An autumn husky ride offers a distinctly different experience from a winter safari in Finnish Lapland
While winter safaris feature snow-covered landscapes and traditional dog sledding, autumn rides utilize wheeled carts traversing through vibrant fall foliage known as “ruska.” The temperature difference is significant—autumn provides milder conditions compared to winter’s sub-zero temperatures. In autumn, you’ll experience fewer crowds, more direct interaction with the huskies, and a unique opportunity to combine your safari with northern lights viewing from late August onwards. At Polar Lights Tours, we offer year-round husky experiences that showcase the distinctive beauty of each season while maintaining our commitment to animal welfare and sustainable wilderness travel.
What makes autumn husky rides unique in Finnish Lapland?
Autumn husky rides in Finnish Lapland offer a mesmerizing alternative to the more well-known winter safaris. From September through October, the wilderness transforms into a canvas of golden yellows, fiery oranges, and deep reds during the ruska season—a phenomenon that creates a breathtaking backdrop for husky adventures.
The moderate temperatures of autumn (typically between 0-10°C) create ideal conditions for both the huskies and visitors. Our energetic Alaskan huskies actually prefer these cooler temperatures for running compared to winter’s extreme cold, allowing them to maintain a comfortable pace with greater stamina. This season offers more personal connection with the animals, as the smaller crowds mean more one-on-one time with our pack of over 100 happy, energetic dogs.
During autumn, our huskies are in a special training phase, preparing for the upcoming winter season. Participating in an autumn husky ride gives you a rare opportunity to witness and be part of this important training process. The dogs are eager to run after the summer break, displaying incredible enthusiasm that enhances the overall experience.
At Polar Lights Tours, we’ve carefully designed our autumn husky experiences to highlight the seasonal transitions in Lapland’s wilderness. Our guides share traditional knowledge about the significance of ruska in Finnish culture and how it relates to the ancient rhythms of life in the Arctic. The combination of fewer tourists, vibrant colors, and the dogs’ palpable excitement creates an authentic wilderness travel experience that many consider even more special than the classic winter safari.
How do autumn husky carts differ from winter sleds?
Autumn husky carts and winter sleds offer fundamentally different riding experiences while showcasing the same incredible canine power and spirit. During autumn, when Lapland’s landscape lacks snow cover, we utilize specially designed wheeled carts instead of traditional sleds. These carts feature robust all-terrain wheels, comfortable seating, and efficient braking systems specifically engineered for forest trails and rugged terrain.
The technical differences are substantial. Winter sleds glide smoothly and silently over snow, creating a sensation of floating across the landscape. In contrast, autumn carts provide a more tactile connection to the terrain—you’ll feel every contour of the land as the wheels navigate the forest paths. This creates a more dynamic, engaging ride where the connection between the dogs’ power and the earth beneath is more immediate and raw.
For travelers, these differences translate to unique sensory experiences. Autumn cart rides offer:
- Greater stability and less technical skill required (ideal for first-timers)
- More consistent speeds with less variance based on snow conditions
- A lower center of gravity creating a secure feeling throughout the journey
- Clearer views of the huskies working in their harnesses
- The rhythmic sound of wheels on natural terrain, complementing the forest atmosphere
The autumn season provides crucial training opportunities for both our huskies and guides. The wheeled carts allow younger dogs to learn commands and build stamina without the added variables of snow and ice. For our guides, autumn offers a chance to refine communication techniques with the dogs and perfect route navigation before winter’s challenging conditions arrive.
At Polar Lights Tours, we’ve refined our equipment over years of operation to ensure maximum comfort and safety regardless of season. Our autumn carts include specialized shock absorption systems that smooth out the ride while preserving the authentic feel of being pulled by these magnificent animals through Finnish Lapland’s spectacular wilderness.
When can you see northern lights during autumn husky safaris?
From late August through October, autumn husky safaris coincide with the return of northern lights visibility in Finnish Lapland. This magical overlap offers a unique opportunity that winter visitors often miss: the chance to witness the aurora borealis dancing above while surrounded by the vibrant ruska colors of fall.
The optimal viewing conditions for northern lights during autumn begin when the nights grow dark enough—typically from mid-August onward. By September, the skies darken sufficiently by 9-10 pm, creating excellent aurora viewing opportunities. The autumn season often features clearer skies compared to the snowier winter months, enhancing your chances of witnessing this celestial phenomenon.
At Polar Lights Tours, we strategically time our evening husky experiences during autumn to maximize northern lights potential. Our evening husky adventure specifically departs in the early evening hours, allowing guests to journey through the colorful autumn forests while the daylight fades and then pause in specially selected clearings with unobstructed northern views—perfect for aurora spotting.
What makes this combination truly exceptional is the juxtaposition of experiences: the earthy, warm colors of ruska creating a stunning contrast with the ethereal, cool hues of the aurora. This sensory blend can’t be replicated during winter safaris, making autumn a photographer’s dream season. The reflections of dancing lights in still, unfrozen lakes add another dimension to the visual spectacle.
Our experienced guides are adept at reading weather patterns and aurora forecasts, adjusting routes when necessary to provide the best possible viewing opportunities. They’ll also assist with camera settings to help you capture this remarkable combination of autumn landscapes and northern lights—a uniquely Finnish Lapland experience that embodies the magic of transitional seasons in the Arctic.
What accommodation options complement autumn husky experiences?
At Polar Lights Tours, we offer three distinct accommodation options to enhance your autumn husky adventure experience in Finnish Lapland.
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!
