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Drive a sled led by Siberian huskies through Finland’s Arctic wilderness while searching for the northern lights. Star Arctic Hotel’s unique self-driven tour blends thrilling husky adventure with unforgettable aurora viewing.
Drive a sled led by Siberian huskies through Finland’s Arctic wilderness while searching for the northern lights. Star Arctic Hotel’s unique self-driven tour blends thrilling husky adventure with unforgettable aurora viewing.
Book with Star Arctic Hotel
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Operated by Star Arctic Hotel · Saariselkä, Lappi
Far above the Arctic Circle, in Saariselkä, Finland, the Star Arctic Hotel offers a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in the winter wilderness under a canvas of shifting northern lights. Their Aurora Hunting with Siberian Huskies tour invites adventurers aged 12 and up to take the reins of a sled pulled by purebred Siberian huskies, guiding you through snow-laden pine forests and silent tundra. Unlike typical guided rides, this experience is self-driven, allowing you to connect directly with your muzzled team and the raw landscape around you.
Saariselkä, located in the Lappi region, is a well-known hotspot for aurora watching. The area’s consistent dark skies and minimal light pollution amplify chances to witness the ethereal green and pink curtains as they ripple across the night. The Star Arctic Hotel’s partnership with experienced mushers ensures the wellbeing of their huskies—dogs bred for endurance with thick coats perfectly suited for the Arctic chill. The dogs’ energy and companionship turn the sled into more than transportation, but a lifeline melding man and nature.
Your journey begins with thermal gear provision and safety briefings before a 20-minute transfer to the husky farm just outside town. Teams of two take turns driving and riding amid frosted trees, with stops at a warm tipi where hot drinks offer brief respite. Though the Northern Lights are a capricious phenomenon, the setting—quiet, expansive, and wild—ensures every moment on the trail is charged with discovery.
Accessible yet rigorous enough to deliver an authentic Arctic adventure, this 3-hour trek deepens appreciation for Lapland’s winter landscapes and indigenous outdoor culture. The Star Arctic Hotel anchors this experience, providing expert support that guarantees both safety and soul-stirring memories on your hunt beneath the aurora.
moderate.
3 hours.
Participants should have good balance and moderate physical fitness to handle sled driving in cold conditions.
Participants must be at least 12 years old to join the Aurora Hunting with Siberian Huskies tour.
No previous experience is needed—comprehensive training is provided before the adventure begins.
Yes, the huskies are owned and cared for by the musher, who competes in sled dog racing, ensuring excellent treatment.
Yes, a professional driver can be arranged for an additional fee if you or your partner cannot drive.
Northern Lights sightings can’t be guaranteed because they are a natural phenomenon, but guides select the best conditions to improve your chances.
A natural outdoor toilet is available near the tipi where you take a warm drink break.
Saariselkä has a rich Sámi heritage, and sled dog travel has been a vital mode of transportation for centuries in Lapland.
The tour promotes sustainable practices by limiting group size and educating guests on the fragile Arctic environment.
Star Arctic Hotel is a full-service Arctic hotel and activity provider based in Saariselkä, Lapland, served via Ivalo airport. The hotel organizes guided winter experiences that highlight Lapland’s natural beauty and cultural traditions. Offerings include Siberian husky sledding with farm visits, long sled expeditions, aurora hunting by sled, snowshoeing, snowmobiling adventures, reindeer farm visits, ice fishing with sleigh rides, wilderness dinners, and transfers to and from Ivalo airport. Trips vary from short family-friendly options like a 5 km husky sled ride to longer experiences such as 10 km expeditions and multi-hour snowmobile tours. Experienced local guides and professional mushers lead activities, provide safety briefings, and deliver warm beverages and traditional refreshments during breaks. Several programs include hands-on moments — switching drivers on the sled, meeting husky teams, feeding reindeer, and learning ice-fishing techniques. Seasonal highlights include aurora hunting excursions by husky, snowmobile, car, heated sleigh, and on foot, offering multiple ways to seek the Northern Lights. The hotel also facilitates cultural visits such as the Siida Museum day trip and the Tankavaara Gold Museum tour with lunch. Star Arctic Hotel lists transfers to and from Ivalo airport and accommodates families, beginners, and experienced adventurers. Booking options include short discoveries, half-day outings, and longer tours. The business emphasizes animal care, local knowledge, clear safety procedures, and memorable Arctic experiences that showcase Lapland’s winter landscapes and traditions. Guests can combine activities into tailored itineraries, book seasonal special programs, and receive practical advice for Arctic clothing and arrival logistics, and local transport options.
Book with Star Arctic Hotel