Rovaniemi Tours

Husky Rides in Rovaniemi

Round-Trip City Transfers
Round-Trip City Transfers
Self-Drive or Guided Tours
Self-Drive or Guided Tours
Northern Lights Add-Ons
Northern Lights Add-Ons
Woman on a husky sled ride through snowy forest in Lapland.
























































Top things to do in Rovaniemi

Once the lifeline of Arctic travel, husky sledding is now one of Rovaniemi’s most thrilling experiences. Whether steering your own team or sitting back to enjoy the ride, these tours take you across snowy forests, into husky kennels, and deep into Lapland’s winter magic.

Overview

  • On-site ride duration: 10 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes, depending on tour type
  • Cost range: €98 to €259 per person, depending on inclusions
  • Best time to visit: December to March for peak snow and the chance to pair with Northern Lights tours
  • Meeting/drop-off point: Rovaniemi City Center, with hotel pick-up available on select tours
  • Key attractions: Husky kennels, Arctic forest trails, self-driven or guide-driven sled rides, cultural extras like Arctic Circle certificate or Santa visits
  • Recommended tour: The highlights tour: Santa Claus Village, husky & reindeer sledding

What to expect on a husky sledding tour in Rovaniemi?

Teenage boy kneeling in snow with husky dog, traditional tents in background.
Woman interacting with a husky in snowy Rovaniemi forest during sledding experience.
Aerial view of husky sledding through snowy forest in Lapland.
Person enjoying salmon soup in Lapland restaurant.
Santa Claus with visitors at Santa’s Village under a lit Christmas tree.
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Travel made simple from Rovaniemi

All husky tours include round-trip transfers from Rovaniemi City Center, with select tours offering hotel pick-up in premium vehicles. Farms are tucked outside the city, so you avoid the stress of arranging taxis or navigating snowy roads.

Meet your husky team

On arrival, guides introduce you to the eager huskies, explain safety basics, and let you connect with the dogs before the ride. Expect wagging tails, photo opportunities, and a glimpse into how sledding teams are trained.

A thrilling ride

Depending on your ticket, you may steer your own team or sit back on a guide-driven sled. Ride durations range from 10 minutes to over an hour, across forest trails, frozen lakes, and snow-dusted landscapes.

Northern Lights husky rides

Warm up and recharge

After the ride, most tours offer hot drinks and light snacks by the fire, while full-day safaris often include hearty meals, such as salmon soup, with vegetarian options available, to fuel you for the rest of your adventure.

Cultural touches along the way

Premium tours like Meet Santa Claus, reindeer sleigh ride & huskies include kennel visits, Arctic Circle Certificates, and even festive extras like a Santa meet-and-greet. These details bring depth to the ride, blending adventure with stories of Lapland’s sledding traditions.

Things to know before booking your husky tour

  • In Rovaniemi, you can choose from a wide variety of husky adventures, from quick family-friendly rides to full safaris and magical evening tours chasing the Northern Lights.
  • Husky farms are located outside the city and can be difficult to reach, especially at night or during heavy snowfall. To ensure a seamless experience, every tour includes round-trip transfers from the City Center, with select options like the day and evening tour offering hotel pick-up in premium vehicles for added convenience.
  • Steer your own husky team on a self-driven tour, where two adults share a sled and alternate between mushing and riding, or sit back on a guide-driven tour, better suited for families or anyone seeking a more relaxed experience.
  • Tour durations vary widely, from 1.5-hour introductory rides to 7–10 km long adventures lasting up to 4 hours, and even full-day experiences like the highlights tour that bundle huskies with reindeer, snowmobiles, and Santa Claus Village, helping you cover more in a single day and save compared to booking separately.
  • Many tours include time at traditional husky kennels, where you can meet the dogs, take photos, and hear stories about Lapland’s sledding heritage. Premium experiences like Meet Santa Claus, reindeer sleigh ride & huskies also include an official Arctic Circle Certificate, a reindeer driver’s license, or even a festive Santa meet-and-greet.
  • Northern Lights tours rely on clear skies, and while sightings cannot be guaranteed, experienced local guides know the most reliable viewing spots and times, giving you the best possible chance of seeing the Aurora Borealis.
  • Most tours include hot drinks and snacks to warm you up after your ride, while full-day options often add traditional meals like salmon soup with vegetarian choices available, so you can enjoy local flavors alongside the adventure.
  • Group sizes are usually small, often capped at around 8 guests, to ensure a more personal and intimate experience with plenty of time to interact with the animals and guides.
  • Winter clothing such as thermal overalls, boots, gloves, helmets, and balaclavas is provided where needed, ensuring you stay warm and safe in Arctic conditions.

Find your perfect husky ride in Rovaniemi

Tour typeBest forDeparture timeDurationInclusionsTransfersAdd-onsStarts from
Introductory ride

Guests short on time, wanting a quick sledding escape

8:30am

1.5 hrs total, 800m ride

Husky ride, kennel visit, English-speaking guide, winter clothing, hot drinks & snacks

Round-trip from City Center (hotel pick-up on request)

7–10km safari with self-driven/guided options

€98

Long husky safari

Those wanting a hands-on adventure on longer trails

11am or 2pm

2–2.5 hrs total, 7–10km self-driven ride

Husky ride, kennel visit, English-speaking guide, winter clothing, Fazer chocolate, hot drinks & cookies

Round-trip from City Center or hotel pick-up in premium vehicles

Multi-language guide options

€199

Husky ride + Aurora hunt

Travelers who want to go on a Northern Lights chase

6pm

3.5 hrs total, 5km ride (guide-driven)

Husky ride, Aurora chase, English-speaking guide, winter clothing, hot blueberry juice

Pick-up/drop-off from Santa Claus Village or office

Available in German, French, Italian, Spanish, Chinese

€179

Highlights tour

Guests wanting a full-day, all-in-one Arctic package

8:45am

6 hrs, 500m ride

Husky & reindeer rides, Santa Claus Village visit, children’s snowmobile ride, traditional lunch, English-speaking guide, winter clothing

Round-trip from City Center

Reindeer Driver’s License, official Arctic Circle Certificate, Santa meet-and-greet

€188

Day & evening tour

Those who don’t want to choose between daytime activities & Northern Lights

9am

7 hrs, 500m ride

Husky safari, reindeer sleigh ride, Santa’s Pets visit, Aurora hunt, English-speaking driver-guide, Fazer chocolate, hot fruit/berry tea, winter clothing

Hotel pick-up in premium vehicles

All taxes & service fees

€259

Snowmobile + husky ride

Guests wanting variety & faster-paced adventures

10am

6 hrs, 500m ride

Snowmobile ride, husky & reindeer rides, farm visits, winter clothing & snowmobile gear, hot berry juice & biscuits

Round-trip from City Center

Reindeer Driver’s License

€198

Meet Santa + husky ride

Those looking to combine Santa Claus Village & sledding in one trip

9:30am

5 hrs, 500m ride

Guided Santa Claus Village visit + free time, meet-and-greet with Santa, husky & reindeer rides, official Arctic Circle Certificate, English-speaking driver-guide, winter clothing, Fazer chocolate

Hotel transfers in premium vehicles

Baby seats available upon request

€219

Happy, healthy, & eager to run

Every sledding tour follows responsible practices, from balanced work and rest schedules to warm kennels and expert care, ensuring the dogs’ well-being comes first.

Highlights of your husky sledding adventure

Husky sledding guide with dogs in snowy Rovaniemi forest.

Meet the huskies up close

Spend time at the kennels greeting the dogs, learning about their daily routines, and hearing stories from the mushers about life in Lapland. The air buzzes with excitement as the huskies bark, leap, and tug at their harnesses, eager to dash into the snow.

Husky sled team pulling a sled through snowy Lapland forest.
Aerial view of husky sledding through snowy forest near Rovaniemi.
Dog sledding through snowy forest in winter.
Teenage boy kneeling in snow with husky dog, traditional tents in background.
Snowmobiles under Northern Lights in Rovaniemi, Finland.
Children with Santa Claus at Santa Claus Village, Rovaniemi, Finland.
Husky being petted in snowy Lapland.
Tourists on reindeer sleds under Northern Lights in Tromso, Norway.
Snowmobiles on snowy trail under Northern Lights in Rovaniemi, Finland.
Campfire gathering under Northern Lights during a Lappish barbecue in snowy forest.
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Aurora viewing spots

On evening safaris, venture to open areas with clear skies and minimal light pollution for a chance to witness the Northern Lights.

  • Time required: 1 to 1.5 hours (night tours)
  • Highlights/activities: Aurora photography, fireside breaks, stargazing
  • Best experience: Northern Lights husky sled ride

Santa Claus Village

Included in many combo tours, this festive destination lets you meet Santa, cross the Arctic Circle, and explore local shops and cafes.

  • Time required: 2 to 3 hours
  • Highlights/activities: Santa meet-and-greet, Arctic Circle certificate, souvenir shopping
  • Best experience: Meet Santa Claus, reindeer sleigh ride & huskies****

Husky kennels and farms

Meet your sled dogs up close, learn about their training, and watch how the teams are prepared before a ride.

  • Time required: 30 to 60 minutes
  • Highlights/activities: Dog meet-and-greet, musher Q&A, photography opportunities
  • Best experience: From Rovaniemi: Husky sledding experience

Reindeer farms

Some tours combine husky rides with peaceful reindeer sleigh journeys and farm visits for a complete Arctic animal experience.

  • Time required: 1 to 2 hours
  • Highlights/activities: Reindeer feeding, sleigh rides, Sámi cultural stories
  • Best experience: Day & evening tour – Santa's pets, sledding & Aurora hunt

Snowmobile trails

Add a burst of speed and adventure to your husky tour with a guided snowmobile ride across frozen lakes and forest trails.

  • Time required: 1 to 2 hours
  • Highlights/activities: Guided ride, photo stops, winter gear included
  • Best experience: Snowmobile & animal sledding experiences

Fireside stops and wilderness camps

Between activities, relax by open fires or in wooden huts known as kota, enjoying hot berry juice and light snacks in true Lapland fashion.

  • Time required: 20 to 40 minutes
  • Highlights/activities: Hot drinks, storytelling, scenic rest breaks
  • Best experience: The highlights tour: Santa Claus Village, husky & reindeer sledding

How your husky tour unfolds

  • 10am: Your guide picks you up from the Rovaniemi City Center, or in some tours, directly from your hotel. Settle into a heated vehicle and enjoy the scenic drive as the city gives way to Lapland’s snow-covered forests and open wilderness.
  • 10:30am: Arrive at the husky farm, where friendly mushers welcome you and introduce you to the dogs. Learn about their daily routines, training, and the traditions of husky sledding that have been part of Arctic life for centuries.
  • 11am: Receive warm winter clothing and a quick safety briefing. Guides explain how the sleds work and what to expect on the trail, ensuring you feel prepared whether you are driving or riding.
  • 11:15am:  The husky adventure begins. Feel the excitement as the dogs leap forward, pulling you across forests, frozen lakes, and sparkling white trails. Depending on your chosen tour, the ride lasts anywhere from 15 minutes for an introductory ride to over an hour for extended safaris.
  • 12pm: After the ride, gather by the fire in a cozy hut or around an outdoor fireplace. Enjoy hot berry juice, cookies, or a traditional salmon soup lunch on longer tours.
  • 12:30pm: Spend more time meeting the huskies, taking photos, or chatting with the mushers. Some tours also include visits to the kennels, Arctic Circle Certificates, or cultural add-ons like reindeer rides.
  • 1pm: Once the visit is complete, relax on the drive back to Rovaniemi City Center, arriving in the early afternoon with unforgettable memories from your Arctic adventure.

Plan your Rovaniemi husky tours

Snowmobile tour through snowy forest in Lapland.
  • The highlights tour: Santa Claus Village, husky & reindeer sledding: 8:45am
  • Snowmobile & animal sledding experience: 10am
  • Day and evening tour – Santa's pets, sledding & Aurora hunt: 9:30am
  • Long self-driven husky sleigh ride: 11am or 2pm
  • From Rovaniemi: Husky sledding experience: 10:30am
  • Meet Santa Claus, reindeer sleigh ride & huskies: 9:30am
  • Northern Lights husky sled ride: 6pm
Santa’s Village central plaza with people walking near a decorated Christmas tree.
  • Late November to December: The season begins as snow blankets Lapland, creating the first proper sledding trails. This is the most festive time of year, with Christmas lights, Santa Claus Village in full swing, and a magical atmosphere. Short daylight hours make it possible to enjoy both husky rides and evening Northern Lights hunts in one day.
  • January to February: These are the coldest months, with temperatures often dropping well below freezing, but conditions are excellent for husky sledding. Trails are thick with snow, the landscapes are pristine, and the long Arctic nights increase your chances of seeing the Northern Lights.
  • March to early April: The days grow longer, bringing more daylight and slightly milder temperatures. The snow is still reliable, making it more comfortable for families with children or anyone sensitive to extreme cold.

Most husky tours begin with round-trip transfers from Rovaniemi City Center, the central hub of the town.

  • From Rovaniemi hotels: Many hotels in the city are within walking distance of the City Center. For those farther away, local taxis are available and can get you there in just a few minutes.
  • From Rovaniemi Airport: The airport is only about 8 km from the city center. Airport shuttles and taxis run frequently, and the ride takes around 15 minutes.
  • From Rovaniemi Railway Station: The train station sits about 2 km from the city center. It’s a short taxi ride or a 20 to 25-minute walk if you prefer.
  • From Santa Claus Village: Located about 8 km north of Rovaniemi, Santa Claus Village is connected by local bus routes and taxis. Travel time to the city center is about 15 to 20 minutes.

Transfers are included with every ticket, so all you need to do is arrive at the meeting point on time and let your guide take care of the rest.

Northern Lights over a red tent in snowy Rovaniemi landscape.
  • Round-trip transfers included from Rovaniemi City Center, with some tours offering hotel pick-up in premium vehicles.
  • Professional English-speaking guides, with other languages available on select tours (German, French, Italian, Spanish, Chinese).
  • Heated rest areas or traditional Lappish huts, where you can warm up by the fire during or after the ride.
  • Winter clothing and gear, such as thermal overalls, boots, gloves, helmets, and balaclavas, to keep you warm and safe in Arctic conditions.
  • Child-friendly provisions, such as baby seats on select tours and mini snowmobile rides for children under 150 cm.
  • Food and refreshments, often including hot berry juice, cookies, or traditional salmon soup with vegetarian options on longer tours.

Visitor tips & guidelines

  • Phone batteries drain quickly in subzero conditions. Carry a power bank and keep your phone inside an inner pocket close to your body, and only take it out for photos to avoid a dead battery mid-tour.
  • Thick mittens can make gripping the sled difficult, so it is helpful to wear a thinner pair of gloves with grip underneath.
  • On self-driven sleds, practice pressing the brake gently before starting, as pressing too hard or too lightly can make the sled unstable.
  • Once the sled is moving, you’ll want both hands free to steer or hold on. The best time for photos is while the huskies are being harnessed or after the ride, when they’re cooling down.
  • When sledding under the Northern Lights, remember that headlamps are rarely used to avoid light pollution. Let your eyes adjust to the darkness for the best experience.

Frequently asked questions about Rovaniemi husky rides

How long will I actually spend on the sled with the huskies?

Ride lengths vary depending on the tour, from short 800m introductions to 7–10km safaris that last up to 1 hour 15 minutes on the sled itself.

Do I get to drive the husky sled myself?

Many tours offer self-driven options where two adults share a sled and take turns mushing and riding, while others are guide-driven so you can sit back and enjoy the ride.

Can children take part in husky sledding?

Yes, children are welcome on most tours, usually riding as passengers in guide-driven sleds, and some family-focused tours even include mini snowmobile rides for kids under 150 cm.

What if I have never done sledding before?

No prior experience is needed, as guides provide clear safety instructions and demonstrations before the ride, and they remain nearby throughout the experience.

Is winter clothing provided, or do I need to bring my own gear?

Thermal overalls, boots, and gloves are included in all tours, along with helmets and balaclavas where required, so you only need to dress in warm base layers.

What happens if the weather conditions are poor?

Husky sledding depends on snow, so if conditions are unsafe or there is not enough snow, tours may be rescheduled or adapted to ensure your safety and comfort.

Will I have time to meet and interact with the huskies?

Yes, all tours include a visit to the kennels where you can meet the dogs, take photos, and hear stories about their training and life in Lapland.

Are the huskies treated well?

The huskies are working dogs that are well cared for, trained, and exercised daily, and you will see firsthand how enthusiastic they are to run.

What kind of group sizes can I expect?

Tours are typically small, often limited to around 8 guests, which ensures a more personal experience and plenty of interaction with the guides and dogs.

Do the tours include food or drinks?

Many tours provide hot drinks and light snacks after the ride, while full-day highlights tours also include meals such as traditional salmon soup with vegetarian options available.