Saariselkä: Husky Safari with kennel visit

If you’re dreaming of a true Arctic adventure, the Husky Safari with Kennel Visit in Saariselkä offers an authentic slice of Lapland life. While we haven’t tried it firsthand, this tour promises a memorable experience—complete with driving your own sled, cuddling adorable huskies, and soaking up the stunning snowy scenery.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the chance to mush your own team of huskies provides a sense of freedom and thrill that simply can’t be replicated. Second, the small group size (limited to 8 participants) ensures personalized attention from guides and plenty of time to connect with the dogs. Third, the visits to the kennels allow for genuine interaction and insight into the huskies’ lives, which adds depth to the adventure.

A potential consideration? The drive to the starting point can take around an hour from Saariselkä, which might feel like a long time for some travelers, especially if you’re eager to start sledding. However, many reviews highlight that this travel time is well worth it for the quality of the experience on offer.

This tour would suit dog lovers, adventure enthusiasts, and families looking for a taste of authentic Lapland activities. If you’re after a combination of scenic beauty, interactive fun, and a deeper understanding of huskies, this safari ticks those boxes.

Good To Know

• Authentic husky experience: Drive your own sled through scenic landscapes with expert guidance.
• Small group setting: Limited to 8 participants, ensuring personalized attention and interaction.
• Kennel visit: Opportunity to play with huskies and learn from passionate guides.
• Inclusive touches: Warm drinks and optional overalls for comfort.
• Duration & distance: About 4 hours total, covering an 8-10 km sled track.
• Convenience: Roundtrip transportation from Saariselkä and Ivalo simplifies planning.

You can check if your dates are available here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour

The Itinerary Breakdown

This tour offers a well-structured experience starting with convenient pick-up from hotels in Saariselkä or Ivalo. After a roughly one-hour drive to Veskoniemi, you begin with a brief safety briefing that lasts about 15 minutes. This part sets the tone, providing essential instructions while sharing stories from your guides—often passionate and knowledgeable about the huskies and the region.

Next, the sledding segment lasts approximately 40 minutes, covering 8-10 km of snowy trails. You’ll be behind the sled, either driving or riding as a passenger if you prefer. Reviewers highlight that being the one to mush your own team is a highlight—adding a sense of adventure and accomplishment. Guides like Janna are praised for their friendliness and storytelling, enriching the experience with insights into husky life and Arctic nature.

Following the sled ride, there’s a one-hour visit to the husky kennel. Here, you’ll get to interact with the dogs, petting and playing with the friendly huskies that love to run and be loved. This part receives high praise, with many reviewers noting how well-cared-for and adorable the dogs are. One reviewer mentioned how “fur balls love to run,” and guides like Walter take care to explain the dogs’ stories and care routines.

Finally, the tour wraps up with a hot drink in a kota (traditional Sami tent), offering a cozy moment to reflect on the ride and ask questions. Many guests appreciate the warm overalls provided if requested beforehand, allowing them to stay comfortable despite the cold Arctic conditions.

Transport & Group Size

The roundtrip transportation is a key feature, removing the hassle of organizing your own transfer, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the area. The small group setting ensures everyone gets attention, and the guides can tailor explanations and interactions to the group’s interests. With a maximum of 8 participants, you’ll find the experience intimate and personalized.

What to Expect During the Ride

The sledding experience is designed to be accessible, with instructions provided beforehand. Whether you’re a seasoned snow traveler or a first-timer, guides reassure that safety and clear directions are priorities. Children over 4 years old can participate under parental supervision, with children over 12 always riding as passengers, and teenagers over 16 able to drive.

The scenery along the route is described as stunning, with sweeping snowy vistas and tranquil forests. Guests have praised the views and the peacefulness of the Arctic landscape, which complements the thrill of driving the sled.

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What Else is Included?

• Detailed instructions and stories from seasoned mushers add depth to the experience.
• Warm drink served at the end provides comfort and a chance to chat.
• Warm overalls are available upon request, ensuring you can focus on the fun without worrying about the cold.

What’s Not Included?

Food and additional drinks are not included, so consider bringing some snacks if you’d like to extend your day or stay longer at the location.

Authentic Experiences and Guest Insights

Guests consistently highlight the guides’ knowledge and passion for huskies as a major highlight. Darrell’s review mentions that the guide was excellent, and that the interactive aspect of petting the dogs after adds a personal touch.

Abhinav appreciated that the huskies love to run and that the guide, Janna, shared engaging stories, making the experience both fun and educational. Others noted that the small kennel means fewer dogs but a focus on quality care, which resonates with animal lovers.

Many reviews also mention the long drive to the kennel—almost an hour from Saariselkä—but agree that it is worth the journey for the quality of interaction and scenery. The playful and friendly huskies tend to steal the show, with many guests mentioning how well-cared-for and happy the dogs seem.

Analyzing Value and Suitability

At $226 per person, this tour offers not just a ride but a comprehensive experience that combines adventure, education, and interaction. The 4-hour duration balances a substantial sled ride with downtime at the kennel, making it suitable for most travelers looking for a meaningful Arctic activity.

The small group size means you’ll get personalized stories and attention, enhancing the overall value. The inclusion of warm overalls and roundtrip transportation simplifies logistics and keeps the experience comfortable.

While the cost might seem high compared to some snowmobile or reindeer rides, the personal interaction with huskies and the opportunity to drive your own sled offers a different kind of value—especially for dog lovers and those seeking an authentic connection with Arctic wildlife.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Dress warmly with proper outdoor clothing—layers, hats, gloves, and waterproof boots are essential.
• Consider bringing a camera or smartphone for photos—many guests capture adorable moments with the huskies.
• If you’re traveling with children, note that kids over 4 can participate, and teenagers can drive if qualified.
• Book in advance, especially if you want overalls provided or specific pickup times.
• Be prepared for some travel time to the kennel, but many find it part of the Arctic adventure.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This safari appeals to a wide range of travelers: dog lovers wanting a hands-on experience, adventure seekers eager for a scenic sled ride, and families looking for a memorable Arctic activity. It’s particularly well-suited if you value small-group intimacy and instructive guides, making it an immersive rather than touristy experience.

It’s ideal for those willing to embrace the cold, appreciate animal care and storytelling, and want to capture the magic of Lapland’s winter wilderness. If you prefer a high-energy, adrenaline-pumping activity, this might be a gentle, scenic alternative.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, roundtrip transportation from Saariselkä or Ivalo is included within 15 km of the pickup point, making it easy to join the tour without extra hassle.

How long is the sled ride?
The sledding track covers about 8-10 km and lasts approximately 40 minutes, providing enough time for a proper Arctic adventure.

Can children participate?
Children over 4 years old can ride with parental supervision, while children over 12 participate as passengers. Teenagers over 16 can drive the sled if qualified.

What should I wear?
Warm outdoor clothing is strongly advised, including layers, hats, gloves, and waterproof boots. Overalls are available if requested in advance.

Is it safe to drive the sled?
Yes, safety instructions are provided before the ride, and guides are there to assist. Driving is straightforward, and you’ll receive clear guidance.

What is included in the price?
The tour includes the sled ride, kennel visit, instructions, stories from guides, warm drink, and optional overalls.

What is not included?
Food and extra drinks are not included, so consider bringing snacks if desired.

How long does the whole experience last?
The total duration is about 4 hours, balancing travel, sledding, kennel visit, and relaxation time.

Is this suitable for people with animal allergies?
People with animal allergies should consider their sensitivity, as the kennel visit involves close contact with huskies.

Final Thoughts

The Saariselkä Husky Safari with Kennel Visit offers a genuine taste of Lapland’s winter charm. It blends scenic sledding with heartfelt animal interactions, guided by passionate experts who love sharing their knowledge. The experience strikes a nice balance between adventure and education, making it ideal for dogs lovers, families, or anyone craving an authentic Arctic connection.

While the journey to the kennel adds travel time, many guests find that the interaction with friendly huskies and the beautiful landscapes make every moment worthwhile. The small group setting ensures that you won’t feel like just another tourist, but rather a welcomed guest in a true husky family.

If you’re ready for a memorable day of snow, dogs, and Arctic stories, this tour is a solid choice. It’s especially perfect for those wanting to drive their own sled, learn about husky life, and enjoy the peaceful beauty of Lapland’s winter wilderness.

You can check if your dates are available here: