Welcome to Rovaniemi, the capital of Finnish Lapland! If you’re interested in husky rides in Rovaniemi, you are in the right place.
I’ll share with you my favorite spots and list some dog sledding tours you can book online. Dog sledding is one of the most popular activities in Lapland, especially in Rovaniemi. So, it’s important to book in advance to make sure you have a spot and go with a reputable company that cares about the well-being of its animals.
Good to know: Husky rides in Rovaniemi usually take place from late November to late March. There are many companies offering these dog sledding experiences, but not all are equal. For responsible tourism, it’s important to choose your company carefully, and that’s why it’s better to book in advance, as reputable companies often fill up months ahead.
Regarding the price of excursions, many say “it’s expensive.” That’s true, but offering low rates is impossible. Running a dog sledding company involves year-round care (feeding, grooming, etc.) for the dogs. Safaris occur during a short period, yet the dogs are there year-round. If you find low prices, that’s great, but be sure to inquire about the company’s reliability. Not all are the same, and there are real cases of mistreatment in some companies (both small and large).
Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. This means that if you book through one of these links, I will earn a commission. For you, it doesn’t change anything; you won’t pay more. Thank you in advance if you book through here, as it helps support this blog and allows me to continue providing you with my tips for a successful trip to Lapland. I ensure to highlight quality activities by carefully selecting them one by one. I
Best Husky Tours in Rovaniemi
Here are several reputable dog sledding companies with whom you can go on your excursion in Rovaniemi.
If there is one company in Rovaniemi that I always recommend, it’s Bearhill Huskies. It’s a company that has many dogs, but they do exceptional work with them. The farm is very well maintained, there is a huge amount of work done with the dogs throughout the year, and they have made real ecological commitments. The old dogs there are all kept and even offered for adoption for a well-deserved retirement.
Several safaris are offered at Bearhill Huskies, but be aware that they fill up very quickly, so don’t delay and book! For these safaris, transfer is included from several locations in Rovaniemi if you are not driving. For the safari, warm equipment will be provided to you (see all the details on the booking pages).
Santa’s Village Dog Sledding Ride in Rovaniemi
If you’re traveling with children or have a tight budget, this safari might be just what you need. It’s a very short trip of 2km (8 to 12 minutes on the sled). It’s brief, but if you have very young children or if your budget doesn’t allow for a longer trip, it’s better than nothing.
Family Self-Drive Dog Sledding Excursion in Rovaniemi
A family safari suitable for ages 4 and up, covering a distance of 15km. Each sled can fit 2 adults and a maximum of 2 children. An adult will drive the sled, and you can switch drivers halfway if you want. A team of 4-6 huskies will pull your sled. There is morning tour and and afternoon tour
Morning Self-drive Dog Sledding Excursion
A 3-hour excursion suitable for ages 7 and up. It’s a great trip in terms of time spent on the sled.
Full-Day Self-Drive Dog Sledding in Rovaniemi
If you come to Lapland primarily for dog sledding, this tour is for you! A full-day immersion with the huskies. Magical! This is a long trip covering 30 to 40km, suitable for ages 15 and up. The sled is shared by 2 people: one driving, the other riding in the sled with a switch at halfway point.
Tips for a Husky Ride in Rovaniemi
- Make sure to dress warmly, especially for longer trips. It gets cold quickly when riding in the sled (though not as much when driving). If you have hand warmers, use them before you leave.
- If you’re going on the safari with young children, opt for shorter trips. They’ll get too cold in the sled if the safari lasts for hours.
- Never let go of your sled’s handlebar; that’s rule number one when driving!
- Make the most of it and give the huskies lots of cuddles to reward them!
I hope you find the dog sledding excursion in Rovaniemi perfect for you! If you need more advice for your trip, feel free to check out my guide about Rovaniemi.