Rovaniemi: Drive Your Own Husky Team & Lapland BBQ

Steer huskies through Lapland forest and share fireside stories after

You’ll meet energetic huskies on a secluded farm near Rovaniemi before steering your own team through Lapland’s autumn forests on a self-driven cart safari. Afterward, spend time with the dogs and warm up by an open fire with hot drinks and a traditional barbecue—leaving you with muddy boots, full stomach, and memories that linger longer than you’d expect.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Husky safari and Lapland barbecue

• Pickup in Rovaniemi
• Transfer to secluded husky farm
• Meet huskies and receive instructions
• Drive 5–8 km husky safari
• Switch drivers during safari
• Spend time with dogs and take photos
• Enjoy hot drinks by the fire
• Have traditional Lapland barbecue
• Return transfer to Rovaniemi

The Experience

Li handed me the leash with a grin and said, “Don’t worry, they know what to do.” I think she could tell I was nervous—maybe it was how I kept glancing at the dogs, all muscle and energy, barking and twisting in their harnesses. The air smelled like pine needles and something earthy, maybe moss. It was quieter than I expected out there on the private land outside Rovaniemi, except for the dogs’ excitement. Our guide explained how to use the brake on the wheeled cart—“not too hard!”—and then suddenly we were off, bouncing down a narrow trail lined with gold leaves.

I took the first turn driving (my partner looked relieved), gripping the handlebars while my feet pressed against cold metal. The huskies pulled like they’d been waiting all summer for this. Wind in my face, bits of damp leaf flicking up from the wheels—I didn’t expect it to feel so wild and a little clumsy at first. At one bend, Li called out something in Finnish that made all the dogs perk up their ears; she laughed when I tried to copy her accent later. We switched drivers halfway through our 5 km loop, and honestly, sitting back and watching the forest blur by was just as good as steering.

Afterwards, we got time to just hang out with the huskies—one of them licked my glove until it was soggy (gross but weirdly sweet). The guides told us about training season and how these dogs get restless if they don’t run enough after summer. Someone brewed coffee over an open fire while smoky wood mixed with that sharp autumn air. Hot sausages on sticks, hands wrapped around mugs—there’s something about eating outside in Lapland that makes everything taste better. The ride back into town felt quieter somehow; maybe because my head was still full of dog barks and yellow trees.

Top questions

How long is the drive your own husky team experience from Rovaniemi?

The total experience lasts about 3–4 hours including transfers from Rovaniemi.

Is hotel pickup included for this husky tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off in Rovaniemi are included.

Do I need previous experience to drive the husky cart?

No prior experience is required; clear instructions are given before starting.

How far do you travel with the huskies?

The self-driven safari covers approximately 5–8 km through forest trails.

What’s included in this Lapland husky tour?

The tour includes transfers, meeting the huskies, professional guide, safari ride, time with dogs, hot drinks, and a traditional barbecue.

Can infants join this activity?

Infants are allowed but must sit on an adult’s lap during transfers; specialized infant seats are available.

Is this suitable for travelers with health conditions?

This tour isn’t recommended for those with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health or pregnant travelers.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in brand-new 4×4 vans from Rovaniemi, meeting friendly huskies on a private farm away from crowds, clear guidance from professional local guides (all first-aid trained), all entry fees and taxes covered, a 5–8 km self-driving trek using autumn carts shared between two guests (with option to switch), time relaxing by an open fire for hot drinks and a traditional Lapland barbecue before heading back to town.