There’s something special about meeting a pack of huskies for the first time – the running dogs that provide one the most memorable animal experiences in Rovaniemi. As you are getting ready to ride (whether on a wheeled buggy when there is no snow or on a sled during the winter), the friendly dogs move from cuddly, cute animal companions to high energy athletes, howling and jumping eager to get going!

In the winter however, as you are gliding through a snow-covered forest, the air is crisp and quiet except for the panting of a pack of huskies running and the rustle of the sled gliding over the snow. When you visit Rovaniemi in Finnish Lapland, meeting these hardworking and affectionate dogs is a highlight for many visitors — and for good reason. The huskies embody the spirit of the North with their energy, intelligence, and resilience.

At Beyond Arctic, every husky encounter is built on respect for the animals, for the people who care for them, and for the environment they live in. We are committed to responsible tourism and work only with small, ethical husky operators, who make sure the huskies are treated with respect and receive the care and attention they deserve – not to mention days off to rest and recover.

Meeting the Huskies in Rovaniemi

Our Local Husky Experience with Sled Ride and Photographer begins with a warm welcome from the musher family we partner with — people who live and work alongside their dogs every day. Their kennel is small, personal, and based on respect for both the huskies and the surrounding nature.

We invite you to take your time meeting the dogs, as each husky has its own character. Some are calm and observant, others are more playful and full of puppy-like energy. A team of running huskies is made up of dogs with different personalities and skills. Some are leaders, some are extra strong and have superior endurance, and others loyally follow the leader of the pack.

During your visit, the mushers (people who train and race with huskies) share insights into what life is like with a pack of huskies: how the dogs are trained, how they rest and recover, and how the team of dogs works together during the winter here in Rovaniemi. Hearing their stories gives a real sense of what responsible husky tourism means. Every part of the kennel’s operation from feeding the dogs to training and daily routines is planned with care and patience for the dogs’ wellbeing.

The Winter Husky Sled Ride in Rovaniemi with Photographer

After arriving to the kennel and meeting the huskies, we get ready for the highlight of the day — a husky ride through a peaceful Arctic Forest. Once the sleds are ready, you take your place as passenger in the sled, while a professional musher leads the team.  You can feel the dogs’ excitement (and hear it too – you will know what we mean when you get there!) and their movements are quick and smooth as they set off across the snow and onto the path.

The ride in the sled is steady and calm, and a perfect contrast to the pre-start excitement. The air feels fresh and still, the forest quiet except for the soft sound of paws and the sled gliding over snow. It’s not only about speed now — it’s about enjoying the ride and the landscapes and experiencing the connection with the huskies and the nature.

Time to Relax

When the sled ride ends, we return to the camp to warm up around the campfire. Here you can enjoy a hot drink and cookies, chat with the mushers, and spend a little more time with the huskies as they rest. The dogs love attention — leaning in for a scratch behind the ears or simply relaxing by your side.

The unhurried time at the kennel is often one of the most memorable parts of the day. It allows you to appreciate the surroundings and reflect on the experience, while getting to know the mushers who dedicate their day-to-day lives to caring for these remarkable animals.

Responsible Encounters

For us, offering a responsible husky experience means ensuring that animal welfare always comes first. We partner only with local husky owners whose values align with ours — care, respect, and sustainability. The kennel operates on a small scale so that every dog receives the attention it deserves, with plenty of rest between rides and training adapted to each animal’s needs.

We believe experiences like this should not only bring joy to visitors but also support the well-being of the animals.

Capturing the Moment in Photographs

What makes this experience truly unique is that we include professional photography as part of every tour. Our photographer joins you on the visit to the husky camp to take photos during the introductions, on the sled, and around the fire afterward to capture natural, high-quality images of your time with the huskies.

This means you can stay present in the experience instead of worrying about your phone or camera in the cold. A few days after the tour, you’ll receive a collection of edited photographs from your visit. You can download the photos from our gallery at beyondarctic.gallery.com and relive the joy of meeting the dogs and the moments that made the day special.

We are proud to say that Beyond Arctic is the only company in Rovaniemi offering this combination of a husky ride and professional photography. The photos are more than souvenirs. They are a chance to revisit your experience long after you’ve returned home.

If you’re looking for a way to experience a husky ride in Rovaniemi that combines connection, authenticity, and care, our Local Husky Experience with Sled Ride and Photographer offers just that. You’ll meet friendly, well-cared-for huskies, enjoy a peaceful sled or buggy ride through Arctic landscapes, and receive professional photos that tell the story of your visit.

When you join us for this experience you can experience one the most popular activities in Rovaniemi while supporting responsible tourism practices.

Ready to book your husky adventure? Do you need inspiration or ideas for activities in Rovaniemi and Levi? 

Follow us on Instagram (@beyondarctic) and TikTok (@beyondarctic) for more content. Got questions? Contact our Arctic experts by phone or WhatsApp (+358 50 323 1090) or email (contact@beyondarctic.com)

See you soon!