Venturing into Swedish winter landscapes on a dog sled is one of those bucket-list experiences that captures the imagination. While we haven’t personally driven the sleds in Lulea, reviews and detailed descriptions paint a vivid picture of what awaits. This tour combines the adrenaline of mushing your own team of huskies with the peace of gliding through snow-covered forests, making it a truly memorable adventure.
We love that this experience offers hands-on learning—you’re not just a passenger but an active driver—and you get to meet the energetic dogs behind the scenes. Plus, the scenic trails through pristine wilderness promise plenty of photo opportunities. That said, it’s worth noting that the tour has some restrictions regarding age, height, and weight, which might limit participation for some travelers. This trip is best suited for those craving an authentic, active winter outing with a touch of Nordic charm.
Good To Know
- Authentic mushing experience: Drive your own husky team along scenic snowmobile trails.
- Professional guidance: An experienced instructor ensures safety and teaches the basics.
- Beautiful scenery: Glide through snow-blanketed forests and open fields.
- Post-ride comfort: Warm up with coffee in a cozy barbecue hut after the adventure.
- Group size: Small group tours (limited to 8 participants) allow for personalized attention.
- Cost and value: $323 per person for approximately 2.5 hours offers a memorable winter activity with included extras.
An Overview of the Husky Sledding Adventure in Lulea
This tour offers an engaging 2.5-hour experience, starting with a warm welcome at a barbecue hut in Norrbotten County. It’s designed to be accessible yet exciting, with the opportunity to learn the art of dog sledding from knowledgeable guides. The trip combines instruction, hands-on mushing, scenic riding, and a cozy finish—making it ideal for those wanting a well-rounded winter adventure.
The cost of $323 per person might seem on the higher side, but this includes expert guidance, a husky team, and coffee afterward—a neat package for an activity that balances thrill and comfort. Since transportation isn’t included, you’ll need to arrange your own travel to the activity hub, but that’s a small consideration for the unforgettable ride you get in return.
Find more activities and experiences we've covered in Lulea.
What to Expect: The Experience in Detail
Meeting Your Guide and Getting Ready
Your day begins at the barbecue hut, where a friendly guide greets you and supplies warm clothing. This is crucial since temperatures in Lulea can drop significantly, especially during winter mornings or afternoons. The guide, fluent in several languages including English, French, Dutch, Italian, and Swedish, will walk you through the basics of dog sledding.
You’ll learn how to harness and connect the huskies to the sled, gaining insight into the teamwork required. Martina, one of the recent visitors, appreciated the guidance saying, “Thanks to the support of the team, even dangerous sections of the route could be mastered.” This indicates that while the activity is adventurous, safety and support are priorities.
The Mushing Experience
Once the dogs are harnessed, it’s time to take the reins. The guide drives first, showing you how to handle the sled and navigate the snowy trails. The snowmobile trails wind through snow-covered forests and open fields, offering stunning views of the winter landscape.
Participants often comment on the scenery—“You’ll love the views of snow-laden trees and pristine wilderness,” as many describe. The trail length is approximately 20km, giving roughly an hour and a half of actual mushing, depending on snow and weather conditions. The guide remains attentive during the ride, ensuring safety and providing tips along the way.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyRest Stops and Photo Opportunities
There are planned pauses—these are perfect moments to rest the dogs, switch drivers, and snap photos of the stunning surroundings. Martina’s review highlights this: “There is an opportunity to take pictures and enjoy the silence of the forest.” These stops are not only practical but also allow participants to admire the landscape and bond with the dogs.
Post-Ride Warmth and Interaction
Back at the barbecue hut, you’re welcomed with a warm cup of coffee in a cozy setting. This social element allows for questions, sharing experiences with fellow travelers, and getting to know the dogs more intimately. After the coffee, you’ll harness the dogs again for a final walk into the kennels, where you can see the team up close.
Additional Considerations
While the activity is thrilling and scenic, it’s not suitable for everyone. For example, children under 14, pet allergies, or those under 155cm tall or over 115kg might find participation challenging. The activity also depends heavily on snow conditions—you could face cancellations if snow or ice levels are insufficient, or if temperatures drop below -30°C or rise above +5°C.
The Authenticity Factor
The genuine interaction with the dogs and the opportunity to learn how to drive the sled makes this experience stand out from more passive tours. Many reviews, including Martina’s, praise the chance to get to know the huskies and the support from guides in mastering the sled.
Is It Worth the Price?
At $323, this experience offers a substantial value considering the inclusions: expert guidance, a team of huskies, scenic trail riding, and post-ride refreshments. For those seeking an active, authentic winter experience in the Swedish wilderness, it’s a memorable investment. Keep in mind that transportation isn’t included, so plan accordingly.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This adventure appeals most to travelers who enjoy outdoor activities, learning new skills, and having interactive experiences. It’s perfect for those who don’t mind the cold and are comfortable with some physical activity. The small group size ensures personalized attention, making it suitable for curious adventurers who appreciate detailed guidance and safety tips.
The Sum Up
The Lulea husky sledding tour offers a compelling blend of adventure, scenic beauty, and cultural authenticity. It allows you to actively participate in the traditional Nordic sport of dog sledding, making it more than just a sightseeing trip. The chance to learn from experienced guides and bond with the huskies turns this outing into a memorable story to share.
While the price might seem steep, it reflects the intimate, hands-on nature of the activity, along with the scenic value and included comforts. This experience suits travelers who want to add a genuine winter adventure to their Swedish itinerary—those eager to embrace the cold, learn something new, and enjoy stunning snowy vistas.
If you’re seeking an active day surrounded by nature, with the warmth of good company and a cozy post-ride coffee, this tour hits the mark. Just remember to dress warmly, arrive prepared for the weather, and get ready for a true dog sledding adventure in the heart of Swedish Lapland.
FAQ
Is transportation to the activity location included?
No, transportation isn’t included, so you’ll need to arrange your own transfer to the starting point at the barbecue hut.
What should I wear for this experience?
Bring warm outdoor clothing, including comfortable shoes, and be prepared for cold temperatures. You’ll also want a camera to capture the scenery.
How long is the actual sledding part?
The total activity lasts about 2.5 hours, with approximately 1.5 to 2.5 hours of sledding, depending on snow conditions.
Can children participate?
Participation is not recommended for children under 14 years, or those under 155cm tall, due to safety and activity constraints.
What if there’s not enough snow?
If snow or ice levels are insufficient, or if temperatures are too high or too low (-30°C or +5°C), the activity may be canceled and replaced with another suitable experience.
Are pets allowed?
No, pets are not permitted on this tour.
What languages are guides available in?
Guides speak English, French, Dutch, Italian, and Swedish, ensuring clear communication for diverse groups.
What if I have dietary restrictions?
Special diet requests can be accommodated with advance notice, mainly during the post-ride coffee break.
This detailed review aims to give you a clear picture of what to expect from the Lulea husky sledding tour. It’s a genuine opportunity to experience the magic of winter in northern Sweden while actively engaging with the land and the dogs that make this adventure possible.
You can check if your dates are available here: