Dog sledding in Saariselkä, Finland is one of those unforgettable travel experiences that truly captures the magic of winter in the Arctic. Whether you’re planning a once-in-a-lifetime Lapland holiday or just curious about husky safaris in Finland, this guide shares everything you need to know – from what it’s really like to ride a husky sled through a snowy forest to practical tips for booking with kids. As part of our Santa’s Lapland trip we booked a two-hour husky safari in Saariselkä with Lapland Safaris, and it was the highlight of our Lapland trip. Here’s what to expect, what we loved, and why dog sledding in Saariselka absolutely deserves a place on your family travel bucket list.
👩💻 About the author – Nichola is a family travel expert and has written for The Guardian, The Telegraph, Lonely Planet Magazine and Wanderlust, amongst many others. She’s spent over a decade travelling the world with her children, finding the best places for you to explore too.
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Table of Contents
Where is Saariselkä and why go dog sledding here?
Saariselkä is a small resort town in the far north of Finnish Lapland, located about 250 km above the Arctic Circle. It’s known for its otherworldly beauty in winter – frozen forests, deep snowdrifts, and magical twilight that glows for just a few hours each day in December.
Read our guide to Saariselkä, Finland here
This peaceful town is one of the best places in Finland for dog sledding. The scenery is wild and remote, and local tour providers like Lapland Safaris offer professional, family-friendly husky rides that are safe, well-organised and deeply memorable.
What is a husky safari?
A husky safari is a guided sledding experience where you’re pulled across snowy landscapes by a team of energetic, friendly Alaskan or Siberian huskies. You can choose to sit as a passenger or take turns learning how to drive the sled yourself.
Whether you opt for a short 20-minute taster ride or a multi-day husky expedition, the thrill of speeding through snow-covered forests with just the sound of paws and sled runners beneath you is completely unforgettable.
Our husky safari experience in Saariselkä
We chose a two-hour husky ride, which felt like the perfect introduction for our young family. The experience began with a safety and driving briefing where we learned the basic hand signals for stopping, slowing down, and turning. While you don’t need prior experience, a short lesson helps ensure the ride is smooth and safe – especially when sleds travel in convoy.
Then came the exciting moment – walking down to the frozen lake where the sleds were waiting, with the howling of excited huskies echoing around us. The dogs were full of energy, tugging at their harnesses, clearly eager to get going.
We travelled in two sleds: one adult with our three children sat in the main sledge (cosily wrapped in reindeer hides), and the other adult drove another sledge just behind.
Husky sledding with kids in Lapland
At ages two, four, and seven, our children were just old enough to enjoy the thrill of husky sledding – though they did get cold quickly despite wearing thermal layers and double gloves. Two hours was just the right length of time to keep them engaged without it becoming uncomfortable.
(We’ve since returned with older children and done longer rides – and they’ve loved it even more. You can read our full Lapland with kids guide for more details.)
What does dog sledding feel like?
When the sled finally takes off, it’s a sudden burst of speed – a pure adrenalin rush that leaves you grinning with excitement. The huskies can reach speeds of up to 20 km/h, and watching their wagging tails and happy leaps as they glide through the forest is a joy in itself.
The forest was silent apart from the crunch of snow and the dogs’ eager barks. It felt like we were in a scene from a winter fairy tale – peaceful, remote, and exhilarating all at once.
You quickly learn how to use the brake at the back of the sled, pushing down gently to slow the dogs or standing on it with both feet to stop. Each time we paused, the huskies turned to look back expectantly – tongues out, eyes bright, ready to run again.
Guided group dog sledding in Saariselka tours
We travelled as part of a small group of seven sleds, led by a guide on a snowmobile and with another guide at the rear. The convoy was spaced out, allowing for enough speed and the feeling of true wilderness, while maintaining safety and support if needed.
We loved that it was well managed but didn’t feel overly structured – you had the space to enjoy the journey and feel immersed in the Arctic landscape.
Warming up after your husky ride
After our husky safari, we retreated to a wooden hut with a roaring fire, where we were served warm berry juice and traditional Finnish biscuits – the perfect end to an icy adventure.
This moment, surrounded by other families, rosy-cheeked and sharing stories of the ride, was just as special as the sledding itself.
How to book a dog sledding in Saariselka tour
We booked with Lapland Safaris, a well-established provider in the region known for its professional guides and well-cared-for dogs. You can browse all local tours and availability here though and check other people’s ratings of the experience.
You can usually find husky safaris ranging from short 15-minute rides to multi-hour adventures or even full-day expeditions. Most experiences include warm clothing, boots, and snacks – but do check the details when booking.
Find your perfect husky dog safari here.
Practical tips for dog sledding in Lapland
- Dress warmly in thermal base layers, insulated outerwear, gloves, and snow boots. Even short rides can feel very cold.
- Book early – husky safaris are one of the most popular winter activities in Lapland and can sell out fast, especially over Christmas.
- Use layers for kids and bring hand warmers if possible. Being still in the sled makes it easy to get cold.
- Bring a GoPro or compact camera with a hand strap – photos are tricky while moving, but you’ll want to capture the scenery.
- Ask about age limits – some providers have minimum ages or require kids to sit with an adult.
Why you should go dog sledding in Finland
Dog sledding in Lapland is one of the most unique ways to explore the Arctic. It combines natural beauty, cultural tradition, and unforgettable fun. Whether you’re travelling as a couple, with kids, or in a group, it’s an adventure that leaves a lasting impression.
From the joyful huskies to the snowy stillness of the forest, this was – without a doubt – the most magical thing we did in Lapland.
So if you’re dreaming of a winter holiday full of wonder, excitement and family adventure, add a dog sledding in Saariselka safari to your Lapland itinerary. You won’t regret it.
Find your perfect husky dog safari here.
I have ALWAYS wanted to do this!!
Make sure you do!! It’s up there with the best experiences I’ve ever done!
Wow that sounds amazing!!! The two year old wasn’t scared at all?
No, he wasn’t at all. He was actually grumbling a bit when we got there as he was tired and he didn’t want to get into the sledge, but as soon as we set off he was so happy – he kept saying, “snow, dogs, sledge!” as if he couldn’t believe the experience. It was definitely fun and not at all scary!
Wow! What an experience!! Your kids are having the time of their lives at such a young age! And you captured the adventure perfectly through photos!!
Thank you so much!! We try to experience as much as we can and we were so lucky to do this…I underestimated quite how amazing it would be so I’m really pleased we got to do this. Thank you for your comments!
This looks so amazing and you’ve created such wonderful memories for the children
Thank you so much, it really was a great experience. Thank you for your comments 🙂
You said it! What an experience of a lifetime. I can see you smiling through your scarf… yahhooo!
I was definitely smiling, I loved every minute!! Amazing experience!
This looks absolutely amazing. Definitely going on my list. And the dogs are adorable! (As are your kids!)
Thank you so much 🙂 It really was the most incredible experience…I can’t wait to go again!!!
Wow – looks amazing! I have never liked the idea of cold holidays as I don’t ski (tried and didn’t like the sliding downhill thing) but it looks like this is a much more sensible and enjoyable thing to do!
I don’t ski either (although would love to try!) but this is a great alternative…if you’re the one driving there is still some exertion but if you are the one in the sledge there’s none…just an exhilarating ride!! Thank you for your comments!
Oh how wonderful! We did this in Canada years ago, and it was such a buzz. I’d love to be able to take the kids one day
The kids loved it, such fun whizzing along on a sledge! Hope you get to take them!
Wow, this looks like so much fun!!!! 🙂 I’m sure the kids will never forget this.
It was really amazing and definitely one to remember forever!
This is top of my wish list to do as I really want to see the Northern Lights too. Hoping to take the kids to meet Santa and tick it all off in one go!
I would love to see the Norther Lights too and alas it didn’t happen on this trip 🙁 But that aside the whole trip was AMAZING. I hope you get to go soon!