Levi: Husky Adventure Self-Drive Safari 15km

If you’re looking to add a genuine touch of Arctic adventure to your trip to Lapland, the Levi Husky Self-Drive Safari offers a compelling option. With a solid rating of 4.7 from 20 reviews, this tour promises a mix of adrenaline, cultural insight, and unforgettable winter landscapes. While it’s not the longest or cheapest activity available, many travelers find the experience well worth the price for the unique thrill of driving their own husky team.

What we particularly appreciate about this safari are three things: the opportunity to steer your own sled, the beautiful snowy scenery, and the chance to meet the friendly dogs up close. The guided safety instructions are clear, making it approachable even for first-timers. However, some might find the 1-hour ride duration a little short, especially given the price, but it’s balanced by the authentic experience of controlling the sled yourself. If you’re a fan of outdoor adventures, Arctic culture, and furry friends, this tour could be a highlight of your Lapland visit.

This experience is best suited for adventure lovers, dog enthusiasts, and those wanting to try something truly different without needing prior experience. It’s ideal for travelers who value authenticity and hands-on participation in their Arctic activities.

Key Points

• Self-Drive Excitement: You get to steer and control your own husky sled, adding a personal thrill to the ride.
• Beautiful Scenery: The tour showcases Lapland’s snow-covered landscapes, perfect for photography and quiet reflection.
• Cultural Touch: After the ride, you can engage with local folklore and learn about the dogs’ role in Finnish tradition.
• Family-Friendly: Suitable for children over 4 years, making it a family activity.
• Logistics: Pickup and drop-off are included from Levi Center, simplifying planning.
• Value for Money: The experience offers a mix of adventure and cultural insights, but some reviews note the ride length could be longer for the price.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Detailed Review of the Levi Husky Self-Drive Safari

How the Tour Starts: Convenient Pickup and Farm Introduction

Your adventure begins with a pickup from Levi Center, located conveniently at Hissitie 11, right across from the parking lot and near Kotipizza. The transportation is comfortable, and the operator, Polar Lights Tours, makes the journey to the family-owned husky, horse, and reindeer farm smooth.

On arrival, you’re greeted by the friendly hosts who run the farm, giving you a warm first impression. Here, you’ll receive a thorough safety briefing and driving instructions. The guides are knowledgeable and patient, ensuring that even first-time sledders feel confident about handling the sled and understanding how to work with the huskies.

What Makes the Self-Drive Sledding Special

Unlike traditional guided dog sled tours, this activity hands the reins over to you—literally. Most reviews highlight how clear and helpful the instructions are, with Claude noting, “The instructions are clear and steering the sled is no problem.” This setup appeals most to those who want to actively participate rather than be passive spectators.

You team up with a partner, taking turns driving the sled. The two-person setup not only distributes the physical effort but also makes the experience more social and engaging. You’ll be guided by a snowmobile or follow the lead of an expert guide, ensuring safety and smooth navigation. The route covers about 15-18 km, giving enough time to enjoy the scenery without feeling rushed.

The Scenic Journey: A Photo-Opportunity Wonderland

As you glide through Lapland’s pristine snow, you’ll marvel at the quiet beauty of the Arctic landscape. The snow-covered trees, open fields, and distant hills provide a stunning backdrop for photos and memorable moments. Many travelers comment on the beautiful scenery, with Camille mentioning that the ride duration was just right to enjoy the views and spend time with the dogs.

The route often crosses frozen lakes, adding a touch of magic as the huskies pull you over shimmering ice. The guides are also well-versed in pointing out local sights and sharing stories about the landscape, folklore, and the dogs’ role in Finnish culture.

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Midway: Swap Drivers and Connect with Dogs

Halfway through the excursion, you’ll stop to switch drivers. This allows both participants to experience the thrill of steering the sled and to witness firsthand the energy and enthusiasm of the Alaskan huskies. Many reviews emphasize how lively and friendly the dogs are, with Fabienne noting that after the ride, guests are encouraged to pet and interact with the dogs, which many find charming.

The dogs are clearly well cared for, and their happiness seems apparent—an important factor for many travelers considering animal welfare. The guides often share fun facts about the breeds, training, and how the dogs are integral to Lapland traditions.

Warming Up: Fire, Snacks, and Folklore

After the sledding, you’ll gather around a cozy Kammi (traditional Sámi hut) by an open fire. Here, you can enjoy hot juice, a snack, and warm your hands while listening to stories about Finnish folklore, reindeer herders, and the legends surrounding the mythical creatures of Lapland. Camille appreciated the “small cabin by the fire” experience, which provides a welcoming end to the adventure.

This part of the tour offers a chance to relax, connect with fellow travelers, and learn more about the region’s culture. It’s a simple but meaningful conclusion to an active day.

Ease and Convenience: Included Transfers and Extras

The tour includes pickup and drop-off from Levi center, removing the hassle of arranging transportation. The package also provides warm clothing if needed, which is essential to stay comfortable during the outdoor ride. The snacks and hot juice are a thoughtful touch—although some reviews, like Fabienne’s, mention that they could be more substantial considering the price.

What’s Noteworthy and Possible Drawbacks

While many aspects of this tour are praised, some travelers feel the ride duration of approximately one hour might be a bit short given the cost. GetYourGuide reviewer GetYourGuide traveler describes it as “Great but a bit expensive,” indicating that value perception varies.

Also, the activity is not suitable for children under 4, so families with very young children might need to look elsewhere. The tour takes place rain or shine, so come prepared for the weather, whether snowy, rainy, or clear.

Is This Experience Worth It?

Given the combination of self-driving fun, spectacular scenery, and opportunity to meet the dogs, most guests find the tour offers a memorable and authentic Arctic adventure. The direct control over the sled makes it more engaging than a guided tour, and the chance to learn about the dogs and local lore adds cultural depth.

The price point reflects the premium experience—participating in a classic Lapland activity with personalized touches—though some may wish for a longer ride or more included snacks. Still, the overall package offers good value for those craving a hands-on, scenic, and culturally rich activity.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This safari is perfect for adventure seekers who want to try driving a husky sled themselves and savor the quiet beauty of Lapland’s winter landscape. It’s also ideal for dog lovers curious about the breeds and their role in local traditions. Families with children over 4 years old will find this engaging and safe, especially with the included warm clothing and guided supervision.

If you’re after a genuine Arctic experience that combines fun, scenery, and cultural insights, this tour ticks all those boxes. Just remember, it’s a relatively short ride, so if you’re after a longer or more intense sledding session, you might want to explore other options.

FAQs

Is pickup included?
Yes, the tour provides pickup and drop-off from Levi Center, making logistics straightforward.

What should I bring?
Warm clothing is recommended, especially for outdoor activities in winter. The tour may provide some clothing, but layering is always wise.

Is the tour suitable for children?
It is suitable for children over 4 years old. The experience is active and involves handling the sled, so younger children might not be ideal.

How long does the sledding last?
The self-drive husky safari covers about 15-18 km, typically lasting around 1 hour of riding, plus breaks.

Can I swap drivers?
Yes, at the halfway point, you and your companion can switch roles to experience driving the sled.

What is included in the price?
Pickup and drop-off, the husky safari, and hot juice and snacks are all included.

Is this activity weather-dependent?
Yes, it takes place rain or shine, so dress accordingly.

The Levi Husky Self-Drive Safari offers a genuine taste of Arctic adventure. The chance to steer your own sled, combined with stunning winter scenery and interaction with friendly dogs, creates memories that stand out. While some may wish for a longer ride or more included snacks, the experience’s authentic and participatory nature makes it a worthwhile addition to any Lapland itinerary.

This tour is best suited for travelers craving a hands-on outdoor activity, animal lovers, and those eager to connect with Lapland’s unique culture. If you’re comfortable with the price and the 1-hour ride, you’ll find this safari a rewarding way to embrace the true spirit of the Arctic wilderness.

You can check availability for your dates here: