Rovaniemi: 7km Self-Drive Husky Sleigh Ride Adventure

Traveling to Rovaniemi and craving an authentic Arctic experience? This 7km self-driven husky sled ride offers a chance to take control of your own team of eager huskies as you glide through Lapland’s winter wonderland. We’ve looked into this tour from Wonderlapland to give you a clear picture of what’s on offer, what makes it so special, and whether it’s worth your euros.

What we love about this experience:
First, the chance to drive your own husky team is a rare and exhilarating opportunity – you’re not just a passenger but the musher. Second, the stunning scenery—lakes frozen over and snow-dusted forests—really makes the ride visually unforgettable. Third, the small group setting fosters a more personal, immersive atmosphere, allowing for meaningful interactions with guides and huskies.

One thing to consider: the tour requires pre-booking for winter gear and photography packages, which adds a little extra planning. Also, some review comments mention the group size was larger than expected, so if exclusivity matters, check when booking.

This tour suits those eager for an active, hands-on adventure in Arctic landscapes, especially animal lovers and those wanting a genuine, memorable experience with huskies beyond just a sightseeing ride.

Key Points

• Self-driven adventure: You get to be the musher, steering your own sled.
• Stunning scenery: Expect snow-laden forests and tranquil lakes along the trail.
• Expert guidance: Guides like Sarah from Huskypoint are praised for their competence and friendliness.
• Traditional warmth: Finish your ride with hot drinks and cookies in a cozy Finnish kota or tipi.
• Small group or large?: While the experience is designed for small groups, some reviews suggest larger groups may occur.
• Pre-book gear: Winter overalls and snowboots need to be arranged in advance for around 10 euros.
• Language options: Guides speak multiple languages, including French, English, and Spanish, making it accessible for many travelers.
• Flexible booking: Keep your plans open with the option to book now and pay later, plus full refund if canceled 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary in Detail

Pickup and Welcome
Your adventure begins with convenient pickup and drop-off from your accommodation, making logistics straightforward. Once at the husky center, you’ll be greeted by the team and introduced to your guide—often described as friendly, knowledgeable, and passionate about huskies.

Husky Kennel Visit
Before the ride, expect an engaging visit to the husky kennels. Guides like Sarah and others are praised for their insightful explanations about the dogs’ personalities, care routines, and the history of sledding in Lapland. You’ll get a chance to meet the huskies up close, pet them, and learn about their roles in Arctic travel.

Getting Kitted Out
If you didn’t bring your own gear, you can request winter overalls and snowboots for about 10 euros. Since the weather in Lapland can be severe, this step is crucial to stay warm and comfortable during your sled ride.

The 7km Self-Drive Sled Ride
Now for the main event: you’ll take control of your own sled, guided by expert instructions. The guide will demonstrate how to handle the sled, how to communicate with the dogs, and safety tips for the snowy trail. The ride itself lasts around 20-30 minutes, with the trail passing stunning frozen lakes and snow-covered forests.

Authentic Lapland Experience
The trail is designed to be manageable for beginners but still exciting enough to give a real sense of adventure. Many reviewers highlight the emotional connection to the huskies and the thrill of being the one steering the sled. One guest said, “Our best experience. Top guide. To do without hesitation,” emphasizing the quality of guidance and the memorable nature of the ride.

Post-Ride Relaxation
After venturing through the wilderness, you’ll gather in a traditional Finnish kota or tipi, where a crackling fire creates a welcoming atmosphere. Here, you can enjoy warm drinks and cookies—an ideal way to unwind and reflect on your adventure. Guests mention that the guides, like Sarah, are very friendly and passionate, offering insights and stories that deepen your appreciation for the dogs and the activity.

Additional Insights
The experience includes a kennel visit and stories about the dogs’ personalities, which many guests find adds depth and connection to the activity. Comments praising guides like Sarah note her competence and friendliness, making the overall experience feel personalized and genuine.

Value and Pricing

At $235 per person, this experience offers good value considering it combines active participation, expert guidance, and cultural insight. The price includes transportation, a guided husky kennel visit, the self-driven sled ride, and warm refreshments.

Compared to typical Arctic excursions, this is a fair price for a personalized, hands-on adventure that leaves you with lasting memories of controlling a team of huskies through pristine landscapes. Keep in mind, additional costs for gear are minimal, and the flexible booking options provide peace of mind.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Authentic self-driving experience: Many husky rides are passenger-only, but this tour puts you in the driver’s seat. Multiple reviews praise the thrill and emotional connection of being the musher.

Stunning scenery: The route through lakes and forests offers classic Lapland views—perfect for photos and peaceful moments. Guests frequently mention the “magnificent landscapes” and “incredible scenery,” making it clear that the environment elevates the ride.

Knowledgeable guides: Guides like Sarah are noted for their competence and passion, making the experience more engaging and informative. Their explanations about the dogs and sledding technique are appreciated, especially by those new to the activity.

Cultural warmth: The post-ride warmth in the kota or tipi, with cookies and hot drinks, provides a cozy contrast to the outdoor adventure, rounding out the experience nicely.

Potential Drawbacks and Considerations

While many reviews are glowing, some mention larger-than-expected groups—up to 15 people—despite the advertised 9 maximum. If a small, intimate group is important for you, clarify this when booking.

You also need to pre-arrange winter gear, which adds a small logistical step, but it’s a fair trade considering the cold conditions.

Finally, there’s a mention of a “long speech” by guides, which some might find a bit lengthy—though others appreciated the detailed explanations.

More Great Tours Nearby

Who Will Love This Experience?

This tour is ideal for travelers wanting an active, participatory Arctic adventure. It’s perfect if you’re eager to drive your own husky team rather than just watch from the sidelines. Animal lovers and those interested in learning about sled dog culture will find it especially rewarding.

It’s also well-suited for families, as children can enjoy petting the huskies and participating in a genuine sledding activity. The cozy post-ride setting is a lovely way to unwind, making it suitable for couples or groups of friends.

While it’s a bit more involved than a standard snowmobile tour, it offers a deeper connection with the landscape and the animals—something many travelers cherish.

FAQ

Do I need to have experience with huskies or sledding?
No, the guide provides instructions and demonstrations, making it accessible for beginners.

What should I wear?
You can request winter overalls and snowboots in advance for about 10 euros, which are recommended to stay warm.

How long is the sled ride?
The self-driven sled ride covers approximately 7km, lasting around 20-30 minutes.

Is transportation included?
Yes, pickup and drop-off from your accommodation are part of the package.

Can I book the experience now and pay later?
Yes, you can reserve your spot with flexible booking options, including pay later and full refunds if canceled 24 hours in advance.

Are guides multilingual?
Yes, guides speak several languages, including French, English, Spanish, Catalan, and Persian.

What if I want to take photos?
Photographs can be arranged for an additional cost; ask the guide or organizer in advance.

What should I expect after the ride?
Relax in a traditional kota or tipi, enjoy warm drinks and cookies, and listen to stories about the huskies and sledding.

Is there a group size limit?
The experience is designed for small groups, but some reviews suggest larger groups may occur; clarify during booking if important.

Final Words

If you’re after an interactive, genuine husky sledding experience in Lapland, this tour from Wonderlapland ticks many boxes. It offers the thrill of driving your own team, stunning scenery, and the warmth of traditional Finnish hospitality afterward. The knowledgeable guides and the opportunity to connect with these incredible animals make it a standout activity.

While the group size and gear arrangement are worth considering, many guests find the overall value, scenery, and personal touch well worth the price. This tour is especially suitable for active travelers, animal enthusiasts, and those seeking a memorable Arctic adventure that goes beyond the typical sightseeing trip.

For anyone dreaming of controlling a team of huskies through the snow-covered wilderness, this is a chance to make that dream come true in one of the most beautiful places on earth.

You can check availability for your dates here: