Kiruna: Self-drive Husky Morning Tour

Introducing the Kiruna Self-drive Husky Morning Tour

Imagine stepping into the shoes of a real Siberian musher, steering a team of energetic huskies through the pristine Arctic snow. This 5-hour experience in Sweden’s Norrbotten County offers just that, combining hands-on dog sledding with warm Swedish hospitality. It’s a fantastic way to explore the Arctic tundra in daylight, feeling the crisp air on your face and the thrill of controlling a team of happy, powerful huskies.

What I particularly love about this tour is how it balances adventure with comfort. First, you get to dress in warm, high-quality winter gear—including snowsuits, boots, gloves, and hats—so you’re well-protected from the cold. Second, the chance to drive your own sled is a real highlight, making this experience interactive and memorable. You’re not just sitting passively; you’re in charge, learning from guides like Leah and Sebastian, who are passionate about their dogs and eager to share their knowledge.

A potential consideration is the small group size, limited to just four participants. While this means more personalized attention and a cozy atmosphere, it also means you’ll want to book early if you’re eager to secure a spot, especially during peak seasons. Also, the tour is not available from locations outside Kiruna town, like the Icehotel, so plan your pickup accordingly.

This tour offers incredible value—not only for the unique experience of mushing but also for the chance to enjoy stunning winter landscapes, spot Arctic wildlife, and relax in a traditional Sami tent afterward. It’s perfect for adventure seekers, animal lovers, and anyone craving an authentic Arctic highlight.

Key Points / Takeaways

• Hands-on Mushing: You get to steer your own sled, guided by experts, making it an active, engaging experience.
• Small Group Atmosphere: With only four participants, expect personalized tips and a friendly, intimate setting.
• Wildlife and Scenic Views: Cross frozen lakes, traverse silent forests, and look out for reindeer, moose, and Arctic hares.
• Authentic Finnish & Sami Hospitality: End the tour with hot soup and sandwiches around a campfire in a traditional Sami tipi.
• High-Quality Gear Included: No need to bring your own winter equipment—everything from snowsuits to boots is provided.
• Highly Praised Guides: Guides like Leah and Sebastian are lauded for their friendliness, knowledge, and passion for dogs and the Arctic landscape.

The Experience in Detail: What to Expect from Start to Finish

Getting There and Timing
The tour begins with a hotel pickup in Kiruna, with a designated meeting point at Malmvägen 9B, the new Kiruna Lapland Tourist Center. It’s worth noting that pickup is not available from the Icehotel or other locations outside of Kiruna town. The process is straightforward: you wait at the designated spot, with pickup scheduled within ten minutes of your start time. This flexibility helps ensure you’re not waiting long and that your day begins smoothly.

Meeting the Huskies and Getting Prepared
Once you arrive at the host’s home in Kalixforsbron, the fun begins. You’ll meet the friendly huskies, see how they’re harnessed, and get dressed in the provided winter gear—a snowsuit, sturdy winter boots, gloves, hats, and socks—making you ready for the cold. The guides usually teach you how to handle the dogs and harness them safely, which is a critical skill if you want to steer your own sled.

Driving the Sled Through the Arctic Wilderness
The real thrill comes when you take the reins. Two participants share one sled and take turns steering and sitting, giving everyone a chance to experience the joy of mushing. The guides provide detailed instructions beforehand, ensuring you feel confident controlling the team. As you glide across frozen lakes and wind through quiet forests and expansive marshlands, you’re likely to spot reindeer, moose, arctic hares, or even Ripa the Ptarmigan, Kiruna’s official bird.

The Landscape and Wildlife
The scenery is breathtaking—crisp white snow, shimmering ice, and silent, snow-laden trees. Reviewers mention how “beautiful” and “peaceful” the landscapes are. The wildlife sightings, while sometimes lucky, add to the sense of adventure, and you’ll want your camera ready for shots of frosted trees and possibly reindeer grazing nearby.

Post-ride Warm-up and Traditional Fika
After your sledding adventure, the team heads back to the host’s place, where you’re invited to relax around an open fire in a traditional Sami tipi. The warmth of hot soup, sandwiches, and sweet Swedish fika provides a cozy contrast to the outdoor cold. Many reviewers, like Francesca, comment on how “the lunch by the fire was a lovely way to end the experience,” emphasizing the value of the hospitality.

Return and Reflection
The tour concludes with a comfortable drive back to Kiruna, leaving you with a sense of accomplishment, new skills, and loads of great photos. Some mention that guides like Martins and Leah are “helpful,” “attentive,” and know their dogs and Arctic environment well, which makes all the difference in feeling comfortable and engaged.

The Value and Who Will Love This Tour

Considering the cost—which includes transport, gear, guide, and lunch—the experience offers excellent value for those looking for a personalized, authentic Arctic adventure. For around five hours, you’re immersed in a unique activity that combines physical involvement, wildlife spotting, and cultural aspects in a beautiful setting.

This tour is ideal for adventure lovers who want to actively participate rather than spectate, animal enthusiasts interested in meeting friendly, well-cared-for huskies, and photographers eager to capture Arctic landscapes and adorable dogs. Because of the small group format, it suits travelers who prefer a more intimate, relaxed experience over large tours.

If you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime activity and enjoy the outdoors, this tour offers a genuine, memorable taste of Arctic life. However, it’s best suited for those prepared for cold weather and with flexible expectations around weather conditions, as visibility and wildlife sightings depend on the day.

FAQ about the Kiruna Self-drive Husky Morning Tour

What is included in the tour?
You’ll receive hotel pickup and drop-off, winter gear (snowsuit, boots, gloves, hats, socks), a guided husky sledding experience, and a light lunch with hot soup and sandwiches.

Is the gear provided sufficient for cold weather?
Yes, all necessary winter clothing and shoes are provided, ensuring you stay warm while enjoying the outdoor activities.

Can I drive my own sled?
Absolutely. You and a partner alternate steering the sled during the tour, guided by instructions from the friendly guides like Leah or Sebastian.

How long is the tour?
It lasts about 5 hours in total, including transportation, briefing, sledding, and the cozy lunch afterward.

Are there any age restrictions?
The experience is not suitable for those over 95 years old, but it suits most adults and older teens who are comfortable in cold weather.

What should I bring?
Bring a scarf for extra warmth, although gear is provided. A camera is optional but highly recommended for capturing the landscapes and adorable huskies.

What if weather conditions are poor?
The tour is generally planned for clear, winter days. If weather prevents the activity, check the cancellation policy—you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

How many people are in the group?
Small groups are limited to four participants, offering a more personal experience and more opportunities to interact with guides and dogs.

To sum it up, the Kiruna Self-drive Husky Morning Tour offers an authentic Arctic adventure that balances exciting animal-powered travel with cultural warmth. The chance to steer your own sled through snow-covered wilderness, meet happy huskies, and relax in a traditional Sami tipi makes it a standout experience in northern Sweden. Perfect for active travelers, animal lovers, and those craving genuine Arctic scenery, this tour promises memories that will last a lifetime—and plenty of great photos to prove it. Just dress warmly, bring your curiosity, and prepare for a fun, heartwarming day in the snow.