Rovaniemi: Daytime Husky Safari

Traveling to Rovaniemi and looking for a truly authentic Arctic adventure? This Daytime Husky Safari offers just that—a chance to steer your own team of energetic huskies through Finland’s stunning winter landscape. With a solid mix of fun, scenery, and expert guidance, it’s a memorable experience for many travelers.

What we really like about this tour is how well-organized it is, ensuring that beginners feel confident and safe while still getting a genuine taste of husky mushing. Plus, the chance to enjoy the quiet beauty of Lapland’s wilderness adds a special magic to the day.

However, a word of caution: this experience involves being outdoors in cold weather, so proper clothing is essential. The tour provides winter gear, but you’ll want to dress warmly to truly enjoy every moment.

This safari is best suited for those who love animals, outdoor adventures, and scenic winter landscapes. It’s also ideal for travelers who prefer a guided experience with a balance of education and fun—perfect for first-timers or anyone wanting to get a feel for traditional Arctic sledding.

Key Points

• Authentic husky mushing experience: Drive your own sled team, guided by friendly professionals.
• Beautiful Arctic scenery: Travel through snow-covered forests and frozen lakes in Lapland.
• Well-organized and informative: Includes a kennel visit, safety instructions, and stories about the dogs.
• Comfortable gear provided: Warm winter clothing, overalls, and boots included to keep you cozy.
• Delicious post-ride treats: Hot drinks and biscuits by the campfire add warmth and comfort after the ride.
• Flexible booking options: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and reserve now, pay later.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience in Detail

If you’re after a genuine husky adventure, this tour hits the spot. It begins with a warm welcome from the husky musher at the Safartica office in Rovaniemi, where you’ll meet your fellow travelers and get ready for the day. The pickup is included, making it a hassle-free start, but keep in mind that punctuality is key—if you’re late or miss the meeting point, you won’t be able to join the tour, and unfortunately, there’s no refund for missed bookings.

Once at the kennel, your guide will introduce you to the huskies—friendly, energetic dogs eager to show off their sledding skills. You’ll get a chance to learn how to steer a husky sled, which is surprisingly straightforward but feels exhilarating. The guide’s explanations are clear, and many reviews praise their knowledge and friendliness, which really helps first-timers feel comfortable.

The sled ride itself lasts about 20-30 minutes covering roughly 5 km, which is a decent length—enough to really enjoy the scenery without feeling rushed. The sleds accommodate two people, so if you’re traveling with a partner or friend, you’ll share the experience. Kids often sit in a sleigh pulled behind the main team, making it accessible for families too.

The trail takes you through the pristine wilderness, with snow-blanketed trees and frozen lakes all around. Several reviews mention how stunning the landscapes are, with some describing the scenery as “truly one of a kind.” During the ride, you’ll feel the quiet and stillness of the Arctic, broken only by the sound of the sled runners gliding over snow and the delighted yelping of the huskies.

After the ride, you’ll return to the kennel for a chance to learn more about the dogs’ lives. Guides share interesting stories and facts, helping you understand the bond between mushers and their huskies. Many travelers appreciate the personal attention given to the dogs’ welfare, describing the operation as caring and family-run.

To cap off the experience, you’ll sit around a campfire, sipping hot drinks with biscuits. This cozy moment offers a chance to chat with your guides and fellow travelers, sharing impressions from the ride and enjoying the authentic Lapland atmosphere.

What’s Included and Practical Details

This tour is priced at $202 per person, which may seem a little steep, but many reviewers feel it offers good value considering the experience. The price covers warm winter clothing, transfers, a kennel visit, and the 20-30-minute husky ride—a lot of what you need to stay comfortable and safe in cold weather.

The gear provided—including winter overalls and boots—makes dressing for the outdoors straightforward. Just remember to bring your own gloves and socks, especially if temperatures drop below -10°C, as one traveler pointed out, good insulation is key to staying warm.

The tour lasts about two hours, but actual riding time is roughly half that, with additional time for preparation, instructions, and the kennel visit. The group size tends to be small to medium, allowing for personalized attention and interaction with the guides.

Transfers are included from the Safartica office in Rovaniemi, and departure times are scheduled at 10 AM, 12 PM, and 2 PM. Arriving on time is crucial—missing the designated meeting time results in no refund and missing out on the experience.

The Reviews: What Travelers Love

Most reviews are glowing, with many describing the experience as “the most fun activity” they did in Lapland. Several travelers mention how knowledgeable and friendly the guides are, often highlighting the personal stories shared about the dogs.

The scenery gets plenty of praise, with comments about the stunning landscapes and the serenity of being out in nature. The opportunity to drive the sleds yourself is a highlight—some say it’s “really fun and exciting,” adding a personal touch that makes the adventure feel even more special.

Huskies themselves are a recurring theme in reviews—many describe the dogs as “super cute,” “friendly,” and “raring to go.” People love the chance to get close to these working animals, petting them after the ride and learning about their personalities.

The hot drinks and biscuits round out the experience nicely, providing warmth and a chance to relax after the adrenaline rush. Several reviews praise the warm clothing and gear provided, noting that it keeps you comfortable even in extremely cold conditions (with some mentioning wind chills as low as -29°C).

The Downsides and Considerations

While the experience is highly rated overall, it’s not without its minor drawbacks. The most common concern is the cold weather—some mention that it can be very chilly, so proper clothing is essential. Even with gear provided, layering up is recommended.

A few reviews note that crowding can be an issue—especially at the hut where hot drinks are served—so if you’re sensitive to noise or want a more intimate setting, this might be worth considering.

Plus, the duration of the ride, while enough for most, might feel short if you’re eager for a longer adventure. And because the transfers and waiting time aren’t included in the tour duration, you’ll want to plan accordingly.

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Final Thoughts: Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you’re after an authentic, hands-on husky sledding experience with friendly guides and beautiful scenery, this tour ticks all those boxes. It’s a fantastic choice for first-timers, animal lovers, and outdoor adventurers who want to experience the Arctic’s wilderness in a meaningful way.

The fact that you get to drive your own sled adds an extra layer of excitement, making it more than just a sightseeing ride. Plus, the stories about the huskies and the chance to learn about their care make it educational as well as fun.

However, if you’re extremely sensitive to cold or prefer longer rides and more secluded experiences, you might find this somewhat on the shorter side. The small group size and family-run vibe make it feel intimate, but be prepared for the winter weather.

This is a solid, well-reviewed activity that offers a genuine taste of Lapland’s wilderness and canine teamwork. It’s a memorable way to connect with nature, animals, and the Arctic landscape—sure to be a highlight of your trip.

FAQ

Do I need to bring my own winter clothing? The tour provides winter overalls, boots, and some gear, but it’s best to wear your own base layers, gloves, and warm socks for added insulation.

What is included in the price? The cost covers transfers, winter clothing, a kennel visit, and a 20-30 minute husky sled ride. Hot drinks and biscuits are also included.

How long is the sled ride? The actual ride lasts about 20-30 minutes and covers roughly 5 km, with sleds for two people—kids sit in a pulling sleigh.

Are children allowed? Many reviews mention kids sitting in the sled behind the huskies, making it suitable for families, but always double-check age restrictions and safety instructions.

What should I wear? Dress warmly in layers, including gloves and thermal socks. The provided gear will help, but your own warm clothing will enhance your comfort.

What if I miss the meeting time? Missing the scheduled pickup or meeting point means you won’t be able to join the tour, and it won’t be refunded.

Is the experience suitable for beginners? Absolutely. Guides provide clear instructions, and the focus is on making everyone feel comfortable, regardless of experience level.

Can I drive the sled myself? Yes, the ride is designed for two per sled, and you’ll get to steer, making it more engaging than just riding along.

How far in advance should I book? It’s wise to reserve early since popular times can fill up, and booking with flexible options like pay later provides peace of mind.

Is this a family-friendly activity? Yes, especially for children who can sit in the sleigh, but always consider individual children’s cold tolerance and safety.

This Husky Safari in Rovaniemi offers a wonderful blend of adventure, scenery, and the chance to connect with some truly adorable and hardworking dogs. It’s a great way to experience Lapland’s winter magic, whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Arctic traveler.

You can check availability for your dates here: