A husky safari in Lapland offers a unique connection to Arctic nature, allowing you to experience the silent, snow-covered forests pulled by a team of enthusiastic Alaskan Huskies. You can expect an energetic start, a serene ride, and the chance to bond with the dogs. Tours range from short tasters around 105€ to full-day expeditions, available in winter and snowless seasons.
As guides living with a hundred Alaskan Huskies, we share what a husky safari is truly like, from the excited barks at the start to the quiet satisfaction at the end. You'll learn to handle the sled and can often swap driving with a partner.
What to Expect on a Husky Safari
Your adventure begins the moment you arrive at the kennel. You'll hear the dogs before you see them. The air is filled with an energetic chorus of barks and howls—this isn't a sign of distress, but pure, unadulterated excitement. Our huskies are working athletes, and they know a run is coming. It’s their favourite part of the day.
Before you set off, our guides will give you a full safety briefing. You'll learn how to handle the sled, how to use the brake (the most important part!), and how to work with your dog team. Typically, two people share a sled: one stands on the runners as the 'musher' (driver), and the other sits in the sled. You'll have the chance to swap places halfway through on most tours.
Then, it’s time to go. The moment the anchor is lifted, the barking stops. An incredible silence descends, and the only sound is the rhythmic padding of paws on the snow. The sled picks up speed, and you glide through forests and over frozen marshes. The landscape is pristine, and the feeling is one of complete immersion in the wilderness.
After the safari, your work isn't quite done. You’ll help us give the dogs a snack and some water as a thank-you for their hard work. This is a crucial part of the bond between a musher and their team. Afterwards, we gather around a fire to share stories over a hot drink, answering any questions you have about the dogs, their training, and life here in the Arctic.
Where to Find Husky Safaris in Lapland
Husky sledding is a signature Lapland experience, and you can find tours in many popular destinations like Rovaniemi, Ylläs, and Saariselkä. Each area offers its own unique landscapes, from rolling fells to deep forests.
Here at Polar Lights Tours, our home base is in Levi. We know these trails like the back of our hands, and we love sharing our corner of the arctic with visitors. Levi’s varied terrain provides the perfect playground for our dogs and beautiful, accessible wilderness for our guests.
How Long is a Husky Ride and What Does it Cost?
The length of your safari determines both the experience and the price. We offer a range of options to fit different interests and budgets, from short tasters to full-day journeys.
- Short Tasters (3 km): These trips are a perfect introduction to the world of huskies, lasting around an hour or two in total. You can choose to sit back and enjoy the ride while our guide drives, or you can try mushing your own team on a short, easy trail. This is a great option for families. A 3 km safari typically costs around €105 for adults and €74 for children.
- Classic Adventures (6-8 km): This is our most popular choice for those who want the full hands-on experience. You’ll drive your own sled for a longer distance, giving you time to find your rhythm with the dog team. On these tours, you can swap drivers halfway. A self-driven 6-8 km safari costs around €215 for adults and €150 for children.
- Full-Day Expeditions (20-45 km): For the true adventurer, a full-day expedition takes you deep into the Lappish wilderness. You'll be out on the trail for several hours, covering significant distance and stopping for a picnic lunch cooked over an open fire. This is a complete immersion into the musher's world.
Choosing Your Adventure: More Than Just a Winter Sport
While the classic image of a husky safari involves a winter wonderland, the adventure doesn't stop when the snow melts. We run tours year-round, with each season offering a completely different way to experience Lapland with our dogs.
Winter Sledding (December – April)
This is the quintessential husky safari experience. From December to April, when Lapland is draped in a thick blanket of snow, you can glide through magical landscapes on a traditional sled. The air is crisp, the trees are heavy with snow, and with a bit of luck, you might even see the Northern Lights dancing overhead on an evening tour.
Autumn & Summer Adventures (May – November)
When the snow is gone, the adventure continues. The snowless seasons offer a unique opportunity to see a different side of Lapland and interact with the dogs more closely.
- Husky Carting: On cooler days (when the temperature is below 14°C for the dogs' welfare), we use wheeled carts instead of sleds. You'll be surprised by the power and speed as the dogs pull you along forest trails, surrounded by the lush green of summer or the vibrant 'ruska' colours of autumn.
- Husky Hiking: For a more personal experience, you can join us for a hike with a husky companion. Each hiker is paired with their own dog, attached by a special belt. The huskies love to explore, and their company makes hiking the Lappish fells even more special. It’s a wonderful way to form a one-on-one bond with one of our athletes.
Autumn tours, from late August onwards, also offer the chance to see the Northern Lights before the snow arrives, often reflected in the unfrozen lakes.
How to Prepare for Your Safari
Proper preparation ensures you can focus on the experience, not on being cold. The key to staying warm in the Arctic is layering.
- Base Layer: Start with a moisture-wicking layer (like merino wool or a synthetic blend) to keep sweat away from your skin.
- Mid Layer: Add one or two insulating layers, such as a fleece or wool sweater.
- Outer Layer: A windproof and waterproof jacket and trousers are essential. For winter safaris, we provide insulated thermal overalls to wear over your own clothes.
- Extremities: Don't forget your hands, feet, and head. Warm wool socks, waterproof winter boots, thermal mittens (warmer than gloves), a warm hat, and a scarf or balaclava are crucial.
Physically, you don't need to be a top athlete to drive a sled, but a basic level of fitness and balance helps. You’ll be standing on the runners and shifting your weight to help steer. If you prefer a more relaxed journey, you can always choose to ride as a passenger. For a detailed breakdown, see our guide on what to wear for a husky sledding experience in Lapland.
The Heart of the Safari: Our Alaskan Huskies
The real stars of the show are our dogs. We have a team of around 100 Alaskan Huskies. This isn't a standardised breed like a Siberian Husky, but a type of dog bred purely for performance: speed, endurance, and, most importantly, an incredible passion for running.
Their well-being is our absolute priority. They are our partners and family members. We adhere to the highest standards of animal welfare, ensuring they receive the best nutrition, care, and plenty of rest. This commitment to responsible tourism is at the core of everything we do. When you see them straining at the harnesses, barking with excitement, you know they are doing exactly what they were born to do.
Beyond the Sled: Multi-Day Immersions
For those who want to go deeper, we offer multi-day expeditions that fully immerse you in the arctic wilderness. These trips combine long days of sledding with nights spent in unique, remote accommodations. You'll participate in all aspects of the journey, from preparing the dog teams in the morning to feeding them in the evening.
It’s a challenging but incredibly rewarding experience that gives you a true taste of the musher’s life, complete with a traditional Finnish sauna to soothe your muscles at the end of the day. To complete the immersion, you can stay in one of our special accommodations:
- Aurora Wilderness Cabins: Tucked away in the Levi wilderness, these cabins are a peaceful escape. With large windows and a skylight above the bed, they are designed for watching the stars or, if you're lucky, the Northern Lights from the warmth of your room.
- Cozy Kammi Experience: Stay in a unique, round kammi building right on our horse and husky farm. It’s a chance to meet the animals in the evening and enjoy a dinner made from local Finnish ingredients. You can even sleep in a hammock outdoors to get the best view of the night sky.
- Wilderness Caravan Adventure: For those travelling with their own caravan, camper, or tent, our farm offers a place to stay close to the action. You'll have access to our facilities, including a shared kitchen and campfire, and guided tours to meet the horses and dogs are included.
Whether you're looking for a short, thrilling ride or a multi-day journey into the wild, a husky safari is one of the most powerful ways to connect with Lapland. It's an adventure that stays with you long after the snow has melted from your boots.
Ready to find your arctic rhythm? Explore our different husky safari experiences in Levi and find the one that calls to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of dogs are used for husky safaris?
We use Alaskan Huskies, a type of dog bred for speed, endurance, and a strong passion for running. Their well-being is our top priority, ensuring they receive the best care and nutrition.
Can I go on a husky safari if there's no snow?
Yes, husky adventures continue year-round. In snowless seasons, we offer husky carting on cooler days or husky hiking, where you walk with a husky companion attached by a special belt.
What should I wear for a husky safari in Lapland?
Layering is key for warmth. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer, add insulating mid-layers, and finish with a windproof and waterproof outer layer. We provide insulated thermal overalls for winter safaris.
Do I need to be physically fit to drive a husky sled?
You don't need to be a top athlete, but a basic level of fitness and balance is helpful for standing on the runners and steering. If you prefer a more relaxed journey, you can choose to ride as a passenger.
Where can I experience a husky safari in Lapland?
Husky safaris are available in popular Lapland destinations like Rovaniemi, Ylläs, and Saariselkä. Our home base at Polar Lights Tours is in Levi, offering varied terrain for our dogs and guests.