Bucketlist Travels logo

Travel bucket list idea:

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

14

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 4.55 / 5 [141 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo
Website >
  • 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 4.83 / 5 [122 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo
Website >
  • Rovaniemi

-Experience Your Own Fast & Furious in Arctic Forest with Arctic Huskies! -Meeting Authentic Santa Reindeers and enjoy your own reindeer ride there in Santa Village. Surely, if you a big little animals fan, Santa's Pets must be the right place for you!!! -Best time of your life being with Arctic wild nature: breathing fresh air, walking a bit on the Arctic frozen lake & feel the Lappish cold! -Enjoying a super stunning Aurora-Dancing Show under a million of stars & pray for the best! -Two different locations So please join us & together witness the miracle of Aurora-Show!

Price €227

Min age 0

Rating 4.63 / 5 [106 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo
Website >
  • 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 4.39 / 5 [82 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo
Website >