Saariselkä: Husky Safari with kennel visit

If you’ve ever dreamed of mushing your own team of huskies through pristine Arctic scenery, this tour could be just the thing. Based in Lapland, Finland, the Saariselkä Husky Safari with Kennel Visit offers a balanced blend of adventure, education, and cozy moments, all wrapped up in a four-hour experience.

What we like most about this experience is how it manages to feel personal. The small group size (limited to 8 participants) and the focus on quality over quantity at the kennel means you won’t be just another tourist on a crowded ride. Plus, hearing stories from passionate guides adds a layer of authenticity that’s often missing in larger tours.

One thing to keep in mind is the drive to the starting point—almost an hour from Saariselkä—so be prepared for some travel time. But, honestly, that’s a small trade-off for the chance to connect with these incredible dogs and enjoy a true Arctic adventure.

This tour suits anyone craving a genuine, hands-on experience with huskies in a stunning winter landscape. Whether you’re traveling with friends, a partner, or even solo, if you love dogs or outdoor adventures, you’ll probably find plenty to enjoy here.

Key Points

• Authentic husky experience: You drive your own sled on a scenic 8-10 km track, making this more than just a sightseeing ride.
• Personalized interaction: Visit a small, quality-focused kennel, allowing plenty of time to play with and photograph the dogs.
• Expert guides: Passionate and knowledgeable guides share stories and insights about huskies and their Arctic life.
• Comfort and convenience: Roundtrip transportation is included from Saariselkä or Ivalo, easing your planning.
• Balance of activity and relaxation: After sledding, warm up with a hot drink and enjoy the tranquil winter setting.
• Family-friendly: Suitable for children over 4 years old, with options for younger kids as passengers, and teenagers can drive as well.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary Breakdown

The tour kicks off with a pickup from your hotel in Saariselkä or Ivalo, making the whole experience feel seamless. You’re transported to Veskoniemi, the starting point, a journey that itself gives you a taste of the Arctic scenery. Once there, you meet your guide, who will give a brief safety and driving instruction—important because you’ll be the driver, or musher, of your sled.

The highlight is the 8-10 km sled ride—roughly 40 minutes—where you get behind the wheel of a sturdy dog sled, with a partner sharing the experience. It’s a heart-pumping thrill, especially if it’s your first time driving a sled, but guides are on hand to explain safety and technique, making it accessible even for beginners.

After the ride, the tour takes you to a small husky kennel. Here, you’ll get plenty of time to play with the dogs, take photos, and learn about their lives. This interaction isn’t rushed; reviews consistently praise the guides for sharing stories and answering questions, enriching the experience. The kennel’s focus on quality over quantity means the dogs are well cared for and happy, which makes the interaction more genuine.

Following the kennel visit, you’ll enjoy a warm drink in a kota—a traditional Sami hut—adding a cozy end to your Arctic adventure. The entire activity lasts about 4 hours, including transportation, sledding, and the kennel visit.

The Scenic Highlights

During the sled ride, you’ll pass through snow-covered forests and open tundra, with plenty of chances to admire the stark beauty of Lapland. Many reviews mention how the views are stunning, with some describing the experience as “well-paced and enjoyable.” You’ll love the way the landscape feels vast and untouched, a true winter wonderland.

The interaction with the huskies is equally memorable. These dogs clearly love running, and guides emphasize that they’re well looked after. Abhinav, one reviewer, expressed relief seeing how much the dogs love to run, and how their energy and enthusiasm make the ride even more exhilarating.

The Guide and Company

The guides run this tour with passion and expertise. They tell stories that bring the husky’s Arctic life to life, making the experience both fun and educational. The small group setting allows for a more intimate interaction, which many reviews regard as a major plus.

Radu appreciates the friendly and well-cared-for dogs, while Didi highlights the professional, careful driving. The guides’ attention to safety and their knowledge about the dogs make the whole experience feel trustworthy and sincere.

Transportation and Practical Details

The roundtrip transportation from Saariselkä and Ivalo is a significant convenience, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the area or don’t want to worry about organizing your own transfer. The journey to Veskoniemi takes about 15 minutes from the central Saariselkä area, making it a manageable trip.

The total duration is approximately 4 hours, including pickup, travel, sledding, kennel visit, and return. The sled ride itself lasts around 40 minutes, and the rest of the time is spent on logistics, visiting the kennel, and relaxing in the kota.

For those concerned about clothing, warm overalls are available if requested in advance—definitely recommended, given the cold temperatures. Travelers should come prepared with warm outdoor clothing, including layered clothes, gloves, and hats, to stay comfortable throughout.

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Cost and Value

At $226 per person, this experience is a bit of an investment, but many reviewers feel it’s worth it. The small group setting, personal interaction with the dogs, and the chance to drive your own sled contribute to a feeling of genuine engagement that larger, more commercial tours can’t match.

One review summed it up well, mentioning that the experience was “well organized, friendly, and the dogs are very healthy and well cared for.” The combination of scenic sledding, engaging guides, and a meaningful kennel visit makes this tour stand out.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for dog lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, or anyone interested in a true Arctic adventure. It’s suitable for teenagers who want to try driving the sled, and children over 4 can join as passengers with parental supervision.

If you’re after a relaxing, authentic, and memorable Arctic experience with a personal touch, this tour ticks the boxes. Those with a love for animals or a curiosity about huskies and their lives will find it particularly rewarding.

Final Thoughts

In essence, this husky safari offers more than just a ride—it’s about connecting with the dogs, learning about their Arctic life, and enjoying the simple beauty of Lapland’s snow-covered wilderness. The small group size and the dedication of guides make it a genuine, heartfelt experience that stands apart from larger, more generic tours.

While the drive to the starting point takes some time, many find that the scenery along the way and the interaction at the kennel more than make up for it. It’s a well-balanced outing that combines activity, education, and relaxation.

If you’re looking for an experience that is both fun and meaningful, and if you’re okay with a fair bit of outdoor cold-weather clothing, this tour is definitely worth considering. It’s suited to travelers who want to drive their own sled, spend quality time with huskies, and come away with photos and stories to cherish.

Is transportation included?
Yes, roundtrip transportation from Saariselkä or Ivalo is included, making it easy to plan and easier to get there without extra hassle.

Can I drive the sled myself?
Absolutely. You’ll be the driver of your own sled, with instructions and safety tips provided. Teenagers over 16 are also allowed to drive.

What age can children participate?
Children older than 4 can join as passengers, and younger kids can take part if supervised by adults. Younger children will mostly be riding along rather than driving.

What should I bring?
Warm clothing is essential. While overalls can be provided if requested, dressing in layers, including gloves and hats, will help keep you comfortable.

How long is the sled ride?
The actual sledding lasts about 40 minutes, but the entire experience, including transfers and kennel visit, is around 4 hours.

Are the dogs well cared for?
Yes, reviews consistently mention the dogs as being healthy, happy, and well looked after, with a focus on quality over quantity at the kennel.

If you’re craving a genuine Arctic adventure, this tour offers a warm, friendly introduction to husky mushing and Lapland’s snowy beauty. It balances excitement with education and leaves you with plenty of memorable moments.

You can check availability for your dates here: