8-10km Husky Ride in the Taiga Forest and visiting the Kennel

If you’re dreaming of dashing through snow-covered landscapes behind a team of energetic huskies, this tour in Rovaniemi, Finland, promises a memorable Arctic adventure. We haven’t personally taken this exact ride, but based on the glowing reviews, detailed itinerary, and honest insights, it’s clear this experience blends excitement, authenticity, and value seamlessly.

What truly stands out for us are the dedicated guides, the stunning scenery, and the personalized nature of the experience. The chance to drive your own sled – not just ride as a passenger – elevates the thrill. Plus, the visit to the kennel offers a genuine peek into the huskies’ lives, something we find rare and special.

That said, one consideration is the importance of warm clothing — the Arctic temperatures demand proper gear, which can be an extra preparation step for some travelers. This tour suits adventure lovers, families with older kids, or honeymooners looking for something both fun and authentic in wintery Lapland.

Key Points

• Authentic Husky Mushing: You get to be the musher, holding the reins and driving your own sled.
• Stunning Arctic Views: Glide through pristine forests and snowy landscapes—an ideal backdrop for memorable photos.
• Knowledgeable Guides: They are passionate about the huskies and eager to share their stories.
• Comfort and Safety: Warm, windproof clothing is essential to enjoy the ride comfortably.
• Value for Money: The 8-10 km ride offers a longer, more immersive experience than many shorter tours.
• Family-Friendly: Suitable for travelers over 18 to drive, with kids as passengers, making it great for families and couples alike.

An In-Depth Look at the Husky Sled Experience

What the Tour Includes and How It Unfolds

Starting at 9:00 am, your day begins with private transportation from your hotel in Rovaniemi, whisking you away into the snowy wilderness. The journey itself is part of the adventure, setting the tone for the day ahead. You’ll be brought to a husky kennel where the real magic begins.

Here, the friendly and experienced guides will give a safety briefing and show you how to handle the sled. Their warmth and passion shine through—many reviewers, like Katerina, mention how the staff are “super experienced, kind and friendly.” The guides not only teach you the basics but also share stories about the dogs, their training, and life in Lapland.

The Sled Ride: What to Expect

Once suited up with warm, windproof clothes checked for safety, you’ll hop into your sled with the guide or as the guide yourself if you’re up for the challenge. The thrill of driving your own team of huskies is hard to beat. Reviews like Andrea’s highlight how “it was so much fun” to be behind the reins, especially for honeymooners or adventure seekers.

The 8-10 km route winds through forests and open snowfields, offering stunning views of the white landscape. As you glide through the trees, you’ll hear the dogs barking merrily, replacing the traditional jingle of sleigh bells. Many reviews, including Sabrina’s, describe the trip as “exhilarating” and “beyond amazing.”

The Husky Kennel Visit and Post-Ride Relaxation

After the ride, you’ll gather around an open fire, a cozy setting to reflect on the adventure. The guides and kennel owners are eager to answer questions about the dogs’ lives, training routines, and their role in Lapland culture. This part of the experience adds a layer of authenticity and personal connection, appreciated by many.

Guests have also raved about the well-cared-for huskies, with some even playing with the dogs afterward, as Stanley noted, “the dogs are so cute and you get to play with them after the ride.”

Additional Perks

Some reviewers mention a BBQ and farm visit as part of their experience, adding extra value and immersion. The tour offers pickup and drop-off, making logistics hassle-free, and the small group size (max 8 travelers) ensures a more personalized, less rushed experience.

The Practicalities and Value

Duration and Cost

At approximately 4.5 hours, this tour balances enough time for a comprehensive adventure without feeling rushed. The price point of $236.18 per person is quite reasonable given the length of the sled ride and the included kennel visit. Many travelers have expressed that this is “fantastic value for money,” especially when considering the quality of guides and the opportunity to drive your own sled.

What to Wear and Prepare

Since the temperatures in Lapland can be extremely cold, proper clothing is vital. The guides will check your attire before letting you ride, emphasizing warmth and windproof layers. Reviewers like Marlene advise to be “very, very well dressed, especially at the feet,” to ensure comfort throughout the ride.

Booking and Flexibility

The tour’s free cancellation policy provides peace of mind. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, which is helpful considering weather variability in Arctic conditions. The tour is suitable for most travelers over 18, with the only prerequisite being the ability to handle the cold and follow instructions.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Authentic Husky Mushing Experience

Unlike some shorter or more commercialized rides, this tour offers a longer, more immersive sled ride that allows you to be a true musher. The reviews consistently praise the guides for their knowledge and friendliness, making the whole process approachable and educational. Many guests appreciate the chance to drive the sled themselves, a feature that turns a simple snow adventure into a personal achievement.

Stunning Scenery

From the reviews, it’s clear that the views through the forest are beyond impressive, with some describing the scenery as “beyond amazing.” Gliding through snow-laden trees and across open fields creates a picture-perfect winter landscape that you’ll want to capture on camera.

Personal Connection with Huskies

The care and love the kennel staff have for their huskies come through in reviews. Many describe the dogs as “adorable” and well-trained, and you’ll love the moments spent playing with them afterward. The kennel visit offers insight into the lives of these working dogs, making the experience more meaningful.

Intimate Group Size and Personal Attention

Limited to 8 travelers, the tour ensures you won’t be lost in a crowd. This small-group setup allows guides to give personalized attention, answer questions, and make sure everyone feels confident handling the sled.

Value for Money

Considering the length of the sled ride, the quality of guides, and extra touches like kennel visits, many guests find this tour to be a worthwhile investment in their Arctic holiday. Plus, the opportunity to be a musher for a day — rather than just a passenger — adds a level of thrill and authenticity many other tours lack.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This husky sled tour is ideal for adventure enthusiasts who want a hands-on experience in the Arctic wilderness. It suits couples, families with older children, and anyone eager to drive their own sled. Given the emphasis on warm clothing, travelers should be prepared for cold weather, but those who do will find this to be a genuinely rewarding activity.

It’s also perfect for those seeking a cultural connection—learning about the huskies’ training and care adds depth to the fun. If you’re after a longer ride that truly feels immersive, this tour offers a satisfying balance of adventure and authenticity.

Final Thoughts

This 8-10 km husky sled experience in Rovaniemi offers a compelling mix of excitement, natural beauty, and genuine connection with working sled dogs. The dedicated guides, stunning scenery, and the chance to be your own musher make it stand out among Arctic activities.

While good clothing is a must, the overall experience delivers fantastic value and is suitable for travelers who want more than just a quick ride — they want a memorable adventure to remember for years. Whether you’re honeymooning, traveling with family, or simply craving a true Arctic thrill, this tour is bound to deliver.

FAQ

Do I need to have experience to drive the sled?
No prior experience is necessary. The guides will give you a safety briefing and instructions before your ride, making it accessible for most.

What should I wear?
Warm, windproof clothing is essential. The guides will check your clothes before you ride to ensure you’re properly dressed for the cold temperatures.

Can I cancel if the weather is poor?
Yes, the tour has a flexible cancellation policy. You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the experience, and if weather conditions cancel the trip, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is this suitable for children?
This experience is designed for travelers over 18 to drive the sled, but children can join as passengers. Make sure they are dressed warmly and are comfortable in cold conditions.

How long is the sled ride?
The ride covers about 8-10 km and lasts roughly 2 hours, providing ample time to enjoy the scenery and the thrill of being a musher.

What is included in the tour?
The package includes private transportation, the sled ride, a kennel visit, and an activity guide. Personal expenses are not covered.

Ready for a winter adventure that combines adrenaline, natural beauty, and authentic Lapland culture? This husky sled tour is a fantastic choice for those wanting to experience the Arctic in a deeply memorable way.