Hunting Northern Lights with Husky

Discover the magic of the northern lights on this Hunting Northern Lights with Husky tour in Rovaniemi, Finland. Priced at $264.82 per person, this 3.5-hour adventure includes a husky-pulled sled ride, a scenic transfer to a forest or lakeside viewing spot, and warm drinks like hot blueberry juice. Operating with a pickup service from Santa Claus Holiday Village, it offers a comfortable way to chase the auroras without the stress of navigation. This tour is especially suited for those who love dog sledding, scenic winter landscapes, and guided experiences, though the chance to see the northern lights depends on weather conditions, which can be unpredictable.

One of the key benefits of this tour is the professional guidance from experienced guides and husky farmers, ensuring a smooth and informative trip. The group size is limited to 24 travelers, providing a cozy and personalized atmosphere. While the tour is generally well-reviewed, it’s important to note that the northern lights are not guaranteed. Weather, cloud cover, and solar activity can all influence the likelihood of seeing the auroras during your evening outing.

Key Points

• Includes a husky sled ride driven by local farmers, offering an authentic experience
• Duration of approximately 3.5 hours with pickup and transfer included
• Price of $264.82 per person, suitable for those seeking a guided winter adventure
• Northern lights sightings depend on weather conditions and are not guaranteed
• Group size capped at 24, ensuring a more personal experience
• Hot blueberry juice and a scenic transfer to viewing spots enhance the outing

Husky Sledding Through Lappish Forests With Professional Guides

This tour features a husky-pulled sled ride across snow-covered forests in Rovaniemi. Driven by experienced husky farmers, the sleds glide smoothly through the winter landscape, providing a genuine dog-sledding adventure. Reviews highlight the friendly and knowledgeable guides, such as Linda and others, who share insights about the huskies and the local environment. The ride lasts about 25 minutes, with some travelers noting that the experience feels well-paced and enjoyable, though a few mention the ride can be a bit cramped or quick.

The scenic routes take you through snow-laden forests, where you can appreciate the quiet of the Lappish wilderness. After the sled ride, the group is taken to a nearby forest or lakeside by car, offering a different vantage point for potential northern lights viewing. The guides often share stories about the dogs and the area, adding depth to the experience.

Scenic Transfers to Forest and Lakeside Viewing Spots

Post-sled ride, travelers are driven to remote forest or lakeside locations for optimal aurora viewing. These spots are chosen for their dark skies and clear vantage points, increasing the chances of catching the dancing auroras overhead. The transfer in a comfortable vehicle makes the experience more relaxing, especially in the cold winter night.

Some reviews mention that the viewing conditions can vary—cloud cover sometimes obscures the lights, which is outside the control of the tour providers. Still, the scenic drive and the chance to be in a peaceful environment are appreciated. The timing between the sled ride and the viewing spot allows ample opportunity for stargazing and enjoying the Lappish night sky.

Warm Drinks and Relaxing Amenities in the Forest or Lakeside

Part of the charm of this tour is the hot blueberry juice, which helps keep everyone warm during the outdoor viewing. The warm beverages are served around a campfire or in a cozy tent, creating a relaxed atmosphere amid the cold. Some reviewers note that the quality of the food can be a mixed bag—while the drinks are well-received, the BBQ served at the end of the evening has received comments about being short or hurried, especially when the group is large.

The fire and friendly staff enhance the overall experience, giving a sense of authenticity and comfort despite the chilly conditions outside. This warmth, combined with the scenic surroundings, makes the outing memorable—even if the auroras stay hidden behind clouds.

The Role of Experienced Guides and Mushers

Guides such as Linda and Irene are praised for their professionalism and friendliness. They often share insights about the huskies, including their characteristics and care, and provide helpful safety instructions. Their knowledge enriches the experience, making the sled ride both safe and engaging.

Some reviews highlight the personal attention provided by the guides, with plenty of time for questions and informative commentary on the local area. Guides also coordinate the logistics, ensuring pickups happen on time and that everyone is prepared for the cold. Their warm attitude helps create a welcoming environment for families and solo travelers alike.

The Experience of Nighttime Dog Sledding in Cold Conditions

The dog sled ride takes place at temperatures around 11-15°F, which is considered cold but manageable with proper thermal gear. Many travelers appreciate the authenticity of riding through the Lappish winter at night, with some noting that the moonlight and starry skies make the experience especially magical—if the weather cooperates.

However, the duration of the ride can feel short, with some reviews mentioning around 20-30 minutes. Despite this, the connection with the huskies and the unique thrill of nighttime sledding make it a highlight for dog lovers. It’s important to dress warmly and consider bringing face coverings to protect against the cold and wind.

Aurora Hunting at Remote Locations—What to Expect

The main goal of this tour is to maximize the chances of viewing the northern lights at dark, remote spots away from city lights. While aurora sightings are not guaranteed due to weather and solar activity, the carefully chosen locations improve the likelihood.

Travelers should manage expectations—cloud cover remains a common obstacle, with some experiencing no visible auroras despite the effort. Nevertheless, the night under the starry sky and the quiet beauty of the wilderness can be just as memorable, with or without the lights shimmering overhead.

Food and Beverages During the Outing

The hot blueberry juice served during the tour is a popular feature, appreciated for helping guests stay warm during outdoor viewing. Some reviews mention that after the sled ride, there’s a short BBQ or snack, but experiences vary—some find it underwhelming or hurried, especially when large groups are involved.

Roasting marshmallows around the campfire adds a fun, interactive element for families and kids. The guide’s attentiveness often extends to sharing tips for enjoying the evening and making the most of the experience.

Logistics and Group Size Considerations

The tour starts at Santa Claus Holiday Village and includes pickup and drop-off services. The group size is capped at 24, which helps maintain a comfortable atmosphere. Most travelers find the logistics smooth, with timely pickups and clear instructions.

However, some reviews mention long waits at the meeting point or delays in departure, especially during busy periods. It’s recommended to arrive 10 minutes early and be prepared for possible seasonal variability in timing. For weekends and holidays, at least 4 people are required for the tour to proceed, while on weekdays, a minimum of 2 participants is necessary.

Suitability for Families and Kids

This tour is especially popular among families, as kids love the husky sled ride and the opportunity to interact with the dogs. The guides’ friendly approach and the interactive elements like roasting marshmallows make it a fun outing for children. Children under 12 must be accompanied by paying adults.

The brief sled ride and the informative guide make this experience accessible for younger travelers, though dress warmly and prepare for cold conditions.

Cancellations and Weather Dependence

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, providing flexibility in case of bad weather or change of plans. Since northern lights sightings depend heavily on weather conditions, a cancellation due to poor weather results in either a rescheduled experience or a full refund.

Travelers should stay attentive to local weather updates and the email instructions from the provider Nordic Unique Travels for the exact pickup time and any last-minute changes.

Hunting Northern Lights with Husky in Rovaniemi: An Honest Overview

This guided aurora hunting tour combines dog sledding, scenic transfers, and warm drinks to create a cozy, memorable winter adventure. The 3.5-hour experience is well-suited for families and outdoor lovers who appreciate authentic husky sled rides and scenic wilderness. The professional guides, such as Linda and Irene, add a personal touch, sharing knowledge about the huskies and the local environment.

While the main highlight, the northern lights, cannot be guaranteed, the carefully selected viewing spots and scenic drives increase the odds. The short husky ride, combined with the warm beverages and nighttime atmosphere, makes this a strong choice for those seeking a genuine Arctic experience.

Limitations include the short duration of sled rides and the uncertainty of aurora sightings, but the tour’s friendly guides and authentic setting help mitigate these concerns. This experience offers good value and a chance to connect with the local husky culture amidst the stunning winter landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the northern lights guaranteed on this tour?
No, the visibility of the auroras depends on weather and solar activity, which are outside the control of the tour operators.

What is included in the price?
The price covers the husky sled ride, transfer to viewing locations, hot blueberry juice, and guidance. The BBQ at the end may be included, but experiences vary.

How cold does it get during the tour?
Temperatures during the sled ride typically range around 11-15°F. Dress warmly in thermal clothing and consider face coverings for protection against the wind.

Can children participate?
Yes, children under 12 can join when accompanied by paying adults. The sled ride lasts approximately 20-30 minutes and is suitable for kids who can handle cold weather.

What should I bring?
Wear warm layers, including thermal clothing, hat, gloves, and face covering. Bringing additional hand warmers can enhance comfort during outdoor parts of the tour.

How do I know what time my pickup is?
Check the email from Nordic Unique Travels for your specific pickup time, which varies based on the season and availability. Arrive 10 minutes early at the designated meeting point.