Extended Husky Safari in Hidden Forest – 5 km Self-Drive & Husky Cuddles (SLEDHA), Rovaniemi

Embark on a deeper Arctic husky adventure in the snowy forests of Rovaniemi

Venture deeper into the peaceful wilderness just outside Rovaniemi with this extended husky safari — a longer, more immersive version of our beloved forest kennel experience. Located only 15 minutes from the city, this hidden haven offers a genuine Arctic escape where nature and huskies live side by side in quiet harmony.

The family-run kennel is home to around 50 joyful huskies — a mix of Siberian, Arctic-Alaskan, and reindeer dogs — each with its own name, story, and personality. When you arrive, you’ll be welcomed with warmth by professional mushers who will introduce you to your sled team and share their passion for working with these amazing animals.

Before you head out, your guide will teach you how to control the sled using safe and simple techniques — braking, balancing, and interacting with your dogs respectfully. For guests who prefer to relax and enjoy the ride, it’s also possible to pre-book a musher-driven sled operated by an experienced guide.

This 5-kilometer safari offers more time on the trail, giving you a deeper connection with the dogs and the landscape around you. The extended route winds through snow-covered forests, offering a real sense of adventure and space to find your rhythm as a musher. The ride lasts approximately 20–30 minutes and includes a chance to switch places with your partner if you’re riding in pairs.

After your safari, you’ll be invited to thank your huskies and pose for photos — a special time to bond with your team. You’ll then explore the kennel with your guide, meeting more of the pack and learning about training, care routines, and the bond between each dog and their human companions.

One of the unique highlights is the free-run husky area — a spacious, fenced-off zone where selected huskies roam and play freely. Guests are welcome to enter this area, cuddle with the dogs, and take natural, relaxed photos. It’s a joyful and memorable way to spend time with the huskies up close, beyond the sled.

Our focus is on creating a relaxed and personal experience, where you can enjoy each moment without feeling rushed. Whether you're on the trail, touring the kennel, or simply sitting with the dogs, we give you the time and space to connect.

To close your visit, you’ll warm up inside a cozy yurt around an open fire. Enjoy hot berry juice and homemade cookies while your hosts share insights into husky life in Lapland and answer your questions.

Above all, the well-being of the dogs is at the heart of everything. The huskies are raised with care, trained with kindness, and given space to rest and play. Regular rest days, large enclosures, and trust-based training ensure happy, healthy, and enthusiastic sled dogs — and it shows in every wagging tail.

What Makes This Husky Safari Special?

🐾 Free-roaming husky zone – Cuddle, play, and take photos with selected huskies in a large open area where they roam freely.

🕯 Unrushed, deeper experience – With a longer trail and no time pressure, this program gives you more time to enjoy every moment.

❤️ Ethical care and dog happiness first – Spacious kennels, daily attention, and a focus on each dog’s needs and personality.

🛷 Optional musher-driven ride – Book in advance if you'd prefer to ride as a passenger with a skilled musher at the reins.

Please note

Please always bear in mind that one sledge can take max. 2 adults + 1 small child (under 7 y.o.). The final decision about seating is made by the host on the spot, as it may depend on the participants’ weight, height, etc.

When your party is 2 people: 1 adult + a child older than 7 y.o., you can sit in one sled, paying adult price and child price.

When your party is 3 people: 2 adults + a child older than 7 y.o., one of the 3 people will have to share a sled with another participant.

Single supplements are not available for this program.

Note: As a rule of thumb, we take small groups of up to 8 people per ride (4 sled teams). If your group is larger, we’ll split it into two and run the program in rotating turns, ensuring every guest enjoys a personal and unrushed experience.

Musher-driven option is available only when booked in advance.

What to bring

We strongly recommend wearing warm winter clothing. It can be rented separately before departure at extra charge.

It’s better to be dressed overly warm than “underdressed”, especially on longer safari programs. In cold weather, we recommend applying no-water based winter cream for face and cover open skin areas tightly. Bring gloves or better mittens, a good hat, hand/foot warmers and goggles.

Please take off your gloves/mittens when touching the huskies. They love to play with gloves and might break it easily. Do not be afraid of dogs, as they are genetically friendly to people. Do not feed the dogs.