Husky Sled Safari in Rovaniemi: You Drive the Dogs

You take the reins of a husky sled through snow-covered taiga, then sit by the open fire with the mushers

This 4.5-hour activity in Rovaniemi puts you in control of an open husky sled through Lapland's forests. You're the musher, not a passenger. After instruction at a small family kennel, you drive the team across the snow-covered taiga while the dogs bark their way along the trail. Back at the kennel, you meet the farm animals, listen to the mushers' stories by the fire, and enjoy a Lapish BBQ.

The experience

You'll be picked up from your Rovaniemi accommodation and driven to a family-run husky kennel in the taiga. Before you take the reins, the staff check your gear (your clothes must be warm enough and windproof to handle the arctic temperatures and the speed of the dogs), and walk you through how to lead the sled safely. This is not a passenger ride. You're the one steering the team through the vast, snow-covered forests. The dogs' barking replaces sleigh bells as they pull you along the trail, and the only sound is the sled runners cutting through the snow and the wind.

Once the run is over, you'll sit by an open fire at the kennel, tired from the adrenaline and the cold. The mushers who live and train the dogs share how they work with the team year-round, and they answer whatever questions you have. You'll also meet the other animals on the property (reindeer, Lapland horses, ponies, sheep and ducks) before settling in for a Lapish BBQ. The whole experience runs about 4.5 hours from pickup to drop-off.

You must be at least 18 to drive the sled, though younger guests can ride as passengers in the back seat. The guide speaks English, Finnish or Russian, and the kennel provides winter overalls if you need them. A minivan with air conditioning handles the transport between Rovaniemi and the kennel.

What’s included

• Your experience includes a live guide in English, Finnish or Russian.
• pickup and drop-off from your Rovaniemi accommodation in an air-conditioned minivan.
• instruction on how to lead the sled safely.
• winter overalls if you request them.
• the husky sled run through the Lapland forests.
• a visit with the farm animals at the kennel.
• and a Lapish BBQ by the open fire.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:30

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (4 to 12 years) · Under 4: can't be booked

GroupUp to 8

Live guideEnglish, Finnish and Russian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 18 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Arktictopia

Is this one for you?The 4.5-hour commitment means you can fit this into a morning or afternoon and still have time for other activities in Rovaniemi the same day. If you're staying multiple days in Lapland, this works as a half-day adventure without consuming your entire schedule.

Traveler reviews

4.90★★★★★★★★★★

10 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Finnish and Russian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 12 years). Children under 4 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I drive the husky sled if I've never done it before?

Yes. The kennel staff instruct you on how to lead the sled safely before you take the reins. They check your clothing to make sure it's warm and windproof enough for the speed and cold, then send you out on the trail.

What's the difference between driving the sled and riding as a passenger?

Drivers (age 18+) hold the reins and steer the team through the forest. Passengers younger than 18 ride in the back seat of the sled. Both experience the same route and the same kennel visit afterward.

What animals will I see at the kennel?

The kennel has reindeer, Lapland horses, Lapland ponies, sheep and ducks. You'll meet them during your visit, in addition to the husky team you drive.

How long is the actual sled ride through the forest?

The full activity is 4.5 hours from pickup to drop-off in Rovaniemi. That includes the drive to the kennel, instruction, the sled run through the taiga, the visit with the animals, and the BBQ by the fire.

What should I wear for the husky sled ride?

Bring warm, windproof clothing that can handle arctic temperatures combined with the speed of the dogs. The kennel provides winter overalls if you need them, and they'll check your gear before you depart.

Is this activity suitable if I have a medical condition?

The activity is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health, or for pregnant travelers. It is suitable for all other fitness levels. If you have concerns, contact the operator before booking.