Rovaniemi: 7-Kilometer Self-Driven Apukka Husky Adventure

The Rovaniemi: 7-Kilometer Self-Driven Apukka Husky Adventure offers a chance to take control of your own husky sled through stunning Lapland landscapes. Priced at $247 per person and lasting roughly 2 hours, this tour allows you to be the musher, driving a sled across snow-covered forests. Starting from Apukka Resort, it includes warm winter clothing, petting the huskies, and a hot drink afterwards. It’s well-suited for those who enjoy outdoor activities and are comfortable with a bit of physical effort, since guides emphasize that participants should have sufficient body control and fitness to handle the sleds.

While the experience is shorter than some other Arctic adventures, the 7-10 km husky ride delivers plenty of thrill and connection with these highly energetic dogs. Unlike fully guided sled rides, this self-driven tour provides a more active, hands-on experience, which is loved by many. The tour’s reviews highlight expert guides, beautiful scenery, and the care taken to treat the huskies well. However, it’s worth noting that pregnant women, mobility impairments, and wheelchair users are not able to participate.

Key Points

• Self-driven husky sled ride of 7-10 km in Lapland, with $247 price per person
• Duration: roughly 2 hours, including pickup, gear, and post-ride hot drink
• Location: departs from Korkalonkatu 32 or Napapiiri I in Rovaniemi, with transportation provided if needed
• Includes: thermal overall, boots, gloves, balaclava, petting and photo opportunities with huskies, hot berry drink after the ride
• Participants: should be physically fit with good body control; not suitable for pregnant women, mobility impairments, or wheelchair users
• Guides: English-speaking, with a focus on safety, animal care, and sharing stories about husky training

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Meeting Point and Transportation in Rovaniemi

This adventure starts near Korkalonkatu 32 or at Napapiiri I in Rovaniemi. The tour includes transfers from the city center or Santa Claus Village, making it convenient for visitors staying nearby. The pick-up process is straightforward, and transportation takes approximately 35 minutes to reach Apukka Resort.

Once at the resort, guests find the husky farm a short walk away from the main area. Guides coordinate the process efficiently, ensuring everyone is suited up with thermal gear before heading out. The time saved on logistics helps maximize the riding experience itself.

The Husky Sled Experience: Driving Your Own Pack

What makes this tour distinct is the opportunity to mush the huskies yourself. Guides provide clear instructions on handling the sled, but they also emphasize that participants need to be physically capable of controlling the team, as guides do not act as drivers. The dogs are eager and love pulling loads, which makes for an exciting, high-energy ride.

The trail takes you through forests and across a frozen lake, with beautiful winter scenery. With two rounds, each of approximately 15 minutes, it’s enough time to enjoy the snow-covered landscape and feel the thrill of guiding your own sled. The dogs’ enthusiasm is clear, and many reviews mention how energetic and happy they are to be pulling the sled.

Interacting with Huskies and Learning About Their Lives

After the ride, guests can pet the huskies, take photos, and listen to stories about their lives and training. The dogs are described as friendly and well cared for, with many reviews noting the professionalism and kindness of the staff. Some reviews mention the opportunity to meet puppies and learn about their backgrounds, which adds a charming element to the experience.

Huskies are lively animals, and guides do a good job explaining their training and daily routines. The staff’s dedication to animal welfare is apparent, with happy, well-groomed dogs that clearly enjoy their work.

Scenic Route Through Forests and Frozen Lake

The trail offers varied scenery: the lake presents a sparkling, icy surface, while the forests provide a classic winter backdrop. Many reviews highlight the stunning views and the serenity of gliding through snow-laden trees. The route is designed to be beautiful and manageable, with enough variety to keep the ride engaging.

The pace of the ride is comfortable; although the dogs are wired to run fast, guides ensure safety and comfort, especially if the weather is slightly warmer than usual. The snowy landscape combined with the cool wind creates an exhilarating atmosphere.

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Warm Gear and Comfort During the Tour

The tour includes winter clothing such as thermal overalls, boots, woolen socks, mittens, and a balaclava, which keep participants warm throughout the ride. Many reviews affirm that the provided gear is sufficient to keep everyone comfortable, even when the temperature is around 0°C.

Guests are also offered a hot berry drink after the sledging, which provides a cozy finishing touch and helps warm up after the outdoor activity. The refreshing beverage and opportunity to cuddle the huskies after the ride contribute to a well-rounded experience.

Physical Requirements and Accessibility

Participants need to be physically fit and able to control the sled, as guides do not act as drivers. The activity is not suitable for pregnant women, people with mobility issues, or wheelchair users, due to the physical demands involved. Proper body control and stamina are necessary to fully enjoy the experience.

The guides do their best to ensure safety, but the nature of the activity means it’s best suited for active individuals comfortable outdoors in winter conditions.

Safety, Care, and Responsible Animal Treatment

Multiple reviews emphasize the professionalism of the staff and the care given to the huskies. The dogs are described as happy and excited, and the guides share detailed stories about each dog’s training and feeding routines.

The guides are also attentive to safety, allocating participants to sleds to distribute weight evenly and instructing on handling techniques. The well-organized logistics and attention to animal welfare make this experience both fun and responsible.

Additional Activities and Overall Value

While the main attraction is the self-driven sled ride, the tour also offers petting sessions and the chance to meet puppies, adding a personal and interactive element. Many reviews consider the cost of $247 as good value, considering the length of the ride, the quality of the gear, and the overall experience.

The post-ride hot drink and the opportunity to chat with guides about husky life enrich the tour, making it more than just a ride — it’s an insight into Arctic dog life.

Final Verdict: Is This Tour Right for You?

This self-driven husky sled adventure in Lapland is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and dog lovers who want an active, hands-on experience. It offers stunning scenery, interactive fun, and insightful stories, all in a well-organized setting.

However, it’s important to be physically capable and comfortable outdoors in cold weather. The activity’s shorter duration compared to multi-day safaris makes it ideal for those with limited time or looking for a meaningful introduction to husky mushing.

In the end, this tour provides authentic Arctic adventure with a focus on animal welfare and scenic beauty, making it a worthwhile addition to any winter trip in Rovaniemi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour requires participants to have sufficient physical fitness and control, so it’s best for older children who can handle the activity.

What should I wear for the husky sled ride?
The tour includes thermal overall, boots, woolen socks, mittens, and a balaclava to keep you warm during the outdoor activity.

Can I drive the sled myself?
Yes, the self-driven sled allows you to mush the huskies yourself. Guides provide instructions, but participants need to be fit and able to control the sled.

Are the huskies well cared for?
Absolutely. The guides share stories about their training and daily routines, and reviews confirm the dogs are happy, healthy, and loved.

What is the duration of the ride?
The actual sledding lasts about 15 minutes per round, with two rounds in total, making the total experience approximately 2 hours including prep, gear, and post-ride refreshments.

Is there any food included?
A hot berry drink is provided after the ride, but no meals are included in the tour price.

This self-driven husky adventure in Rovaniemi offers a memorable Arctic experience that combines excitement, scenic beauty, and animal care — perfect for those eager to actively engage with Lapland’s winter wilderness.

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