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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 18 January, 2023

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.

Price from: £30
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 4+
When: All year around
Duration: 1+ hour

Getting there & doing it

Always check your tour specifics, but generally speaking:

  • Any age child may go as long as they are accompanied by an adult, and under 3s go free
  • Kids 12 and over may drive a sled, subject to being sufficiently competent and confident
  • Sleds are usually two person and tours will require a minimum of two adult fares
  • Most tours provide thermal overalls and winter boots, and pick you up from your hotel.

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.

When to do it

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

Husky, Reindeer Farm and Santa Village Experience

Husky, Reindeer Farm and Santa Village Experience

Rovaniemi

This program is a perfect alternative for those who wish to see the arctic animals without spending extensive amounts of time outdoors, in t...

€145 | Rating 4.04 / 5 [44 ratings]

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Happy Trail Morning Husky Safari

Happy Trail Morning Husky Safari

Rovaniemi

Enjoy the thrill of mushing a dog team for 45 minutes on this 2,5 hour program! The program is most suitable for families with small childre...

€157 | Rating 4.97 / 5 [105 ratings]

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Tour supplied by:

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Small-Group Husky Mushing Experience in Rovaniemi

Small-Group Husky Mushing Experience in Rovaniemi

Rovaniemi

Our husky tour has a small-group guarantee. There will not be more than 16 participants. This means, that you can enjoy this great adventure...

€159 | Rating 4.92 / 5 [63 ratings]

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Lapland Reindeer and Husky Safari from Rovaniemi

Lapland Reindeer and Husky Safari from Rovaniemi

Rovaniemi

This combined husky and reindeer package is specially designed for those who would like to get the most of Lapland in a short period of time...

€165 | Rating 4.67 / 5 [52 ratings]

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Tour supplied by:

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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort

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:

Santa Claus Holiday Village

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:

Hotel Harriniva

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

Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

See the Northern Lights in Finnish Lapland

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

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Snowmobiling in Finnish Lapland

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

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Small circular cabin in the woods
Experience

Experience a Finnish Smoke Sauna

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

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