The founder of Greenland Dog Adventure, Anette Grønkjær Lings, has witnessed the decline of the Greenland sleddog population throughout her upbringing and later professional life in the tourism industry. Data indicates that the population of the Greenland sleddog has dramatically decreased by over 50% in the last 30 years. This decline is attributed to the modernization of tools and hunting methods, as well as the impact of climate change, which has reduced the need for icebased transportation due to melting ice and the increased use of boats for fishing and hunting.
Nearly 10 years ago, the idea for Greenland Dog Adventure was born, initially as an opportunity for tourists to engage and participate more actively in the sledding experience. This concept quickly evolved into a mission to preserve the breed. Anette Grønkjær Lings envisioned using tourism as a contributing factor to the preservation of both the Greenland sleddog and the unique sledding culture surrounding it.
Today, Anette Lings’ daughter, Julia, has taken over the practical operations at Greenland Dog Adventure. Together with a dedicated team of dog enthusiasts, both volunteers and paid staff, Julia is responsible for managing and developing Greenland Dog Adventure with over 40 wonderful greenland sled dogs and its preservation program.
The vision for the future includes transforming Greenland Dog Adventure into a foundation, establishing a visitor center, and creating an educational service for schools. The goal is to develop year-round experiences with the sleddogs, while also working towards the inclusion of Greenland’s sleddog culture on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Anna Rasmussen
Give me dogs and give me snow, and you can keep the rest,’ the famous polar explorer Knud Rasmussen is said to have declared. And who better than Anna understands that sentiment deeply?
Since moving to Greenland, the sled dogs have truly captured her heart. Anna’s persistence and natural ability to interact with and manage the sled dogs show that she is made of something special. In fact, it’s no surprise— Anna is the great-great-grandchild of the aforementioned explorer, Knud Rasmussen.
We are certain that he would be immensely proud, watching from above as Anna exhibits her skills with the sled dogs in the Greenlandic wilderness.
Julia Lings
Julia has a big heart for animals and sled dogs in particular. She has thrown herself wholeheartedly into the Greenland Preservation program to save the Greenlandic Sled Dog. Julia comes from a tradition of dog sled drivers in Sisimiut, but also in her family the snowmobile is slowly taking over.
Both Julia’s grandfathers and mother drove dog sleds and her uncle has taught her to sew harnesses. For Julia, preserving the Greenlandic sled dog is serious business. She experiments with ways of working with the dogs in such a way that guests can experience these completely unique dogs, which are only found north of the Arctic Circle in Greenland, all year round.
Soelberg
Meet Soelberg – a warm and dedicated soul with a deep love for the four-legged furry sled dogs. With a kind heart Soelberg takes responsibility for everything from maintaining the buildings and managing the food supplies to ensuring the smooth operation of the dog farm. His commitment is evident in every aspect of his work, tirelessly caring for the dogs.From the late summer and autumn days to the early hints of winter, Soelberg has been there, ensuring the dogs are well looked after and prepared for the season ahead. When the snow finally arrived, he dedicated himself to the intense winter training.
We love having him on the team – the people team 😉
Caroline Tolborg
If adventure were a person, her name would be Caroline. Not only is Caroline one of our most experienced summer guides, but she has also sailed up and down Greenland’s west coast during her time in the navy. Following her naval career, she gained extensive experience as a guide with our summer team and guided numerous outdoor activities in Greenland’s stunning nature.
As part of our dedicated sled dog team, Caroline takes tourists on incredible sledding journeys into Greenland’s breathtaking wilderness. As the musher, she introduces visitors to the unique and fascinating world of the sled dogs.
Mathilde Engtorp
Meet Mathilde, the cheerful and smiling member of the Greenland Dog Adventure peoples team. With her enthusiastic approach to daily life on the dog farm, Mathilde’s positive attitude and determination make her fearless in the face of any challenge. She eagerly participates in training the sled dogs—even when the weather is bitterly cold.
Mathilde is also a vital contributor to managing the practical tasks on the farm, ensuring everything runs smoothly. It’s always a delight to see her big smile shining among the sled dogs!
Extended family
Advisory board
The project received enthusiastic support from her network for the project, leading to the formation of an advisory board consisting of Anette Lings, Lykke Geisler Yakaboylo, and Stig Rømer Winther.
Our sponsors
With out help from Sponsors saving the Greenland Dog is not possible. We are deeply grateful to:
