Bucket list experience:
Lapland, Finland
Speeding out onto tundral plains and through dense boreal forests that make up Lapland’s most spectacular wilderness is one thing. Doing it on a sled pulled by husky dogs is truly something special. It’s a signature Lapland experience not to be missed. Speed, dogs and exciting wilderness to explore – what kid (or adult) could resist?
Tour options range from several hours to several days. Overnight or longer tours will include the opportunity to harness, rig, feed and prep the pack for the following day’s mush, followed by dinner and a sauna – a culturally immerse experience for older kids that’s so much more than just a quick thrill ride, that the whole family can enjoy and share together.
Most tours include educational talks from guides about the animals and the wilderness, and finish up with the irresistible opportunity to pet the cuddly huskies close up.
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Destination Guide >Always check your tour specifics, but generally speaking:
Remember that daylight hours are limited in winter months, and although night rides are offered, with younger children especially, it’s best organised in daylight hours.
Longer, multi-day tours that offer the full immersive experience often have an age limit of 18+, but if you do it privately, sometimes they will accept younger children. If you do want a multi-day tour, head to the Harrinvia Hotel but check first about children’s permitted ages.
Husky tours are usually available only from end of November until mid-April, subject to weather and snow conditions. Some operators continue to run tours on wheels through the warmer months, but it’s a more magical experience in the snow.
Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity
Rovaniemi
€145 | Rating 4.04 / 5 [44 ratings]
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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Saariselka, Lapland, Finland
An exceptional wilderness and adventure resort, offering a full range of outdoor activities. Their best known for their glass-domed igloo rooms for star- and Northern Lights-gazing from bed.
Official star rating:
Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland
A family-fuelled chalet holiday and entertainment park next to Santa Claus’ house, with snowmobiling, huskies and reindeers on your doorstep. Kid heaven.
Official star rating:
Muoni, Lapland, Finland
A comfortable mid-range hotel that’s also the biggest husky dog centre in Finland, and the place for husky dog sledding. It’s also a Mecca for a host of other winter and summer outdoor activities, and seeing the Northern Lights.
Official star rating:
Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Finnish Lapland, Finland
An unspoilt wilderness and outdoor adventure paradise. Summer and winter bucket list experience galore, plus the real home of Santa.
Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Lapland, Finland
Lapland’s vast wilderness is about as far from civilisation as you can get in mainland Europe, with star-studded, inky black skies, and offers Scandinavia’s best displays. Pair the Northern Lights with snow shoe safaris, reindeer sled rides, ice fishing, husky dog sledding – or an outdoor Finnish smoke sauna.
Best for ages: 4+ | Free | Any
Lapland, Finland
Snowmobiling at up to 100km/h is the high-octane way to experience the Arctic wilderness, allowing you to cover huge distances and get a feel for just how remote and vast the area is. Options range from ‘try it out’ experiences lasting several hours, to multi-day camping-out adventures.
Best for ages: 15+ | £30
Lapland, Finland
Finns have used saunas for centuries – for hygiene, warmth and community. The traditional ritual alternates between intense heat and icy cold plunges into nearby frozen lakes. Sounds painful, but if heat up enough first, you won’t feel cold – only exhilaration and a deep physical, emotional and spiritual cleanse. Best experienced in Lapland wilderness.
Best for ages: 8+ | Free | 1+ hours
