Rovaniemi: Husky Safari 10km Ride & Finnish Snacks Pickup

Summary

Husky sled ride in Rovaniemi’s snowy forest with snacks

You’ll ride through silent snowy forests behind a team of eager huskies on this 10km safari from Rovaniemi. With winter clothes provided and a local guide leading the way, expect laughter, frosty air on your cheeks, and stories by the fire with Finnish snacks. It’s more than just scenery—it’s that feeling of being part of something wild.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to feel nervous about steering a husky sled, but standing there in the cold, boots crunching on snow outside Rovaniemi, I suddenly wondered if the dogs would listen to me at all. Our guide, Sanni, handed out these thick overalls and gloves—honestly, I felt like a marshmallow but grateful for it because the air bites your face even when you’re smiling. The dogs barked like they’d been waiting all morning just for us. I tried saying “hyvä” (good) to one of them—Li laughed when I tried my Finnish accent. Probably sounded more like “hoo-vah?”

The first stretch was wild—wind stinging my cheeks, the sled rattling along frozen tracks between pine trees dusted white. The only sounds were paws thumping and runners scraping ice, plus my own breath (louder than expected). It’s about 10 kilometers on this husky safari from Rovaniemi, but time goes weird out there—sometimes fast, sometimes like it’s holding its breath. Sanni rode ahead and kept glancing back to check we hadn’t tipped over (we nearly did once; she just grinned). There’s something about seeing those dogs work together that sticks with you. They look back at you sometimes as if checking you’re still there.

Afterwards, we huddled around a fire at the husky farm—my toes finally thawing—and Sanni passed around gingerbread cookies and mugs of something hot and sweet (I think it was berry juice). The smell of woodsmoke clung to everything. She told us how each dog gets trained from puppyhood; apparently some are natural leaders, some just want to nap in the straw. If you’ve never tried a day trip husky safari in Rovaniemi before, I’d say don’t overthink it—just let yourself be cold and happy for a while.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Husky sleigh ride and Finnish snacks

• Ride a team of sleigh dogs
• Drive or relax on the sleigh
• Enjoy snowy Finnish forest trails
• Have Finnish snacks and hot drinks
• Learn about husky training

Top questions

How long is the husky safari ride from Rovaniemi?

The husky sleigh ride is approximately 10 kilometers long.

Is hotel pickup included for the Rovaniemi husky tour?

Yes, pickup and drop-off are included from Santa Claus Holiday Village Hotel or the provider's office.

Are winter clothes provided on this husky safari?

Yes, overalls, boots, and gloves are provided for all participants.

Can children join the Rovaniemi husky safari?

Yes, but children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult paying full price.

What snacks are included after the ride?

You’ll get gingerbread cookies and hot drinks at the husky farm after your ride.

Is it possible to drive your own sled during the tour?

Yes, you can choose to drive your own sled or sit back and enjoy as a passenger.

What languages does the guide speak?

The guide speaks English by default; French, Italian, Spanish, or Chinese available on request.

When does the tour start?

The tour starts between 08:00 and 14:00; exact time depends on season and availability.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off from Santa Claus Holiday Village Hotel or their office in Rovaniemi, warm winter clothing (overalls, boots, gloves), a roughly 10km self-drive or passenger husky sleigh ride led by an English-speaking guide (other languages available), a visit to a working Husky Farm with stories about training these incredible dogs, plus Finnish gingerbread cookies and hot drinks around the fire before heading back out into the snow.