Pyhätunturi: Husky safari 5km including a farm visit

Discover the Pyhätunturi Husky Safari: 5 km of Arctic Adventure in Lapland

The Pyhätunturi Husky Safari offers an engaging 1.5-hour experience in the wilderness of Lapland, Finland. For around 140 euros, participants enjoy a 4-5 km sledge ride led by eager huskies and gain insight into husky life through storytelling. The tour includes a visit to the Pyhä Husky Farm, where warmth and storytelling are complemented by steaming berry juice in a cozy hut. The experience is designed to be family friendly, making it accessible for children over 4 years old and suitable for those seeking a hands-on winter activity.

While the safari emphasizes interaction with adorable huskies and offers a scenic ride in snowy landscapes, it’s important to arrive on time at the farm, dressed in proper winter clothing. The tour is ideal for those wanting a short but memorable Arctic adventure, though it’s worth noting that children under 4 cannot participate due to safety concerns, and the sledge always has a driver.

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Key Points

• Duration: 1.5 hours, including farm visit and storytelling
• Distance: 4-5 km husky sledge ride
• Location: Pyhä Husky Farm, Kemijärvi, Finland
• Price: Approximately 140 euros per adult, free for infants (farm visit only)
• Family Friendly: Suitable for children over 4 years old; children under 4 cannot participate
• Physical Requirements: Must wear winter clothes; not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems or low fitness levels

Meeting at the Pyhä Husky Farm Parking Lot

The tour begins at the Pyhä Husky Farm parking lot, located at 66.99908447265625, 27.366239547729492. It’s essential to arrive on time and dress in warm winter clothes, as the farm does not provide winter clothing. Those arriving with their own vehicle should be prepared to wait in the parking lot if early, and entry without a guide is not permitted.

The farm is a privately owned operation in the wilderness of Lapland, and the starting point offers a picturesque setting for the adventure ahead. The guided tour is conducted in English or Finnish, featuring a knowledgeable guide who shares stories about the huskies and their lives.

The Husky Sledge Ride: 4-5 km in Arctic Snow

The core of the experience is a scenic husky sledge ride covering around 4-5 km through the snowy wilderness. Participants drive the sledge of 6 eager huskies, with one adult always at the wheel. The guides often allow switching mushers at the midway point if there are two adults in a sledge.

The ride features sharp turns and speed, making it an exciting activity suitable for those comfortable in winter conditions. Children under 4 are excluded from riding due to safety, but smaller children can sit on an adult’s lap. The ride is fast-paced enough that some children aged 6 and under can find it overwhelming, especially in colder weather.

Learning About Husky Life and Mushing Secrets

After the sledge ride, the guide shares stories and insights into what life is like for working huskies. This includes explanations about husky breeds and their role in Arctic transportation. The storytelling aims to deepen understanding and appreciation of the dogs’ hard work and joyful nature.

We appreciate how the guides make the history and care of the huskies accessible, making the experience more than just a ride. The storytelling occurs in a cozy hut, where guests enjoy steaming berry juice around a campfire—a perfect way to warm up and unwind after the ride.

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Visiting the Pyhä Husky Farm: Insights and Atmosphere

The Pyhä Husky Farm is a private operation located in a remote part of Lapland. It’s a small-scale farm where visitors can get up close to the huskies and learn about their daily lives. The farm visit is included in the tour, but transportation to the farm is not included and can be booked separately.

The farm provides a personalized experience with guides who are knowledgeable and friendly. Visitors should arrive prepared with appropriate winter gear, as no winter clothes are supplied on-site. The farm’s atmosphere is authentic and welcoming, adding a genuine touch to the adventure.

Practicalities: Booking, Timing, and Group Size

The tour is flexible, with live guides available in English and Finnish. Travelers can reserve and pay later, with the option to cancel up to 24 hours before the scheduled start for a full refund.

The experience lasts 1.5 hours, including the farm visit, sledge ride, and storytelling. The group size is not specified but typically involves full sledges, emphasizing the importance of arriving on time and being ready with winter clothing. Pickup services are available from Pyhä (starting 30 minutes prior) and Luosto (starting 45 minutes prior), but transportation is not included by default.

Safety and Accessibility Considerations

Children under 4 years cannot participate in the safari, due to safety reasons related to cold exposure and the physical demands of the sledge ride. The tour requires participants to be physically capable of handling winter conditions, and pregnant women or individuals with back problems are advised against participating.

Participants must wear proper winter clothes and shoes, which can be rented if needed. The sledge always has a driver, and no separate drivers are available outside of the guided experience. The sledge can carry two adults and some children, but the families may be divided depending on the age and size of children.

The Experience’s Strengths and Weaknesses

The main appeal of this safari is the unique opportunity to drive a husky sledge in a pristine Arctic setting. The knowledgeable guides and storytelling enrich the experience, making it educational as well as fun. Guests often find the scenic ride exhilarating, especially with sharp turns and the speed of the sled.

On the downside, some reviews mention that the ride may feel short for the price, with hot berry juice and explanation time being relatively brief. The crowding can also be an issue, with full sledges making the experience less personal than some might hope. Children under 4 are excluded, which could limit families with very young kids, and participants with mobility issues or low fitness levels might find the cold and activity challenging.

Comparing This Tour to Other Arctic Activities

This husky safari is a focused experience tailored to those eager for a hands-on mushing adventure. Compared to other activities like snowshoeing or ice karting, it offers a more interactive and authentic connection with Arctic working dogs.

For visitors seeking a short, family-friendly activity with storytelling and farm visits, this tour fits well. However, if a longer or more intense sled ride is desired, other options such as 10 km safaris or night safaris might better suit those preferences.

Final Thoughts on the Pyhätunturi Husky Safari

The Pyhätunturi Husky Safari provides a memorable introduction to husky mushing in Lapland, combining an exciting sled ride with insights into husky life and warm storytelling. The 1.5-hour experience is well-suited for families or individuals looking for a short Arctic adventure with a personal touch.

While the short ride and crowding could be drawbacks for some, the authentic farm visit and friendly guides help balance the experience. This tour is especially ideal for those eager to drive the sledge themselves and enjoy the wilderness scenery in a safe, organized setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation to the farm included?
No, transportation is not included but can be booked separately.

What should I wear for the safari?
Participants must wear warm winter clothes and shoes, which can be rented if necessary.

Are children under 4 allowed to participate?
No, children under 4 years old cannot participate due to safety concerns.

Can I drive the husky sledge alone?
No, one adult must always drive the sledge; no separate drivers are available unless arranged in special cases.

What is the duration of the tour?
The total experience lasts 1.5 hours, including farm visit, sled ride, and storytelling.

Is the tour suitable for pregnant women or those with back problems?
No, it is not recommended for pregnant women or people with back problems.

What is included in the price?
The price covers the sled ride, farm visit, storytelling, and berry juice by the campfire.

How long is the husky sledge ride?
The ride covers approximately 4-5 km through Lapland’s snowy landscape.

Can families be in the same sledge?
Yes, but families may be split depending on the size and age of children, and full sledges are common.

Is this experience suitable for people with low fitness levels?
It requires some physical effort and warm clothing, but generally suitable for those comfortable in winter conditions.

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