Rovaniemi: Drive Your Own Husky Sled & Lapland BBQ Tour

Summary

Lapland husky sledding adventure with cozy BBQ and local stories

You’ll drive your own husky sled across snowy Lapland forests near Rovaniemi, guided by locals who know every trail and every dog by heart. After racing through silence and cold air, you’ll gather around a fire for a traditional barbecue lunch before heading back warm and full — probably still grinning from the ride.

What’s the experience like?

I still remember the first thing I noticed — the huskies’ breath making little clouds in the blue morning air outside Rovaniemi. They’re louder than you’d think, yipping and bouncing, but somehow it’s not annoying. Our guide, Sanni, handed me the reins (well, handlebar?) and grinned like she knew something I didn’t. I had no idea what I was doing but apparently that’s half the fun on this kind of husky safari tour.

The first few minutes were chaos — my boots slipped a bit as we set off, and for a second I thought we’d tip right over into the snow. The dogs just kept charging forward, totally focused, tails wagging like they owned the forest. There’s this weird silence after you get going, except for the sled runners scraping over packed snow and the occasional bark echoing between trees. It’s colder than I expected; my nose felt frozen but honestly, it made everything sharper — even the pine smell seemed stronger out there.

Sanni told us her family’s been here for generations (she joked about Lapland stubbornness being genetic). She knew every dog by name — and when one of them stopped to roll in the snow mid-run, she just laughed and called him back in Finnish. After about 6 or 7 kilometers (I lost track), we pulled up at a clearing where smoke curled from a firepit. Someone handed me a mug of something hot (no idea what was in it but it worked), and we all crowded around for a proper Lapland barbecue. The sausages tasted smoky and sweet at once — or maybe that was just relief at being warm again.

I keep thinking about that moment when everything went quiet except for our breath and the dogs’ paws thumping ahead. If you ever wondered what winter feels like in your bones — well, this is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Drive husky team and enjoy BBQ

• Drive husky team 5–8 km
• Explore snow-covered forests and frozen lakes
• Take photos with photographer
• Enjoy cozy Lapland-style barbecue

Top questions

How long is the husky sled ride from Rovaniemi?

The self-driven trek covers 5 to 8 kilometers through Lapland forests.

Is hotel pickup included in this husky safari tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included with your booking.

Do I get to drive my own team of huskies?

Yes, each guest drives their own husky team during the tour.

Is lunch provided on this tour?

A barbecue lunch is included after your sled ride.

How big are the groups on this tour?

The group size is small, with a maximum of 8 people per tour.

Are winter clothes provided for adults?

Yes, adult-sized winter overalls are provided for guests.

Can infants join this husky sledding experience?

Specialized infant seats are available upon request.

Is this suitable for pregnant travelers or those with health issues?

This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular conditions.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Rovaniemi, guiding throughout by local experts, all fees and taxes covered, plus a self-driven 5–8 km trek with your own husky team. You’ll be kitted out with adult-sized winter overalls to stay warm before sharing a traditional Lapland barbecue lunch together at the farm before heading back homeward.