From Rovaniemi: 5km passenger Husky Sleigh Ride

From Rovaniemi: 5km Passenger Husky Sleigh Ride
Location: Lapland, Finland | Price: $199 per person | Rating: 4/5 from 6 reviews | Duration: About 2-3 hours, including transport and stops

This tour offers an exciting 5km husky sled ride just outside Rovaniemi, where you sit back and enjoy the thrill of being pulled through snowy landscapes by eager dogs. For a reasonable price, around $199, you gain not just an adrenaline-filled ride but also stories about life in the Arctic and the chance to meet the adorable huskies up close. The experience is straightforward—roundtrip transportation, a kennel visit, hot drinks, and biscuits—but it’s packed with moments that can create lasting memories.

What we really love about this tour is how it combines the raw beauty of Lapland’s winter scenery with a genuine introduction to husky life—not just a quick ride but a chance to see the dogs in their environment and learn about their role in Arctic culture. Plus, the chance to relax afterward inside a traditional Finnish Kota hut, sipping hot berries, adds a cozy, authentic touch that many travelers appreciate.

One possible consideration is the group size and the ride arrangement. Some reviews mention that you might be sharing a sled with strangers, which could impact the intimacy of the experience. Also, for those hoping to venture into the forests, it’s worth noting that this particular tour doesn’t go into the woods but stays in open snowy areas, which, while beautiful, might feel a bit limited for wilderness enthusiasts.

This experience suits adventurers and animal lovers who want a taste of Arctic life without spending hours in the cold. It’s ideal for travelers looking for a balanced mix of excitement, scenery, and cultural insight in a short, accessible format.

Key Points

• Authentic Husky Experience: Meet the dogs and learn about their role in Arctic life.
• Scenic Snowy Landscape: Glide through snow-covered terrain highlighted by Lapland’s wintry beauty.
• Includes Warmth and Comfort: Hot drinks and cookies after the ride add a welcoming touch.
• Flexible Booking: Keep plans flexible with a “reserve & pay later” option and full cancellation up to 24 hours before.
• Group Rides: Sleds accommodate 4-5 passengers, with the option for private sleds at an extra cost.
• Limited Forest Access: The ride does not go into the forest, which might disappoint those seeking deep wilderness adventures.

You can check availability for your dates here:

In-Depth Review: What to Expect on Your Husky Sled Ride

Transportation and Arrival

From your Rovaniemi hotel, the tour begins with hotel pickup and drop-off, which simplifies logistics and means you don’t need to worry about getting to the husky farm. Expect to be transported to a dedicated husky kennel in the Lapland wilderness, a scenic journey that gets you in the mood for snow-bound adventures. The transfer generally takes about 30-45 minutes, giving you a taste of the scenic Finnish landscape along the way.

The Husky Kennel and Introduction

Once at the kennel, you’ll have the chance to meet the friendly and energetic huskies. The guides, who often speak multiple languages including English, French, Spanish, and Portuguese, will introduce you to the dogs, explaining their training, daily routines, and significance in Arctic culture. As one reviewer noted, the staff is “friendly and welcoming,” creating a relaxed atmosphere before the excitement begins.

The 5km Sled Ride

The highlight is the passenger sled ride that covers about 5 kilometers of snowy terrain. The sleds are designed for comfort and safety, accommodating 4-5 passengers—ideal for sharing the experience or booking a private sled if you prefer intimacy. Though the ride is described as “nice,” some travelers express slight disappointment that it doesn’t venture into the forests or deeper wilderness, limiting the scenery to open snowfields.

The thrill of being pulled by a team of spirited huskies is undeniable. You’ll feel the cool Arctic breeze and listen to the lively barking and panting of the dogs, which clearly love their work. The sensation of gliding across pristine snow, with the silent forests in the distance, creates a peaceful yet exhilarating atmosphere.

More Great Tours Nearby

Interaction with the Huskies

Post-ride, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the kennel again and get closer to the dogs. This is a chance to bond with these adorable, enthusiastic animals and hear more about their lives. One reviewer mentioned that the “moment with the dogs” is brief, happening after the ride, and that the dogs seem a little hesitant when guides approach. This may be due to the dogs being eager to work or simply cautious around strangers, so managing expectations here is wise.

Warmth, Food, and Finnish Culture

After your ride, you’ll be invited to sit around a bonfire and sip hot berry juice, a traditional Finnish treat. Pairing the warmth of the drink with the quiet beauty of Lapland’s winter landscape is a highlight for many travelers. For a more immersive experience, the tour includes relaxing inside a Finnish Kota hut, offering a cozy retreat where you can enjoy the scenery and reflect on your adventure.

Additional Considerations

While the experience is generally well-received, some guests note that the group dynamics can vary—sometimes you might be sharing a sled with strangers, which could impact the feeling of intimacy. Others have expressed a desire for the ride to go further into the forest, into more secluded areas, but this particular tour stays in more open terrain.

Value and Pricing

At $199 per person, you’re paying for a well-rounded experience that combines adventure, culture, and scenic beauty. For the price, you’ll receive roundtrip transportation, a kennel visit, a 5 km sled ride, and warm drinks, which makes it a good value for travelers who want a taste of Arctic life without a big time commitment.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is perfect for families, couples, or solo travelers who want to try husky sledding in a comfortable, accessible setting. It’s especially suited to those who appreciate authentic interactions with animals and are curious about how huskies live and work in the Arctic. If you’re after deep wilderness exploration, you might find this tour a bit limited, but for a fun, scenic introduction to Lapland’s winter culture, it hits the mark.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a balanced mix of adventure, culture, and scenic beauty. The 5 km sled ride is short enough to be accessible but long enough to give you a genuine sense of what it’s like to be pulled through the snow by eager huskies. The opportunity to meet the dogs, learn about their role in Arctic life, and warm up with traditional Finnish treats makes this a well-rounded outing.

While it may not cater to those seeking deep wilderness or forest treks, it delivers a charming, authentic feel that captures the essence of Lapland’s winter landscape. If your goal is to experience a fun, memorable husky adventure that offers good value and a touch of Finnish hospitality, this tour is a safe bet.

FAQ

Is transportation provided to and from my hotel?
Yes. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, so you won’t need to worry about logistics.

How long does the entire experience last?
Expect about 2-3 hours total, including transportation, kennel visit, the sled ride, and time to relax afterward.

Can I book a private sled?
Yes. There is an option to book the sled for yourself and your party as a private experience, which costs more but offers more intimacy.

What’s included in the price?
The price covers roundtrip transportation, a 5 km husky sled ride, a kennel visit, and hot drinks with cookies.

Do I need to bring anything special?
Yes. Bring warm clothing suitable for cold weather, including hats, gloves, and insulated layers.

Does the ride go into the forest?
No, this particular tour stays in more open, snow-covered terrain—perfect for scenic views but not for deep wilderness exploration.

Are children allowed?
While not explicitly stated, the tour’s group size and activities suggest it’s suitable for families, but check with the operator if you have young children.

What language are guides available in?
Guides speak English, French, Spanish, and Portuguese, making it accessible for many travelers.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility for your planning.

In the end, if you’re looking for an authentic, scenic, and fun husky sled ride with a cultural touch in Lapland, this experience offers excellent value and genuine Arctic appeal. It’s a great choice for those wanting to see and interact with the beloved huskies while soaking in the winter magic of Finland.

You can check availability for your dates here: