From Kiruna: Northern Lights Guided Husky Sledding Adventure

If you’re thinking about adding a dash of adventure and a touch of magic to your trip to Swedish Lapland, a guided husky sledding tour from Kiruna might just be the highlight you’re looking for. This experience combines the thrill of steering your own team of friendly huskies through snow-covered wilderness with the chance to catch the dance of the northern lights.

What makes this tour stand out? First, it offers the rare opportunity to actively participate—learning how to harness the dogs and steer your sled. Second, it’s not just about the ride; the evening ends with cozy drinks and Swedish treats around a campfire, making it a well-rounded Arctic adventure. The only thing to keep in mind is that sightings of the northern lights can’t be guaranteed, as they’re a natural phenomenon, but the overall experience is still likely to be memorable.

This tour is especially well-suited for those who want a hands-on experience in nature, enjoy outdoor adventures, and aren’t shy about cold weather. It’s also a good pick for travelers seeking a meaningful way to connect with the local culture and landscape—plus, it’s small-group size means plenty of personalized attention.

Key Points

• Active participation: Drive your own husky sled and learn how to harness the dogs, making it more than just a sightseeing trip.
• Stunning scenery: Glide through snow-covered landscapes, tall trees, and frozen lakes, all under the night sky.
• Northern lights chance: If luck is on your side, you could see the aurora borealis shimmering overhead.
• Authentic warmth: End the tour warming up around a campfire with hot drinks and Swedish fika.
• Small group size: Limited to 8 participants, ensuring a more intimate, engaging experience.
• Professional guides: Well-reviewed guides who are friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive to safety.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from This Husky Sledding Tour

Starting from Kiruna

Your adventure kicks off with a pickup from one of four convenient locations in Kiruna—whether from Camp Ripan, Stora Coop, Pub Eden, or directly from the Swedish Lapland Tourist Center. The transfer takes about 30 minutes, giving you a chance to relax and prepare for the evening ahead.

Meeting the Huskies and Safety Briefing

Once you arrive at Kalixforsbron, your guide introduces you to the team of friendly huskies that will be pulling you through the snow. You’ll receive a thorough safety briefing and instructions on how to harness the dogs and steer your sled, which is especially helpful if you’ve never done this before.

Many reviewers, like Martina from Slovenia, highlight how much they appreciated guides who took the time to explain everything clearly and showed genuine care for both the dogs and participants. The guides are usually praised for their friendliness and professionalism.

The Sled Ride

The core of the experience is a 1.5-hour guided sledding tour across the Arctic wilderness. You get to sit on your own sled, with an option to be the driver or passenger. The snow-covered marshland, frozen lakes, and towering trees whiz past as you’re pulled along by the eager huskies.

The scene is breathtaking—quiet, except for the sound of paws in snow and the occasional panting of the dogs. Many visitors comment on how peaceful and invigorating it is to be out in nature at night, with the darkness contrasted by the glow of your headlamp and the shimmering stars.

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The Aurora Borealis

While the northern lights are unpredictable, numerous reviews mention how they’re often visible during this tour, weather permitting. One review from Gabriel in Estonia notes how their guide, Martina, was passionate about looking out for the lights and even stopped the van to let the group take photos when the aurora made an appearance.

Campfire and Swedish Fika

After the sledding, you’ll return to the base camp. Here, a warm campfire awaits, along with hot drinks and traditional Swedish fika—think cookies, coffee, and a cozy atmosphere. It’s a lovely way to wind down, chat about the ride, and enjoy the Arctic night.

The Details That Matter

Itinerary Breakdown

The tour starts with a pickup from central locations in Kiruna, followed by a 30-minute transfer to Kalixforsbron. Once there, you’ll spend about 30 minutes listening to safety instructions and getting familiar with the dogs.

The 1.5-hour guided sledding forms the heart of the experience, where you’ll be actively involved in steering the sled and managing the dogs. A break of around 30 minutes at the camp allows for warming up, enjoying the campfire, and snacks. The return transfer is another 30-minute ride back to Kiruna.

Group Size and Guides

Limited to just 8 participants, the tour keeps things personal and manageable. Many reviews highlight the guides’ friendliness, patience, and detailed explanations—making it perfect for newcomers and seasoned outdoor lovers alike.

Duration & Flexibility

This tour lasts approximately 3.5 hours, including transfer, briefing, sledding, and campfire time. You can book with the flexibility of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, which adds peace of mind in case your plans change.

Price & Value

While the tour’s cost isn’t explicitly listed here, reviews suggest that many find it to offer good value—especially considering the personalized experience, the chance to drive your own sled, and the involvement with the dogs. It’s a fair price for an authentic Arctic adventure that’s both fun and memorable.

What to Bring

Warm clothing is essential—think layers, scarf, hat, gloves—since it can get extremely cold out there. The tour provides some winter gear, but layering your own clothes underneath is recommended. Many reviewers mention bringing cameras (optional) to capture the breathtaking night sky and the Northern Lights.

Authenticity and Authentic Experience from User Reviews

One of the most praised aspects is the dedicated guides, like Rebecca and Martina, who are described as friendly, clear, and caring. They’re often credited with making the experience feel welcoming and safe, especially for first-timers.

The chance to interact with the dogs, even helping to stretch their legs after the ride, was particularly appreciated by participants like Alain from Germany. Many reviewers also mention how the dogs are well-cared-for, friendly, and sociable, which adds a special feeling of connection.

A common theme among reviews is how the experience is peaceful, authentic, and a little bit magical—even if the northern lights don’t appear, the ride alone is worth it for the views and the sense of adventure.

Downsides & Considerations

The main drawback noted by some is that the northern lights cannot be guaranteed, which is understandable because they depend on weather and solar activity. Also, despite warm gear being provided, it’s still very cold outside, so proper layering is key. One review mentions that the guide could have been more entertaining, but generally, guides are praised for their friendliness and professionalism.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This husky sled ride is ideal for adventurers and outdoor lovers who want a hands-on Arctic experience. It suits those comfortable with cold weather and interested in learning how to handle sled dogs. Because it’s a small-group tour, it’s great for travelers who prefer a more intimate setting over large, commercial excursions.

While not specifically family-focused, it’s suitable for anyone over 95 years (with considerations for mobility) who can handle the cold and is eager for a unique, active activity. Solo travelers, couples, or small groups will all appreciate the personal touch and the chance to connect with nature and the dogs.

Final Thoughts

A guided husky sledding tour from Kiruna offers an exciting blend of adventure, culture, and natural beauty. The chance to steer your own sled through snowy landscapes, combined with the warmth of a campfire and the possibility of seeing the northern lights, makes it a truly memorable Arctic experience.

The knowledgeable guides, friendly huskies, and stunning scenery are what most travelers rave about—plus, the intimate group size ensures a personal touch that larger tours often lack. Even if the northern lights don’t put on a show, the ride itself and the connection with the dogs are well worth the time.

This tour is perfect if you’re after an active, genuine Arctic experience that mixes outdoor fun with a touch of cozy Nordic atmosphere. Prepare well for the cold, keep your camera handy, and enjoy a ride that could be one of your trip’s most cherished memories.

FAQ

Do I need any experience to drive the husky sled?
No, the guide provides a safety briefing and instructions on how to harness and steer the sled, making it accessible even for beginners.

How long is the actual sledding part of the tour?
The guided sledding lasts about 1.5 hours, which is a good amount of time to enjoy the ride without feeling rushed.

Can I see the northern lights on this tour?
While many participants hope for a sighting, the northern lights are a natural phenomenon, and sightings are not guaranteed. However, guides often look out for the best chances.

What should I wear?
Layered warm clothing, a scarf, gloves, and a hat are essential. The tour provides some gear, but dressing in layers helps keep you comfortable.

Is the tour suitable for children?
It’s not explicitly specified for children, but generally, suitable for anyone over 95 years old with good mobility and the ability to handle cold weather.

How many people are in each group?
Limited to 8 participants, ensuring a small, personalized experience.

What is included in the experience?
Transportation, safety briefing, the sledding adventure, campfire with drinks and Swedish treats, and some winter gear.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans shift.

If you’re after an immersive, authentic Arctic adventure with friendly guides and beautiful scenery, this husky sledding tour from Kiruna deserves serious consideration. Just be prepared for the cold, and keep your fingers crossed for a glimpse of the northern lights.

You can check availability for your dates here: