Lulea: Drive your own husky team 20km

Lulea: Drive Your Own Husky Team 20km — An Authentic Winter Adventure in Swedish Lapland

If you’re dreaming of a true Arctic experience, this dog sledding tour in Lulea offers a chance to steer your own team of huskies through stunning snowy landscapes. Spanning approximately 2.5 hours, this adventure combines the thrill of outdoor activity with the chance to learn about sled dogs from seasoned guides. What really sets it apart is the opportunity to take control of the sled, making it an immersive and memorable experience—perfect for those craving a hands-on Arctic escapade.

One aspect we particularly appreciate is how friendly and knowledgeable the guides are, ensuring beginners feel confident behind the sled. The breathtaking scenery, with snow-covered forests and open fields, elevates the entire ride. However, potential participants should consider weather conditions and physical requirements, as the activity is not suitable for very young children or those with certain physical limitations.

This tour is ideal for travelers who love outdoor adventures, want a taste of traditional Arctic life, and aren’t afraid of a bit of cold. If you’ve ever dreamt of guiding a team of huskies through pristine winter wilderness, this tour offers a genuine, well-organized experience that balances fun with safety.

Key Points

• Authentic Husky Sledding: Drive your own team through scenic snowy trails.
• Learn from Experts: Guides teach you how to harness and connect the dogs.
• Scenic Beauty: Enjoy stunning views of forests and fields blanketed in snow.
• Small Group Experience: Limited to 8 participants, ensuring personalized attention.
• Post-Ride Comfort: Warm up with coffee in a cozy barbecue hut after your adventure.
• Weather-Dependent: Activity can be canceled in low snow or icy conditions.

What to Expect from the Husky Sledding Experience in Lulea

This tour offers a blend of outdoor adventure, learning, and relaxation—something for every type of winter thrill-seeker. Starting at a cozy barbecue hut, you’ll meet your guide and get suited up in warm clothing. Expect to be equipped with comfortable outdoor gear, as the Swedish winter can be quite chilly even during the day.

Once dressed, you’ll meet your team of eager huskies, who are accustomed to pulling sleds and eager for action. Your guide will introduce you to the basics of dog sledding, demonstrating how to harness and connect the dogs to the sled. This isn’t just a ride but an interactive experience—learning how to work with these incredible animals adds a rewarding touch to the adventure.

The Driving Part

After the initial briefing, it’s time to take the reins. The guide will drive the first part of the trail, showing the way through snow-covered forests and open fields. You’ll then have the chance to take control, guiding the team yourself. It’s a surprisingly smooth ride, even for beginners, thanks to the steady guidance of your instructor.

As you glide through the pristine landscape, you’ll notice how the snow muffles sounds, amplifying the peacefulness of the wilderness. The route follows existing snowmobile trails, which are well-maintained and safe, but that also means you’ll be traveling through some of Sweden’s most untouched winter scenery.

Rest Stops & Photos

Midway through, there’s a chance to pull over, rest the dogs, and switch drivers. This is also an excellent opportunity to snap some photos of the frosty scenery, the happy dogs, and yourself in your gear. According to reviewer Martina, “Thanks to the guidance and support of the team, even dangerous sections of the route could be mastered,” highlighting how safety and support are prioritized without compromising the fun.

Post-Ride Relaxation

Once back, you’ll harness the dogs into their kennels—a heartwarming moment with these friendly and hardworking animals. The tour wraps up with a well-deserved warm cup of coffee, served in the barbecue hut. It’s a cozy way to reflect on the experience, share stories with fellow travelers, and warm up after your outdoor exertions.

How the Tour Adds Value for Travelers

While the cost is set at around $323 per person, the value comes from more than just the ride. You’ll learn the basics of dog sledding, get to drive your own team, and enjoy spectacular snow-covered scenery. The personalized experience, limited to small groups, ensures you’re not just a passive passenger but actively involved.

The inclusion of guidance in multiple languages (English, French, Dutch, Italian, Swedish) makes it accessible for a wide range of travelers, and the small group size means plenty of personal attention. The activity is designed for those who want an authentic, participatory experience — not just a scenic ride but an engaging outdoor adventure.

The Experience’s Drawbacks

One thing to note is that the activity depends heavily on weather and snow conditions. Poor snow or icy grounds can lead to cancellations or modifications, so it’s wise to keep your schedule flexible. Plus, the tour isn’t suitable for children under 14, or individuals with allergies to animals or certain physical restrictions.

Practical Details for Planning

Duration: Expect roughly 2.5 hours, including preparation, the ride, breaks, and post-ride coffee. The ride itself lasts about 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on snow conditions, so be prepared for some variability.

Starting Times: The activity typically begins at 09:00 or 14:00, aligning with daylight and weather patterns to maximize safety and visibility.

What to Bring: Dress warmly in outdoor clothes—think layers, thermal wear, hat, gloves, and waterproof boots. Don’t forget your camera to capture the snowy landscapes and happy dogs.

Transport: Transportation to the activity location isn’t included, so plan your transfer accordingly.

Important Restrictions: The tour isn’t suitable for children under 14, people over 115 kg, under 155cm tall, or those with allergies to animals. Also, pets are not allowed on this tour.

Authenticity and Unique Touches

One of the highlights, as highlighted in reviews, is the opportunity to actually drive the sled. Martina’s comment, “Not for the timid, but definitely a little adventure,” underscores how this experience offers genuine involvement rather than just a scenic ride. It’s an activity that truly lets you connect with the sled dogs and the wilderness around you.

The guides’ support and expertise are also highly valued. They ensure safety while encouraging guests to take the wheel, making it suitable even for those new to sledding. The chance to learn about harnessing, connecting, and managing a team of huskies adds depth to the activity, transforming it from a simple ride into a mini outdoor course.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is perfect for adventure lovers, dog enthusiasts, or anyone interested in experiencing traditional Arctic transportation methods. If you enjoy being active outdoors and want something more meaningful than a standard sightseeing tour, you’ll find this a rewarding choice.

It’s also suitable for travelers seeking a memorable story to tell—driving your own husky team through snowy forests in Sweden is not something you forget easily. However, those with mobility issues, young children, or allergy concerns should consider alternative activities.

The Sum Up

For anyone wanting a true taste of winter in Lapland, this drive-your-own husky team experience in Lulea offers a compelling blend of adventure, learning, and scenic beauty. The opportunity to actively control a team of energetic huskies adds a personal touch that’s rare in mass tourism. The small group setting ensures a more intimate and tailored experience, with plenty of chances to ask questions and learn from expert guides.

The stunning snow-covered landscapes, the cheerful huskies, and the warm coffee afterwards combine to create a well-rounded, authentic Arctic adventure. It’s especially ideal for those who value participation and genuine connection with nature and animals.

This tour balances excitement with safety and is a fantastic way to gain insight into traditional sledding while enjoying some of Sweden’s most beautiful winter scenery. If you’re prepared for the cold and eager for a hands-on experience, it’s a memorable way to spend a day in the Swedish wilderness.

FAQ

Is transportation to the activity included?
No, transportation isn’t included, so you'll need to plan your own transfer to the starting point.

What should I wear for this tour?
Comfortable, warm outdoor clothing is necessary. Think layers, thermal wear, waterproof boots, hat, and gloves.

Can children participate?
No, the activity isn’t suitable for children under 14 years old.

What if the snow conditions aren’t good?
The activity depends on adequate snow and favorable conditions. If conditions are too icy or there's little snow, the tour may be canceled and rescheduled.

Are pets allowed?
No, pets are not permitted on this activity.

How long is the actual sled ride?
The total activity lasts about 2.5 hours, with the sled ride itself lasting roughly 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on snow and trail conditions.

Is it suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. Guides provide comprehensive instructions, and the experience is designed to be accessible to novices.

What language support is available?
Guides speak English, French, Dutch, Italian, and Swedish, making it accessible for many travelers.

Set out on a snowy adventure that’s as authentic as it is exciting, and discover the joy of guiding a team of huskies through the winter wonderland of Lulea.