Hunting Northern Lights with Husky

Searching for the Northern Lights in Rovaniemi?
This Hunting Northern Lights with Husky tour from Rovaniemi offers a memorable way to chase the auroras, combining the thrill of a husky sled ride with the quiet beauty of Lappish winter nights. For around $265 per person, you’ll spend roughly 3.5 hours exploring snowy forests on a sled pulled by energetic huskies, topped off with the chance to see the elusive northern lights (weather permitting).

Two things we really love about this experience: First, the guides’ knowledge and friendliness shine through — they make the whole adventure warm and engaging, even in the coldest hours. Second, the huskies themselves are the stars, lively, friendly, and clearly well-loved by their handlers, making the ride both exciting and authentic.

A possible consideration is the unpredictability of northern lights sightings — weather conditions like cloud cover can obscure the sky, making the aurora’s appearance a bit of a gamble. But even without a visible display, the husky ride and the enchanting winter landscape make this a worthwhile outing.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy outdoor adventures, are curious about sledding, and want a chance to experience the winter wilderness from a local perspective. It’s especially ideal for families, dog lovers, or anyone seeking a peaceful, nature-centered evening — but be prepared for the cold!

Key Points

• Authentic Husky Experience: You’ll ride with well-cared-for huskies driven by friendly guides, making it more than just a sightseeing trip.
• Guided Aurora Hunting: The guides know the best spots and keep you comfortable while waiting for the elusive northern lights.
• Comfort and Convenience: Pickup and drop-off service makes logistics simple, especially in a winter landscape.
• Weather Dependency: Aurora sightings are not guaranteed, and cloud cover can block the view.
• Value for Money: With knowledgeable guides, a cozy gear kit, and a memorable husky ride, many reviews find the price reasonable.
• Group Size: The tour limits to 24 travelers, maintaining a friendly, intimate atmosphere.

A Complete Review of the Hunting Northern Lights with Husky Tour

What’s Included and How the Day Unfolds

This tour from Rovaniemi kicks off with a pickup from your hotel or designated meeting point around 6:00 pm (exact timing varies based on season and availability). The ease of having transportation included takes a lot of stress out of planning — no need to hunt for parking or coordinate transfers. The group size is capped at 24 travelers, which helps keep the experience personal and engaging.

Once you arrive at the husky farm, you’ll be greeted by the team and introduced to the dogs. The actual sled ride lasts about 25 minutes, during which you’ll be pulled through snow-covered forests, often under a star-studded sky. Reviewers often emphasize how friendly and professional the guides are, sharing stories and explaining the huskies’ characters, which adds to the authenticity of the experience.

After the ride, your guides typically take you to a quiet lakeside or forest spot — weather permitting — for the chance to witness the Northern Lights. Here, you can relax, perhaps enjoy some hot blueberry juice, and gaze up at the potentially dancing auroras. Even if cloud cover blocks the lights, many mention the memorable experience of being out in nature at night, surrounded by silence and shimmering snow.

The trip concludes with a return transfer to your hotel, usually after a bonfire with sausages and marshmallows — a cozy end to a chilly evening. Guides often share local stories or fun facts about the area, making the experience both relaxing and enriching.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

Authentic husky sledding is a highlight, with many reviews praising the friendly dogs and the musher’s patience. One reviewer called it “the most memorable moments spent with the huskies,” emphasizing how much the dogs loved their work and how engaging the guides were.

The guides’ local knowledge and friendly demeanor make a big difference, helping guests feel comfortable in the dark and cold. Several reviewers appreciated guides like Linda and Irene, who shared stories and explained the landscape and husky characteristics.

The cozy gear provided, such as snow suits and warm footwear, helps make the cold manageable, but remember to wear layers and a face covering — temperatures can dip as low as 11-15°F, according to reviews. The hot blueberry juice and marshmallows at the end add a touch of warmth and fun, especially for families or those with kids.

Downsides and Considerations

The main downside many mention is the uncertainty of seeing the Northern Lights — cloud cover or poor solar activity can mean missing out on the aurora glow. While guides do their best to find clear spots, the natural phenomenon relies heavily on weather and solar conditions.

Some reviews also point out that the ride duration can be brief — around 25 minutes — and at times, the BBQ or snacks might feel rushed or modest for the price paid. A few travelers found the group size or waiting time at the meeting point a little inconvenient, especially if arriving early.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re looking for an adventure that combines outdoor fun with a chance to see the Northern Lights, this tour checks most boxes. It’s well-suited for families, dog lovers, and those wanting to experience real winter nights in Lapland. Be prepared for cold temperatures, and don’t expect a guaranteed sighting of the auroras — but if luck is on your side, you might witness one of nature’s most breathtaking displays.

Deep Dive: An Authentic Arctic Experience

Itinerary Breakdown

The tour begins in the evening, typically with a hotel pickup around 6:00 pm. This is convenient, especially considering the long winter nights. Once at the husky farm, your group will gather with guides and huskies, often in a cozy outdoor setting.

The sled ride is the main event — a 25-minute journey through snow-laden forests. Many reviewers describe it as “thrilling,” “magical,” and “a highlight of their trip.” The sleds are pulled by a team of lively huskies, often described as friendly, energetic, and well-cared-for — you’ll get a real sense of the bond between the dogs and guides.

Post-ride, the focus shifts to waiting for the Aurora. You might be led to a lakeside or forest vantage point, where guides set up warm drinks and help you settle in. The skies can be clear and starry, making for stunning photos, or clouded, which dampens the experience. As one reviewer put it: “Even if we didn’t see the lights, the husky ride in itself was unforgettable.”

Finally, the evening wraps with a warm bonfire, sausages, and marshmallows, giving everyone a chance to connect and warm up. The guides’ stories and local insights add to the experience, making it more than just a ride in the dark.

The Value of Guided Aurora Hunts

Going with a guided tour means you’re not navigating on your own, which in winter can be quite a challenge. The guides’ local knowledge of the best spots to view the lights, coupled with their ability to interpret weather conditions, can make a difference. Many reviews highlight how guides like Linda and Irene made the experience warm and personalized, even in challenging weather.

The gear provided — warm suits, boots, and gloves — are essential in keeping you comfortable. Several travelers note that this equipment helps them endure the cold, which can drop below freezing.

The Cost and What You Get

The tour costs about $265 per person, which might seem steep — but considering the guided experience, transportation, husky ride, and the chance to see the auroras, many find this to be a good value. The experience includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a sled ride, and optional lakeside viewing.

One review states, “For the price, it was a worthy experience,” especially since it combines a dog sled adventure with the hope of witnessing the Northern Lights — an elusive, yet sought-after spectacle.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Trip

• Dress in layers and bring a face covering to stay warm.
• Be flexible — Aurora sightings depend on weather and solar activity.
• Arrive a little early at the meeting point to avoid last-minute rushes.
• Bring a camera capable of nighttime shots if you want to capture the lights.
• Remember, even if clouds obscure the sky, the experience of being in the Arctic landscape is rewarding in itself.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Worth It?

For those who want a genuine Arctic adventure with the chance to see the Northern Lights, this tour offers a well-rounded experience. The guide’s friendliness and expertise, combined with the dog sled ride through pristine winter scenery, create a memorable outing. It’s especially appealing for families, dog enthusiasts, or travelers seeking an authentic outdoor experience in Lapland.

However, if your main goal is guaranteed aurora viewing, you might want to consider alternative tours with more extensive tracking or photography options. But remember, the experience of the huskies and the winter landscape is often praised as equally, if not more, worthwhile.

In the end, whether you catch the lights or not, you’ll leave with stories of snow, dogs, and the Arctic night — and isn’t that what makes traveling so special?

FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered

Do I need to bring my own gear?
No, the tour provides warm gear, including suits and boots, to help you stay comfortable in the cold.

Is the Northern Lights guaranteed to be visible?
Not really. Aurora sightings depend on weather conditions and solar activity, so your guide will do their best, but it’s never guaranteed.

How long is the husky sled ride?
The sled ride lasts approximately 25 minutes, according to reviews, giving you a good taste of what it’s like to glide through snow on husky power.

What should I wear during the tour?
Layered clothing is best. Wear thermal underwear, warm sweaters, and a waterproof outer layer. Don’t forget a face covering, hat, gloves, and sturdy boots.

Is there food or drinks included?
Yes, hot blueberry juice is usually offered along the way, and after the ride, you can enjoy sausages and marshmallows around a bonfire.

Can children participate?
Yes, but children under 12 must be accompanied by paying adults. The experience is family-friendly and often praised as exciting for kids.

What is the group size?
The tour limits to 24 travelers, making it a cozy, less crowded experience.

In summary, this Northern Lights husky tour from Rovaniemi is a charming, authentic way to experience Arctic winter — with the added thrill of dog sledding and the hope of catching a glimpse of the auroras. It offers good value, friendly guides, and the chance to connect with the natural beauty of Lapland’s night skies. Just keep your expectations realistic about the Aurora, dress warmly, and enjoy the magic of the moment.