Hunting Northern Lights with Husky

Imagine gliding through snow-covered forests behind a team of excited huskies, the crisp winter air tingling your cheeks, all while waiting for the elusive Northern Lights to dance overhead. That’s basically what this Hunting Northern Lights with Husky experience from Rovaniemi promises. We haven’t done it ourselves, but from what we gather, it’s a well-loved option for those wanting to combine a classic Arctic activity with a good chance to see the auroras.

What really catches the eye about this tour is how it balances adventure with comfort. First, you get to ride on a husky-pulled sleigh—an experience that many reviews rave about—and then you’re taken to a scenic spot, either by forest or lakeside, where you might catch the lights if the weather cooperates. Plus, the pickup and drop-off service helps keep things hassle-free.

The one thing to keep in mind? The Northern Lights are never guaranteed—they depend heavily on the weather and solar activity. So if your trip hinges on seeing them, this might be a bit of a gamble. Still, this tour is ideal for travelers who love dogs, winter landscapes, and don’t mind a bit of unpredictability for a shot at seeing the auroras.

If you’re someone who appreciates a guided experience that handles the logistics, or if you’re traveling with a group that enjoys outdoor activities with furry friends, this tour could be a good match. Just be prepared for the cold and the possibility of a cloudy sky.

Key Points

• Guided tour offers stress-free aurora hunting with knowledgeable guides.
• Husky sled ride provides an authentic, memorable Arctic adventure.
• Weather-dependent experience—no guarantees on seeing the Northern Lights.
• Comfort features like gear and hot blueberry juice help stay warm.
• Group size is limited to 24, maintaining a personable atmosphere.
• Timing varies between 4 pm and 9 pm, so be flexible with your schedule.

A Closer Look at the Experience

The Itinerary and Logistics

This tour generally starts around 6:00 pm, with pickup from your hotel or designated meeting point at the Santa Claus Holiday Village. The exact time can shift, especially depending on the season and availability, so double-check the email confirmation for your specific pick-up window. The duration is approximately three and a half hours, which gives you enough time to enjoy the husky ride, a stop at a scenic location, and some cozy moments by the fire.

Once onboard, you’ll be transported to the husky farm, where the real highlight begins. The husky sledding itself is often described as “amazing” by those who’ve done it, with some reviewers mentioning how their guides were attentive and engaging. For example, one reviewer noted, “special thanks to our professional guide Linda,” which hints at the level of service you can expect.

The sled ride typically lasts about 20-30 minutes, and during the ride, you’re essentially reclining on the sled being pulled through snow-laden trees and open fields. Many reviews, like one from Samira_M, mention how the huskies were “fantastic,” and the whole ride felt “so, so, beautiful.” It’s a pretty surreal, peaceful way to experience the Arctic wilderness.

The Aurora Hunting

After the sled ride, the tour usually takes you by car to a quiet forest or lakeside spot for aurora gazing. This is where the magic—or the disappointment—happens, because sightings depend on clear skies and active solar winds. Several reviews mention how clouds or poor weather kept the lights hidden, despite the effort to find a good viewing spot.

One reviewer summed it up well: “Unfortunately, we didn’t see Aurora Borealis, but the experience with the husky ride in the remote place at minus 30°C was very memorable.” That’s a good point—sometimes, even if the lights don’t appear, the overall experience can still be worthwhile if you enjoy being outdoors in a pristine winter landscape.

Guides will often serve hot blueberry juice during the wait, and some even provide marshmallows to roast over a fire, adding a warm, cozy touch to the night. The experience of waiting under the stars, with the faint possibility of the auroras overhead, feels like a genuine Arctic adventure.

The Quality of the Experience

Many travelers praise the guides’ friendliness and knowledge. “We loved the way the guides shared stories and explained the area,” one review says, which can really enhance the overall experience. The sled ride itself is often highlighted as a memorable highlight, with some reviewers mentioning how dog-loving kids especially enjoy being close to the huskies.

However, not all reviews are glowing. Some mention that the sleigh rides are short, about 20 minutes, and that the BBQ at the end felt rushed or lacking—probably due to the large number of participants. One reviewer pointed out, “For that price, I expected way more,” noting the hurried nature of the post-ride meal and minimal interaction with the dogs.

There are also some caveats regarding group size and timing. During weekends or public holidays, at least four people are needed to operate the tour, and on weekdays or Saturdays, the minimum is just two. The group size is capped at 24, which helps keep things intimate, but it can still feel crowded during peak times.

The Price and Value

At around $265 per person, this tour isn’t exactly cheap, but it does include several components: transportation, equipment, guiding, and a husky sled ride. Many reviews suggest it offers good value for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, especially considering the chance to ride behind excited huskies in a stunning winter setting.

Keep in mind that the aurora sighting isn’t guaranteed—that’s true of most Northern Lights tours. But the combination of a husky sled ride, scenic spots, and the chance of seeing the lights makes it a compelling package. For travelers wanting a full Arctic night experience, it checks many boxes.

What to Expect in Terms of Comfort and Preparation

The tour provides warm gear to help combat the cold—crucial given temperatures around 11-15°F during some reviews. Many mention that the gear made the experience much more bearable. Still, dressing in layers, including thermal underwear, a hat, gloves, and face protection, is highly recommended.

The sledding itself is described as “cramped” by some, especially when sharing with others, so if you’re prone to discomfort, consider this. The ride is pretty short, but cold air and an active sledding pace can make it feel even brisker.

Tips Based on Reviews

• Arrive early and be prepared for potential delays, especially during busy seasons.
• Bring extra warm clothing, including face coverings and thermal layers.
• Manage expectations around the Northern Lights—they’re beautiful but unpredictable.
• If you’re traveling with children, note that kids under 12 need to be accompanied by paying adults.
• Be aware that the post-ride BBQ can be crowded and rushed; don’t rely solely on it for a satisfying meal.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for dog lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and those eager for a true Arctic adventure. If your main goal is to see the Northern Lights, remember that this is weather dependent. It’s also great for travelers who want a guided, hassle-free experience, rather than trying to navigate solo in winter conditions.

If your priority is a short, scenic husky sled ride combined with aurora hunting, this tour offers a memorable outing. But if you’re after a more extensive snow adventure or guaranteed Aurora Borealis sightings, you might want to explore other options.

The Sum Up

The Hunting Northern Lights with Husky tour provides a compelling mix of authentic Arctic fun, guided convenience, and scenic beauty. The opportunity to ride with huskies—whether you’re a dog enthusiast or just looking for a unique winter experience—is a definite highlight. The guides are generally praised for their friendliness and expertise, which can make all the difference when braving the cold and waiting for the lights.

While the experience doesn’t guarantee a Northern Lights sighting, many find the journey and the time spent in the snow-laden forests well worth the price. It’s particularly suited to those who want a combination of adventure and comfort, with a good shot at witnessing the auroras if conditions permit.

That said, keep your expectations realistic about the weather and the brevity of the sled ride, and you’ll likely come away with some unforgettable memories. It’s a tour that captures the spirit of the Arctic—exciting, a little unpredictable, but undeniably special.

FAQs

Is pickup included in the tour?
Yes, the tour offers a pickup service, making it easy to start your night without worrying about transportation.

How long does the sled ride last?
The sled ride is typically around 20-30 minutes, depending on conditions and group size.

Can I see the Northern Lights on this tour?
While the tour increases your chances, sightings depend heavily on weather and solar activity. There’s no guarantee.

Is the experience suitable for children?
Children under 12 need to be accompanied by paying adults, and while many reviews mention families enjoying the ride, check with the provider if you have specific age concerns.

What should I wear?
Layer up with thermal clothing, hats, gloves, and face coverings. The gear provided helps, but dressing warmly is essential.

What if the weather cancels the tour?
You will be offered a different date or a full refund if the experience is canceled due to poor weather conditions.

If you’re after a genuine Arctic experience, enjoy dogs, and are okay with some element of luck regarding the Northern Lights, this tour could be a highlight of your trip. Just plan ahead, dress warmly, and keep your expectations flexible.