Kiruna: Sit Back and Relax Morning Dogsledding Tour

Key Points

• Duration: The tour lasts 3 hours, starting in the morning, with a scenic and leisurely pace.
• Location: It departs from the kennel in Svappavaara, just 30 minutes south of Kiruna.
• Activities: Includes a dogsled ride through forests, open spaces, a creek, and a lake, plus a warm drink and cinnamon roll during a mid-tour break.
• Guides: Knowledgeable guides explain the training and care of the friendly sled dogs and share insights about the area.
• Suitability: Best for those who can handle cold weather and are comfortable sitting on a sled; not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, or babies under 1 year.
• Reviews: High ratings of 4.8/5 from 16 reviews highlight the friendly guides, beautiful scenery, and well-cared-for dogs.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Experience the Magic of a Dogsled Ride Near Kiruna

The “Kiruna: Sit Back and Relax Morning Dogsledding Tour” offers a memorable way to explore the snowy landscapes of Norrbotten County. With a duration of 3 hours, this tour takes place in Svappavaara, just half an hour south of Kiruna, providing a scenic escape into the wilderness.

The highlight is a gentle dogsled ride led by an experienced guide, covering forests, open spaces, a creek, and a lake. The trails are hand-groomed and carefully selected, ensuring a smooth and scenic journey away from crowded tourist spots. The experience is designed for relaxation, with plenty of opportunities to interact with the friendly sled dogs and learn about their training and care.

For those chilly days, the tour features a midway stop where guests can warm up by the fire with tea or coffee and a cinnamon roll, adding a cozy touch to the adventure. The warm clothes are provided at the start, ensuring comfort despite the -13°C temperature during winter. This tour appeals most to travelers seeking a relaxing, nature-focused activity with a touch of local culture.

Details of the Meeting Point and Logistics

The tour begins at a kennel in Svappavaara, with an option for pickup in Kiruna at the Camp Ripan reception or the tourist information center in Kiruna’s new center. The coordinates 67.66815948486328, 20.983356475830078 guide guests to the exact location.

Guests need to arrange their own transportation, as there are no public transit options to reach the kennel. The meeting point is fully equipped with warm clothing provided by the operator, making sure everyone stays comfortable during the ride. The tour ends around 12:00 in Kiruna, making it a perfect morning activity.

What to Expect During the Sled Ride

Once at the kennel, guests are fitted with warm clothes and receive instructions on how to sit safely on the sled. The guide drives a sled accommodating four people, ensuring a relaxed, social experience.

The scenery includes forests, open fields, a creek, and a lake—all carefully groomed to provide a smooth ride. The guide introduces the team of friendly dogs, sharing their training stories and answering questions. Guests are encouraged to interact with the dogs, cuddle them, or take photographs, although petting is entirely optional.

Midway through, the fire stop provides a cozy break with hot drinks and cinnamon rolls, adding warmth and a chance to chat with the guides. The friendly dogs are always approachable, and guides will explain how to approach them safely.

The Unique Landscape and Trail Quality

One of the tour’s strengths is the varied landscape, which includes dense forests, open plains, a creek, and a lake. The trails are all hand-groomed, providing a smooth, enjoyable ride that showcases the natural beauty of the area.

The trails are carefully selected to avoid crowds and offer a more authentic wilderness experience. The scenery remains picturesque throughout, with ample opportunities for photographs and quiet moments to enjoy the winter silence.

More Great Tours Nearby

Welcoming and Knowledgeable Guides

The guides are a notable part of this experience, described as friendly, knowledgeable, and eager to share insights. One guide, Phillip, is highlighted for answering questions clearly and providing an engaging commentary on the dogs’ training and the local environment.

Guests have praised the guides for creating a relaxed atmosphere, making it easy to ask questions and interact with the dogs. Their enthusiasm helps create a warm, inviting environment despite the cold outdoor setting.

The Dogs: Friendly, Well-Cared-For, and Excited

All the sled dogs are described as friendly, well-cared-for, and eager to run. Guests are encouraged to approach from the front with their hands down, and the guides explain the best way to interact with the dogs.

The dogs’ excitement during the ride adds to the authentic sledding experience. Cuddling with the dogs during the fire stop is a highlight for many, providing a personal connection with these hardworking animals.

Food and Warmth: Cinnamon Rolls and Hot Drinks

A mid-tour stop is included, where guests can warm up beside a fire with hot tea or coffee and home-made cinnamon rolls. These small but appreciated treats add a cozy element to the adventure and allow time for photos and questions.

The warm drinks are especially valued given the -13°C winter temperatures, making this a comforting break in the middle of the ride.

Suitability and Practical Considerations

This tour is not suitable for pregnant women, guests with back problems, or babies under 1 year. It requires a willingness to sit outdoors in cold weather and handle winter conditions comfortably.

Participants should plan to wear warm clothes, as the tour provides the outerwear, but layers and proper winter gear are essential. The activity is paced to be relaxing rather than physically demanding, perfect for those who appreciate scenic rides and animal interactions without intense physical effort.

Customer Feedback and Ratings

With an impressive average rating of 4.8 out of 5 from 16 reviews, this tour consistently receives praise for the friendly guides, beautiful scenery, and caring dogs. Reviewers frequently mention the knowledgeable guides and well-maintained dogs as highlights.

Many describe the experience as “perfect” and “treasured”, emphasizing the warmth of the guides and the scenic landscape. Some note that the price might be a point of discussion, especially for a shorter experience, but overall, the quality of the experience outweighs concerns.

Additional Activities and Similar Experiences

This dogsledding tour shares similarities with other Husky Tours Lapland AB experiences, such as short husky tours with coffee breaks or lunch options, accessible through links provided by the operator. These alternatives often include family-friendly options and Northern Lights complements, but this tour’s focus on a relaxing morning ride with scenic diversity makes it a standout choice.

The Sum Up: A Relaxing and Scenic Dogsled Experience Near Kiruna

The “Sit Back and Relax Morning Dogsledding Tour” offers a gentle introduction to dogsledding amid beautiful winter landscapes. With a friendly guide, well-cared-for dogs, and scenic trails, it provides a calm, authentic experience that emphasizes relaxation and animal interaction.

While the 3-hour duration may feel brief to some, the quality of scenery, the warmth of the break, and the personal connection with the dogs make it a valuable activity for those seeking a peaceful outdoor adventure. This tour is perfect for families, couples, or solo travelers eager to enjoy Lapland’s snowy wilderness without rushing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation provided to the kennel?
Transportation is not included, but there is an optional pickup from the Camp Ripan reception or the tourist information center in Kiruna. Guests should plan to arrange their own transportation to the meeting point.

What should I wear for the tour?
Guests are provided with warm clothes at the start, but bringing additional layers and winter gear is advisable due to the cold weather, especially during winter months.

Can I pet the dogs during the tour?
Yes, interacting with the dogs is encouraged during the fire stop. The guides explain how to approach the dogs safely; petting is optional.

How long is the dogsled ride?
The total duration of the experience is approximately 3 hours, including the ride, the fire stop, and interaction time.

Is the tour suitable for children or pregnant women?
The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, or babies under 1 year. Children should be able to sit outside comfortably.

What is the main highlight of this experience?
The scenery, friendly dogs, and knowledgeable guides combine to create a relaxing, authentic winter adventure that emphasizes outdoor tranquility and animal care.

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