Ride a horse-drawn sleigh through Mathisdalen, warm up in a traditional Sami lavvo and meet farm animals — a short, family-friendly Arctic experience with pickup from Alta. Practical, scenic and suitable for all ages.
Ride a horse-drawn sleigh through Mathisdalen, warm up in a traditional Sami lavvo and meet farm animals — a short, family-friendly Arctic experience with pickup from Alta. Practical, scenic and suitable for all ages.
Cold air bites at the cheeks as the fjord horse steps off and the sleigh slides into the hush of Mathisdalen. Snow drapes the valley slopes, tree branches bow in slow arcs, and the rhythm of hooves becomes the trip’s metronome — steady, reassuring, slow enough to hear the wind rearrange the ridge-lines.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Omdal Gard · Alta, Troms og Finnmark
Cold air bites at the cheeks as the fjord horse steps off and the sleigh slides into the hush of Mathisdalen. Snow drapes the valley slopes, tree branches bow in slow arcs, and the rhythm of hooves becomes the trip’s metronome — steady, reassuring, slow enough to hear the wind rearrange the ridge-lines.
This is a short, classic Arctic outing: a 30–40 minute horse-drawn sleigh through a glacially carved valley followed by a return to Omdal farm and warmth in a lavvo, where coffee, pastry and cured meats are shared. The Norwegian fjord horse — the same breed seen in popular culture — powers the sleigh, while the surrounding geology tells a quieter story of ice-scraped rock and shale benches that frame panoramic sky. Culturally, the lavvo and the family-run farm touch on Sami traditions and northern pastoral life; in summer the sheep and reindeer graze nearby highlands, and in winter the low sun sculpts long blue shadows across the snow.
Practicalities are simple: pick-up in Alta (about a 30-minute drive), warm clothing available, restroom on-site, and the outing is suitable for all fitness levels. Photographers should bring a tripod or steadying strap for low-light aurora chances; families should note infants must sit on laps. The experience is accessible year-round — expect deep snow and strong aurora odds in winter, long light and grazing animals in summer — and it’s an easy, immersive way to connect with Arctic farm life without technical gear or backcountry travel.
easy.
2–3 hours.
Minimal fitness required; suitable for families and those comfortable sitting outdoors in cold conditions
Yes — the operator offers warm outerwear and snow shoes if needed, but guests should wear warm base layers and proper footwear.
Aurora sightings are possible on clear winter nights but never guaranteed; guides will alert you if conditions look promising.
Yes — the tour is family-friendly; infants must sit on an adult’s lap and strollers are accessible at the farm.
Pickup from locations in Alta is included; the drive to Omdal farm is approximately 30 minutes each way.
The lavvo is rooted in Sami tent traditions used by reindeer herders; farms in the Alta valley blend Norwegian farming with northern pastoral practices.
Stick to established paths and avoid disturbing grazing animals; the fragile tundra and winter vegetation recover slowly from trampling.
Omdal Gard operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.




Cold air bites at the cheeks as the fjord horse steps off and the sleigh slides into the hush of Mathisdalen. Snow drapes the valley slopes, tree branches bow in slow arcs, and the rhythm of hooves becomes the trip’s metronome — steady, reassuring, slow enough to hear the wind rearrange the ridge-lines.
Cold air bites at the cheeks as the fjord horse steps off and the sleigh slides into the hush of Mathisdalen. Snow drapes the valley slopes, tree branches bow in slow arcs, and the rhythm of hooves becomes the trip’s metronome — steady, reassuring, slow enough to hear the wind rearrange the ridge-lines.
This is a short, classic Arctic outing: a 30–40 minute horse-drawn sleigh through a glacially carved valley followed by a return to Omdal farm and warmth in a lavvo, where coffee, pastry and cured meats are shared. The Norwegian fjord horse — the same breed seen in popular culture — powers the sleigh, while the surrounding geology tells a quieter story of ice-scraped rock and shale benches that frame panoramic sky. Culturally, the lavvo and the family-run farm touch on Sami traditions and northern pastoral life; in summer the sheep and reindeer graze nearby highlands, and in winter the low sun sculpts long blue shadows across the snow.
Practicalities are simple: pick-up in Alta (about a 30-minute drive), warm clothing available, restroom on-site, and the outing is suitable for all fitness levels. Photographers should bring a tripod or steadying strap for low-light aurora chances; families should note infants must sit on laps. The experience is accessible year-round — expect deep snow and strong aurora odds in winter, long light and grazing animals in summer — and it’s an easy, immersive way to connect with Arctic farm life without technical gear or backcountry travel.