Saariselkä: Husky Safari with Aurora Borealis Hunt

Travelers visiting Lapland often dream of seeing the Northern Lights and experiencing the thrill of a husky sled ride through snow-covered forests. This tour from Saariselkä promises just that — a balanced mix of adventure, authentic contact with Siberian huskies, and a chance to witness the aurora borealis in its full glory. While it’s not a short, rushed trip, what makes this experience stand out is its thoughtful approach, including warm facilities and small-group intimacy.

What we especially love about this tour are the well-organized logistics, the opportunity to drive your own sled, and the cozy break at the tipi. The only real consideration is that participants need a fair level of physical fitness — sledding is self-driven, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with outdoor winter activities. This experience is perfect for travelers craving an authentic, full-bodied Arctic adventure with plenty of chances to photograph the Northern Lights and enjoy the Finnish wilderness.

Good To Know

• Authentic husky sled experience with a scenic 8 km ride.
• Small group size (limited to 10 participants) ensures personalized attention.
• Warm clothing provided for comfort in freezing temperatures.
• Flexible booking options allow reservation now, pay later.
• Includes transportation from Saariselkä and a cozy break at a tipi with a fireplace.
• Ideal for energetic travelers willing to self-drive and enjoy outdoor winter activities.

You can check if your dates are available here:

What to Expect on This Saariselkä Husky Safari

This tour offers a comprehensive Arctic experience, combining the thrill of sledding with the magic of the Northern Lights. From the moment you’re picked up, the focus is on creating a memorable, authentic adventure that balances activity and comfort. Here’s a detailed look at what you can anticipate.

Pickup and Transportation

The journey begins with a pickup from centrally located Saariselkä hotels or designated bus stops, about 30 minutes before your scheduled start. The most common collection points are Holiday Club Saariselkä, Lapland Hotels Riekonlinna, or Valo Ice Cuba Villas. The roundtrip transportation in a comfortable vehicle gets you smoothly to the Wilderness Center, where this Arctic adventure truly begins.

Traveling in a small group (limited to 10 participants), the ride is brief — about 20 minutes each way — but the scenery is already promising, with snow-laden trees and crisp winter air. The transportation arrangement keeps the experience intimate, so you’ll have the chance to chat with fellow travelers and get excited about the upcoming sled ride.

Meeting the Huskies and Safety Briefing

Once at the Wilderness Center, your guide — an expert with genuine Arctic experience — will introduce you to the Siberian huskies. Known for their strength, resilience, and friendly nature, these dogs are the stars of the show. The guide will give a safety briefing, explaining how to drive your sled, and demonstrate the basic commands needed to control your team.

In reviews, travelers mention that the guide stays with you on a snowmobile, monitoring your driving, which adds an extra layer of safety and reassurance. The self-driven aspect is a highlight for many, as it offers the empowerment of steering your own sled through the Arctic landscape. If someone feels unable to drive, arrangements can be made in advance (for an extra fee), or they can ride as a passenger.

The Husky Sled Ride

The core of the experience is an approximately 8 km sled ride through the Arctic pine forest. This isn’t a hurried trip; it’s designed to be a relaxed, immersive journey. The scenery is stunning — snow-heavy branches, silent forests, and the crisp, cold air heighten the sense of adventure.

Participants have praised the authenticity of the experience. As Harumi noted in her review, “Husky safari is a must-do activity when you come to Finland.” She appreciated that the tour is close to Saariselkä and Ivalo, making it accessible without long travel times. The dogs are well-cared-for, energetic, and visibly enjoy pulling the sleds, which adds an extra layer of joy to the ride.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

The Cozy Tipi Break

After around 45 minutes of sledding, you’ll pause at a traditional tipi — a warm, inviting structure with a fireplace. This is the perfect spot to take a breather, chat with your guide, and enjoy a hot drink. The warmth from the fire, coupled with the chance to take photos of the starry sky, makes this one of the most charming parts of the tour.

The tipi also offers a good chance to scan the sky for the Northern Lights. While sightings aren’t guaranteed — as with any aurora hunt — your guide will share tips on the best viewing times and spots, and if luck is on your side, you might catch a glimpse of the shimmering green curtains.

Aurora Borealis Hunting

One of the tour’s significant draws is the chance to see the Northern Lights in a less-light-polluted environment. The tour’s timing, usually in the evening, is optimized for aurora viewing. The combination of a quiet forest, clear night skies, and the warmth of the tipi makes for a memorable aurora-hunting experience.

In reviews, travelers have expressed satisfaction with the Aurora Borealis hunt, noting that the guide is attentive to weather conditions and makes efforts to maximize viewing opportunities. Some have called it “a magical night,” especially when the lights dance overhead, adding an ethereal glow to the snowy landscape.

Detailed Tour Breakdown

Itinerary Overview

The tour begins with your pickup at one of three locations, depending on your hotel or accommodation. The journey to the Wilderness Center takes about 20 minutes, allowing some initial anticipation to build. Along the way, the guide provides an introduction to the day’s plan and safety instructions.

Once at the husky farm, the guide introduces you to the dogs, explains sled driving mechanics, and supplies thermal overalls, boots, and gloves. These warm clothes are essential, as Finnish winter temperatures can drop sharply.

The sledding itself lasts around 45 minutes, with the guide overseeing the activity from a snowmobile, ensuring safety and offering assistance if needed.

After the ride, you’re led to the tipi, where you can relax, enjoy a hot drink, and try to spot the Northern Lights. The entire experience lasts about 3 hours, including transportation, briefing, sledding, and the break.

What Makes This Tour Unique

• Self-Driven Sleds: This gives you a sense of control and immersion — many reviews emphasize how empowering and fun it is to steer your own team.
• Authentic Finnish Setting: The Arctic pine forest backdrop is genuinely beautiful, and the small group size ensures you’re not lost in a crowd.
• Cozy Break at the Tipi: The fireplace break is a thoughtful touch, offering warmth and comfort amid the winter wonderland.
• Expert Guidance: The guide stays close, monitoring your sledding and offering tips, making it accessible even for those who haven’t tried sledding before.
• Northern Lights Potential: The tour’s timing and location maximize your chances of witnessing this natural phenomenon.

The Value for Money

Priced at $295 per person, the tour offers a well-rounded Arctic experience. The inclusion of thermal clothing, transportation, a sled ride of about 8 km, and a cozy break makes it a good value, especially considering the small group size and personalized attention. Compared to other activities like snowmobile tours or reindeer sledding, this experience balances adventure and comfort without feeling rushed.

Practical Tips and Considerations

• Dress warmly: Even with thermal clothing provided, bring extra layers, hats, and gloves in case of sudden weather changes.
• Bring your phone fully charged for photos — the scenic views and Northern Lights are worth capturing.
• Physical fitness: You should be comfortable with outdoor winter activities since sledding is self-driven.
• Injury considerations: If you or your partner can’t drive due to injury or other reasons, you can arrange for a driver (additional fee applies).
• Children and pregnant women: Not suitable for children under 11 or pregnant women, as sledding requires physical effort and safety considerations.
• No alcohol: It’s not permitted in the vehicle or while on the tour, which is sensible given the outdoor activity.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This tour suits adventurous travelers who enjoy outdoor winter activities and want to experience true Arctic wilderness. It’s especially appealing if you’re eager to control your own sled and share the excitement of guiding a team of huskies. The cozy tipi break and the potential for Northern Lights sightings add layers of enchantment, perfect for those seeking a memorable, authentic Lapland experience.

If you prefer a more relaxed, less physically demanding activity, or if you’re traveling with very young kids or pregnant, this might not be ideal. But for active, curious travelers wanting a comprehensive Arctic adventure — this tour hits the right notes.

FAQs

What is included in the tour?
You’ll receive thermal clothing (overalls, boots, gloves), roundtrip transportation from Saariselkä, an approximately 8 km husky sled ride, safety instructions, and a warm drink at the tipi.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts about 3 hours, including pickup, transportation, sledding, and the cozy break.

Can I drive the sled myself?
Yes, the tour is designed for self-driving, with guidance from an expert guide. If you can’t drive due to injury, arrangements can be made for a driver at an additional cost.

What should I bring?
Warm, comfortable clothes, a hat, gloves, and fully charged phones for photos. Extra layers are recommended because temperatures can vary.

Is this activity suitable for children?
Not for children under 11 years old. The activity requires physical effort and self-driving, which might not suit very young kids.

Can I see the Northern Lights during this tour?
While sightings depend on weather conditions, the tour is scheduled during optimal times for aurora viewing, and the guide will assist in spotting the Lights if they appear.

What is the group size?
Limited to 10 participants, ensuring a personalized and intimate experience.

What if I don’t want to drive?
You can opt to ride as a passenger for an extra fee, or inform the organizer in advance to arrange a driver.

Is alcohol allowed?
No, alcohol isn’t permitted during the tour or in the vehicle, for safety reasons.

Final Thoughts

This Saariselkä Husky Safari with Aurora Borealis Hunt offers a genuine taste of Arctic adventure, blending the thrill of self-driven sledding with the serenity of Lapland’s winter landscape. It’s a well-organized, cozy experience that combines outdoor excitement with moments of warmth and quiet reflection under northern skies.

Ideal for active travelers eager to enjoy a full-bodied Arctic day, this tour balances scenic beauty, authentic dog-sledding, and the ever-elusive Northern Lights. If you’re looking for a memorable, engaging winter activity that delivers both adventure and the chance to witness one of nature’s most spectacular displays, this tour deserves a serious spot on your Lapland itinerary.

You can check if your dates are available here: