Rovaniemi: 7km Self-Drive Husky Sleigh Ride Adventure

This tour offers a rare chance to be behind the sled’s reins in the heart of Lapland, steering your own team of huskies through stunning winter wilderness. For those craving an active, authentic experience, this 4-hour adventure combines the thrill of dog-powered travel with insights into husky life and plenty of scenic beauty.

What really makes this experience stand out is the opportunity to drive your own husky sled—a rare chance that appeals to adventure seekers eager to take control and feel the power of a team of eager huskies pulling through snow-covered forests and across frozen lakes. The guided element ensures you’re never left in the dark about the dogs’ personalities or Lapland’s unique environment, adding educational value to the fun.

A potential consideration is the group size. While the description highlights a small group setting, some reviews note the actual size can vary, occasionally exceeding the advertised maximum of 9 participants. If intimate, personalized experiences are your priority, it’s worth confirming this detail in advance.

This tour suits travelers who love outdoor activities, want to learn about huskies, and enjoy scenic winter landscapes. If you’re after a hands-on adventure in the snow with a knowledgeable guide, this is a solid choice.

Key Points

• Authentic self-drive experience: You become the musher, controlling your own sled with the guidance of expert instructors.
• Beautiful scenery: The route takes you past Lappish lakes and forests, offering picturesque winter views.
• Includes a kennel visit: Learn about the huskies’ personalities and the caring effort behind their training.
• Warm refreshment break: After the ride, relax in a traditional Finnish kota or tipi with hot drinks and cookies.
• Small group setting: Limited to 9 participants, though some reviews suggest this isn’t always the case.
• Great for outdoor enthusiasts: Perfect for those wanting a hands-on, active experience in Lapland’s wilderness.

What to Expect from the Experience

The adventure begins with pick-up from your accommodation in Rovaniemi, included in the price. Once at the site, you’ll meet your guides and husky team, who are passionate and eager to share their knowledge. Expect a brief safety briefing and instructions on how to steer the sled—don’t worry, it’s straightforward even for first-timers.

The core of the activity is the 7km self-driven husky sled ride. Here, you’ll sit in the front of your sled, steering and working in harmony with your team of huskies. We loved the way the guides emphasized the importance of bonding with the dogs—these animals thrive on positive reinforcement and teamwork, which you’ll experience firsthand. Reviews reflect this enthusiasm, with one traveler noting, “Sarah from Huskypoint was very nice and competent,” highlighting the importance of knowledgeable guidance.

During the ride, you’ll pass through frozen lakes and snowy forests—a landscape that’s as quiet as it is breathtaking. The sled glides smoothly over snow, giving you a real sense of connection to the natural surroundings. The thrill of commanding your own team is palpable, and the huskies’ energy is contagious. Several reviews mention the stunning scenery, with one describing the walk as “magnificent” and the landscape crossing as “incredible.”

Post-sled, you’ll visit the husky kennel to learn about their personalities and the care required to maintain such energetic working dogs. This part adds educational value, especially for families or dog lovers. Expect to get close to the dogs—many visitors appreciated being able to pet the huskies, which is a highlight for children and adults alike.

The tour wraps up with a cozy session in a traditional Finnish kota or tipi, where a fire keeps everyone warm. You’ll enjoy hot drinks and biscuits, perfect for warming up after your exertions. Reviewers praise this part as “supporting a very friendly guide who spoke French,” and “super beautiful walk in the middle of the forest,” emphasizing the comfort and authenticity of the setting.

Transport and Group Size

The pickup service is included, which adds convenience—especially important in winter conditions. The group size is limited to 9 to foster a more personalized experience; however, some visitors noted that on occasion, groups can be larger, with at least 15 people participating. Confirming the group size when booking might be wise if a small-group feeling is important to you.

Pricing and Value

At $236 per person, this tour offers a well-rounded experience—not just the sled ride but also the kennel visit, guidance, transportation, and warm refreshments. While it’s a premium price, the inclusions and the chance to drive your own husky team make it worthwhile for those seeking an active, hands-on adventure. Remember, you’ll need to request winter overalls and snow boots in advance for an extra €10, which are essential for comfort and warmth.

Authenticity and Reviews

Reviews consistently praise the guides for their knowledge and friendliness. One traveler from Belgium called the experience “our best experience,” emphasizing the strong guide support. French visitors especially appreciated guides who spoke French, making the experience even more engaging and informative.

Some feedback points to consider include the length of the safety briefing—some found it a bit lengthy, but it’s necessary for safety and confidence when handling the sled. Also, the size of the groups can vary, so manage expectations if you’re looking for a completely exclusive, intimate experience.

Final Thoughts

This self-drive husky sled tour offers a fantastic mix of adventure, scenery, and education, making it ideal for outdoor lovers, dog enthusiasts, and those eager to try mushing firsthand. The opportunity to control your own sled, combined with the stunning winter landscape, creates a memorable experience that’s both fun and meaningful.

It’s particularly suited for travelers who value authentic, active experiences and want to learn about the life of the huskies. The warm hospitality, including the kennel visit and fire-side refreshments, adds a cozy touch amid the vast snowy wilderness.

While the cost may seem high, the inclusions and the unique opportunity to drive your own husky team justify the price for many. Just keep in mind the group size can occasionally be larger than expected, so if a small, intimate group is your priority, it’s worth confirming this detail early.

This tour is a great choice if you want a genuine Arctic adventure that combines physical activity, scenic beauty, and a chance to connect with some of Lapland’s most iconic animals.

FAQs

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, pickup and drop-off from your accommodation in Rovaniemi are included, making it easy to join and leave the activity without additional hassle.

What should I wear for the tour?
You’ll need winter overalls and snow boots, which can be requested in advance for an additional €10. These ensure you stay warm and dry during your sled ride.

Can I drive my own sled?
Absolutely, this experience is designed as a self-driven 7km sled ride, so you’ll be the one guiding your husky team under the guidance of instructors.

How long does the entire experience last?
The full activity lasts approximately 4 hours, including transportation, kennel visit, sled ride, and relaxation time afterward.

What languages do guides speak?
Guides are available in multiple languages, including French, English, Spanish, Catalan, and Persian, to accommodate diverse travelers.

Is this suitable for children?
Yes, children generally enjoy petting the huskies and being part of the sled ride, though children’s age and size should be considered when booking.

What are the reviews saying about the experience?
Most reviews highlight the knowledgeable guides, stunning scenery, and friendly atmosphere. Some mention group sizes can vary, but overall, guests rate it highly.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if your plans change.

Is this tour appropriate for solo travelers?
Yes, solo travelers can join, and the small group setting fosters a friendly environment. It’s a great way to meet like-minded outdoor enthusiasts.

To sum it up, this Rovaniemi Husky Sleigh Ride is a fantastic mix of adventure and authenticity. With the chance to steer your own sled, connect with the dogs, and enjoy the pristine winter scenery, it offers a memorable taste of Lapland’s wilderness that’s hard to match. Perfect for those seeking an active, engaging Arctic experience, it’s well worth considering when planning your trip.