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Husky dog sledding in Finnish Lapland

  • Lapland, Finland

Last updated: 09 July, 2024

Speeding out onto tundral plains and through dense boreal forests that make up Lapland’s most spectacular wilderness is one thing. Doing it on a sled pulled by husky dogs is truly something special. It’s a signature Lapland experience not to be missed. Speed, dogs and exciting wilderness to explore – what kid (or adult) could resist?

Tour options range from several hours to several days. Overnight or longer tours will include the opportunity to harness, rig, feed and prep the pack for the following day’s mush, followed by dinner and a sauna – a culturally immerse experience for older kids that’s so much more than just a quick thrill ride, that the whole family can enjoy and share together.

Most tours include educational talks from guides about the animals and the wilderness, and finish up with the irresistible opportunity to pet the cuddly huskies close up.

Logistics

Price from: £30
Minimum age: 0
Age suitable: 4+
When: All year around
Duration: 1+ hour

Getting there & doing it

Always check your tour specifics, but generally speaking:

  • Any age child may go as long as they are accompanied by an adult, and under 3s go free
  • Kids 12 and over may drive a sled, subject to being sufficiently competent and confident
  • Sleds are usually two person and tours will require a minimum of two adult fares
  • Most tours provide thermal overalls and winter boots, and pick you up from your hotel.

Remember that daylight hours are limited in winter months, and although night rides are offered, with younger children especially, it’s best organised in daylight hours.

Longer, multi-day tours that offer the full immersive experience often have an age limit of 18+, but if you do it privately, sometimes they will accept younger children. If you do want a multi-day tour, head to the Harrinvia Hotel but check first about children’s permitted ages.

When to do it

Husky tours are usually available only from end of November until mid-April, subject to weather and snow conditions. Some operators continue to run tours on wheels through the warmer months, but it’s a more magical experience in the snow.

Who to go with: organised tours

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Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

  • Rovaniemi

This combined husky and reindeer package is specially designed for those who would like to get the most of Lapland in a short period of time. You will be taken to a reindeer farm and for a short visit and safari. After visiting the reindeer, you will meet huskies and enjoy of a husky ride before heading back to Rovaniemi.

Price €229

Min age 0

Rating 4.65 / 5 [92 ratings]

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  • Rovaniemi

Our husky tour has a small-group guarantee. There will not be more than 16 participants. This means, that you can enjoy this great adventure without the feeling of mass tourism. Our huskies will take you to a great ride through Arctic nature. This is experience will be the highlight of your holiday in Lapland.

Price €234

Min age 0

Rating 4.80 / 5 [87 ratings]

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  • Rovaniemi

Experience the beauty and wonder of Arctic animals on this Alaskan Huskies and Reindeer farm combo tour. Avoid the harsh winter weather by traveling in a comfortable minibus as our guide takes you from your accommodation in Rovaniemi to the farms. You will be driven to the farm, where local reindeer herders will tell you more about the herding lifestyle and how it is to be a reindeer herder in the 21st century. After insightful instructions given by the herders, you will be able to drive your own reindeer sledge in a brief, 500m long ride. Your newly learned skills will be rewarded with a Reindeer Sledge Driver’s License! Next, make your way to the Alaskan Husky Farm where you will find these beautiful, loyal, and energetic companions. Experience the Alaskan Huskies in action on a 800m long sleigh ride. Once you are back, you will be able to experience the Christmas atmosphere, step across the Arctic Circle, meet Santa Claus, visit the post office and do gift shopping.

Price €163

Min age 0

Rating 4.10 / 5 [84 ratings]

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  • Rovaniemi

Highlights of Rovaniemi Day Tour A Explore the Lapland's capital town, Rovaniemi, and experience life in the Arctic! Your exquisite day will start with an easy 15 minutes hike for the beautiful scenery of Rovaniemi city. Climbing to the hilltop of Ounasvaara, the highest point in Rovaniemi, you will be in the middle of the dreamy Finnish forest. Ride on a sleigh in the local reindeer and husky farms. Meet Santa Claus in his village and get your Arctic adventurer certificate for crossing the Arctic Circle. Finally, you will learn everything about arctic in the Arktikum museum, where you will see the exhibition of arctic animals, indigenous people Sami, and local history from the ice age to the present.

Price €225

Min age 0

Rating 4.55 / 5 [68 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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