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Drive your own husky sled through Finland’s northern forests and enjoy a warm soup lunch by the fireside with Star Arctic Hotel’s unique self-driven tour in Saariselkä.
Drive your own husky sled through Finland’s northern forests and enjoy a warm soup lunch by the fireside with Star Arctic Hotel’s unique self-driven tour in Saariselkä.
Book with Star Arctic Hotel
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Star Arctic Hotel · Saariselkä, Lappi
Carved deep within the northern reaches of Finnish Lapland, Saariselkä offers an immersive winter playground where the crisp Arctic air sharpens your senses and the snow blankets vast coniferous forests. Here, Star Arctic Hotel delivers a uniquely hands-on way to engage with this sublime wilderness through its Special Husky Program 4H Kota Lunch experience. This isn’t just a ride; it’s an active journey into the heart of Lapland’s husky culture.
Participants step into the role of musher, driving their own sled team through serene pine forests under a pale winter sky. The trail, roughly 15 kilometers long, winds through landscapes that shift from open snowfields to tight stands of frosted trees, each turn offering fresh vistas. The Siberian huskies, bred and trained for endurance and companionship in Arctic conditions, are charismatic partners; their eager energy and steady pace pull you forward through the silence of snow.
What sets this trip apart is its self-driven format, allowing you to control the pace and connection with the dogs. Between bursts of adrenaline driving the sled, you will pause in a traditional Finnish kota — a tent-like hut warmed by a fire. Here, a warming soup lunch with bread and hot drinks replenishes your body while you soak in the stillness of the wilderness.
Star Arctic Hotel anchors this adventure in authentic northern tradition, combining safety briefing, thermal gear, and expert guidance to ensure a memorable yet secure experience. The program includes transport to the husky center, safety instruction, and interaction with husky puppies, deepening the connection to these remarkable animals.
Set against the backdrop of Lapland’s Arctic terrain, the husky sledding is more than a tourist activity—it’s a way to engage directly with a culture and ecosystem shaped by winter’s long hold. Ideal for those aged 12 and up, this 4-hour journey is a standout offering for anyone seeking active immersion in Finland’s winter wildlands.
moderate.
4 hours.
Participants should have good balance and moderate physical fitness to handle sled driving and cold weather conditions.
Participants must be at least 12 years old to join the husky sledding experience.
No prior experience is required; all necessary instructions and safety guidance are provided before the tour.
This is a self-driven tour. However, if you need a driver, one can be arranged for an additional fee with advance notice.
Dress in warm, layered winter clothing. Thermal suits, boots, and gloves are provided to complement your own layers.
Restrooms are not available on the trail; a natural outdoor toilet is accessible during the break at the kota.
For safety reasons, pregnant women are not permitted to take part in husky sledding tours.
Husky sledding is rooted in Sámi culture, who have used dog teams for centuries to navigate Lapland’s vast wilderness.
The area promotes sustainable tourism, emphasizing minimal disturbance to wildlife and supporting husky kennels dedicated to ethical animal care.
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