Are you coming to discover Lapland and looking for an activity to make your stay even more unforgettable? Without hesitation, opt for a dog sled ride in Rovaniemi!
Discover Rovaniemi, the capital of the sublime and polar province of Lapland, located in the very north of Finland… Here, you’re setting foot in Santa Claus country! Rovaniemi is even his hometown, where he works hard every year to prepare his Christmas deliveries.
Even if you’re not a child, you’ll appreciate all the magic that emanates from this little town like no other. Add to this enchanting atmosphere the breathtaking wilderness, entirely covered in an immense blanket of white in winter. To discover them, treat yourself to a unique experience: dog sledding in Rovaniemi!
How to choose a sled dog activity in Rovaniemi?
Photo credit: Shutterstock – BlueOrange Studio
Dog sledding in Rovaniemi is an incredible activity. You can discover Lapland in an unusual way, and learn more about Finnish culture and the fabulous profession of musher.
There are many things to compare when choosing a sled dog service provider in Rovaniemi.
Duration of the tour
Dog sled rides in Rovaniemi range from 5 to 10 kilometers, and last between 1 and 2 hours. Your choice will depend on the experience you’re looking for, your budget, the weather and the composition of your group.
Bear in mind that if you have children, it’s best to avoid walks that are too long, as the cold can be quite harsh for them. Perhaps you’d prefer a short 5 km walk, with a focus on visiting and getting to know the dogs.
For an extraordinary experience, some service providers offer multi-day itineraries. This is an experience for couples or friends, but not for children, as conditions can be very difficult. You’ll also need to be in good physical shape. But you can be sure that the memories will last a lifetime!
Combined activities
If you decide to go dog sledding in Rovaniemi, your choice may also depend on the activities you wish to combine. Indeed, if you want to see the Northern Lights, you’ll want to choose a provider who offers late-day or even night-time outings.
Some suggest combining the walk with a visit to Santa’s village, for a day that children will remember for a long time!
Others suggest adding a snowmobile outing, or a visit to a reindeer farm… In short, all the typical Finnish activities are on offer! The choice is yours!
How does a dog sled ride in Rovaniemi work?
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Adam Knauz
Round-trip transportation to and from the farm is included in the price. A minibus will pick you up in front of your hotel, or at your designated meeting point in the town of Rovaniemi. Most dog camps are located within a 30-kilometer radius of the city.
As soon as you arrive, you’ll meet the stars of the day: the famous huskies. You’ll immediately fall under the spell of these incredibly beautiful dogs, as intelligent as they are endearing. Your guide will explain how they work, how they live in packs, and how they like to pull sledges.
Then, you’ll learn the essential gestures of any good musher. Once the essential safety rules have been explained, it’s time for the (very important) moment of equipment! Gloves, hats, boots and, in some cases, waterproof overalls are distributed to you before you set out to lead a crew of 5 to 7 dogs!
In pairs, a driver and a passenger, you embark on a 5 to 10 km Nordic epic amidst breathtaking scenery.
On your return, you’ll debrief your walk together over a hot drink, and give the doggies a final cuddle, before heading back to your hotel, your head full of memories!
When is the best time to go dog sledding in Rovaniemi?
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Roman Babakin
Dog sledding in Rovaniemi is a seasonal activity. Service providers offer rides between November and May, during the winter season. And yes, you need snow for the sled to glide, as you’d expect!
During this period, outings are offered all day long. The landscapes and light in Lapland are very different at different times of the day, so it’s up to you to choose what suits you best, depending on your mood or the day’s schedule. Some combined tours offer evening or night excursions, so you can catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights! A magical moment, but even more chilling.
Some service providers have « carts », a kind of sled on wheels, and can therefore offer excursions all year round. But this is a completely different experience. It’s also possible to visit husky farms all year round, and learn more about the musher and his dogs.
Our tips for dog sledding in Rovaniemi
Photo credit: Shutterstock -Roman Babakin
To make the most of your activity, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
First of all, you need to know that dog sledding in Rovaniemi is only possible during winter, when temperatures range from -10°C to -30°C. So it’s essential to dress appropriately. Bring warm clothes to protect you from the cold, wind and damp. Even if the service provider lends you a waterproof suit and/or boots, gloves and hat.
You really shouldn’t underestimate the cold, and remember that if you’re sitting in the sleigh during the ride, you’ll be immobile for an average of 1h30. Although covered by several blankets, remaining static increases the sensation of cold even more!
Also remember to protect your cameras and/or smartphones from water, and strap them down securely to prevent them from falling.
Finally, the activity is accessible to children aged 4 and over, as long as they stay on the sled, of course. Children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult.
How much does a dog sled ride in Rovaniemi cost?
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Victor Maschek
Dog sledding in Rovaniemi comes at a price. Firstly, because Finland is a destination where the cost of living is generally quite high. But also because the cost of maintaining the dogs is significant.
Whichever provider you choose, prices range from €130 to €200 per adult, and €65 to €100 per child (aged 4 to 14). The activity lasts between 2 and 4 hours.
Most of the time, the price of the activity includes :
- Bus trip to/from your hotel in Rovaniemi ;
- The guide ;
- Dog sledding (between 5 and 10km);
- Loan of warm clothing, boots, gloves and hats;
- A hot drink after the ride.
Don’t wait any longer to discover this unforgettable experience: dog sledding in Rovaniemi!