Kiruna: Sit Back and Relax Morning Dogsledding Tour

If you’re considering a dogsledding experience while in northern Sweden, this tour offers a gentle, scenic introduction. It’s perfect if you want to get a taste of the Arctic landscape without the adrenaline rush of more intense rides. From what we’ve seen and heard, it’s a well-loved option for those who want a peaceful yet memorable outing.

What we particularly like about this tour is how it centers on relaxation and interaction — not just speed or adrenaline. You’ll have a chance to meet the sled dogs, learn about their care, and enjoy a cozy break with hot drinks. On the flip side, it’s a relatively short experience at around 3 hours, which might leave thrill-seekers wanting more. Still, if you’re after a calm, scenic, dog-focused tour, this could be just right.

This experience seems suited for travelers who enjoy gentle outdoor adventures, are curious about the dogs, and want a laid-back way to see the snowy landscapes. It’s also handy for those who prefer a smaller, more personal tour rather than a large group. However, it’s not suitable for pregnant travelers, those with back problems, or very young children — so keep that in mind.

Key Points

• Relaxed pace perfect for beginners or those looking for a gentle dogsled experience
• Meet and learn about the friendly sled dogs and their training
• Beautiful scenery includes forests, open spaces, a creek, and a lake
• Mid-tour break offers warm drinks and cinnamon rolls by the fire
• Small group size allows for personal interaction and questions
• Own transport needed as there’s no public transit to the kennel

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Experience

The journey begins at a dedicated kennel about 30 minutes south of Kiruna in Svappavaara. Once you arrive, you’ll be warmly welcomed and provided with warm clothes—an essential touch, given the cold Arctic conditions. The staff is friendly, and from reviews, it’s clear they’re knowledgeable and eager to share their passion for dogs and the landscape.

Getting ready involves learning how to sit safely on the sled, which is straightforward, but guides are patient and happy to give tips. The sleds seat four people, driven by your guide, who is also the primary driver. This setup makes it a comfortable group experience, giving everyone a chance to relax and enjoy the ride without the need for strenuous effort.

The route takes you through carefully chosen trails, mostly hand-groomed and set in varied terrain. You’ll pass through dense forests, cross a creek, and enjoy views of a lake — all stunning in winter’s snow blanket. The landscapes are described as beautiful and varied, and we’ve seen many reviews praising the scenery.

The highlight is, of course, the dogs. The guides are eager to introduce you to their team of huskies, explain their training, and share stories about their lives. The dogs are described as friendly and excited, clearly well cared for, which makes the experience even more enjoyable.

Halfway through, there’s a cozy stop by the fire. You can warm up with hot tea or coffee and munch on a cinnamon roll — a small but thoughtful touch that adds to the experience’s relaxed vibe. It’s a lovely chance to cuddle the dogs, take photos, or ask questions about the landscape or the animals.

Back at the kennel, you’ll return your warm clothes, say farewell to the dogs, and head back to Kiruna or your accommodation. The entire experience wraps up around midday, making it a perfect morning outing.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

The personalized attention from guides who are knowledgeable and friendly is a big plus. Kristie from the UK called out how “Phillip is very knowledgeable and answers all our questions clearly,” which seems to be a common theme. The fact that most trails are hand-selected and groomed means the ride is smooth, offering a more relaxed experience—ideal if you’re not comfortable with high-speed sledding.

Many reviews emphasize the stunning scenery. You’ll love the views of snowy forests and open spaces, especially if you’re a fan of peaceful, natural environments. The fact that the trails are away from other tourist operators suggests a more authentic, less crowded experience.

The interaction with the dogs is another big draw. People appreciate how well cared for and friendly the huskies are, and how much they enjoy running. One reviewer mentioned that “the dogs are all very well cared for, very excited to run the sled,” adding to the authentic feeling of the experience.

The break by the fire with hot drinks and cinnamon rolls is another highlight, especially in such cold weather. It’s a cozy, warm moment that gives everyone a chance to relax and connect.

Practicalities and Considerations

Since transportation isn’t included, you’ll need to arrange your own way to the kennel, whether by rental car or taxi. GPS coordinates are provided, but there’s no public transit, so plan ahead. The tour lasts about 3 hours, ending around noon, which fits well into a day’s itinerary.

The cost reflects a premium, personalized experience. For the value, you get a well-organized tour, friendly guides, scenic trails, and close interaction with the dogs. The reviews suggest that most visitors feel it’s worth the price, especially considering the quality of the guides and the environment.

This tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, or very young children under 1 year. The focus on comfort and safety is evident, and the guides are attentive to guests’ needs.

The Authentic Feel — What Travelers Say

Multiple reviews reinforce the authenticity and warmth of this tour. Kristie from the UK mentioned, “The scenery, interacting with the dogs, everything was perfect and became treasured memories!” This underscores how genuine and memorable the experience can be.

Another reviewer from Germany called it “incredible and amazing,” noting the kind, friendly staff and furry, funny dogs. The consistent praise for the guides’ knowledge and friendliness suggests you’re in good hands.

A Swedish traveler described it simply as “amazing,” a brief but powerful endorsement.

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Who Is This Tour Best For?

This is an experience for those who want a relaxed, scenic dogsledding outing without the need for intense physical activity or high-speed rides. It’s perfect if you enjoy nature, animals, and cozy moments by the fire. If you’re after a more personalized, small-group adventure, this tour checks those boxes.

It’s also well-suited for travelers who value authenticity and professional guides who can answer questions about the dogs and the landscape. Keep in mind the physical limitations: it’s not suitable for pregnant women, people with back issues, or young children under one.

FAQs

Do I need my own transportation to the kennel?
Yes, since there’s no public transit, you’ll need a rental car or taxi to reach the location using the provided coordinates.

How long is the tour?
The activity lasts around 3 hours, with the actual sled ride taking a good chunk of that time. It ends around midday.

Are the dogs friendly?
Yes, all dogs are described as friendly and excited to run. Guides will explain how to approach them safely.

Can I ask questions about the dogs and area?
Absolutely. The guides are knowledgeable and happy to share information about the dogs, their training, and the landscape.

Is it suitable for families?
It’s not explicitly marketed as family-friendly, and it’s not suitable for babies under 1 year or pregnant women. For older children, it can be a gentle introduction to dogsledding.

What should I wear?
Warm clothes are provided, but it’s advisable to dress in layers suitable for cold weather, including gloves and hats.

Can I touch the dogs?
Yes, you can cuddle the dogs during the stop, but always approach from the front with hands down as explained by guides.

Is this experience available in multiple languages?
Yes, guides speak English, German, and Swedish. However, note that a guide in your preferred language isn’t always guaranteed.

Wrapping It Up

If you’re looking for a calm, scenic, and dog-centered adventure near Kiruna, this tour offers a wonderful balance of gentle riding, beautiful vistas, and intimate interactions with huskies. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate the personal touch of knowledgeable guides and the chance to learn about sled dogs while soaking in winter’s quiet beauty.

While it might not satisfy adrenaline junkies or those seeking a full-day tour, it excels at providing a warm, authentic Arctic experience. You’ll leave with cherished memories of the snowy landscape and furry friends that made your journey truly special.

In the end, this is a sweet, well-organized outing that highlights the best of what dogsledding can be — scenic, personal, and peaceful. Perfect for a relaxed morning with a touch of adventure.

Happy travels, and enjoy the snowy magic of Lapland!

You can check availability for your dates here: