8-10km. Husky Safari from Rovaniemi and visting the Kennel

Exploring Lapland’s snowy wilderness through a husky safari from Rovaniemi offers a unique chance to connect with the Arctic landscape and its legendary sled dogs. While many tours only offer a quick ride, this experience truly immerses you in the life of a musher, blending exhilarating sledding with authentic insights from the mushers themselves.

What really sets this trip apart are the hands-on driving experience, the chance to visit a real husky kennel, and the stories shared around a crackling fire. It’s an adventure perfect for thrill-seekers who want more than just sightseeing, as well as dog lovers eager to meet the energetic pack that powers Lapland’s winter tourism.

One thing to consider: this tour requires participants to dress warmly in layers and be prepared for arctic temperatures around -25°C. If you’re not accustomed to cold weather, packing appropriately is essential.

This experience works best for travelers over 18 who crave a genuine Arctic adventure and are comfortable in cold conditions. It’s not suited for young children, pregnant women, or those with animal allergies, but for everyone else, it offers a memorable, active day in the snow.

Key Points

• Authentic Husky Driving: You’ll learn how to lead a sled and get to drive a 10 km route, making it a hands-on experience.
• Kennel Visit: Insights from mushers about their lives and training dogs add depth to the adventure.
• Scenic Sledding: Expect to glide through Lapland’s pristine forests on an open sled as the dogs bark happily.
• Cultural Experience: Stories and traditions shared around the fire provide a glimpse into the local musher lifestyle.
• Practical Details: Includes hotel pickup/drop-off, warm drinks, and instruction—value for the price of $292.
• Weather Preparedness: Dress in thermal layers, as temperatures can drop to -25°C, to enjoy the experience comfortably.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Husky Safari Experience

The Journey to the Kennel

The adventure begins with a convenient pickup from your hotel in Rovaniemi, usually in a minivan that whisks you into the snowy wilderness. The ride itself sets the mood — expect scenic views and perhaps some excitement as you approach the husky kennel, the heart of this experience. The journey is roughly four hours long, including time for briefing, sledding, and visiting the kennels.

The kennel visit is a highlight for many. Mushers, who are passionate about their dogs, take time to share stories about their daily lives and explain how they train and care for their energetic pack. It’s a rare chance to see these working dogs up close, hear their enthusiastic barks, and get a sense of their spirited personalities.

Learning to be a Musher

Once at the kennel, safety instructions are thoroughly explained, and you’ll be checked for appropriate clothing—warm, windproof layers are a must. The guides emphasize the importance of proper attire, so don’t forget to bring a hat, warm shoes, and dress in layers.

Afterward, everyone gets the chance to learn how to lead the sled. This isn’t just a casual ride; you’re stepping into the shoes of a musher. Many reviewers mention how much fun it was to hold the reins and steer through the snow, feeling a real connection with the dogs and the landscape.

The 10 km Sled Ride

The core of this experience is the self-driven sled ride, which covers around 10 kilometers. The sleds are open, allowing you to feel the crisp air and hear the dogs’ excited barks and panting as they pull you through snow-covered forests and open plains.

Expect an exhilarating ride, with the swift movement and the sound of paws on snow creating a visceral connection to Lapland’s wild side. The dogs are well-trained but enthusiastic, and their joyful barking acts as a natural jingle, adding to the adventure’s charm.

A typical reviewer describes it as “the thrill of dashing through the snow on a husky sled,” noting that the experience is as much about the connection with the animals as it is about the scenery.

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Post-Sledding and Storytelling

After the ride, everyone gathers around an open fire to warm up. Mushers share stories about their lives, the dogs, and the traditions of sledding in Lapland. This segment adds cultural depth, transforming the experience from mere recreation into a genuine peek into Arctic life. Many mention how welcoming and eager the mushers are to answer questions, making it a personalized and intimate part of the tour.

Additional Details

This tour lasts about four hours, with roughly one hour of actual sled driving, making it an engaging but not overwhelming experience. It’s designed to be accessible—only requiring participants to be over 18—and most find the pace comfortable and the instructions clear.

The price of $292 per person offers a comprehensive experience, including transportation, instruction, the kennel visit, the sled ride, and warm drinks. It’s a fair value considering the personalized elements, the opportunity to drive a sled, and the authentic encounter with Lapland’s dogs and people.

Practical Considerations

• Clothing: Dress in thermal layers, a warm hat, and sturdy, warm shoes. The guide’s advice on clothing isn’t just safety talk; it’s crucial for comfort.
• Weather: Prepare for extreme cold, with temperatures around -25°C. Windproof gear is essential.
• Group Size: The tour typically groups several participants, fostering a social yet intimate atmosphere.
• Age Restrictions: Only adults over 18 can drive, but children can ride in the sled behind the driver.
• Cancellation: Flexible booking allows for cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, offering peace of mind.

Authenticity and Review Insights

One reviewer mentions, “You truly felt like a musher, holding the reins and steering through the snow—an experience I’ll never forget.” Another highlights the friendly and knowledgeable mushers, who were eager to share their passion.

The visit to the kennel offers a personal touch — “Hearing how they train and live with these dogs made the experience even richer,” says a guest. The combination of hands-on activity, cultural storytelling, and scenic sledding makes this tour stand out from more passive sightseeing options.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for those who crave adventure with a purpose, enjoy animals, and seek an authentic taste of Lapland’s winter lifestyle. It’s ideal for energetic travelers over 18 who aren’t afraid of cold weather and want to actively participate in their Arctic journey. It’s also a good fit for couples, small groups, or solo travelers looking for a meaningful outdoor activity.

However, it’s not suitable for young children under five, pregnant women, or anyone with animal allergies. If you’re looking for a peaceful, scenic drive without the physical involvement, this might not be the best fit.

The Sum Up

This husky safari from Rovaniemi delivers more than just a scenic ride; it’s an interactive, educational experience wrapped in Arctic adventure. The opportunity to drive your own sled, meet dedicated mushers, and see how these incredible dogs are cared for makes it stand out. For travelers who want to get a real feel for Lapland’s snowy wilderness, this tour offers both adrenaline and authenticity.

While the cold weather demands proper clothing, the warmth of the stories shared and the connection with the dogs make the effort worthwhile. It’s a well-balanced experience—adventurous, cultural, and fun—all rolled into a memorable day in the Arctic.

If you’re after an active day outdoors with a genuine mountain-musher vibe, this husky safari hits the mark. Just remember to dress warmly, bring a sense of adventure, and prepare for a day you’ll talk about long after the snow melts.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience takes about four hours, including transportation, kennel visit, sledding, and storytelling.

Can I drive the sled myself?
Yes, you will be instructed on how to lead the sled, and you’ll be assigned a sled to drive during the 10 km ride.

Is transportation included?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off in Rovaniemi are part of the package.

What should I wear?
Dress warmly in layers, with a hat and warm shoes. Windproof and thermal clothing is recommended for comfort and safety.

What is the maximum temperature I should expect?
Temperatures can drop to around -25°C, so proper winter gear is necessary.

Is the experience suitable for children?
Children over 5 can ride as passengers, but only adults over 18 can drive the sled.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Are food and overalls included?
No, food isn’t included, and overalls are not provided, so dress accordingly.

Is this experience available in languages other than English?
The tour is conducted in English.

What do reviewers say about the experience?
Guests have praised the authentic feeling of driving the sled and the warmth of the mushers’ stories, making it a memorable Arctic adventure.

This husky safari from Rovaniemi offers a mix of adrenaline, cultural insight, and genuine connection with Lapland’s iconic sled dogs. It’s a day that blends outdoor activity with storytelling, perfect for those eager to embrace the true spirit of the Arctic.

You can check availability for your dates here: