Saariselkä: Husky Safari with Aurora Borealis Hunt

Planning a winter trip to Lapland? If so, the Husky Safari with Aurora Borealis Hunt from Saariselkä offers a memorable mix of adrenaline, stunning scenery, and the chance to witness the Northern Lights in their full glory. While it’s a three-hour adventure, it packs in a lot—from the thrill of driving your own sled to cozy moments around a fireplace, all wrapped in the magic of Arctic Finland.

What I really appreciate about this tour is the authenticity; you’re not just watching huskies pull a sled, you’re actively involved in guiding one through a pristine pine forest, which makes the experience feel genuine and rewarding. Plus, the tour’s focus on Northern Lights hunting means you’re out in the dark, hopefully catching a celestial show that’s truly unforgettable. However, the experience does require some physical stamina since it’s self-driven—so if you’re looking for a relaxed ride, this might not be a perfect fit. Still, the well-organized itinerary and friendly guides make it worth considering.

One potential consideration is the weather variability—some nights might be clouded or stormy, which can interfere with aurora viewing. But with the cozy tipi, warm drinks, and a friendly guide, you’ll still enjoy the Arctic ambiance, no matter what the sky does. And the fact that thermal clothing, including overalls, boots, and gloves, is provided helps make the cold more manageable, even if temperatures suddenly dip.

Key points / Takeaways

• Authentic Siberian Huskies: The tour is led by husky guides, giving you a real, working experience with these friendly, strong dogs.
• Self-driven sleds: You’ll be the one driving the sled, which means some physical activity and a chance to feel truly involved.
• Optimal Northern Lights chances: The tour runs in the dark, increasing your odds of seeing the Aurora Borealis if clear skies prevail.
• Included thermal gear: Overalls, boots, and gloves are provided, helping you stay warm while enjoying the Arctic wilderness.
• Cozy break at the tipi: After sledding, you’ll gather around a fireplace with a warm drink, a perfect setting to chat, relax, and wait for the lights.
• Small group setting: Limited to 10 participants, ensuring a more intimate and personalized experience.

Entering the Arctic Forest: What to Expect

This tour begins with a convenient pickup from your Saariselkä accommodation—either at Holiday Club Saariselkä, Lapland Hotels Riekonlinna, or Valo Ice Cuba Villas. The first part of the day is spent traveling about 20 minutes in a comfortable van, giving you time to settle in and get into the Arctic mood. The driver will drop you at the Wilderness Center, where you’ll meet your husky guide. It’s worth noting that the guides are professional and friendly—they’ll give a safety briefing and instructions on how to drive the sled, which is pretty straightforward but requires some coordination.

When you’re suited up in thermal clothing—overalls, boots, and gloves—you’ll feel ready to hit the snow. The guide will introduce the Siberian huskies, explaining their history and how they’re specially bred for these long Arctic journeys. Once everyone knows what to do, each sled, usually with two people, is ready to go. One person drives, while the other rides in the sled, enjoying the view or taking photos.

The 8 km ride winds through the Arctic pine forest, where the silence of snow-covered trees makes every crunch of the runners sound special. The guide, usually on a snowmobile, monitors your driving, ensuring safety and offering tips along the way. The scenery itself is stunning: snow-dusted trees, open clearings, and the crisp, cold air—perfect for those Instagram shots or just soaking in the natural beauty.

The Aurora Hunt: A Nighttime Spectacle

The highlight of this adventure is undoubtedly the chance to see the Northern Lights. After the sledding, you’ll pause at a traditional tipi, warmed by a crackling fireplace. Here, you’ll enjoy a warm drink—something like tea or coffee—while chatting with your guide and fellow travelers. This cozy moment is an ideal opportunity to relax and keep an eye on the sky.

The guides are experienced Aurora hunters—they’ll tell you the best times and spots, but ultimately, seeing the lights depends on weather and solar activity. As one reviewer noted, “Husky safari is a must-do activity when you come to Finland,” especially since the Finnish forest and Northern Lights create such a magical combo. Even if the lights stay elusive, the experience of being out in the Arctic night, wrapped in warmth and surrounded by huskies, is special in itself.

The Itinerary Breakdown: Logistics and Experience

The tour features multiple stops—pickup at three locations, a total of about an hour of transport each way, and roughly 1.5 hours of actual sledding. The initial pickups start early, with a pickup window around 30 minutes before the scheduled start. The itinerary includes brief stops at the Star Arctic Hotel, with some passing time in the van, so you’re not just sitting in cold for long stretches.

The actual husky ride lasts approximately 8 km, with the guide monitoring from a snowmobile. This balance of self-driving and guided oversight adds a layer of safety and comfort. The experience is tailored for small groups (up to 10), meaning you’ll get personal attention and the opportunity to ask lots of questions.

Important logistics include bringing your own warm clothes—especially hats and gloves—since temperatures can change quickly in the Arctic. The thermal clothing provided helps, but layering is key. Also, keep your phone charged for photos, as the scenery is picture-worthy.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for those who want more than just a quick ride. If you’re physically fit and eager for a hands-on adventure driving your own sled, you’ll love it. It’s perfect for curious travelers who want to connect with the Arctic landscape and husky culture at a deeper level.

However, it’s not suitable for children under 11 or pregnant women, due to the physical nature of sled driving and cold exposure. Also, if you’re prone to motion sickness or dislike the cold, this might not be your first choice. The tour’s small group size and friendly guides make it suitable for those who enjoy authentic, intimate experiences.

Price and Value

At $295 per person, this tour offers a lot. You’re getting a 3-hour experience that includes transportation, thermal clothing, a husky sled ride, and a cozy break with warm drinks. Compared to other Arctic activities, this feels like a fair price considering the quality of the experience and the chance to interact directly with the huskies.

The value lies in the combination of adventure, culture, and the potential to see the Northern Lights—something many travelers prioritize. For those wanting a true Arctic experience, it’s a solid investment, especially with the small group setup that ensures personal attention.

Final Thoughts

This Husky Safari with Aurora Borealis Hunt offers a genuine taste of Lapland’s wilderness. The chance to drive your own sled through snowy forests, combined with the hope of witnessing the Northern Lights, makes it a memorable highlight of any Arctic trip. The experience is well-organized, friendly, and provides a meaningful connection to the region’s iconic husky culture.

It’s best suited for active travelers who enjoy outdoor activities, don’t mind a bit of cold, and are eager for the authentic Arctic wilderness. The cozy fireplace and warm drinks afterward add a perfect finishing touch, making it not just an adventure but a full sensory experience.

If you’re after a mix of adrenaline, natural beauty, and cultural authenticity, this tour from Saariselkä is a compelling choice. Just be sure to dress warmly, keep your expectations realistic about Aurora viewing—sometimes nature plays hard to get—but either way, the journey itself is worth it.

FAQ

Is thermal clothing provided?
Yes, thermal overalls, boots, and gloves are included, helping you stay warm during the sledding.

How long is the husky sled ride?
The actual sled ride covers about 8 km, roughly 1.5 hours of sledding, with the rest of the time spent preparing and enjoying breaks.

Can I drive my own sled?
Yes, you will be the one driving your sled, with instructions and monitoring from a guide on a snowmobile. It’s a self-driven experience.

What should I wear?
Bring comfortable shoes, warm clothing, a hat, and gloves. Layering is recommended since temperatures can fluctuate.

Is the Northern Lights guaranteed?
There are no guarantees; the Aurora depends on weather and solar activity. The tour maximizes your chances by operating in optimal conditions.

What’s included in the price?
Thermal clothing, roundtrip transportation, the husky sled ride, and a warm drink are all included.

Are children allowed?
Children under 11 years old are not suited for this activity. The experience is physically and emotionally demanding for young children.

This tour brings together the thrill of Arctic driving, the chance to connect with working Siberian huskies, and the hope of seeing one of nature’s most stunning displays. For a genuine and active Arctic adventure, it’s hard to beat.