A night-writer: Aurora-Husky hike in Norway

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An Aurora Husky hike in Norway is an indispensable arctic experience for all animal lovers. Even the captivating landscape plays the second violin behind these beautiful animals.

While Kia does not refer to herself as an animal lover, I will certainly do that. I always grew up in the country of animals in the country. In the course of my childhood we kept dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs and hamsters. The presence of animals in my life shaped me sustainably.

Above all, I love dogs. It is something about her unconditional love and loyalty that makes it so attractive.

The author Aldous Huxley once said: "For his dog, every man is Napoleon; hence the constant popularity of dogs." Even if this analogy makes me a brutal French tyrant, I think that Huxley hit the nail on the head.

My current lifestyle makes it impossible to have a dog (if I don't travel, I live in a tiny apartment in London) - but I still dream of owning a small house in the country that my dog ​​(e) rolled up together are open fire. When we booked our trip to Norway, of course I was looking forward to meeting a few huskies.

Traditionally, tourists in the Arctic Norway opt for excursions with the husky slide. However, since there was no snow on the floor, we booked an Aurora Husky hike in the Villmarkssenter (wilderness center), about 30 minutes by car from Tromsø.

The Villmarkssenter was founded in 1988 by the Musherin Toove Sørensen as a dog house. Today she has over 300 Alaskan Huskys who are trained for dog sled trips. Tove took part in the longest dog sled races in Europe 15 times, Finnmarksløpet, and in 2006 she took part in the longest dog sled race in the world, the Iditarod Great Race in Alaska.

Alaskan Huskies are an unofficial breed with a patchwork heritage that is tailored to the hardships of the race and towing. Do not be fooled by your careless legacy and your cute appearance. Generations of breeding have produced dogs who like to run, pull large payloads over rough terrain and work with other dogs like a well -oiled machine.

Therefore, a traditional dog collar and a leash are simply not enough. For both Huskys and hikers, the Villmarkssenter provide specially made elastic harnesses so that the strong animals do not pull their leader down head over head. Waterproof jackets and pants are also provided because the hiking route can become mushy and wet.

When we approached the kennels, a dissonance from howls fulfilled the arctic night: a frosty sound that punished the friendly and enthusiastic reception that awaited us.

Alt = “Aurora-Husky hike-7 ″> Atlas & Boots I meet IKA for the first time

Our huskys were brought to us individually. I immediately fell in love with the pending and ancestoring IKA, a husky with a thick fur, large ears and a crazy tongue. Basically everything a dog should be! (Kia was anything but impressed when I said that "Ika" was an anagram of "Kia", the other love of my life.)

After we had set up, we set off. Unfortunately, it was cloudy so that we couldn't see the northern light, but that didn't matter to us, because our trip had already offered a breathtaking Ail light display. And if I'm honest, I didn't care either. I didn't look into heaven at all; I was more interested in my Husky who actually took me on a hike!

Alt = “Aurora-Husky hike-4 ″> Atlas & Boots It was actually IKA that took me on a hike

The Aurora Husky hike lasted about an hour through muddy paths along hilly fields. The huskies are incredibly strong, always resist the dishes, but are never aggressive or in a bad mood. During the hike, our group took a break to chat about the dogs, the animal shelter and the life of the guides in the Arctic.

Our guide Robert spoke very warmly about the Huskys and emphasized that the most important goal in rearing good sled dogs was that they are good -natured and get along well with humans and other dogs.

"There is no real trick," he said. "Just treat the dogs correctly, feed them well (you need special huskie food) and show you a lot of love, and you will hand in great sled dogs."

After the Aurora Husky hike, we brought the dogs back to their kennels and spent some time wandering around between the other kennels and meeting all the other huskies that were about to settle for the night. Robert said it was important that they get all attention so that they do not feel excluded. I have never met a group of dogs that were so balanced and friendly - a real reflection of care and affection that they experience from their supervisors.

alt = “Aurora-Husky hike-8 ″> Atlas & Boots I ask everyone to spend a minute in their company without shining with joy

We continued to meet some of the puppies who are housed in large stables where they can walk around. If the adult huskies are exciting, the puppies are almost and ridiculously overwhelming. I ask everyone to spend a minute in their society without shining all over their face.

After another half hour of playing with the puppies, it was time to tell the Husky's good night and to retire for soup, chocolate cake and warm drinks to the traditional Sami Lavvu tent. We also had the opportunity to see a short film about the owner of the Villmarkssenter, who focuses on her time at the Iditarod sledding race in 2006.

We may have driven to the Arctic Circle to hunt the northern light, but when I look at the videos and photos of our visit to the Villmarkssenter, I think that I came home with equally good memories of our four -legged friends. I conclude with another apt quote, this time by George Bernard Shaw.

"If you get smoking and gambling, you will be amazed that almost all the joys of an Englishman can be shared by his dog and are mostly too."

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Aurora-Husky hike: The essentials

was: an Aurora Husky hike at the Villmarkssenter near Tromso in Norway.

Where: We stayed in the Scandic Ishavshotel, an excellent alternative to the huge cycling next door. The Ishavshotel located directly on the water offers a panoramic view of the port of Tromso, the Tromso bridge and the Arctic Cathedral as well as easy access to local sights-the Polar Museum is only a few minutes away.

Our room had room -high windows and was equipped with the important heating and carpeting, which was a cozy refuge in the cold after a day (or one night!).

When: An Aurora Husky hike is available from September 1st to October 31st. Husky slide trips have to wait until there is enough snow on the floor. So if you want to include this in your visit, you have to wait until the first snowfalls, usually around the beginning of November.

How: No matter whether you choose an Aurora Husky hike or a dog sledding, a mini of the Villmarkssenter picks you up in the center of Tromso, where most hotels are located. The journey takes about 30 minutes. The price for the Aurora Husky hike is 990 NOK ($ 120), but includes the transfers, the guided hike, a warm meal, hot drinks, roasted marshmallows and of course cake!

There are a number of other activities, both during the day and at night. One of the nightly activities is the additional way to see the northern light, although this can never be guaranteed. Take warm clothes, gloves, a hat and good winter boots with you. After all, it is the Arctic!

The best way to get to Tromsø is to fly from Oslo. Book via Skyscanner at the best prices.

From Tromso Airport, you can take the Flybussekspraten into the city. These cost 60 NOK ($ 7.3) and drive off directly in front of the airport. The somewhat cheaper option is the "state bus" (white colored).

You can buy tickets in the newspaper shop at Tromso Airport (36 NOK or 50 NOK on board). You can reach the right bus stop by crossing the parking lot underground or bypassing above ground. Just ask an airport employee if you are not sure.

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main picture: deil/Shutterstock 
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