The Icelandic capital of Reykjavik is a vibrant city bursting at the seams with energetic fervour. Basking in near-ending sunlight in summer, and drowning in all-consuming darkness and endless blizzards in winter, this most northern of cities is synonymous with extreme, in just about every imaginable way. It stands to reason then, that no vacation to Reykjavik is complete without including an adrenalin rush of some kind.

Iceland is the ideal holiday destination for anyone wishing to pump it up just a little (or a lot). The island of endless glaciers, active volcanoes and precipitous canyons is an adrenalin junky’s Utopia, yet you need not be on an absolute death-wish to enjoy all it has to offer. If your visit is short and sweet, and you can only fit in one full-day trip, then we urge you to try the most epic Icelandic activity of all: dog sledding! Want to know what it’s all about? Then read our following review, and get ready for the ultimate adrenalin rush.

Who let the Dogs Out?!

I’ll start off by admitting that I had some reservations about dog sledding when I first arrived in Reykjavik. Being such a dog lover, I was always somewhat reluctant to partake in anything animal-pulling related; figuring the moment tour companies start running humans-pulling-dogs-sled-tours, then I may start considering it. Yet after spending a few days in Reykjavik I was convinced by a newly-made group of local friends to try it out and decide for myself (if I really did know dogs) whether they enjoyed it or not.

Oh my.

I had a German Shepherd growing up and she used to get so excited every time anyone went anywhere near her tennis ball (throw it, throw it, throoooow iiiiiiiitttttt!) that she used to get herself in an epileptic-style fit of stupor and end up peeing herself with anticipation. Anyway, I never thought I would again see that kind of excitement in a dog…until I went sledding in Reykjavik.

The dozen or so pooches could barely contain themselves when we arrived on the glacier, overawed in the anticipation of an impending adventure. I got licked, I got pawed and I got jumped on over and over again. You really didn’t need to be a dog expert to realise that these kings and queens of the snow just wanted to get going. So off we went…

I imagine the initial ride is exhilarating enough for most people, yet it turns out the dogs need a little while to ‘warm up’. I urge you to enjoy the views then because, when the beasts decide they’re ready, you’ll be taken on the mother-of-all thrilling rides the likes of which you’ve probably never experienced before. Looking sideways and taking photos of the scenery is not really an option then.

The biggest challenge for the guides is not to get the muscled and excitable Greenland huskies to go, but it’s to get them to stop! The pure magic of flying (almost literally) at full speed with only the heavy-breathing huskies as soundtrack is electrifying to say the least. Once you get off, and your heart starts beating again, you can enjoy a visit to the kennels and learn more about this ancient activity.

On this truly amazing fun-filled day you’ll get to enjoy some of Iceland’s most spectacular scenery, visit beautiful waterfalls, a very picturesque village and be filled up with a heart lunch. Let’s not forget the best part though: hours spent playing with friendly huskies on an Icelandic glacier is about as good as life can get!

This tour includes pick up, drop off, warm snowsuits and unforgettable memories.

***Story written by Laura Pattara, our very own and most entertaining travel writer***