Dog Sledding in Finland: A Complete Guide

Finland is the perfect destination for dog sledding enthusiasts. The country's vast snowy landscapes and frozen lakes provide a thrilling backdrop for this exhilarating winter activity.

The best time to go dog sledding in Finland is from December to March, when the temperatures are freezing and the snow is plentiful. This period also coincides with the peak tourist season, so be prepared for crowds.

Dog sledding in Finland typically involves a team of six to eight dogs, depending on the size of the sled and the terrain. The dogs are usually a mix of Siberian and Alaskan breeds, known for their strength and endurance.

To experience dog sledding in Finland, you'll need to find a reputable tour operator that offers guided tours. These tours usually include a briefing on dog care and safety, as well as a chance to drive the sled yourself.

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Rovaniemi is a top destination for dog sledding in Finland, located just inside the Arctic Circle and known as the gateway to the Arctic.

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You can combine dog sled tours with other snowy activities such as ice fishing, snowmobile rides, and hiking to a frozen waterfall.

The Apukka husky adventure is a great option, where you can meet the dogs, learn how to mush, and head out to explore the forests on a husky sled.

For a festive experience, stay in a cabin with its own sauna at the original Santa Claus Village, and visit Father Christmas in his grotto.

Head out onto the Bothnian Sea on an ice-breaker ship to go ice-swimming and visit the incredible Snow Castle, the world's only fortress made from snow and ice.

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Lapland is a dream destination for dog sledding enthusiasts. It offers a unique experience with the combination of untouched wilderness, traditional wooden cottages, frozen lakes, and miles of pristine forest.

You can choose from various dog sledding tours, each offering a unique experience. For example, in Saariselkä, you can go on an hour-long tour with Northern Lights Village, where you'll get to switch drivers and experience the thrill of "driving" and riding in the sled.

The dogs are well-cared for, with tour operators like Northern Lights Village allowing their dogs to tell them if they want to run or not. They also pick from a team of 100 dogs, ensuring that no dog does more than two tours a day.

The scenery is breathtaking, with the beautiful huskies howling with excitement before you embark on your dog sledding adventure. You'll get to experience the magic of the northern lights, dancing above you in the sky as the huskies race around the snow.

To make the most of your experience, be sure to wrap up warm, especially your feet, hands, ears, and face. You may also want to bring a digital camera or thermal sock for your phone, as the sub-zero temperatures can drain phone batteries quickly.

Some popular dog sledding destinations in Lapland include Rovaniemi, just inside the Arctic Circle, where you can combine dog sledding with other activities like ice fishing and snowmobile rides. You can also visit Levi Husky Park in Köngäs, which offers an unforgettable run through the natural forests and frozen lakes.

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Helsinki is surrounded by natural beauty, with Nuuksio National Park just a short distance away. This wintry wonderland is a must-visit, especially if you're looking to experience the best of Finland's winter landscapes.

If you're in the area, keep an eye out for Taipo's 4x4 vehicle with a husky tour logo on the side. He's the one with 24 huskies, and he might just offer you a spontaneous dog sledding adventure.

Dog sledding is an exhilarating experience that's definitely worth splurging on. You can join a tour with Taipo, but be prepared to part with a few hundred euros. It's an experience you'll never forget, and it's a great way to explore the Finnish countryside.

You can expect a husky safari in Finland to last anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the company and package you book.

Most tours last around 2-3 hours, which is usually the cheapest option, costing between 130-180€ per person.

There are also shorter rides through the forest, lasting around 30 minutes, perfect for those short on time. These shorter rides can be a great way to meet the huskies, even if you don't have time for a full tour.

Here are some prices to expect for different tour lengths:

If you're planning a husky safari in Finland, book ahead as some tours can be sold out on the day you wish to take the tour. There may also be a minimum number of participants required before the tour takes place.

Most companies offer tours which last around 2-3 hours, which is usually also the cheapest package you can book. Some places, like Rovaniemi, even offer short rides through the forest of about 30 minutes.

Children are not allowed to ride alone and many companies require 2 full-price bookings for kids to get a discount. The prices for husky safaris in Finland vary depending on the duration of the tour, but here are some tentative prices:

You'll need to dress warmly for the tour, as it can get very cold, especially with the wind. In fact, the author of the article remembers it being about -12 degrees Celsius on their husky safari.

If you're looking for a unique winter experience, consider trying a snow-shoe trek. This fun activity allows you to explore the beautiful Lappish hiking trails on snowshoes.

You'll get to ride on a sleigh pulled by two iconic Arctic animals, a reindeer and a husky, on a husky sled trip. This is a thrilling way to experience the Arctic landscape.

The snow-shoe trek is a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the stunning scenery. You'll be able to see the beautiful winter landscapes up close.

The tour also includes a reindeer sleigh ride, where you'll get to experience the thrill of riding on a sleigh pulled by a reindeer. This is a fun and memorable experience.

You can expect to spend a few hours on this tour, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the snow-shoe trek and the reindeer ride.

Ice fishing is a thrilling experience that allows you to catch an arctic salmon. You can try your hand at it on a salmon fishing husky safari.

On this adventure, you'll have the chance to learn the basics of ice fishing and potentially catch a salmon. The experience is often combined with dog sledding, making it a unique and memorable trip.

The husky safari typically involves driving a dog sled across the snow, which is a fun and exhilarating experience. You'll get to learn how to mush a dog sled and work with a team of huskies.

You can expect to spend time in a beautiful Arctic landscape, surrounded by snow and ice. The scenery is breathtaking, and the experience is truly one-of-a-kind.

The combination of ice fishing and dog sledding makes for a fun and action-packed trip. It's an experience you won't soon forget.

In Finland, you can try a traditional Finnish forest sauna, which is a unique and invigorating experience.

You can also go ice swimming, which is a popular winter activity in Finland. Icebreaker cruises in Kemi are another option.

Reindeer sleigh rides are a fun way to experience the local culture and scenery. Learning about Sami culture is also a great way to delve deeper into the region's history and traditions.

Icebreaker cruises in Kemi are a great way to see the frozen Baltic Sea up close.

Packing the right gear is essential for a comfortable and enjoyable husky safari in Finland.

You'll need a warm winter coat to keep you cozy in the freezing cold temperatures, which can easily drop to below -20 C.

A ski mask is a must-have to protect your face from the cold wind. It's hypoallergenic and makes breathing in the cold a lot easier.

Most tours provide warm overalls, but you'll still need to wear suitable clothes like a woollen hat, scarf, and gloves.

Sturdy waterproof shoes or boots are a good idea to keep your feet dry and warm.

Driving your own sled is energetic, so make sure you have a decent level of physical fitness.

Prices for dog sledding in Finland can vary drastically, so it's a good idea to shop around.

A two-hour excursion usually includes time for pick-up, safety instructions, and breaks, which means the actual husky sled ride is around 45 minutes long.

Be aware that the base price shown for excursion packages is often for a sled with several people on it, usually two. If you want to be alone on the sled, you'll often have to pay a higher price.

Prices start from around $100 for a two-hour trip to a husky farm, where you can meet the dogs and have a sled ride.

Prices and packages for husky safaris in Finland can vary drastically, so it's worth shopping around a bit.

Firstly, note that all times given on websites usually include time for pick-up, safety instructions, and breaks as well as the actual husky sled ride, which means a 2h excursion probably translates to around 45 minutes on the sled.

The base price shown is usually for a sled with several people on it, usually two, so if you want to be alone on the sled, you often have to pay a higher price.

You should be sure of what exactly you are booking, as some tours may not even let you drive the sled yourself, but only ride it.

Animal protection laws in Finland are fairly strict and all dog sledding companies are considered to be ethical, with the dogs looking well cared for.

You can even get to help get the dogs set up in their harnesses early, which is a great experience.

Plan your visit accordingly, as there is only 3-4 hours of sunlight in the winter.

Prices for dog sledding tours in Finland vary greatly depending on the length and activities included.

You can expect to pay around $100 for a two-hour trip to a husky farm.

For a more extensive experience, prices can reach up to $1400 for a week-long Arctic adventure.

This adventure includes accommodation, dog sledding, ice-fishing, tobogganing, and winter trekking.

Prices may be lower if you visit in March and April when temperatures are milder and there's more daylight.

You can even go dog sledding year-round, including in the autumn, when you can drive a wheeled dog cart pulled by huskies.

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In Finland, the popularity of dog sledding has led to the growth of new operators, but it's essential to choose a reputable and long-established outfit. Look for operators with a good local reputation to ensure the dogs' welfare.

To determine if your operator follows ethical standards, pay attention to the dogs' behavior and living conditions. Do the dogs seem happy and well-kept? Do they respond well to their handlers? These are crucial signs that the dogs are being treated with care.

Don't be afraid to ask questions about the dogs' welfare. Good managers will be happy to share their welfare standards and conditions with you. In fact, they should be eager to discuss it with you.

Dogs need regular runs, so ask about their running schedules. Will they be taken out for a run even if there are no tourists? This is a great sign that the operator prioritizes the dogs' physical and mental well-being.

Huskies need to run year-round, not just during the busy winter tourist season. If you can plan your trip during the shoulder seasons, you'll be helping the dogs to have a run at a quiet time of the year.

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If you're planning a dog sledding adventure in Finland, you'll want to explore the surrounding areas of Helsinki, which offer a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural charm.

Espoo, a city just west of Helsinki, is a great place to experience Finnish culture, with its vibrant market square and historic town center.

Nuuksio National Park, located about 45 minutes north of Helsinki, is a must-visit for nature lovers, with its stunning forests, lakes, and hiking trails.

Porvoo, a charming town about an hour east of Helsinki, is known for its cobblestone streets and colorful half-timbered houses, making it a perfect day trip destination.

The scenic Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, located just off the coast of Helsinki, offers breathtaking views of the city and the sea, and is a great spot to learn about Finland's maritime history.

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