Kiruna: Northern Lights Dog Sled Tour with Swedish Fika

If you’re dreaming of witnessing the Aurora Borealis while snuggling into a winter wonderland, this Northern Lights Dog Sled Tour in Kiruna offers a pretty compelling experience. We haven’t done it ourselves, but from what we’ve seen, it’s an adventure that combines the thrill of mushing through snowy wilderness with the cozy comfort of Swedish fika. And honestly, if seeing the Northern Lights is on your bucket list, this tour hits a lot of the right notes.

What we really like about this experience is how it balances the excitement of dog sledding with the serene beauty of Lapland’s night sky. Plus, the inclusion of warm clothing and free transfers makes it accessible and comfortable. That said, if you’re hoping for a meal or a long tour, this one might feel a bit on the shorter side. It’s perfect for travelers eager for a snapshot of Arctic adventure without too much fuss, especially if you’re traveling with others who want a mix of adrenaline and relaxation.

One thing to keep in mind is that the tour is weather-dependent — clear skies are a must for optimal Northern Lights viewing. If you’re after a lengthy, in-depth experience, this might not be your ideal choice, but for a well-organized, friendly outing that delivers on the essentials, it’s a solid pick.

This tour seems best suited for those who want a manageable, scenic adventure with a good chance of seeing the Aurora and enjoy some classic Swedish hospitality along the way. It’s a cozy, fun, and beautifully snowy experience that makes a great addition to any Arctic trip.

Key Points

• Short and Sweet: The tour lasts around 2.5 hours, perfect for a quick but memorable Arctic experience.
• All-Inclusive Comfort: Warm winter clothes and boots are provided, so you don’t need to pack bulky gear.
• Northern Lights Focus: The main highlight is the chance to see the Aurora Borealis illuminated above the Lapland scenery.
• Authentic Swedish Fika: A cozy cabin stop for coffee and cookies adds a welcoming touch to the adventure.
• Convenient Transfers: Free pickup from within 20 km of Kiruna makes logistics straightforward.
• Limited Duration: Since it’s a shorter trip, those looking for an all-day or more in-depth experience might want to explore other options.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect on this Dog Sled Tour

Starting with Comfort: The adventure kicks off with a free transfer from your hotel, provided you’re within 20 km of the kennel. This is a thoughtful touch, removing the hassle of logistics early on. Once you arrive, you’ll be warmly greeted and equipped with winter clothes and sturdy boots — essential for staying warm in the sub-zero temperatures. The gear is provided, so you can focus on enjoying the ride rather than worrying about layering.

Getting Ready for the Sled: When suited up, you’ll meet your guide and the team of Alaskan Huskies — these dogs are the true stars here. They’re friendly, energetic, and clearly passionate about their work. Climbing into the sled, you’ll feel the rush of anticipation as the dogs ready themselves for the trek. The sleds are designed for comfort and safety, making the ride accessible even if you’re new to dog sledding.

The Ride Through Lapland: As the dogs take off, the sense of adventure really kicks in. We loved the way the sled glided smoothly across the snow, with the quiet of the Arctic night around us, broken only by the panting of the dogs and the crunch of snow beneath. This is a perfect moment to soak in the pristine winter landscape — glittering snow, frosted trees, and the vast, open sky above.

Northern Lights and Photography: The main event — the Aurora Borealis — can appear at any time during the trip. While we can’t guarantee you’ll see it every night, the thrill of watching the sky dance with green and purple lights makes it worth the effort. If the lights do appear, you’ll want to have your camera ready to capture the fleeting, otherworldly spectacle. The guide often encourages photo-taking, which is a nice touch.

The Cozy Cabin Break: After the sled ride, everyone heads to a warm cabin for a quick break. Here, you’ll enjoy Swedish fika — warm drinks like coffee or tea and cookies — in a cozy, heated space. It’s a chance to relax, chat, and take in the snowy scenery outside. Many reviews highlighted this as a charming, authentic touch that adds to the local flavor of the experience.

Returning Under the Moonlight: After the break, you’ll head back under the starry sky, the dogs happily trotting you back to the starting point. The ride back is just as peaceful as the way out, with the snow shimmering under the moonlight.

The Experience’s Strengths and Possible Downsides

What Travelers Love:
Reviewers consistently mention the friendliness of the guides and the quality of the dogs. One review notes, “The dogs were adorable and clearly loved their work,” which adds a layer of authenticity to the whole experience. Others appreciate the well-organized logistics — the pickup and gear lending make it approachable, especially for first-timers.

Weather and Aurora Watching:
A key factor is the weather. Since this experience hinges on clear skies for the Northern Lights, the actual sighting can vary. While the tour offers a good chance, it’s not guaranteed, so a bit of patience is needed. The night’s conditions greatly influence how spectacular the show will be.

Duration and Value:
The 2.5-hour length is quite manageable, especially if you’re on a packed itinerary. It provides a taste of the Arctic without overcommitting, which many travelers find appealing. The included gear and fika add value, making it a comfortable, no-fuss way to enjoy Lapland’s winter magic.

Limitations:
It’s a shorter experience, so if you’re looking for a full-day adventure or want to spend more time with the dogs, this might feel a bit basic. Also, children under 2 and pregnant women are advised against participating, which is common for such cold-weather activities.

The Logistics: What’s Included and What’s Not

Included:
– Warm winter clothes and boots
– Free transfer within 20 km of the kennel
– Coffee and cookies in a heated cabin

Not Included:
– Meals (besides the fika)
– Additional drinks or souvenirs

The inclusions are practical, especially since you don’t need to worry about packing heavy winter gear. The free transfer simplifies planning, and the fika provides a cozy, local touch. Just remember, since meals aren’t included, you might want to plan for a hearty breakfast or dinner around the tour.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you’re a traveler eager to combine dog sledding, Northern Lights, and Swedish hospitality in a manageable, well-organized package, this tour ticks all those boxes. It’s particularly suited for those who appreciate a shorter, scenic experience that doesn’t require extensive physical effort or commitment. Families with older children, couples, or solo travelers looking for a quick Arctic fix will probably enjoy this outing.

However, if you’re after a longer, more immersive adventure or want in-depth knowledge about dogs or Sami culture, you might want to explore other options. This experience is more about the thrill of the ride and the chance to see the Aurora in a relaxed setting rather than a comprehensive Arctic immersion.

More Great Tours Nearby

Final Thoughts

This Northern Lights Dog Sled Tour in Kiruna offers a charming taste of Arctic life with a good balance of adventure and comfort. The highlight — the Aurora — is a rare, fleeting spectacle that adds a dash of magic to the outing. The inclusion of warm gear and an authentic fika makes it feel hassle-free and genuine.

The experience shines brightest on clear nights when the sky puts on its best show, but even without a sighting of the lights, the joy of mushing through snowy silence is memorable. It’s a perfect option if you want a manageable, beautifully organized Arctic adventure that balances activity with relaxation.

For travelers who want to combine a love of animals, winter scenery, and the chance to see the Northern Lights without getting overwhelmed or overlong, this tour fits the bill. Just prepare for the cold, keep your expectations flexible, and enjoy what might be a highlight of your trip to Lapland.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included? Yes, the tour includes free transfers from your hotel within a 20 km radius of the kennel in Kiruna. Just provide your hotel name to ensure pickup.

What should I bring? Bring warm clothing and water. The tour provides winter gear, so don’t worry about packing heavy layers unless you want extra comfort.

Can children participate? The tour is not suitable for children under 2 years or pregnant women. It’s best suited for those old enough to sit comfortably on the sled.

How long does the tour last? The experience runs approximately 2.5 hours, including the ride and the fika break.

What if I don’t see the Northern Lights? The Northern Lights are weather-dependent, so sightings aren’t guaranteed. But the ride itself is scenic and peaceful, making it worthwhile regardless.

Are meals included? No, meals are not included beyond the fika stop, so plan accordingly if you need a full meal.

Is this experience good for photography? Yes, you’ll want to be ready to snap photos of the Aurora if visible, as well as the sled dogs and snowy landscape.

This dog sled tour in Kiruna offers a delightful slice of Arctic adventure with just enough thrill, comfort, and local charm to make it memorable. Whether you’re chasing the Northern Lights or just want to enjoy the serenity of Lapland’s winter, it’s a solid choice for a short, sweet Arctic outing.

You can check availability for your dates here: