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

A Thrilling Husky Ride in Finland’s Lapland Wilderness

Imagine yourself in Rovaniemi, Finland, surrounded by snow-covered forests and icy landscapes that seem straight out of a fairytale. For about 4.5 hours at $236.18 per person, you can become a musher for a day, guiding a team of energetic huskies through the pristine Taiga Forest. The highlight is an 8-10km open sled ride, where you’re in the driver’s seat—holding the reins and steering through snow-laden trails—while the barking huskies eagerly follow your lead.

What we truly love about this experience is the personal touch. You’re not just a passenger; you’re the driver, learning how to control the sled with instructions from seasoned guides. The scenery is breathtaking, with crystal-clear snow, towering trees, and the quiet of the Arctic wilderness providing a perfect backdrop. A significant plus is the opportunity to visit the husky kennel, meet the dogs, and hear stories from the mushers about their lives and training routines. Plus, after the ride, you can warm up by an open fire while sipping berry juice or tea, a cozy way to end a brisk adventure.

One minor consideration is weather dependency. The tour requires good weather conditions to run smoothly, and in case of poor weather, the experience might be canceled or rescheduled. This is typical for outdoor Arctic excursions, so it’s wise to stay flexible. This tour suits adventurous travelers, animal lovers, and those seeking authentic Arctic experiences—especially if you enjoy a hands-on activity rather than just observing.

Key Points

• Authentic Mushing Experience: You’ll be driving your own husky sled, not just riding along, giving you a true sense of control.
• Scenic Journey: Glide through the white forest trails, with the chance to see the Arctic landscape at its most pristine.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable, friendly guides like “Lina” make the safety and instruction clear, adding to the confidence of even first-timers.
• Family Friendly & Inclusive: Over 18s can be the mushers, while children can enjoy being passengers, making this suitable for couples, families, and groups.
• Value for Money: At about four-and-a-half hours, with transportation included, many reviewers say it’s well worth the cost for a memorable Arctic adventure.
• Post-Ride Traditions: Meeting the huskies, listening to stories, and warming by a fire create a complete experience that goes beyond just a sled ride.

An In-Depth Look at the Husky Sled Experience

Starting Point and Transportation

Your adventure begins with a convenient pickup service from your Rovaniemi hotel, which makes logistics straightforward. The private minivan transfer is both comfortable and timely, usually arranged for a 9:00 a.m. start, ensuring you beat the crowds and enjoy the crisp morning air. The journey to the kennel is a short drive into the forest, giving you a chance to admire the Lapland landscape from the outset.

At the Kennel: Learning the Ropes

Once at the husky kennel, the experience truly kicks off. The friendly guides will give a comprehensive safety briefing and instruction on how to drive the sled, which is surprisingly intuitive. You’ll learn about husky training, the dogs’ personalities, and the importance of warm, windproof clothing—a must-have, given the Arctic temperatures. Several reviews highlight the knowledgeable staff, praising how they passionately explain the dogs’ lives and care.

The Sled Ride: A Personal Adventure

Equipped with your harness and sled, you’ll set off into the forest. The 8-10km trail offers a mix of open areas and narrow woodland paths—sometimes the dogs veer slightly off the trail, adding a touch of excitement (and a little adrenaline). Many reviews mention how “scary but fun” it can be when the huskies pick up speed or take a sharp turn, but guides are always there to keep you safe and offer reassurance.

The soundscape of barking huskies and the crunch of snow under the runners creates an unforgettable sensory experience. The scenery is genuinely spectacular; snow-draped trees and frozen lakes make the landscape feel like a winter wonderland. Several reviewers describe the ride as “magical” and “beyond expectations”, noting the quiet beauty and the exhilaration of controlling your own team.

Post-Ride: Connection and Warmth

After the ride, you’ll return to the kennel where you can play with the huskies—many mention how “adorable” and well-cared-for the dogs are. The mushers, often friendly locals, share stories about their life in Lapland and dog training routines. The warm fire and hot drinks provide a cozy contrast to the cold outdoors, allowing for questions and photo opportunities.

Overall Experience and Value

The length of the tour—roughly 4.5 hours—includes transportation, instruction, the sled ride, and the kennel visit, making it excellent value compared to shorter or less interactive experiences. The small group size (limited to 8 travelers) ensures a personalized experience, with plenty of opportunities to interact with the dogs and guides.

What Others Say

Multiple reviews note the quality and dedication of the staff, describing guides as “passionate” and “knowledgeable”. Many reviewers, like Leonardo, describe the ride as “magical” and “a memory to cherish forever”. The longer sled run—more than some other tours—means fewer rides and more interaction, which many find well worth the extra cost.

Practical Considerations

While weather is a factor, the tour provider clearly states that cancellation due to poor weather is possible but will be handled with full refunds or rescheduling. You’ll want to dress warmly—think layers, windproof jackets, hats, and gloves—since the Arctic chill can be intense, especially if you’re just standing around before or after your ride. The tour is suitable for adults over 18, but children can still enjoy being passengers.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for those who crave a hands-on, authentic Arctic adventure. Animal lovers will appreciate the care and training of the huskies, while those seeking a thrilling, memorable ride will enjoy the control and speed. Families with kids over 5 or 6 tend to find it exciting yet manageable. If you’re someone who appreciates scenic beauty combined with cultural insight, the kennel visit and stories from the mushers will add depth to your trip.

Final Thoughts

This husky sled tour offers a beautiful blend of adventure, culture, and natural beauty in Lapland. It’s well-organized, with friendly guides who make sure everyone feels safe and engaged. The 8-10 km ride strikes a good balance—long enough to learn about the experience without it feeling rushed. The post-ride interaction with the dogs and warm drinks add a warm, personal touch that many travelers cherish.

If you’re after a genuine, interactive Arctic experience that combines adventure with education and animal connection, this tour fits the bill. It’s particularly valuable for first-timers or anyone looking to try mushing in a safe, supportive environment.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour provides private pickup and drop-off from your hotel, making logistics simple and stress-free.

How long does the experience last?
The entire tour lasts approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes, including transportation, instruction, and the sled ride.

Can I drive the sled?
Absolutely. The guides will instruct you on how to lead the huskies safely, and you’ll have the chance to drive your own sled if you wish.

What should I wear?
Wear warm, windproof clothing. The Arctic temperatures can be quite cold, especially at speed, so layers, hats, gloves, and sturdy boots are recommended.

Is this experience suitable for children?
While the minimum age for driving is over 18, children can sit as passengers and enjoy the scenery and interaction with the dogs.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour relies on clear weather conditions. If the weather prevents the activity, you’ll be offered a reschedule or full refund.

What do reviews say about guides and dogs?
Reviewers consistently praise knowledgeable guides and well-cared-for huskies, describing them as friendly, adorable, and energetic.

This husky sled ride through Lapland’s snowy forests is more than just an activity; it’s a genuine Arctic adventure that combines thrilling control, scenic beauty, and authentic animal interaction. Perfect for adventure seekers, animal lovers, and anyone eager to experience Lapland’s wilderness in a memorable way.