The contrast of experiencing these friendly, energetic dogs against the backdrop of lush green forests, crystal-clear lakes, and the never-ending daylight creates memories that stand apart from traditional winter adventures. At Polar Lights Tours, we’ve crafted unique summer experiences that combine the thrill of husky-powered adventures with the natural wonder of the midnight sun, offering travellers an authentic glimpse into the heart of Finnish Lapland during this extraordinary time of year.
What makes midnight sun husky safaris a unique Arctic experience?
The midnight sun is a natural phenomenon that occurs within the Arctic Circle, where the sun remains visible for a full 24 hours during summer months. In Finnish Lapland, this spectacular display typically begins in late May and continues until early August, with the peak occurring around the summer solstice in June. During this time, the boundaries between day and night blur into one continuous golden hour, casting an ethereal glow across the landscape that transforms familiar scenery into something truly magical.
What sets a midnight sun husky safari apart from any other wilderness experience is this extraordinary quality of light. As you journey through forest trails and open fells with your husky team, you’ll witness how the low-angled sunlight creates dramatic shadows, illuminates wildflowers in vibrant hues, and sparkles off lakes and streams in ways impossible during standard daylight hours.
Perhaps most striking is the contrast between the peaceful silence of the wilderness and the enthusiastic energy of the huskies. Under the midnight sun, you’ll experience moments of profound tranquility broken only by the rhythmic patter of paws and the occasional excited bark as your team guides you through landscapes where time seems to stand still. This unique juxtaposition of calm nature and joyful canine exuberance creates an experience that engages all your senses and remains embedded in your memory long after your journey has ended.
The summer life of huskies: beyond the snow season
Many visitors are surprised to learn that huskies don’t simply “hibernate” during the summer months. In fact, these remarkable dogs maintain their working spirit and exercise needs year-round. Summer is a crucial time for husky welfare and conditioning, with activities carefully adapted to suit the warmer temperatures while maintaining the dogs’ natural desire to run and work as a team.
During summer, our huskies at Polar Lights Tours switch from pulling sledges to drawing specially designed carts with wheels. These carts allow the dogs to continue exercising their pulling instinct without the physical strain that running on dry ground would otherwise cause. We carefully monitor temperatures, ensuring that activities take place during cooler parts of the day when temperatures are below 14°C, prioritising the well-being of our canine team members above all else.
Summer activities actually offer unique advantages for both the dogs and visitors. The warmer weather allows for more personal interaction with the huskies, giving you time to learn about individual dogs’ personalities and the fascinating pack dynamics. You’ll discover how huskies naturally maintain a hierarchical structure within their teams and witness firsthand how they communicate with subtle body language and distinctive vocalizations that range from friendly “woos” to excited barks.
Our commitment to ethical animal tourism means providing our huskies with continuous enrichment throughout the year. Summer husky trekking programmes where visitors can walk alongside huskies on trails provide mental stimulation and socialization for the dogs while offering guests deeper insight into husky behaviour. These walking experiences create meaningful connections between humans and dogs in a relaxed setting that winter’s faster-paced sledding sometimes doesn’t allow.
The summer season also gives visitors a chance to see behind the scenes of a working husky kennel. You’ll learn about the specialised care these Arctic athletes receive, including their nutrition requirements, training regimens, and how their lineage connects to centuries of working relationships between humans and dogs in northern regions. This educational aspect transforms your adventure from a simple activity into a meaningful cultural experience that enhances your understanding of traditional Arctic livelihoods.
Seamless adventure packages: from trails to comfortable rest
At Polar Lights Tours, we understand that the perfect Arctic adventure blends exhilarating experiences with comfortable accommodation where you can recharge and reflect. Our midnight sun experience packages are thoughtfully designed to create harmony between daytime explorations and evening relaxation, all while making the most of the unique 24-hour daylight phenomenon.
Our signature summer husky packages combine guided wilderness experiences with three exceptional accommodation options that complement your adventure. After spending hours traversing the pristine forests and fells with your husky team, you can choose from one of our distinctive lodging experiences, each offering a unique way to connect with Finnish Lapland’s natural beauty.
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 available!
Our packages also include thoughtful details that enhance your overall experience, such as traditional Finnish meals featuring local ingredients, transportation between activities and accommodations, and equipment suited to summer Arctic conditions. By handling these logistics, we allow you to immerse yourself fully in the wonder of the midnight sun and the joy of connecting with your husky team without practical concerns interrupting your experience.
Sustainable tourism under the never-setting sun
The pristine wilderness of Finnish Lapland is not just the backdrop for our adventures—it’s a precious ecosystem we are committed to preserving for future generations. At Polar Lights Tours, sustainable wilderness travel isn’t just a marketing concept; it’s fundamental to how we operate every aspect of our business, particularly our summer husky safaris under the midnight sun.
Our summer operations follow strict environmental guidelines designed to minimize our footprint on the delicate Arctic environment. Husky trails are carefully mapped to avoid disturbing sensitive habitats and wildlife during crucial breeding seasons. We maintain limited group sizes not only to enhance your personal experience but also to reduce the physical impact on the terrain and minimize noise pollution that could affect local wildlife. Our carts are designed with low-impact wheels that preserve trail conditions whilst ensuring the dogs can work comfortably.
Beyond environmental considerations, sustainability also encompasses social responsibility. Our summer husky safaris actively support local communities and traditional livelihoods. We prioritize working with local suppliers for everything from the food we serve to the materials used in our accommodations. Some of our guides come from families with deep roots in Lapland, bringing authentic cultural knowledge and traditional skills that enrich your experience while providing meaningful employment opportunities that help preserve indigenous cultural practices.
We believe that authentic cultural experiences create the most meaningful connections for travellers. Rather than presenting a commercialized version of Lapland culture, our guides share genuine insights into how local communities have traditionally lived in harmony with the Arctic environment. These cultural exchanges foster mutual respect and understanding, helping to preserve cultural heritage while providing visitors with deeper appreciation for the region’s unique way of life.
By choosing our midnight sun husky experiences, you’re not just enjoying an extraordinary adventure; you’re participating in a form of tourism that actively contributes to environmental conservation and cultural preservation. The memories you create extend beyond your personal experience to become part of a larger story of sustainable tourism that respects and protects the unique wonder of the Arctic for generations to come.
