Lapland Husky Safari from Saariselkä

Thinking about slipping into the snowy wilderness of Finland and experiencing the thrill of a husky-drawn sleigh? This particular tour in Saariselkä offers just that—a memorable ride through icy landscapes, guided by friendly, enthusiastic huskies. We haven’t done it ourselves, but based on reviews and detailed descriptions, it sounds like a wonderful way to get a taste of Arctic adventure, especially if you’re after authentic Arctic scenery and a bit of adrenaline.

What we really like about this experience? First, the way it combines a beautiful scenic ride with the chance to drive and interact with the huskies—that’s a rare combo. Second, the professional guides seem to really know their stuff, making the experience accessible and safe. On the flip side, a potential consideration is the cold weather—the reviews mention temperatures plunging below -33°C, so dressing warmly is essential.

This tour is best suited for those who crave outdoor adventure, love animals, and want to experience a traditional Arctic activity in a manageable time frame. It’s a good fit for travelers who appreciate comfort as well—since transportation and thermal clothing are included, it takes away some of the logistical worries. If you’re up for a scenic, active, and authentic husky adventure, this might just be the tour for you.

Key Points

• Duration & Distance: Around 2 hours covering roughly 6 miles of snowy terrain.
• Inclusions: Round-trip hotel pickup, thermal clothing, and a cozy fire with snacks.
• Experience: Drive a traditional wooden sled, meet the huskies, and enjoy the Arctic scenery.
• Group Size: Limited to 8 travelers, making it intimate and personalized.
• Weather Consideration: Operates in all weather conditions, but dress appropriately for cold.
• Reviews & Reputation: High ratings (4.6/5) with plenty of glowing reviews about guides and scenery.

The Itinerary Breakdown

The tour kicks off with hotel pickup around 12:30 pm, which is quite convenient if you’re staying in Saariselkä. You’ll be transported to the Saariselka Ski & Sport Resort, the starting point for the adventure. Here, the fun begins with a professional guide giving safety instructions and introducing you to the eager huskies. This part is crucial—not only for safety but to help you connect with these beautiful animals before you hop into the sled.

You’ll have the chance to drive a traditional wooden dog sled, which is part of the appeal. The experience is action-packed, with the opportunity to swap drivers and take photos along the way. The ride itself covers approximately 6 miles—enough to immerse you in the snow-draped wilderness without feeling rushed or overextended.

Throughout the trip, there are regular stops for photos and to enjoy the scenery. The guides seem knowledgeable and friendly, emphasizing the well-being of the dogs and the natural landscape. After finishing the ride, you’ll return to the husky farm for a warm-up with drinks and snacks by an open fire. This is a nice touch, giving you a moment to relax and share stories about the adventure.

Next, you’ll visit the Urho Kekkonen National Park for a brief tour of the husky farm. It’s a good chance to see how the huskies are cared for and learn about their daily activities. From reviews, it seems this part of the experience helps reinforce the connection between travelers and the animals, with guides often mentioning that the dogs are happy and eager to run.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

The scenic journey through Lapland’s snow-covered terrain is a highlight. The reviews repeatedly mention how stunning the views are, with some travelers describing it as a “magical” experience. The exhilaration of driving and riding the sled is another significant plus, especially for those who want a hands-on adventure rather than just sitting back and watching.

The guides’ knowledge and friendliness are a recurring theme in reviews. As one traveler put it: “The staff was fantastic,” and many appreciate the extra help, like the guide who arranged transportation to an outfitting company, demonstrating that the team goes beyond just the tour itself.

The cost of $365.70 per person might seem steep at first glance, but considering the inclusions—transportation, thermal clothing, guides, and a cozy fire—it appears to be quite reasonable for a professionally organized Arctic adventure. The reviews suggest that clients often feel they received good value, especially given the memorable experience and the opportunity to interact with the dogs.

The Experience in Action: What Travelers Say

• Warm and friendly guides make the experience accessible for first-timers and seasoned explorers alike.
• Stunning scenery and the thrill of sledding are consistently praised; one reviewer said, “Driving a dog sled in the Lappish wilderness was exhilarating.”
• The dogs are well cared for and happy, which reassures those worried about animal welfare. One reviewer noted, “The dogs are super happy and very gentle.”
• Braving the cold is part of the adventure—some mention temperatures below -33°C, so dressing appropriately is essential. The provided thermal clothing gets good reviews for helping keep participants warm.

Who Will Love This?

If you’re someone who appreciates authentic Arctic experiences, outdoors activities, and animals, this tour is a solid choice. It’s suitable for most travelers in decent health, as the sled ride can be physically engaging, and there’s some walking and changing drivers involved. The group size being limited (up to 8 guests) makes for a comfortable, personalized trip with plenty of opportunity to ask questions and take photos.

This tour isn’t just about the ride; it’s about connecting with the landscape and the huskies, learning about their care, and taking home a story of Lapland’s wild beauty. It’s a good pick for those wanting a full-sensory experience, embracing the cold, the thrill, and the companionship of the dogs.

The Downside

The main consideration is the cold—you’ll be out in temperatures that can drop below -33°C. If you’re not accustomed to extreme cold, proper preparation is crucial. The thermal clothing provided helps, but layering with your own warm gear is wise. Some reviews mention that they would have loved a bit more time with the huskies, but given the 2-hour window, the pace is quite efficient.

Another aspect to keep in mind is the cost—it’s not the cheapest activity, but it includes transportation, gear, and snacks, which adds value. However, if you’re on a tight budget, you might consider whether this type of adventure fits your travel priorities.

Cancellation and Flexibility

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, which provides some peace of mind if your plans change. Since it operates in all weather conditions, unless there’s severe weather, the experience should go ahead, but always be prepared for the cold. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

This Lapland Husky Safari from Saariselkä seems like a well-rounded, authentic Arctic adventure. It’s especially appealing if you’re after a hands-on experience with friendly, energetic huskies and breathtaking snow-covered landscapes. The guides’ professionalism and the inclusion of thermal gear and a cozy fire add to the overall value, making it suitable for most travelers who want a memorable, outdoor winter activity.

While the price is on the higher side, the reviews consistently point to a high-quality experience that many say is worth every euro. The limited group size and the chance to drive your own sled make it feel personalized and special. Just remember to dress warmly and be prepared for the cold—that’s part of the adventure!

If you’re planning a trip to Saariselkä and want to add a genuine Arctic activity to your itinerary, this tour offers a great blend of scenery, activity, and authentic Finnish hospitality. Whether you’re a dog lover, adventure seeker, or simply looking for a unique story to tell, this husky safari could be the highlight of your winter trip.

What is included in the tour?
You’ll get hotel pickup and drop-off, thermal clothing, a professional guide, a 2-hour husky sled ride covering about 6 miles, and drinks and snacks by an open fire after the ride.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience is approximately 2 hours, including transportation, the sled ride, and the campfire break.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Children are welcome, but they must be accompanied by an adult. The reviews suggest it’s an enjoyable experience for families, though the cold weather may require extra preparation.

What should I wear?
Dressing warmly is crucial, especially since temperatures can fall below -33°C. Thermal layers, hats, gloves, and waterproof boots are recommended. The tour provides thermal clothing, but bring your own layers for extra warmth.

Can I drive the sled myself?
Yes, part of the experience involves driving a traditional wooden dog sled, with instructions from guides to ensure safety and fun.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 8 travelers, offering a more intimate and personalized experience.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour operates in all weather conditions. If weather conditions lead to cancellation, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

If you’re craving a true Arctic adventure, a chance to meet friendly huskies, and stunning snowy landscapes, this tour seems to tick all those boxes. Just remember to pack your warmest gear and your sense of adventure. Happy travels!