From Abisko: Dog Sledding Excursion to Kiruna with Fika

Travelers seeking a true taste of the Arctic wilderness often face the challenge of balancing adventure, comfort, and value. This dog sledding tour from Abisko to Kiruna offers a compelling mix of all three. With a 7-hour journey that includes scenic sled rides, expert guides, and a cozy fika break, it’s a memorable way to experience northern Sweden’s rugged beauty.

What really makes this tour stand out is the chance to travel behind a team of enthusiastic sled dogs through some of the most stunning Arctic landscapes. We love how accessible this experience is, thanks to the professional musher driving the sled, making it suitable for most fitness levels. However, if you’re short on time or prefer a more personalized experience, the roughly 10-12 km circuit might feel a bit brief.

This adventure is perfect for those who love nature, animals, and authentic local experiences. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with family, the combination of scenic views, engaging interactions with the dogs, and warm Swedish Fika offers genuine value.

Key Points

• Authentic Arctic experience: Travel behind sled dogs through stunning wilderness.
• Professional guidance: Safety and expert commentary from knowledgeable guides.
• Scenic journey: 10-12 km sled circuit across breathtaking landscapes.
• Inclusive gear: Warm overalls, boots, hats, and gloves provided.
• Cultural touch: Enjoy a traditional Swedish Fika at a remote camp.
• Accessible activity: Suitable for most, with a driver handling the sled.

The Route and Itinerary Overview

This tour begins with a scenic bus transfer from Abisko, delivering you comfortably to the dog sledding camp near Kiruna. The transport is included, which means you won’t need to worry about logistics once you’re in the Arctic. Upon arrival, you’ll meet your team of friendly, eager sled dogs—an experience in itself, as many reviews highlight how much the guides clearly love and care for their animals.

The sled ride itself lasts about 1 to 1.5 hours, covering a 10-12 km circuit through some of the most picturesque Arctic scenery. With a professional musher at the helm, your role is mostly to sit back, take pictures, and soak in the views, although you’re welcome to help with the dogs if you wish. This setup ensures most people—regardless of physical ability—can enjoy the thrill of mushing a team of huskies through snowy forests and open tundra.

One of the highlights is the midway stop at a remote wilderness camp, where your guide will start a warm fire and serve hot drinks along with Swedish cinnamon buns. This is a perfect moment to relax, pet the dogs, take photos, and truly connect with the peaceful Arctic environment. Many reviewers mention how friendly and attentive guides are, sharing their vast knowledge about the dogs and the local landscape.

After the Fika, it’s time to head back to Abisko, reflecting on a day filled with fresh air, furry companions, and scenic wonders. The entire experience is designed to be smooth, educational, and fun—offering more than just a ride but an engaging insight into Arctic life.

What’s Included and What to Expect

Included:
– Pickup and drop-off from your accommodation in Abisko or Björkliden, making logistics hassle-free.
– Warm overalls, winter boots, hats, and gloves—no need to pack your Arctic gear.
– A cozy drink and cinnamon bun during the stop at the wilderness camp.

Not included:
– Food and drinks outside the fika, so packing a snack or packed lunch is highly recommended as there are no options at the camp.
– Pickup and drop-off from Kiruna, so plan your transportation accordingly if you’re staying there.

Duration and Group Size:
– About 7 hours total, with starting times depending on availability.
– Up to 4 guests per sled, which keeps the experience intimate and manageable.

Accessibility and Suitability:
– Suitable for most people, thanks to the guide-driven sled.
– Not recommended for children under 5, but older kids and adults typically find it a rewarding activity.

The Experience in Detail

Traveling from Abisko, the bus ride itself offers a scenic preview of the Arctic environment—think snow-covered forests, frozen lakes, and the expansive white tundra. Once at the camp, you’re greeted by a team of upbeat, well-cared-for sled dogs—many reviewers mention their affectionate nature and apparent joy in running.

Guides like Nils and Anna (based on reviews) are not only friendly but also incredibly knowledgeable about the dogs and the wilderness. This adds a layer of authenticity and safety that many travelers value. The sleds are driven by the guides, which means you can simply sit back and enjoy the ride, take photos, and chat with your fellow travelers.

The circuit itself is designed to showcase the Arctic’s most stunning features: snow-laden trees, frozen waterways, and open vistas. The pace is relaxed yet exhilarating, with enough time to appreciate the silence and beauty of the snow-covered landscape. Many reviewers praise the guides’ passion and their ability to share stories about the dogs’ personalities and the local environment, making the experience both educational and heartwarming.

The midway Fika—hot drinks and cinnamon buns—is a lovely touch. It’s served over a campfire, creating a cozy contrast to the icy surroundings. This is also your chance to interact with the dogs, petting and cuddling them, which many guests find adds a special, personal touch to the day. As one reviewer put it, the dogs are “so sweet and loved the attention.”

Once back at the starting point, you’ll feel a mix of exhaustion and exhilaration, with plenty of photos and stories to take home. The return journey to Abisko wraps up the day, leaving plenty of time to reflect on what has been a truly authentic Arctic experience.

Analyzing the Value and Practical Considerations

While the $261 price point might seem steep compared to some outdoor activities, it’s important to consider what’s included: transport, gear, guidance, and the Fika. The experience offers a high level of safety and comfort, especially with the warm clothing provided, which takes away the hassle of packing bulky Arctic gear.

The group size of up to four per sled ensures an intimate experience, and the professional guiding makes it accessible even if you’ve never been dog sledding before. For those who love animals and scenic landscapes, the tour delivers genuine moments of connection and awe.

Many reviews highlight how much guides love their dogs and how well they care for them, which adds an ethical bonus to the experience. Plus, seeing the Arctic wilderness in such a hands-on way offers a more authentic encounter than just viewing landscapes from a distance.

A few travelers noted that the actual sledding time is around an hour or less, with additional time spent on transportation and gear-up. If you’re short on time, this is something to keep in mind. However, most agree that the quality of the experience outweighs the duration.

Who Will Love This Experience

This tour is ideal for adventure lovers, animal enthusiasts, and anyone wanting an authentic taste of Arctic life. It’s particularly well-suited for those who appreciate guided experiences and value safety and comfort.

Families with children over 5 tend to enjoy it, especially if they’re interested in animals and outdoor activities. It’s also suitable for travelers who prefer group activities with a shared experience, rather than private tours.

If you’re short on time but craving a genuine Arctic adventure with scenic views, this tour hits the sweet spot. It’s also a fantastic option if you want to combine outdoor activity with cultural experiences like fika, which adds a cozy, local touch to the day.

The Sum Up

This dog sledding excursion from Abisko to Kiruna offers a wonderful blend of adventure, scenery, and cultural charm. The guides’ passion, friendly dogs, and stunning landscapes create a memorable experience that’s both accessible and authentic. You’ll enjoy a peaceful ride through snow-blanketed forests, topped off by a warm fika break that feels like a true Scandinavian ritual.

While the duration might seem brief for seasoned adventurers, the quality of the experience makes it well worth the price. It’s especially suited for travelers who want to connect with nature and animals, without the need for extensive physical effort. The safety, comfort, and intimate group size make it a top contender for anyone visiting Abisko and looking for a genuinely memorable Arctic adventure.

If you’re after a fun, scenic, and meaningful way to explore Sweden’s north and love dogs, this tour delivers on all fronts—and leaves you with stories to tell for years.

FAQ

Is pickup included in the tour price?
Yes, pickup and drop-off from your hotel in Abisko or Björkliden are included, making logistics simple.

What gear do I need to bring?
The tour provides warm overalls, boots, hats, and gloves. However, bringing a snack and packed lunch is recommended, as there are no food options at the camp.

How many people are on each sled?
Up to four guests can share a sled, which helps keep the experience intimate and manageable.

Can children participate?
The tour is not suitable for children under 5 years old, but older kids usually enjoy the experience, especially if they’re comfortable in cold weather.

How long does the sledding last?
The actual sled ride is approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, covering a scenic 10-12 km circuit.

Is the experience suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. Since a professional musher drives the sled, it’s accessible for most, with safety and guidance prioritized.

To sum it up, this dog sledding tour from Abisko to Kiruna offers a well-rounded Arctic experience that combines scenic beauty, animal interaction, and cultural warmth. It’s a fantastic choice for travelers looking for an authentic adventure that’s both fun and meaningful.