Hunting Northern Lights with Husky

If you’re dreaming of chasing the elusive Northern Lights while cuddling up on a husky sled, this tour from Rovaniemi might just be what you’re looking for. Priced at around $265 per person, it offers a balanced mix of winter adventure, expert guidance, and the chance—though not a guarantee—to see the world’s most spectacular light show. With a duration of about 3 hours and 30 minutes, you’ll spend your evening in the company of energetic huskies and the vast, star-filled Lappish landscape.

What we really appreciate about this experience is the guidance from knowledgeable locals—some reviews mention guides like Linda and Irene who clearly know their stuff and make the trip memorable. The highlight for many is the husky sled ride, which promises both fun and a taste of true Arctic life. On the flip side, a potential drawback is that northern lights sightings are not guaranteed—the weather and solar activity have the final say. This trip suits travelers eager for an authentic winter adventure combined with the thrill of aurora hunting, especially those who love dogs and the outdoors.

Key Points

• Authentic husky sled experience amid snowy forests and starry skies
• Guided aurora hunting with local experts increases your chances of seeing the lights
• Convenient logistics, including hotel pickup and drop-off, streamline the evening
• Flexible timing adapts to weather, with departure between 4 pm and 9 pm
• Well-reviewed guides like Linda and Irene enhance your understanding and enjoyment
• Cost reflects a full evening of Arctic adventure, but northern lights sightings remain weather-dependent

What the Experience Looks Like

This tour kicks off around 6:00 pm (exact times vary depending on the season and weather forecasts). You’ll be picked up from your hotel or the Santa Claus Holiday Village, making the logistics hassle-free. Once onboard, you’ll head toward a husky farm—an experience in itself—where you’ll meet the energetic teams of dogs eagerly awaiting their evening run. The sled ride itself lasts roughly 25 minutes, according to some reviews, with riders reclining on a traditional sled pulled by a lively team of huskies.

The sled ride is often described as “amazing” or “so beautiful” by those who’ve tried it, with some reviewers noting it’s a highlight of their trip. The trails are typically through snow-covered forests, giving you a genuine feel of the Arctic wilderness. One reviewer even mentioned that the dogs are so friendly and well-cared for, it’s clear the owners are passionate about their animals.

The Guides and Their Role

Authentic stories and explanations are a big part of the experience. Multiple reviews mention guides like Linda and Irene—impressively knowledgeable and friendly. Their role isn’t just to ferry you around but to enrich your understanding of huskies, the local environment, and aurora hunting. One reviewer praised Linda as “very professional”, noting that her presence added a personal touch.

Guides also facilitate the transition from sledding to aurora viewing, escorting guests to a forest or lakeside location by vehicle, depending on weather conditions. They’re instrumental in making sure everyone is comfortable—whether that’s helping you put on warm gear or providing hot blueberry juice to keep you warm.

The Aurora Hunting Portion

After the husky ride, your guides will take you to a quiet spot to watch the Northern Lights. Depending on the conditions, this could be a lakeside or within a forest clearing. The tour emphasizes the magical atmosphere of a Lappish winter night: darkness, stars, and hopefully, dancing auroras overhead.

While many guests find it “hard to believe the lights aren’t guaranteed”, the guides do their best to maximize your chances of a sighting. Remember, the Northern Lights are nature’s unpredictable spectacle, dependent on solar activity and cloud cover. Several reviewers mention that despite clear efforts, some nights are clouded out, with one saying, “Sadly no northern lights as too much cloud cover”.

Why the Price Reflects Value

At roughly $264, this experience is not the cheapest Arctic adventure, but it includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a husky sled ride, guided aurora hunting, hot drinks, and the company of passionate guides. Many reviews highlight that guides like Irene and others go above and beyond to share their knowledge and make the evening enjoyable, which adds to the perceived value.

Some guests felt the duration was just right, with enough time to enjoy the sled ride, chat with guides, and relax under the stars. Others appreciated the warm gear provided, noting that temperatures around -15°C to -30°C can be harsh, but the clothing and hot drinks helped manage the chill.

Review Highlights and Authentic Experiences

• Spectacular husky rides have guests describing it as “one of the best trips of my life”.
• Several mention the friendly, professional guides who share stories and insights, making the experience more meaningful.
• The hot blueberry juice and opportunities to roast marshmallows or sausages around a campfire add a cozy touch.
• Despite the effort, some guests noted that seeing the Northern Lights is a gamble, with cloud cover or poor solar activity sometimes hindering sightings.

One guest, Samira, said, “My kids loved it,” emphasizing that this isn’t just a tour but a family-friendly adventure. On the other hand, a few reviews mention short sled rides or hurried experiences—so if you’re seeking a longer or more intense ride, you might want to explore other options.

Practical Details and Logistics

The tour starts between 4 pm and 9 pm, with exact timings communicated via email. Most travelers are advised to arrive 10 minutes early for pickup, and the group size is limited to 24 travelers, ensuring a relatively intimate experience.

Participants are encouraged to dress warmly—think layered clothing, thermal wear, and face coverings—as temperatures can be bitter. Warm gear is provided, but bringing your own accessories, like a scarf or face mask, can make the experience even more comfortable.

Children under 12 are only allowed if accompanied by paying adults, and there’s a minimum number of participants required: two on weekdays and Saturdays; four on Sundays and public holidays. If the minimum isn’t met, the tour might be canceled, with a full refund offered.

What Could Be Improved?

While the experience overall is highly rated, some guests mention short sled rides (around 25 minutes), which are a bit cramped, especially for couples or larger groups. One review humorously noted being “cramped on a sled with another couple,” which can feel a bit crowded. The BBQ at the end is often described as rushed or lacking, with some guests feeling it’s more of a quick snack than a full meal.

Several reviews also shared frustrations about late pickups or delays, so being punctual and patient helps. Also, since northern lights sightings are weather-dependent, no tour can promise a display, which might disappoint some travelers expecting a guaranteed show.

This tour is perfect for dog lovers and outdoor enthusiasts seeking an authentic Arctic experience. It’s ideal if you want to combine sledding with aurora hunting, especially with guides who are knowledgeable and friendly. Families with children who enjoy animals will find this particularly appealing, thanks to the engaging husky rides and warm atmosphere.

However, if you prioritize longer rides or guaranteed northern lights, you might want to explore other options or plan for multiple nights of aurora hunting. This tour also suits travelers who appreciate a well-organized, value-packed evening that offers both adventure and comfort, thanks to the included transportation and warm clothing.

The Hunting Northern Lights with Husky tour in Rovaniemi offers a genuine taste of Arctic life, blending the thrill of husky sledding with the hope of catching the Aurora Borealis. Guided by passionate locals, this experience is about more than just chasing lights—it’s about enjoying the winter landscape, bonding with incredible dogs, and sharing stories around a campfire.

While weather conditions can be unpredictable, the effort, scenery, and authentic guides make this a worthwhile adventure for those looking to dive into Lapland’s magic. It’s especially suited to families, dog lovers, and outdoor explorers eager for a well-rounded Arctic night.

If you’re prepared for the cold and understand the nature of aurora sightings, this tour offers a memorable experience that combines natural beauty, friendly guides, and cozy moments in the snow.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes pickup from your hotel or the Santa Claus Holiday Village, making it convenient to start your Arctic adventure.

How long is the husky sled ride?
The sled ride lasts approximately 25 minutes, providing enough time to enjoy the thrill without feeling rushed.

Can I see the Northern Lights on this tour?
While the guides do their best to find good viewing spots, seeing the Northern Lights depends on weather and solar activity, so sightings are not guaranteed.

What should I wear?
Dress warmly in layers, including thermal clothing, a hat, gloves, and face covering. The tour provides warm gear, but additional accessories can boost comfort.

How many people are in the group?
The maximum group size for this tour is 24 travelers, ensuring a comfortable experience with plenty of space.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children under 12 must be accompanied by paying adults. The experience is family-friendly, especially for kids who love animals and outdoor fun.

What if the weather cancels the tour?
If weather conditions are poor, the tour will be canceled, and you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

In essence, this tour delivers a true Arctic adventure with the chance of seeing the Northern Lights, guided by passionate locals, and enhanced by the charming presence of huskies. It’s a memorable way to experience Lapland, especially if you value authenticity and expert guidance.