Sitting on a low wooden sled while a team of high-energy Siberian huskies pulls you silently through the snow-covered forests of Lapland is an unforgettable winter adventure. The moment you step into the dog yard, the air is filled with the excited barks of the dogs, who are eager to run. Once the anchor is pulled, the barking stops instantly, replaced by the soft patter of paws and the rustle of the sled runners on the deep snow. You glide past pine trees covered in thick white frost and across vast, open frozen lakes, experiencing the raw beauty of the Arctic wilderness.
What makes this experience fascinating is the close connection with the dogs and the environment. You can choose to sit comfortably as a passenger or learn to drive the sled yourself under the guidance of professional mushers. The tour usually stops at a rustic wilderness camp, where you can warm your hands by a wood stove and enjoy hot berry juice.
One fun fact people love:
Siberian huskies have a double-layer coat that protects them from temperatures as low as minus fifty degrees Celsius, allowing them to comfortably sleep outdoors in the snow.
Where in Kiruna is it?
Operating from various wilderness kennels located in the forests surrounding central Kiruna and Jukkasjärvi.
How to reach:
Accessible by booking with local tour operators, who almost always include a direct shuttle pick-up from major hotels in central Kiruna.
Best time to visit:
December to April when the snow cover is deep, stable, and perfect for sledding.
Best time of day:
Morning around 10:00 AM to enjoy the crisp morning light, or evening tours for a chance to spot the Northern Lights.
Entry fee:
Tours range from 1200 to 2000 SEK per person, which typically includes thermal winter suits, boots, and a warm berry juice.
Commute difficulty:
Easy; tour operators coordinate all transport to the wilderness launch points.
Things nobody tells you about this place:
- You will be given a heavy-duty, windproof thermal suit to wear over your own winter clothes, which is essential because sitting still on the moving sled makes you cold quickly.
- If you choose to mush the sled yourself, be prepared for a physical workout, as you will need to help the dogs by pushing the sled uphill.
- The dogs love attention, and you are highly encouraged to pet and thank them after the run is completed.
