An Unforgettable Adventure in the Arctic Circle
One of the most unique and exhilarating experiences you can have in Finnish Lapland is dog sledding. While it’s not a historic or cultural activity in Scandinavia (it originated in Alaska and Canada), dog sledding is a must-do when visiting Lapland in winter. In this article, we’ll share our adventure at Guesthouse Husky in Ivalo, Finland, and provide you with all the details you need to make your own dog sledding trip a reality.
Finding the Perfect Dog Sledding Experience
It’s crucial to find a reputable company for your dog sledding adventure, particularly one that treats its dogs well and ensures they are healthy and happy. In our quest to find the perfect company, we dug into research and stumbled upon Guesthouse Husky in Ivalo. This small bed and breakfast also keeps huskies and offers dog sledding experiences. To read more about their reviews, check out Booking.com and TripAdvisor.
Preparing for Your Dog Sledding Adventure
Guesthouse Husky provided us with snowsuits, snow boots, and mittens for our adventure. Here’s a quick overview of what we wore:
- Bottoms: Thick fleece-lined leggings
- Tops: Merino wool thermal top with a fleece zip-up
- Outerwear: Helly Hansen coat, fleece headband, gloves, and merino wool neck gaiter
- Footwear: Sorel snow boots with layered merino wool socks
- Cameras: iPhone 14 Pro and external batteries
It’s worth noting that you can also rent winter clothing and gear locally if you don’t have your own.
The Dog Sledding Experience
Upon arriving at Guesthouse Husky, we were welcomed and given a tour of the facilities. Our guide was knowledgeable and passionate about the dogs, and she provided us with instructions on how to drive the sleds and communicate with one another.
Our group was small, and we were paired with a fantastic team of huskies. The experience was incredible, and we were surrounded by the beautiful snowy landscapes of the Arctic Circle.
Warming Up and Bonding with the Huskies
Halfway through our adventure, we stopped for a break to warm up and bond with our dogs. Our guide made a fire and provided snacks and hot drinks (including the delicious Finnish glogi).
The Return Journey and Saying Goodbye
For the return journey, we swapped driving and riding positions, and though it was colder sitting in the sled, our spirits remained high. We were able to spend more time with our lovable huskies and take plenty of photos.
Upon returning to the farm, we helped remove the dogs’ harnesses and gave them lots of hugs and attention before they were taken to their individual enclosures for a meal.
In Conclusion: A Highly Recommended Experience
Our dog sledding experience in Finnish Lapland at Guesthouse Husky was unforgettable, and we felt confident in the staff, the dogs, and their practices. If you’re considering dog sledding in Ivalo, Saariselka, or Inari, we highly recommend giving Guesthouse Husky a look.