If you’re considering a husky sled ride in Rovaniemi, this tour offers a chance to take the wheel—literally. It’s a unique experience where you get behind the sled and guide your team of energetic huskies through snowy forests and across frozen lakes. Designed for those craving an active Arctic adventure, this one stands out because you’re not just a passenger—you’re the musher.

What we really like about this experience is the thrill of control. Feeling that rush as you steer your own sled makes the adventure much more personal and exciting. Plus, the opportunity to visit the kennels and learn about the huskies from guides adds an educational element that’s often missing in typical sightseeing tours.

However, a fair consideration is the need for some physical effort—this isn’t a passive activity. You’ll be actively managing your sled, which might not appeal to everyone, especially if you’re not comfortable in cold weather or physically active. That said, if you enjoy hands-on experiences and outdoor activities, this tour could be a highlight of your trip.

This tour suits travelers who love getting a bit muddy (or snowy), enjoy animals, and want something more interactive than just watching the Northern Lights or riding in a snowmobile. Families with older children or groups of friends looking for a memorable bonding experience will find plenty to love here.

Key Points

Active participation: You’re the one driving the sled, not just watching.
Authentic Arctic experience: Travel through forests and lakes in a pristine winter landscape.
Educational element: Learn about huskies and their personalities.
Comfort & convenience: Includes pickup, drop-off, and warm drinks afterward.
Cost & value: $266 per person offers a comprehensive 4-hour adventure, including all essential aspects.
Group size: Small groups enhance the personal feel but check for availability.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What’s Included and What’s Not

This tour packs a lot into four hours, and the pricing reflects a well-rounded experience. For $266, you get pickup and drop-off from your accommodation, a tour guide, and a visit to the husky kennel—a great chance to meet the dogs beforehand. The musher instructions ensure you’re comfortable handling the sled, even if it’s your first time. After your ride, cozy up around a bonfire with warm drinks and biscuits, which is a simple but appreciated touch.

A couple of extras that aren’t included are winter overalls and snowboots—which you should request in advance if you don’t have your own. The cost is just 10 euros per person, a small fee for staying warm and dry. Also, if you want high-quality photos of your ride, a photography package is available at an extra cost, so consider whether you want to capture the moment.

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The Itinerary in Detail

The experience kicks off with pickup from your accommodation in Rovaniemi, making logistics straightforward and hassle-free. Once at the kennel, you’ll meet the huskies and receive musher instructions from your guide. This is especially helpful if it’s your first time guiding a sled, as the guide will show you how to handle the sled safely and effectively.

Next, you’ll hop into your self-driven 5km husky sled. The trail runs through snowy forests and across frozen lakes, providing stunning scenery that’s hard to beat. Many reviews highlight the exhilaration of controlling your own team—one traveler mentioned feeling like “the real deal” as they guided the sled through the white wilderness.

Throughout the ride, you’ll feel the power and enthusiasm of the huskies pulling you along. You might find that the dogs are incredibly friendly and eager to work, with guides sharing insights into their personalities and roles. It’s a chance to connect with these resilient animals and better understand why they’re so vital to Arctic life.

The ride concludes back at the kennel, where you can relax around a bonfire. Here, you’re served warm drinks and cookies—simple but effective ways to warm up and share stories about your adventure. Many reviewers say this part is surprisingly cozy, transforming the outdoor thrill into a relaxed social experience.

What the Experience Feels Like

Having read reviews and descriptions, we can imagine how the thrill of driving your own husky team could be a highlight. One reviewer described it as “a real adrenaline rush,” emphasizing the physical engagement and the close bond you develop with the dogs. Others appreciated that the small group setting made it more personal and allowed for better interaction with guides and animals.

The scenery is a big part of the appeal: crisp, snowy woods and frozen lakes that provide a picture-perfect winter landscape. It’s a chance to escape the busy city and enjoy some solitude in nature, all while feeling the invigorating cold air on your face.

While the experience is generally well-received, some mention that the cold can be intense, especially if you aren’t dressed warmly or requested the necessary gear in advance. The added cost for winter gear (10 euros) is a small price to pay for comfort and safety, so plan accordingly.

The Value for Money

At $266, this tour isn’t a bargain but offers a comprehensive experience. It combines adventure, education, and comfort into a single package. The inclusion of a kennel visit and the opportunity to learn about huskies enriches the experience beyond just a sled ride.

Because you’re actively controlling the sled, you’re getting more than just a ride—you’re participating in an authentic Arctic activity. For many, that’s worth the price. Plus, the fact that you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance and reserve without payment upfront adds flexibility, making it easier to plan around unpredictable weather or changing schedules.

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Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you’re someone who loves outdoor activities, animals, and hands-on experiences, you’ll likely find this tour rewarding. It’s ideal for travelers looking for a more active, immersive Arctic adventure rather than just sightseeing from a distance.

Families with older children should find this enjoyable, especially if they’re comfortable in cold weather and eager to try something different. However, small children or those with mobility issues might find managing the sled challenging.

If your main goal is to relax and watch the Northern Lights, this isn’t the tour for you. But if you want a story to tell about being a musher, guiding a team of huskies through snowy wilderness, this is a strong choice.

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The Sum Up

This self-driven husky sled ride in Rovaniemi offers a compelling blend of adventure, education, and natural beauty. You get the thrill of control, the chance to meet and learn about huskies, and the opportunity to enjoy stunning winter scenery. The small group format and inclusion of kennel visits make it feel intimate and authentic.

It’s particularly suited for travelers who want to actively participate in their Arctic experience, enjoy animals, and don’t mind bundling up for some cold weather. While it’s not the cheapest activity, many find the value in the personalized interaction and hands-on fun.

If you’re after a memorable, engaging experience that’s both fun and meaningful, this tour could be just the ticket. Just remember to dress warmly, request the gear if needed, and be ready for a good dose of winter wonderland.

Ready to Book?

Rovaniemi: 5km Self-Drive Husky Sleigh Ride Adventure

FAQ

Do I need to bring my own winter gear?
You should request winter overalls and snowboots in advance for a small fee of 10 euros per person, or bring your own warm gear. The provided gear helps keep you dry and comfortable during the ride.

How long is the sled ride?
The self-driven sled covers about 5km, which takes roughly the duration of the tour, around 4 hours including other activities.

Is this suitable for beginners?
Yes, guides provide instructions so even beginners can handle the sled. The experience is designed to be accessible, but some physical effort is involved.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund, giving you flexibility if weather or other factors affect your plans.

Are the huskies friendly?
Reviews suggest the huskies are eager, spirited, and friendly. Guides share insights into their personalities, making the kennel visit engaging.

Is this tour family-friendly?
It’s suitable for older children or teens comfortable with cold weather and active outdoor activities. Small children or those with mobility issues might find it more challenging.

Can I take photos during the tour?
Photography packages are available at an extra cost if you want high-quality photos of your sled ride. Otherwise, you’re welcome to take casual snaps.

If you’re craving a true Arctic adventure that gets your adrenaline pumping and offers a genuine connection to the dogs, this tour ticks many boxes. It’s not perfect for everyone, but for those who desire a more involved experience, it’s a memorable way to explore Lapland’s winter landscape.

You can check availability for your dates here: