Rovaniemi: Drive Your Own Husky Team (610 km) & BBQ

Key Points

• Drive your own husky team across 610 km of Lapland’s snowy forests and frozen lakes in a small group of no more than 8 guests
• Authentic, secluded husky farm ensures a genuine experience, far from mass tourism kennels
• Brand-new 2025 4×4 vans with heated seats offer comfortable transportation to the husky farm
• Approximately 5 hours of activity, including driving, sightseeing, and relaxing by a fire with hot drinks and barbecue
• Expert guides with first-aid training lead the tour, providing full instructions and personal care
• Suitable for those who want an adventure with ample time, a personalized experience, and an appreciation for Lapland’s wilderness

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Rovaniemi Husky Safari: Drive Your Own Team and Barbecue Adventure

The Rovaniemi: Drive Your Own Husky Team (610 km) & BBQ tour offers an engaging way to explore Lapland’s winter landscape. This 5-hour experience balances adventure, comfort, and authenticity, making it perfect for travelers eager to steer their own sleds and enjoy genuine Arctic hospitality. The tour departs from Rovaniemi and features a small group size—limited to 8 participants—ensuring a personalized and interactive encounter with the huskies.

A standout feature of this tour is the impressive 610 km husky safari, where visitors get behind the reins of their own sleds. This is complemented by the scenic drive in brand-new 2025 4×4 vans, equipped with leather interiors and heated seats—a thoughtful touch for the cold Lapland weather. After the sledding, a cozy barbecue by the fire, served with hot drinks and grilled sausages, rounds out the experience. This tour balances adventure, comfort, and cultural authenticity, appealing especially to those who value a small-group, carefully managed experience.

The Route and Scenic Highlights of Lapland Wilderness

The safari begins with a scenic drive from Rovaniemi in luxurious 4×4 vans. As the vans travel through snow-covered forests and across frozen lakes, travelers will enjoy the changing landscape of Lapland’s wilderness. The secluded husky farm is the tour’s key stop, situated far from the typical mass-tourism kennels, ensuring a genuine farm environment where the friendly huskies await.

Once at the farm, the guides provide a full demonstration and instructions before participants take the reins of their own sleds. The approximate 610 km journey takes travelers through quiet snow-blanketed woods and across icy lakes, with only the sounds of sled runners and lively huskies breaking the Arctic silence. Midway through, it’s possible to swap drivers, sharing the joy of guiding the dogs and adding to the shared adventure. The route showcases the stunning beauty of Lapland’s winter scenery, with opportunities for photos and quiet moments in nature.

Driving Your Own Huskies: A Hands-On Arctic Adventure

Participants drive their own husky teams, controlling the speed and direction of their sleds through snowy landscapes. Before departure, guides give comprehensive instructions to ensure everyone feels confident and safe. The mushing experience lasts for about 6 to 10 km, which allows for ample time to enjoy the thrill of steering the sled and bonding with the dogs.

The huskies are well cared for and visibly eager to run, making the experience lively and engaging. Guides like Natalia, Raphael, Carmen, and others are praised for their friendliness and helpfulness, providing personalized attention throughout the activity. The small group setting allows for more interaction with the guides and huskies, making it easier to ask questions and learn about dog training, husky care, and Lapland life.

Post-Sledding Relaxation with a Traditional Barbecue

After the excitement of driving the husky sleds, everyone gathers around a fire to enjoy a Lapland-style barbecue. The grilled sausages and hot drinks create a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for sharing stories and taking photos. The fire-side setting enhances the sense of authenticity and closeness to nature.

This relaxing moment provides a chance to debrief with guides, ask questions about husky life and Lapland’s environment, or simply unwind amid the snow. The barbecue is a highlight, adding a cozy, communal touch to the day’s adventure. Many reviews note the delicious food and friendly service as memorable parts of the experience.

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Expert Guides and Safety Measures

The tour is led by certified guides who are first-aid trained, ensuring safety and professionalism at all times. The guides, such as Angel, JB, Marie, and others, receive praise for their knowledge, friendly attitude, and ability to explain the activity clearly. They personally take care of the group from pickup to drop-off, making sure everyone feels comfortable and well-informed.

Guides also help with clothing and equipment, providing warm suits that keep participants comfortable during the sledding. The emphasis on small group sizes helps maintain a personalized touch, with guides able to give individual attention and answer questions about husky training, local culture, and Lapland’s environment.

Logistics: Pickup, Transportation, and Group Size

The tour includes pickup from Rovaniemi accommodations in brand-new 2025 Ford Tourneo 4×4 vans. Travelers are advised to be ready in the lobby about 10 minutes before the scheduled pickup time; guides will wait up to 15 minutes. The small group limit of 8 guests helps ensure a quiet, personal experience.

Transportation is comfortable, with heated seats and leather interiors, making the journey to the husky farm enjoyable despite the cold weather. The tour’s duration is approximately 5 hours, including travel, sledding, and barbecue, allowing for a relaxed pace with enough time to savor each part of the experience.

What to Bring and Practical Tips

Participants should bring a passport or ID card, warm shoes, and warm clothing suitable for outdoor winter activities. The tour explicitly forbids pets, luggage, large bags, smoking, alcohol, fireworks, and baby carriages, to ensure safety and comfort for all involved. These restrictions help create a safe environment for both humans and dogs.

Clothing and equipment are provided, but dressing in layers is recommended to stay comfortable during sledding. The hot suits provided by the tour help keep participants warm, but wearing thermal underlayers is advisable for extended outdoor activity.

Reviews and What Makes This Tour Special

The overall rating of 4.3 from 257 reviews highlights strong satisfaction, especially related to guides’ friendliness, professionalism, and the quality of the huskies. Many reviews emphasize guide excellence, mentioning Carmen, Mariarita, Raphael, and JB as highly praised for their helpfulness and warmth.

Visitors frequently mention longer sled rides and the opportunity to drive as highlights. The delicious barbecue and fire-side drinks are also commonly praised, creating a cozy and memorable ending to the adventure. The secluded farm setting is credited with providing an authentic experience that is far from mass tourism.

Comparing Similar Experiences in Rovaniemi

This tour shares similarities with other husky experiences such as the Husky Sled Ride and Farm Visit or the Self-Drive Husky Sled Through the Forest. However, the 610 km safari with small-group attention and the culminating barbecue set this experience apart, offering a more immersive and personal Arctic adventure.

Many alternatives focus on shorter rides or group tours, but this experience’s long distance and small-group format make it ideal for those wanting more time on the sled and closer interaction with the huskies.

Final Thoughts on the Rovaniemi Husky Safari

The Drive Your Own Husky Team & BBQ tour offers a well-balanced mix of adventure, comfort, and authenticity. The 610 km of sledding, guided by knowledgeable professionals, provides a thrilling yet manageable challenge for outdoor enthusiasts. The setting at a secluded farm ensures an unfiltered experience of Lapland’s wilderness, complemented by warm meals and friendly service.

While the ride length and price may be considerations for some, the quality of the guides, the well-cared-for huskies, and the personalized approach make this tour a top choice for those seeking a full-day, authentic Lapland husky adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the husky sled ride?
The sled ride covers approximately 6 to 10 km, giving ample time for participants to drive and enjoy the scenery.

What is included in the price?
The tour includes pickup, transportation in a brand-new 2025 van, full instructions, the husky sledding experience, and a barbecue by the fire with hot drinks and grilled sausages.

What should I wear?
Warm shoes and warm clothing are essential. The tour provides hot suits to keep participants comfortable during sledding.

Are guides knowledgeable?
Yes, guides like Angel, JB, Carmen, and others are praised for their friendliness, helpfulness, and ability to explain the activity clearly.

Is the experience suitable for children?
The tour is suitable for anyone prepared for outdoor winter activities and with appropriate clothing. Children generally enjoy being in the snow and petting the huskies.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, full refunds are available if canceled up to 24 hours in advance.

This unique husky safari from Rovaniemi offers a true taste of Arctic life, combining adventure, comfort, and authenticity—a memorable highlight for any winter trip to Lapland.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby