Levi: 5km Self-Driven Husky Sledge Safari

If you’re dreaming of steering your own team of huskies through snowy forests in Lapland, this tour might catch your eye. It’s a chance to get behind the reins and feel the rush of speed while enjoying the stunning winter scenery. We’ve looked into this experience, and here’s what you need to know before booking.

Two things we really like about this tour are the opportunity to drive your own husky sled — which adds a personal touch to the adventure — and the focus on sustainability and rescue partnerships, making it feel like a responsible choice. On the flip side, a potential consideration is that the experience isn’t suitable for those with mobility issues or certain allergies, so it’s worth considering if you or your travel companions have specific needs. Overall, it’s best for travelers craving a bit of adrenaline and authentic Arctic scenery, especially those who enjoy hands-on experiences and aren’t afraid of the cold.

Key Points

• Self-driven adventure: You’ll get behind the sled and steer your own team, adding a personal and exciting element.
• Beautiful scenery: Expect scenic forest trails and snowy landscapes that make for great photos.
• Family-friendly option: Suitable for most able-bodied travelers, but not recommended for wheelchair users or those with allergies.
• Responsible tourism: The company emphasizes no-kill husky policies and reinvests proceeds locally.
• Comfort and logistics: Includes transportation, hot drinks, and shelter, but remember to dress warmly.
• Limited duration: 2 hours total, making it a manageable but memorable experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What Is This Tour All About?

This self-driven husky sled safari is an engaging way to experience Lapland’s winter wonderland. Unlike guided tours where someone else does the driving, here you take the reins — quite literally — for a 5km run through the Arctic forests. It’s a mix of adventure, connection with the animals, and stunning scenery.

The tour begins with transportation from Levi Tourist Office in a snowmobile-towed vehicle, which takes you about 2 km into the forested wilderness. Here, you’ll meet a lively team of Siberian and Alaskan Huskies eager to run. After a brief safety talk and introduction to the dogs, you step into the role of a musher and start steering your own sled, with an expert guide leading the way.

Once your ride is over, you’ll have time to interact with the huskies — petting, taking photos, and learning about their friendly, playful nature. The experience wraps up at a cozy wooden cabin, where you can warm up with hot drinks and listen to stories about Sámi culture. It’s a balanced mix of action, culture, and relaxation.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Starting point at Levi Tourist Office: Your day begins here, where you’ll check in and meet your guide. This central location makes it easy to access and coordinate.

Transport to the forest: A quick 10-minute ride in a vehicle pulled by a snowmobile gets you to the trailhead, away from the crowds and into the wilderness.

Introduction and safety briefing: The guides give you a clear rundown of how to handle the sled and what to expect, ensuring everyone feels comfortable before hitting the trails.

The husky sled ride: For about an hour, you’ll be in control of your own sled, guided by the team of energetic huskies and an experienced guide. The trail is snowy, scenic, and designed to showcase the Arctic landscape at its best.

Interaction with huskies: After the ride, you get to pet the dogs and take photos. Many reviews mention how friendly and eager these dogs are, making it a highlight for animal lovers.

Warm-up and cultural stories: The tour concludes at a kota, a traditional Sámi log cabin, where hot drinks await. You can relax here, soak in the atmosphere, and hear about local traditions.

Return to Levi: After about two hours in total, including transportation and activities, you’re taken back to the starting point.

The Experience’s Value

At $204 per person, this experience offers a good balance of adventure and culture. The price includes transportation, guidance, a scenic drive, and hot drinks, which adds to the overall value. It’s a relatively short activity but packed with memorable moments — especially the chance to drive your own sled.

Compared to other Arctic experiences, the self-drive element stands out. Many tours simply involve riding as a passenger, but here you get the thrill of being a musher. This makes it ideal for those who want to actively participate, rather than just observe.

What Travelers Say

Several reviews highlight the stunning views as a major draw, with one noting how “the scenery was absolutely breathtaking, with snowy forests stretching as far as the eye could see.” This is exactly what you’re paying for — a chance to see Lapland’s winter landscape in an intimate, up-close way.

Others appreciated the friendly huskies, describing them as “full of energy and eager to run,” which added to the fun. The safety briefing was well-received, making many feel confident to take the reins.

Some reviewers mention the cozy cabin and hot drinks as a perfect way to warm up after the ride, especially on a chilly day. This small touch helps balance out the physical activity, making the experience feel well-rounded.

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Considerations and Practical Tips

While the tour is generally well-liked, it’s important to be prepared. The activity is designed for able-bodied participants; unfortunately, it’s not suitable for wheelchair users or those with allergies to animals. Also, the maximum weight limit of 209 lbs (95 kg) is worth noting, so it might not suit everyone in a larger group.

Dress warmly — layers, thermal clothing, and waterproof shoes are highly recommended. The experience takes place outdoors in cold temperatures, and even with warm clothing, you may find yourself chilly during stops or at the cabin.

If you’re prone to extreme cold, be aware that if temperatures drop below -30°C, the experience may be rescheduled or fully refunded for safety reasons. It’s always good to check the weather forecast beforehand.

Is It Worth It?

In terms of value, this tour offers a lot for its price. You’re getting a genuine hands-on husky sled experience, scenic views, cultural insights, and warm refreshments. The small group setting and the chance to drive your own sled make it feel personalized and exciting.

However, if you prefer a more leisurely, less physically involved Arctic experience, or if you’re traveling with someone who can’t meet the physical requirements, this may not be the best fit. Also, keep in mind that this experience is relatively short — just two hours — so if you’re looking for a full-day adventure, you might want to consider combining it with other activities or tours.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience suits adventurous travelers who want to actively participate in their Arctic journey, especially those who love animals and scenic landscapes. It’s ideal for anyone comfortable in cold weather and eager to steer their own sled. If you’re traveling with children or others with mobility limitations, you might want to explore other options.

If you’re a solo traveler, couple, or small group looking for a memorable, intimate experience, this tour ticks many boxes. It also makes a thoughtful addition to a broader itinerary of Lapland activities — especially if you’re curious about huskies and want a more personalized adventure.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, transportation from Levi Tourist Office to the forest trail and back is included, using a vehicle pulled by a snowmobile.

What should I wear?
Dress warmly with layers, including thermal clothing, a waterproof jacket, warm shoes, and gloves. The outdoor temperatures can be very cold, especially if it’s below -30°C.

Can I drive the sled myself?
Absolutely. The tour is designed for you to take the reins and drive your own husky sled, with guidance from an expert to ensure safety.

Is this experience suitable for children?
It depends. It’s not specifically marked as family-friendly, but children who are able to handle the cold and are comfortable with outdoor activities should be fine. Always check with the provider if you’re unsure.

What’s included in the price?
The fee covers the guided tour, transportation, hot drinks, and shelter at the cabin. Food and souvenirs are available for purchase separately.

What if the weather is extremely cold?
If temperatures drop below -30°C, the experience may be rescheduled or refunded to ensure your comfort and safety.

Final thoughts

This self-driven husky sled safari is a great pick for those who want to get hands-on with Arctic adventure and love scenery and animals. It’s a swift but memorable experience that combines physical activity with cultural charm. The focus on responsible tourism and the opportunity to control your own sled add extra appeal.

While it’s not for everyone — especially if you have mobility restrictions or allergies or prefer longer activities — it hits the sweet spot for adventurous travelers eager to steer their own course in Lapland. Expect stunning views, playful huskies, and a warm, cozy finish that leaves you with stories to tell. If your travel style matches, this could be one of the highlights of your trip to Finland.

Remember to book in advance, dress appropriately, and set your camera to capture those snowy vistas and joyful husky moments. It’s an experience that will stay with you long after you’ve returned home.

You can check availability for your dates here: