If you’re dreaming of an authentic husky experience without the snow, the Autumn Husky Sit and Drive Cart Tour from Kiruna might just be what you’re looking for. This tour offers a rare chance to connect with the energetic huskies, drive your own cart, and enjoy the stunning fall scenery, all in a comfortable, guided setting. It’s a fantastic alternative to the typical winter sledding adventures, especially if you prefer exploring when there’s no snow on the ground.
What makes this experience stand out? We love the opportunity to actually drive the cart ourselves, not just sit as a passenger. The friendly, knowledgeable guides make the whole process approachable, even if you’ve never handled dogs or a cart before. Plus, the chance to interact with the huskies and learn about their care brings a genuine touch to the adventure. The scenic forest trails, combined with cozy breaks by the fire with coffee and cinnamon rolls, make the whole outing feel both adventurous and relaxing.
One thing to keep in mind is that this tour operates in all weather conditions, so dressing appropriately in waterproof gear that can get muddy is essential. It’s a physically moderate activity, so it’s best suited for travelers with a reasonable level of fitness. Since it’s limited to a small group — maximum of 8 travelers — you’ll get plenty of personalized attention, which many reviewers find invaluable.
This tour is ideal for those seeking a hands-on outdoor experience, animal lovers eager to meet friendly huskies, and anyone wanting a memorable autumn adventure near Kiruna. Whether you’re new to sledding or just want to try something different, this tour offers an intimate and authentic taste of Arctic life without the winter chill.
Good To Know
- Unique in Autumn: Experience huskies in a season without snow, exploring forest trails with a guide.
- Interactive: Drive your own husky cart and participate in harnessing the dogs.
- Cozy Breaks: Enjoy coffee, tea, and cinnamon rolls by a fire after the ride.
- Small Group: Limited to 8 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience.
- Expert Guides: Guides like Kent and Helena make the experience welcoming and informative.
- All Weather: Operates regardless of weather, so dress appropriately.
What to Expect from the Tour
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Meeting Point and Start
The adventure kicks off at Husky Tours Lapland in Svappavaara, a short drive from Kiruna, at 10:00 am. From here, the group boards transportation that takes you directly to the kennel, where the real magic begins. This included round-trip transport makes it easy to focus on the experience instead of logistics.
The Kennel Experience
Upon arrival, the guides will give clear instructions on how to drive the cart and harness the dogs. This is where the real connection starts; you get to meet the friendly, energetic huskies, many of whom are part of a lively pack of around 80 dogs. It’s common for reviewers to comment on how kind and well-cared-for the dogs are, with one mentioning that “everyone was so kind including the dogs.”
Driving and Trail Exploration
You’ll get to drive the cart yourself — a highlight for many. The guides expertly navigate the forest trails, ensuring everyone stays safe and has fun. Halfway through, you’ll swap drivers so both get a chance to sit and steer, which keeps the experience balanced and engaging. The trails are scenic, winding through beautiful autumnal forests, with plenty of opportunities for photos and soaking in the natural beauty.
Interaction with the Dogs
After the ride, the group helps unharness and feed the huskies, gaining insight into their care and personalities. The reviewers consistently mention how lovable and gentle the huskies are, and how much they appreciated the chance to interact and learn from the guides.
Cozy Fire and Refreshments
The tour wraps up with a warm break by the fire, where you can enjoy coffee or tea and a cinnamon roll — a perfect ending after a chilly, energizing ride. As one reviewer noted, Helena took her time to explain everything and answer questions, making this part both relaxing and educational.
Practical Details and Tips
Duration and Group Size
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours, with about 2 hours dedicated to the husky riding and interaction. The small group size (maximum 8) allows for more personal attention and a more relaxed pace, which many travelers find enhances the overall experience.
Pricing and Value
At $141.06 per person, this experience offers a lot of value, especially considering the inclusion of transport, all activities, and food. The personal interaction with the huskies, guided instruction, and the scenic trail ride elevate it beyond a typical tourist activity.
Weather Considerations
Since the tour runs in all weather conditions, dressing appropriately is crucial. Waterproof, muddy-proof gear will keep you comfortable whether it’s drizzling or sunny. The guides are experienced in managing safety and comfort, regardless of rain or shine.
Physical and Age Requirements
Moderate physical fitness is recommended, as harnessing dogs and handling the cart requires some effort. Children must be accompanied by an adult, ensuring a family-friendly environment.
Insights from Reviews
One guest called it the “Best Kiruna experience,” emphasizing how much they appreciated the friendly guides and adorable dogs. Another reviewer, Jacqueline, shared how Kent and Helena’s warmth and expertise made the experience memorable, highlighting the welcoming atmosphere. Several reviews also emphasize the stunning scenery — “you’ll love the views even without snow,” notes one.
Reviewers also appreciated the opportunity to help with the dogs, with some saying they helped harness and feed them, which added a meaningful element to the outing. The expert guides make the experience accessible for first-timers, clearly explaining how to drive and care for the huskies, which enhances confidence and enjoyment.
The Sum Up
The Autumn Husky Sit and Drive Cart Tour from Kiruna offers a genuine, hands-on experience that’s as much about bonding with the dogs as it is about exploring the stunning fall landscape. It’s perfect for animal lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, or travelers who want to add a unique touch to their Arctic adventure without the winter snow. The small-group setting ensures a personal, relaxed atmosphere, while the guided instruction means you won’t feel lost or overwhelmed.
If you’re after an activity that combines adventure, authentic animal interaction, and scenic beauty, this tour ticks all the boxes. It’s a thoughtful way to experience Arctic life in a season when most husky excursions are off-limits, making it a truly memorable outing.
FAQ
Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children must be accompanied by an adult, making it suitable for families seeking an active outdoor experience.
What should I wear for this tour?
Dressing in waterproof clothing that can get muddy is advised. Layers and sturdy boots are recommended to stay comfortable during the activity.
Does the tour run in bad weather?
Yes, it operates in all weather conditions. Guides are experienced in managing safety and comfort regardless of rain or shine.
How long is the tour?
The total experience lasts about 3 hours, including transportation, the activity, and the fire-side break.
Can I drive the cart myself?
Absolutely. The guides will instruct you on how to harness and drive the cart, and you’ll swap drivers midway through the ride.
Is this experience physically demanding?
Moderate physical activity is involved, mainly harnessing dogs and steering the cart, so a reasonable fitness level is recommended.
What’s included in the price?
Transportation, all activities, guiding, and coffee/tea with a cinnamon roll are included.
What makes this tour different from winter husky sledding?
Instead of snow, this tour takes place on forest trails in autumn, offering a unique experience that doesn’t rely on winter conditions.
This Autumn Husky Sit and Drive Cart Tour provides a wonderful mix of adventure, education, and scenic beauty — perfect for travelers wanting a meaningful, memorable Arctic experience.
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