Kiruna: Self-drive Husky Morning Tour

Thinking about adding a husky sled adventure to your Arctic trip? This self-drive husky morning tour in Kiruna promises a genuine taste of old-school winter travel, and if you’re a fan of outdoor adventures with a bit of a personal touch, it’s worth considering. We’ve gathered plenty of feedback and details to help you understand what makes this experience stand out—and what to keep in mind before booking.

What really catches our eye? First, the opportunity to steer your own sled—not just sitting as a passenger, but actively being part of the action. Plus, the expert guides seem to be a highlight across reviews, offering insights and making sure everyone feels comfortable. That said, a possible snag is the pickup restriction—it’s only available from Kiruna town, so if you’re staying elsewhere, you might need to organize transport. This tour’s a good fit for anyone who loves animals, outdoor fun, and authentic Arctic scenery, especially those wanting a hands-on experience.

Key Points

• Hands-on Experience: You get to steer your own dogsled, which adds a memorable dimension.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides enhance safety and share stories that make the adventure richer.
• Stunning Scenery: Cross frozen lakes, quiet forests, and marshlands, with chances to see local wildlife.
• Comfort & Warmth: Warm clothing and a cozy fika by the fire makes the cold more bearable.
• Limited Group Size: Small groups (up to 4 participants) mean more personal attention and fewer crowds.
• Value for Money: Many reviews praise the experience’s quality and the friendly guide-to-guest ratio.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What You Can Expect on This Self-drive Husky Tour

If you’re imagining an experience that combines adventure, culture, and nature, this tour hits all three. From the moment you’re picked up in Kiruna, the journey to the husky base in Kalixforsbron feels like a mini Arctic expedition. Once there, you’ll meet your furry team, get dressed in warm gear, and learn how to handle the sleds—an essential step before heading out onto the snow.

The Drive Through Arctic Landscapes

The real magic begins when you’re out on the trail. You’ll take turns steering the sled, with each participant getting a chance to sit at the front. For many, this is a first-time experience that’s just as exhilarating as it sounds. The guides will give you thorough instructions to ensure safety and confidence—not to mention, to maximize your fun.

Expect to traverse a variety of terrains, including frozen lakes, silent forests, and marshlands. These landscapes are typical of the Swedish Arctic and look especially gorgeous in the daylight. Keep your camera handy because these views make for fantastic photos. Many travelers mention how picture-perfect the scenery is and how lucky you might be to spot wildlife such as reindeer, moose, or arctic hares.

Meeting the Huskies

The dogs are undeniably the stars. As one reviewer noted, “The dogs were the best,” and you’ll see why. They’re a lively, affectionate bunch that loves their job pulling the sleds. You’ll get to meet them up close, learn about their personalities, and even help harness and prepare them for the ride. It’s a hands-on experience that fosters a genuine connection with these working dogs.

The Guide & Safety

Reviews consistently mention the guides’ professionalism and friendliness. They’re there to teach you how to handle the sleds, ensure safety, and share stories about life in Swedish Lapland. The detailed instructions mean even first-timers can feel confident behind the sled’s controls.

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The Warm Break & Fika

After your sledding adventure, you’ll return to the base for some well-earned warmth. The cozy Nordic tipi offers a perfect spot to relax around an open fire. Many reviewers rave about the hot soup, sandwiches, and traditional Swedish Fika—a sweet moment to rest, chat, and reflect on the morning’s adventure. It’s a small, authentic touch that enhances the overall experience.

Transportation & Duration

The tour lasts about five hours in total, including pickup and drop-off. Organizing transport is straightforward if you’re staying in Kiruna, as the pickup is included and occurs at the specified time. However, it’s worth noting that pickup isn’t available from places outside Kiruna town, like the Icehotel, so plan accordingly.

The actual sledding part typically involves sharing a sled with a partner, taking turns steering and sitting. This setup means everyone gets a chance to lead, which is a highlight for many. The small group size (limited to 4 people) ensures personalized attention and a more intimate experience.

Price & Value

While the tour isn’t explicitly priced in the information, reviews suggest it offers good value for the quality of the experience. For the approximately five-hour outing—combining nature, animal interaction, and culture—the cost seems justified, especially considering the inclusion of warm clothing, guided instruction, and the delicious fika.

Many reviewers emphasize how much they enjoyed the interaction with the dogs and the scenic landscapes. The personalized touch from guides and the chance to actively participate in mushing make this a memorable activity that’s worth it for outdoor lovers and animal enthusiasts alike.

What the Reviews Say

The overwhelmingly positive reviews (rated 4.9 out of 5 from 155 travelers) paint a clear picture: this is a well-loved experience. People highlight professional guides, the joy of working with happy, friendly dogs, and the stunning scenery. One traveler from the UK called it “the best sledding experience,” and others mention how it exceeded their expectations.

A common theme among reviews: the guides are knowledgeable, friendly, and passionate, making sure everyone feels comfortable and engaged. The dogs are described as affectionate, well cared for, and eager to work, which enhances the feeling of being part of a team.

Some reviews mention the “fantastic” lunch and the cozy atmosphere of the tipi, making the whole experience feel authentic and warm despite the cold outdoors.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

If you’re after an authentic Arctic adventure, love animals, and don’t mind getting a bit snowy, this tour checks many boxes. It’s especially suitable for those wanting to actively participate, rather than just observe. The small group size and attentive guides create a personal, immersive experience.

However, keep in mind the pickup restrictions—if you’re not in Kiruna, you might need to organize your transportation. Also, since the activity involves outdoor winter conditions, dressing warmly is essential. The tour is not suitable for those over 95 years old, but if you’re in good health and prepared, it promises a memorable, exhilarating day.

This experience is a fantastic way to connect with the Arctic landscape, meet some adorable huskies, and learn about traditional sledding—perfect for first-time visitors or seasoned outdoor lovers.

Is pickup included in the tour?
Yes, pickup is included from the entrance of the Kiruna Tourist Center, which is located at Malmvägen 9B. Pickup occurs at the start time, and can be up to 10 minutes late due to multiple locations in the old and new town.

Can I drive the sled by myself?
You share a sled with one other person, taking turns to steer and sit. This setup allows everyone to experience driving the sled and enjoy the ride.

What should I bring?
Warm clothing and a scarf are recommended. Bringing a camera is optional but highly encouraged—this experience offers many photo-worthy moments.

Is this tour suitable for children?
The activity is generally suitable for those in good health, but it’s not explicitly recommended for children under 95 years old. Always check your personal comfort with outdoor winter activities.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts about five hours, including transportation, sledding, and the fika break.

What kind of landscapes will I see?
Expect to see frozen lakes, quiet forests, and marshlands. The scenery is typically Arctic, with a good chance of seeing local wildlife.

Is the experience family-friendly?
While not specifically labeled as a family tour, many travelers mention the friendly dogs and engaging guides. It’s best suited for those comfortable with winter outdoor activities.

How many people are in each group?
The tour is limited to small groups of up to four participants, making it more personal and manageable.

What’s included in the fee?
The tour includes transportation, warm clothing, instruction, and a cozy fika with hot soup and sandwiches.

Would I recommend this experience?
Absolutely if you want a genuine, hands-on husky sledding adventure with friendly guides and beautiful scenery. Reviewers consistently say it’s a highlight of their trip.

In the end, the Kiruna Self-drive Husky Morning Tour offers a compelling mix of adventure, culture, and Arctic beauty. It suits travelers eager to get in touch with nature and animals, who appreciate guided expertise and authentic experiences. Whether you’re a sledding novice or a seasoned outdoor explorer, this activity is likely to leave you with lasting memories—and plenty of great photos to prove it.

You can check availability for your dates here: