The gentle rhythm of hooves against soft forest trails, carrying you deeper into the heart of Finnish wilderness. These are the moments that transform a simple holiday into a profound connection with Lapland’s authentic spirit. A visit to a husky and horse farm in Finnish Lapland offers more than just an activity—it provides a window into centuries-old traditions, a lifestyle shaped by the Arctic environment, and a chance to form genuine bonds with these remarkable animals. As the pristine wilderness of Lapland shifts through its seasonal tapestry, from winter’s snowy embrace to autumn’s golden splendour, these encounters remain at the core of what makes northern Finland such a captivating destination.
Discovering the authentic heart of Lapland: Husky and horse farms
In Finnish Lapland, husky and horse farms aren’t merely tourist attractions—they’re living repositories of cultural heritage that has evolved over centuries. The relationship between humans and working animals in the Arctic represents one of humanity’s most enduring partnerships, born of necessity in a challenging environment where cooperation meant survival. Today’s husky farm visit in Lapland offers a rare glimpse into this authentic Arctic lifestyle, where the rhythm of life still follows ancient patterns dictated by season, weather, and animal care.
Traditional horse farming, particularly with the native Finnish breed, has played a crucial role in forestry, agriculture, and transportation throughout Finnish history. Similarly, sled dogs have been essential companions for northern peoples, providing reliable transport across snow-covered terrain when other methods failed. When you step onto a working farm, you’re entering a world where these traditions remain vibrantly alive. Visitors can expect warm welcomes from knowledgeable handlers who share not just facts, but personal stories of life working alongside these incredible animals. You’ll learn about daily routines, training methods, and the special bond that forms between musher and dog, rider and horse. These experiences form the cornerstone of a memorable Lapland adventure because they offer something increasingly rare in our modern world—authentic connection with animals who work not as performers, but as willing partners in a time-honoured tradition.
What makes a husky and horse farm experience truly unforgettable?
The magic of a horse farm experience in Finland lies in its multi-sensory immersion. It’s not just what you see, but what you hear, feel, and experience that creates lasting memories. The most unforgettable animal encounters combine several key elements: personal interaction, educational insight, exhilarating activity, and the breathtaking backdrop of Finnish wilderness. When you first meet a husky team, their enthusiasm is infectious—their bright eyes and wagging tails communicating a joy that transcends language barriers. Similarly, the quiet strength and gentle temperament of Finnish horses creates an immediate sense of trust and connection.
Activities available at these farms vary by season, each offering its own distinctive charm. Winter brings classic dog sledding adventures where visitors can drive their own teams across frozen lakes and through snow-laden forests. The combination of speed, animal power, and winter beauty creates an exhilarating experience unlike any other. Horse-drawn sleigh rides offer a more tranquil alternative, the gentle jingling of harness bells accompanying your journey through winter wonderlands. As seasons shift, so do the experiences.
Spring brings playful husky hiking excursions where dogs accompany visitors on foot through awakening forests. Summer and autumn offer trail riding on horseback, allowing you to explore deeper into forests ablaze with seasonal colours. Many farms also provide interactive educational components—demonstrations of harness fitting, insights into breeding programmes, and opportunities to assist with animal care. The seasonal variations ensure that each visit offers something unique, whether it’s mushing through fresh powder in January or riding forest trails amid golden foliage in September. What remains consistent is the authenticity of the encounter—these aren’t staged performances but genuine working environments where visitors are welcomed as temporary participants in a traditional way of life.
Accommodation Options: Immerse Yourself in Lapland’s Nature
Polar Lights Tours Levi offers three distinct accommodation options to enhance your Lapland experience, each providing a unique way to connect with the Arctic wilderness.
Aurora Wilderness Cabin
Our Aurora cabins, nestled in the serene wilderness of Levi, Finnish Lapland, offer a peaceful retreat. Our guide will escort you through the woods to ensure a comfortable arrival. From late May to late July, you can enjoy the Midnight Sun, while from late August to early April, you might witness a sky full of stars or the Northern Lights. The cabins feature large windows, including a roof window, for stunning views. Inside, you’ll find an eco-toilet for convenience. This overnight experience includes a light evening meal and breakfast featuring Finnish specialties.
Cozy Kammi Experience
Spend a night in our round and cozy kammi building, where you can experience the intimacy of the wilderness while sleeping warmly in sleeping bags. Located on our horse and husky farm, the kammi offers an opportunity to meet and learn about our animals in the evening. Enjoy a dinner made with Finnish ingredients inside the kammi, and then relax in a hammock outside, gazing at the night sky and possibly seeing stars or the Northern Lights. In the morning, wake up to find a breakfast basket waiting outside.
Wilderness Caravan Adventure
Stay in a motorhome, caravan, private tent, or hammock. Our farm is located along Muonio Road, about a 10-minute drive from Levi towards Muonio. Enjoy nature, take a dip in the river, or rent a barrel sauna. We have 5 electric caravan pitches, unlimited tent and hammock spots, and offer all necessary services: Kammi atmospheric cooking and an open fire in the chamber, toilets and indoor WC, water point, electrical outlets (5 pcs), and drainage of chemical toilets and grey water. Guided tours to get to know our horses and dogs are included in the price!
Responsible tourism: Our commitment to animals and arctic ecosystems
At Polar Lights Tours, we believe that exceptional visitor experiences and high animal welfare standards are not competing priorities but complementary aspects of the same commitment to excellence. Our animal welfare tourism practices enhance rather than diminish the quality of each encounter, ensuring that visitors connect with happy, healthy animals in appropriate environments. We carefully select partner farms based on rigorous welfare standards—appropriate housing, nutrition, healthcare, exercise regimes, and work-rest balances. Visitors often comment that seeing the genuine bond between animals and their handlers, and understanding the ethical framework behind these operations, adds significant depth to their experience.
Our sustainable tourism principles extend beyond animal care to encompass the broader Arctic ecosystem. We implement practices that minimise environmental impact while maximising meaningful connections to nature. Group sizes remain small to reduce wildlife disturbance and allow for more personal experiences. Trails are carefully selected and rotated to prevent overuse of sensitive areas. We emphasise leave-no-trace principles and provide educational context about the fragile Arctic environment. These choices matter not just ethically but practically—the unspoiled wilderness that draws visitors to Lapland requires protection to remain authentic and inspiring. By choosing ethical wildlife experiences, visitors actively contribute to preserving traditional livelihoods and ecosystems. The husky farms and horse stables we work with represent important aspects of northern heritage, providing sustainable livelihoods that allow practitioners of traditional skills to remain in rural communities. Your visit directly supports these cultural custodians while helping maintain the biodiversity and character of Finnish Lapland. We believe responsible tourism creates a virtuous circle—better experiences for visitors, better lives for animals, and better outcomes for local communities and environments. When you join us for a farm visit, you become part of this commitment to experiencing Lapland authentically while ensuring its wonders remain vibrant for future generations.
