relaxing and appreciating nature. The route along the Alta River offers views that are both serene and invigorating, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the fresh Arctic air.

Traveling on a sprung sleigh, the experience is gentle and comfortable, with warm blankets provided to ensure guests stay cozy despite the cold. The sound of the sleigh bells ringing in the crisp air adds a festive touch, making this a memorable way to connect with Norway’s winter landscape.

Guided by Local Experts with a Warm Heart

The tour is led by a friendly, English-speaking guide who shares insights about the surroundings and local traditions. Reviewers highlight guides like Leo for their kindness and engaging stories, which enhance the overall experience. The guides also ensure that guests are comfortable and well-informed throughout the trip.

This personal touch helps make the outing enjoyable for all, whether it’s your first sleigh ride or you’re familiar with Arctic scenery. The guide’s explanations add context to the scenery, making the ride both relaxing and educational.

The Wilderness Shelter and the 3-Course Meal

At the end of the sleigh ride, you’ll arrive at a wilderness shelter where a delicious three-course meal awaits. This meal is the same as served during the Northern Lights tour, making it an excellent option for those wanting a full Arctic dining experience. The meal is cooked over an open fire and served in a cozy setting protected from the weather by the shelter’s half-wall.

Guests enjoy a late appetizer, followed by dinner and dessert, all while seated around the fire. The fireplace and blankets create a warm, inviting atmosphere, perfect for conversations and exchanging stories about the region. This authentic Norwegian meal is a highlight, with reindeer meat featured as a main dish in many reviews, though vegetarian options can be arranged if needed.

More Great Tours Nearby

Practical Details: Timing, Booking, and Cancellation

This 3-hour tour offers flexibility, with available start times that can be checked upon booking. The tour includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing peace of mind for those with changing plans. The reserve now, pay later option makes planning easier, especially in uncertain travel conditions.

Participants are transported from Alta to the countryside farm, where the experience begins. The tour is suitable for most guests, but should be considered by those comfortable with outdoor winter conditions.

What Previous Participants Say About the Tour

With a 4.4 out of 5 rating based on 9 reviews, this experience is highly regarded. Guests praise the knowledgeable guides, the stunning scenery, and the authenticity of the meal. Many note that the guide’s friendliness and the atmosphere around the fire create a memorable Arctic evening.

Some reviewers mention the generous provision of warm clothing and blankets, which helps make the experience comfortable despite the cold. The rides are described as pleasant, with the opportunity to take control of the sleigh on the return trip, adding a fun interactive element.

Comparing With Other Arctic Activities

This tour shares some features with other experiences like reindeer rides, Sami cultural encounters, or dog sledding trips, but stands out for its combination of a scenic sleigh ride and a hearty, outdoor meal. It provides a relaxed pace, perfect for those who prefer a gentle adventure with cultural touches.

Many similar experiences are available, but this one particularly emphasizes the cozy, social aspect of dining around an open fire after the ride. It’s an ideal choice for visitors who want both scenery and authentic Arctic cuisine in a family-friendly setting.

Logistics: Meeting Point and Accessibility

The trip departs from Alta, with transportation arranged from the local area to the farm. The experience is designed to be accessible for most, with the main activity being a gentle sleigh ride suitable for a broad range of physical abilities, provided outdoor winter conditions are manageable.

Guests are encouraged to dress warmly, as the outdoor environment can be cold despite the blankets and shelter. The tour’s focus on comfort and safety has been confirmed by positive reviews praising the provision of warm clothing and blankets.

Why This Tour Offers Good Value

For approximately 3 hours of Arctic outdoor experience, this tour combines a scenic sleigh ride with an authentic Norwegian meal served around an open fire. The inclusion of warm blankets, a knowledgeable guide, and the opportunity to control the sleigh on the return make it a well-rounded, memorable outing.

The flexible booking options and full refund policy add to its appeal, allowing for stress-free planning. Its popularity and high ratings suggest that it provides a solid mix of scenery, culture, and comfort at a reasonable price point.

Final Thoughts on the Sleigh Ride and Dining Experience

This sleigh ride in the Norwegian Arctic countryside offers a relaxed, picturesque adventure suitable for visitors seeking a cozy, cultural experience in Alta. The 3-hour duration is ideal for an evening outing, giving enough time to enjoy the scenery, interact with the guide, and savor a delicious outdoor meal.

While it is not a long or high-adventure trip, it delivers on authenticity, comfort, and scenic beauty. The friendly guides and homey atmosphere around the fire make it a memorable highlight of any Arctic trip. It’s especially suited for those who want a gentle, well-organized experience with plenty of opportunities for conversation and reflection on Norway’s winter landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours from start to finish.

Where does the tour depart from?
It departs from Alta, with transportation to the countryside farm included.

What is included in the meal?
A three-course meal, cooked over an open fire and served at a wilderness shelter, is included. It features late appetizers, dinner, and dessert, with many reviews mentioning reindeer meat.

Are blankets provided?
Yes, warm blankets are supplied to keep guests comfortable during the outdoor sleigh ride.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While specific age restrictions are not provided, the gentle nature of the sleigh ride suggests it is suitable for most guests able to handle outdoor winter conditions.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, full refunds are available if canceled up to 24 hours in advance.

Is vegetarian food available?
Vegetarian options can be arranged, but it’s wise to specify dietary preferences when booking.

What guides lead the tour?
The tour is led by an English-speaking guide, such as Leo, known for friendliness and engaging storytelling.

Do I need to dress warmly?
Yes, guests should bundle up with warm clothing; the tour provides blankets, but outdoor temperatures can be cold.

How does this experience compare to other Arctic tours?
It emphasizes a relaxed pace, scenic beauty, and outdoor dining, making it ideal for those wanting a cozy, cultural Arctic experience rather than high-adventure activities.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby