Rovaniemi in 1 Days - Drive your own husky sled (musher experience) on an 8–10 km forest trail
In Collaboration with Arktictopia-Your Sunny House. Updated on February 16, 2026.
Drive your own open husky sled through the snowy Lapland forest (8–10 km), meet friendly farm animals at the kennel, and enjoy a traditional Lapland BBQ. Pickup from any location within a 10 km radius of Rovaniemi city centre is included. Total duration ~4½ hours.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Arktictopia-Your Sunny House, inspired by the tour 8-10km Husky Ride in the Taiga and Visit Other Farm Animals. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Drive your own husky sled (musher experience) on an 8–10 km forest trail
- Meet friendly farm animals at the kennel
- Enjoy a warm Lapland BBQ served outdoors
- Pickup within 10 km of Rovaniemi city centre; ~1 hour transfer each way
More than 36 itineraries in Rovaniemi.
Itinerary
Day 1
Morning pickup in Rovaniemi, transfer to the kennel, husky safari with meet-and-greet and Lapland BBQ, return to Rovaniemi.
Pickup from accommodation or central meeting point
We pick you up from your accommodation or an agreed meeting point within a 10 km radius of Rovaniemi city centre. Please be ready in the hotel lobby or at the agreed address 5 minutes before pickup time.
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm the exact pickup address the evening before and have your phone switched on for driver contact.
- Dress in layers for waiting outside briefly while guests are collected; the transfer vehicle is heated for the drive.
- Pack small snacks and any necessary medication for children before pickup; infant seats are unavailable so plan accordingly.
Transfer to the kennel (approx. 1 hour)
Comfortable drive from Rovaniemi to the husky kennel area. Scenic winter forest roads; short comfort stops available on request.
Tips from local experts:
- Expect a one-way transfer time of about 60 minutes; bring a warm hat and gloves for any short outdoor stops.
- Use the restroom in Rovaniemi before boarding if possible — on-site facilities at the kennel are basic and shared.
- If anyone in the group is prone to motion sickness, sit near the middle of the vehicle and inform the driver before departure.
Arrival, safety briefing and gear fitting
Short welcome at the kennel, safety briefing on sled handling, and distribution of winter overalls if requested. Time to meet a few dogs before setting out.
Tips from local experts:
- Wear sturdy winter boots; overalls are available but boots and warm socks are recommended for comfort.
- Children under 18 may ride as passengers in the rear seat—parents should sit near them during the briefing to learn passenger safety.
- Tell the guide about any back or health issues before the briefing; the activity is not recommended for persons with certain medical conditions.
Husky sled ride (8–10 km), meet other farm animals, and Lapland BBQ
Drive your own husky sled through the taiga trail (8–10 km). After the ride, visit the kennel's farm animals and warm up with a traditional Lapland BBQ served outdoors.
Tips from local experts:
- Mushers must be over 18 to drive; younger guests can ride as passengers—plan seating accordingly.
- Keep gloves on when handling dogs and during the ride; dog fur and equipment can be cold and wet.
- If you have food allergies, inform the guide on arrival so they can accommodate the BBQ where possible.
Return transfer to Rovaniemi and drop-off
Drive back to Rovaniemi (approx. 1 hour). Drop-off at your original pickup address or agreed central point.
Tips from local experts:
- Expect to arrive back in Rovaniemi around 13:00; allow time in your schedule for a short warm-up after the activity.
- Keep a small dry bag for any wet gloves or clothing to avoid damp items in your luggage.
- If you need a later drop-off within the 10 km zone, confirm during pickup so routing can be arranged.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 4 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Families |
| Transfers | 3 |
| Restaurants | - |
| Total Activities | 2 |
| Total Places | 2 |
| Activities Types | Transfer, Experience |
Why this experience
You'll stand on wooden runners behind a team of eager huskies and feel the sled lurch forward as they pull you through taiga forest. This isn't a passenger experience—you're driving the sled yourself, holding the reins, navigating the packed snow trails. The dogs are fast but responsive, and your musher guide runs alongside to coach you, shouting commands and laughing as you gain confidence. For 8–10 kilometers, you're moving through dense spruce forest under Arctic light, the only sounds your sled's skids and the dogs' paws.
Afterward, you'll visit the farm and meet the other animals—reindeer, arctic foxes, owls—and warm up with hot drinks and snacks in the lodge. The physical sensation of controlling the sled, the speed, the connection to the dogs, stays with you long after you return.
Best for couples who want a hands-on Arctic experience, who enjoy animals, and who don't mind a bit of physical exertion or cold.
Before you go
- Best time: Winter (December through March). Snow must be reliable and trails packed for safe sledding. Earlier and later in the season, conditions are less predictable.
- Budget: Check the booking widget for current tour pricing. Hot drinks and snacks are included.
- Difficulty: Moderate. You'll be standing on the sled and balancing as it moves. It's not strenuous, but it requires active attention and a reasonable level of fitness.
- What to bring: Insulated winter gloves (essential), heavy insulated coat, thermal base layers and mid-layers, warm hat (covers ears), balaclava or neck gaiter, warm socks, insulated boots, sunscreen, water bottle.
- Getting there: Pickup from Rovaniemi accommodation. The farm is 20–30 minutes outside the city.
- Accessibility: This activity requires standing balance and mobility. Inform the operator if you have any physical limitations before booking.
Frequently asked questions
Have you trained the dogs? Yes. The huskies are bred for sledding, well-trained, and accustomed to first-time drivers. Your guide will give you clear instructions and remain with you during the entire ride.
What if I've never been on a sled before? Perfect—most people haven't. Your guide will teach you how to grip the handles, when to lean, and how to give commands. You'll feel nervous for the first few minutes, then confident.
Is it cruel to the dogs? The huskies are bred for sledding and live to run. They're enthusiastic, well-fed, and regularly rotated so no team works every day. This is their job and their joy.
What's included in this itinerary? This itinerary on TheNextGuide is free to read and follow at your own pace. The bookable experience includes a 8–10 km husky sled ride with you as musher, a guide alongside you throughout, a farm visit to meet other animals, hot drinks, and snacks.
Complete your trip in Rovaniemi
Mushing offers a primal Arctic connection. Complement it with other winter experiences:
- Reindeer Safari - Wild reindeer safari with lunch in glass igloo — Meet wild reindeer and dine in glass while viewing the landscape
- [Husky Camp - Guided husky camp (included in catalog but slug not in batch 2)]
- Horse Ride - Horse ride to Haukivaara — Another animal-based winter experience for experienced riders
- Aurora Tour - Guaranteed Northern Lights small-group and photography — Pair mushing with evening Northern Lights hunting
Browse all Rovaniemi itineraries at TheNextGuide.
*Last updated: April 2026*
