Hiking with Husky in Akureyri

Imagine walking through Iceland’s rugged countryside, surrounded by mountains, the sea, and forests, all while being led by a pack of exuberant huskies. For around $136 per person, this 2-hour tour offers something truly different: an intimate connection with these intelligent, curious dogs, in a setting that showcases Iceland’s natural beauty. Led by friendly guides Gunni and Maria, this experience isn’t just about the walk — it’s about meeting a family’s beloved husky pack, seeing their home, and feeling part of their world.

What we love about this tour is how it combines a scenic hike with authentic dog interaction. You’ll get to see mountains, the sea, forests, and countryside, all from a trail that is adapted to your ability. Plus, after the walk, you can linger at the owners’ home, cuddling and photographing the dogs, which makes the experience feel genuine and relaxed.

A possible consideration? Since these are sled dogs, they’re strong pullers, and the hike can be a bit of a workout. If you’re after a leisurely stroll, you’ll want to communicate your pace, but rest assured, it’s all tailored to your comfort level.

This tour suits families, dog lovers, and outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy scenic landscapes and authentic encounters. If you’ve ever dreamed of walking alongside a team of friendly huskies in the wilds of North Iceland, this experience will hit the mark.

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: Meet the huskies in their home environment, not just a petting zoo or kennel.
• Stunning Scenery: The hike offers views of mountains, sea, forest, and countryside, showcasing Iceland’s natural diversity.
• Personalized Interaction: Guides tailor the hike to your ability, ensuring everyone from children to adults can enjoy.
• Family Atmosphere: The hosts treat guests as friends, sharing their life with the dogs openly.
• Good Value: For around $136, you get a scenic walk, close dog interactions, and memorable photos.
• Limited Group Size: With a maximum of 12 travelers, it feels more like visiting friends than a big tour.

A Thorough Look at the Experience

Location and Meeting Point
The tour begins at goHusky Dogsledding Tours, located at Glæsibær 3 in Akureyri. The hosts, Gunni and Maria, are well-known for their genuine hospitality and love for their dogs. If you’re arriving by cruise, you’ll appreciate the pickup option — Gunni often picks up visitors from the port, making logistics easier. The tour lasts approximately 2 hours, including both the hike and time at the family’s home, and keeps the group small (up to 12 people), which fosters personal interaction.

Initial Encounter and Introduction
Gunni or Maria meet guests with a friendly husky, making it easy to spot them. They quickly establish a warm, welcoming atmosphere — as one reviewer noted, “it’s like going over to your friend’s house to take a walk.” You’ll get a background on the dogs, many of whom have been carefully trained from a young age, and see the family’s daily life with the dogs, including puppies and the older pack members.

The Hike: Nature and Husky Power
The trail chosen for the walk varies to suit the group’s ability and weather conditions, but expect a route that includes mountain views, forest sections, and glimpses of the sea. It’s noted that the ground may not be perfectly level, adding a little challenge and authenticity to the experience. The huskies are eager and energetic, often pulling happily on the leash, making the walk a lively event. Several reviews mention how the dogs’ exuberance adds fun and a bit of a workout (“they love to pull!”).

What You’ll Feel on the Trail
The dogs’ friendliness and intelligence shine through during the hike. You’ll notice the strength and power of the huskies, but also their gentle and curious nature. The scenery combined with the dogs’ enthusiasm creates an atmosphere that feels both invigorating and peaceful. Some guests comment that the scenery on the hike is absolutely breathtaking, with panoramic views that stay with you long after.

Post-Hike at the Family’s Home
After the walk, you’ll be invited into the family’s home, where the dogs live as family members. Here, you can take pictures, cuddle the huskies, and learn about their daily routines. The hosts are eager to share stories about what the dogs do all year round and the breed’s history, making it more than just a walk — it’s a peek into the life of a dedicated dog family.

Authentic Encounters
Multiple reviews highlight how the owners treat visitors as friends rather than customers, creating a relaxed, genuine vibe. One visitor expressed surprise that their expectations were exceeded, citing the friendly and exuberant dogs and the beautiful scenery as highlights. Others appreciated the opportunity to photograph the huskies in their home environment, making this a memorable experience beyond just the hike.

The Dogs and Their Care
The huskies are described as very friendly, obedient, and well cared for. The owners take pride in their dogs’ training and socialization, which makes interactions safe and enjoyable. Many reviews mention how each dog has a name and is part of the family, which adds a special touch.

Value for Money
At $136.37, this tour provides not just a scenic walk, but also a personal connection to the dogs and their home environment. Considering the small group size, direct interaction, and scenic locations, the price is quite reasonable. It’s a chance to experience Iceland’s landscapes through the eyes of a local family and their beloved huskies, which many visitors find worth every krona.

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Start at goHusky in Akureyri
Guests are greeted by the hosts and introduced to the pack. The meeting is casual and friendly, immediately setting the tone for a relaxed experience. Gunni and Maria are praised repeatedly for their warmth and hospitality.

Preparation and Introduction
Guests get a brief overview of the dogs’ history, personalities, and daily routines. Some reviews mention how the hosts are eager to answer questions, with one stating, “very responsive to questions emailed to him.” This personal touch enhances the feeling of visiting friends rather than just taking a tour.

The Scenic Hike
The trail varies but typically includes mountains, forests, and coastal views. The terrain can be uneven, but the guides adapt the route to suit the group’s ability. For example, one review mentions a “great little trail walk,” emphasizing that the walk is enjoyable without being overly strenuous. The dogs are eager to lead, pulling happily as they explore.

Interaction During the Walk
Expect plenty of opportunities for photos and cuddles. The huskies are described as exuberant and friendly, eager to interact with guests. Some travelers note that the dogs launch into a happy chorus when they see visitors, which is both amusing and endearing. Expect to see horses and sheep nearby, although polar bears are off the table — a good reminder of the local fauna.

End of the Hike and Visit at the House
Back at the family’s home, you’ll have time to relax with the dogs, take pictures, and hear stories about their lives. The hosts show genuine pride in their dogs, sharing insights about their training and care. Guests often leave with lots of photos and a warm feeling of having made new furry friends.

Why This Tour Excels

Authenticity and Personal Touch
The tour’s real strength lies in its personalized, family-run atmosphere. Guests aren’t just visitors; they’re welcomed into a home where dogs are family members. One reviewer said, “we felt like we were visiting friends rather than on a tour,” which captures the vibe perfectly.

Stunning Natural Scenery
Every review emphasizes the beautiful landscapes. From mountain vistas to coastal views, the scenery provides a perfect backdrop for the playful huskies. This combination of nature and dogs makes the experience memorable.

Quality of the Dogs and Guides
Guests consistently praise the friendliness, obedience, and energy of the huskies. The guides, Gunni and Maria, are noted for their warmth, knowledge, and responsiveness, making everyone feel comfortable and well cared for.

Unique Cultural Insight
Seeing how the dogs live and work gives a rare glimpse into Icelandic rural life. It’s not a commercial petting zoo but a genuine look at working sled dogs’ daily routine.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This is ideal for families with children, as kids love the playful huskies and the beautiful scenery. Dog lovers will cherish the close interactions and the chance to meet the dogs in their home environment. If you enjoy scenic hikes and want a relaxed, authentic encounter with Icelandic rural life, this tour offers just that.

Travelers seeking a quieter, more personal experience outside the busier tourist spots** will find this especially rewarding. It’s also perfect if you want to escape the crowds and connect with local people and animals in a natural setting.

The Sum Up

Hiking with Huskies in Akureyri offers an authentic, heartfelt experience that combines stunning scenery with joyful canine companionship. It’s not just a walk — it’s a chance to meet a family’s beloved husky pack, learn about their lives, and enjoy breathtaking Icelandic landscapes. The small-group setting and personal attention make it a worthwhile addition to any North Iceland itinerary.

If you cherish close encounters with dogs, love beautiful natural views, and want an experience that feels genuine and unpretentious, this tour is a perfect fit. It’s especially suitable for families and dog enthusiasts eager to see how Iceland’s rural life intertwines with these impressive working dogs.

For those seeking a peaceful yet lively way to spend a couple of hours, this tour hits all the right notes — genuine, scenic, and fun.

FAQ

Is transportation provided to the starting point?
Yes, pickup is offered, especially helpful if you’re arriving via cruise or prefer not to arrange your own transport.

How long does the tour last?
The total experience is about 2 hours, including the hike and time at the owner’s home.

Can children participate?
Absolutely. Children are welcome, and the guides tailor the hike to suit all ages and abilities.

What should I wear?
Dress for the weather — layers, waterproof clothing, and sturdy footwear are recommended, especially since the terrain can vary.

Are the dogs friendly and obedient?
Yes, reviews repeatedly emphasize that the huskies are friendly, well-trained, and eager to interact with guests.

Is it suitable for people who have never met huskies before?
Definitely. The hosts are experienced, and the dogs are social and used to visitors, making it a comfortable introduction for novices and experienced dog lovers alike.

This Husky Hiking Tour in Akureyri offers a rare chance to connect with Iceland’s working dogs in a setting that’s scenic, relaxed, and genuinely warm. A perfect activity for those craving a meaningful outdoor experience with furry friends in the background.