From Abisko: Dog Sledding Excursion to Kiruna with Fika

From Abisko: Dog Sledding Excursion to Kiruna with Fika — An Authentic Arctic Adventure

Thinking about adding some Arctic excitement to your Swedish trip? This dog sledding tour from Abisko to Kiruna offers an engaging way to experience the wilderness, meet adorable sled dogs, and enjoy a cozy fika break. While it’s a full-day commitment, the scenery, companionship, and authentic atmosphere make it well worth considering.

What we love about this tour is the guided experience — allowing you to relax and soak in the views without worrying about driving or navigation. Plus, the chance to interact with the dogs and learn from knowledgeable guides about the team and the landscape adds a genuine touch. A potential caveat is the length of travel time—about 3 hours of it is spent getting to and from the sledding site, which might be a lot if you’re pressed for time. Still, this tour suits travelers who value authentic outdoor experiences and don’t mind a full day out in the cold.

If you’re after a memorable Arctic activity that combines adventure, scenery, and cultural highlights like Swedish fika, this tour fits the bill. It’s best for those who want a hassle-free, guided experience with a focus on scenery and animal interactions, rather than intense physical exertion.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Scenic Arctic Ride: Enjoy a 10–12 km dog sledding circuit through stunning wilderness landscapes.
• All-Inclusive Comfort: Warm clothing, boots, and accessories are provided, so you stay cozy despite the cold.
• Authentic Experience: Meet, pet, and cuddle the dogs, and learn about their care and team from expert guides.
• Cultural Touch: Relish a Swedish cinnamon bun and hot drink at an Arctic wilderness camp.
• Transport Convenience: Round-trip transfers from Abisko make the journey straightforward and relaxing.
• Flexible Booking: Cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, with options to reserve now and pay later.

Setting the Scene: What to Expect from the Tour

This tour offers a well-balanced mix of adventure, comfort, and cultural flavor. Starting with a scenic bus transfer from Abisko, you’ll be driven to the small town of Kiruna, famous for its northern location and stunning natural surroundings. The transfer itself—lasting about 3 hours round-trip—is a chance to gaze out the window at snowy forests and rugged terrain, setting the mood for your Arctic adventure.

Once you arrive at the sledding camp near Kiruna, you’ll meet a team of enthusiastic sled dogs eager to get moving. The initial moment of seeing the dogs is often a highlight — their energy, friendliness, and shiny coats immediately endear them. The professional musher will drive the sled, steering a team of up to four guests, so you’ll be a passenger, enjoying the ride and the view.

The 12 km circuit takes you through some of the most scenic parts of the Arctic wilderness. Expect snow-covered trees, frozen lakes, and sweeping vistas that make every second on the sled worthwhile. The guides are well-versed and animated, sharing insights about the landscape, the dogs, and local life, which adds a layer of educational value to the fun.

Midpoint Break at an Arctic Wilderness Camp

About halfway through, you’ll stop at a remote Arctic camp for a cozy break. Here, the guides will light a fire and serve piping hot drinks — typically coffee or tea — alongside Swedish cinnamon buns, adding a comforting touch to the chilly environment. This fika break isn’t just about warmth; it’s also a chance to interact with the dogs, petting and cuddling them in a relaxed, friendly setting.

From reviews, visitors mention how much they appreciated the guides’ knowledge and friendliness. One reviewer noted, “Our guides loved their dogs and it was obvious that the dogs loved them too,” which speaks to the genuine bond and care involved.

Returning to Abisko

After the stop, you’ll hop back on the sled for the return journey, completing the 7-hour experience. The return trip allows you to reflect on the day’s sights and the bond with the dogs, often leaving participants feeling fulfilled and eager to recommend the experience.

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The Practicalities: What’s Included and What to Consider

This tour is designed to be accessible and well-organized. Included are round-trip transfers from select Abisko hotels, warm overalls, winter boots, hats, and gloves—crucial gear for staying comfortable in Arctic temperatures. The hot drink and cinnamon bun provide a sweet, warming treat mid-ride.

The cost of $261 per person might seem steep at first glance, but it covers transportation, clothing, expert guiding, and a memorable experience with the dogs. Many reviewers think the value is high, especially as the guides are praised for their knowledge and friendliness, and the scenery is genuinely spectacular.

One thing to note is the duration—about 3 hours of driving (round trip) plus an hour of actual sledding. Reviewers mention that some time is spent getting suited up and traveling, so if you’re expecting a full day of sledding, this might be a little less intense than anticipated. You should also bring snacks and a packed lunch since no food is available at the camp, and the ride can be long.

Group Size and Physical Fitness

Groups are limited to four guests per sled, creating a cozy atmosphere. The experience is suitable for most physically able guests since a professional musher handles the sled, and you are mainly seated. Children under 5 are not eligible, probably due to safety considerations.

Flexibility and Cancellation

Booking is flexible with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and you can reserve now and pay later, which is handy for flexible travel plans.

Authentic Wilderness Encounters and Viewing Highlights

Multiple reviews highlight the quality of the guides and the beauty of the landscape. One traveler called it “an experience I’d do again,” praising the friendly guides and the dogs’ enthusiasm. Others appreciated the opportunity to pet and play with the dogs, which adds a personal touch many outdoor tours lack.

The scenery is often described as breathtaking, with many visitors remarking on how “happy” and “enthusiastic” the dogs seemed to be, clearly enjoying the ride and their work. To see the dogs trotting along happily, with snow-capped trees in the background, makes for memorable photos.

Overall Value and Who Will Love This Tour

This dog sledding experience offers more than just a ride — it’s a chance to connect with working dogs, learn about Sami culture and Arctic landscapes, and enjoy Scandinavian hospitality with fika. It’s especially good for outdoor lovers, animal enthusiasts, or anyone seeking a unique Arctic adventure without intense physical demands.

If you’re looking for a relaxed, guided experience with high-quality scenery and a friendly atmosphere, this tour hits the mark. The combination of scenic views, expert guides, and interaction with the dogs makes it a memorable part of any trip to Swedish Lapland.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in this tour?
You get round-trip transfers from select Abisko hotels, warm clothing (overalls, boots, hats, gloves), plus a hot drink and cinnamon bun at the camp.

Do I need to bring anything?
Yes, bring snacks and a packed lunch, as there’s no food available at the camp or during the trip.

How long is the actual dog sledding?
You will enjoy about 10-12 km of sledding, but the total tour lasts around 7 hours including transportation and breaks.

Can I participate if I have little outdoor experience?
Absolutely. The sleds are driven by professional mushers, so your role is mainly to sit back, enjoy, and take photos.

Is it suitable for children?
Children under 5 are not allowed on this tour.

What should I wear?
The tour provides warm overalls and boots, but dress warmly underneath and bring hats and gloves for extra comfort.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours before the start for a full refund, making it a flexible option if your plans change.

How do I get to the meeting point?
Pickup is included from specific hotels in Abisko, with times around 9-9:30 AM, depending on your location.

Is the tour family-friendly?
Yes, as long as kids are over 5 and comfortable in cold weather, this can be a wonderful family experience.

Final Thoughts

This dog sledding tour from Abisko to Kiruna balances adventure, comfort, and cultural richness. The scenic ride, friendly guides, and adorable sled dogs create a genuinely memorable Arctic experience. It’s especially suitable for travelers eager to try a traditional activity without physical exhaustion, and those who love animals and stunning landscapes.

While it’s not a whirlwind of adrenaline, the serene beauty of the snow-covered wilderness combined with the cheerful dogs makes for a calming yet exciting day. It’s a chance to see some of the best scenery Sweden’s far north has to offer, with the added joy of meeting the hardworking dogs behind the scenes.

If you’re after an experience that feels authentic, approachable, and visually stunning, this tour deserves a spot on your Scandinavian itinerary. It’s a beautiful way to step into the Arctic and create lasting memories of your time in Swedish Lapland.

You can check availability for your dates here: