Spend the Night in This Unique Husky Lodge in Norway

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.

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.

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.