Kiruna: Guided Afternoon Drive Your Own Dog Sled Tour

Imagine gliding through the snow in the dark, star-lit Swedish Lapland, listening to the rhythmic pounding of husky paws pulling your sled. That’s exactly what this Drive Your Own Dog Sled Tour offers. While we haven’t personally tried it, reviews and descriptions paint a picture of a genuinely memorable experience that lovers of outdoor adventure and authentic Arctic culture will cherish.

What makes this trip stand out? Firstly, handling the huskies yourself gives a feeling of real connection with the dogs and the landscape. Secondly, the chance to warm up with traditional Swedish Fika after a chilly ride adds a cozy, authentic touch. The only caveat? With a duration of about 4 hours, it’s not the longest tour out there, but for many, that’s enough time to get a real taste of Arctic sledding.

This experience is best suited for those who want a hands-on adventure, love dogs, and are eager to see the snowy wilderness of Norrbotten County. It’s also perfect for travelers who appreciate small groups and personalized attention. If you’re after a more luxury or high-adrenaline experience, this might not be your first choice—think of it as a genuine, family-friendly adventure through Lapland.

Key Points

• Authentic interaction with well-cared-for huskies, handling the reins yourself.
• Stunning scenery of snow-covered landscapes and starry skies during the polar night.
• Inclusive gear and clothing provided, making it accessible even for those unprepared for Arctic cold.
• Small group size ensures personalized attention and safety.
• Cultural experience with traditional Swedish Fika around an open fire.
• Flexibility with cancellation and booking, offering peace of mind for travelers.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What This Tour Offers for the Aspiring Arctic Explorer

The Kiruna Dog Sled Tour is designed to give you a hands-on experience in Swedish Lapland, blending adventure with a slice of local culture. Starting from the Malmvägen 9B location—home to the Kiruna Lapland Tourist Center—you’ll meet your team of friendly, well-cared-for huskies and receive warm clothing, including snowsuits, boots, hats, gloves, and socks. This is especially valuable because the Arctic winter can be unforgiving, and proper gear makes all the difference.

Once suited up, you’ll get a detailed safety briefing and learn how to harness and handle the dogs. This is where the experience becomes personal: two participants will share one sled, taking turns steering and sitting. The guides emphasize safety and knowledge, making sure everyone feels comfortable and confident before heading out.

The Itinerary: From Meeting Huskies to the Open Fire

Your adventure begins with a brief introduction to the huskies—not just as sled pullers but as caring, lively animals. Many reviews mention how well-treated the dogs are, with guides showing genuine compassion and expertise. It’s clear that this isn’t just a tourist trip; it’s a chance to see sledding as a sustainable and traditional form of transportation dating back thousands of years.

You’ll then step onto the sled, with one person in front and the other behind, as the huskies set off through snow-blanketed wilderness. The scenic views are truly breathtaking: vast snowy fields, frozen rivers, and the shimmering polar night sky overhead. Some reviews mention how beautiful the landscape is, especially during sunset or under the stars.

As you glide along, the guides share insights into Lapland’s ecosystem, the behavior of the huskies, and local culture. We loved the way guides are passionate and eager to answer every question, making the experience both educational and fun.

The Break and Fika: Warming Up by the Fire

After about an hour or so, you’ll pause beside an open fire in a traditional Nordic tent. Here, you can unharness the dogs and relax, sipping hot drinks, tea, or coffee, and enjoying Swedish cookies. This is a simple but meaningful moment—an authentic taste of Lapland hospitality that many reviews highlight as a favorite part.

The warmth of the fire and the company of the dogs create a cozy atmosphere that balances the cold outdoor adventure perfectly. Several travelers mention how satisfying it is to sit back, recharge, and share stories in this rustic setting.

Ending the Tour: Return and Reflection

The return journey is often just as scenic as the outbound leg, with the snow glow and starry skies providing a magical backdrop. The entire experience lasts about 4 hours, which feels just right—long enough to connect with the dogs and nature, but not so long that it becomes exhausting.

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Customer Feedback: Why Travelers Rave

Multiple reviewers rave about the expert guides and the genuine care they see for the huskies. One noted, “The dogs are treated so well and you can tell the guides love and really care for each and every dog.” Many say the value for money is excellent, especially given the personalized attention and included gear.

The scenery and the dogs’ friendliness consistently come up as top highlights, with travelers remarking on how quickly they fall in love with the huskies. The experience is described as “brilliant” and “incredible,” with some noting it’s a perfect activity for families or anyone who loves animals and outdoor fun.

Practical Considerations

The tour costs around $235 per person, which includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making logistics easier. The clothing provided ensures you won’t need to worry about Arctic cold—just bring your camera and a scarf. The group size is limited to four participants, ensuring everyone gets enough attention and can handle the sled comfortably.

If you’re worried about weather cancellations, the good news is that you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving you flexibility if conditions aren’t ideal. Keep in mind, pickup is only available within Kiruna town, and tours start from the tourist center located at Malmvägen 9B.

Why This Experience Works for You

This dog sled tour offers an authentic, participatory glimpse into Lapland’s wilderness and culture. It’s particularly suited for travelers who value hands-on activities, love animals, and appreciate small-group intimacy. If you’re looking for a scenic adventure that combines nature, culture, and physical activity, this tour ticks all those boxes.

Beware if you’re seeking a high-adrenaline thrill—this is more about the experience, the connection with the dogs, and the scenic beauty than pure adrenaline rushes. It’s also ideal for those who enjoy staying warm and cozy in traditional settings after outdoor play.

The Sum Up

The Kiruna Guided Afternoon Dog Sled Tour offers a genuine experience that balances outdoor adventure with cultural authenticity. Handling the huskies yourself and then relaxing with Swedish Fika in a Nordic tent makes it feel both personal and memorable. The small group size, expert guides, and caring dog handling contribute to a safe, enjoyable outing that many reviewers find well worth the cost.

For families, animal lovers, or adventure travelers wanting a meaningful Arctic experience, this tour provides an excellent introduction to dog sledding in Sweden’s Lapland. While it may not be the longest or most adrenaline-packed activity, its focus on authenticity, scenery, and connection makes it a standout choice for genuine Arctic exploration.

FAQ

Is transportation included? Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included, making it convenient to join the tour without extra hassle.

What should I bring? Just bring your camera and a scarf. The tour provides all necessary gear, including snowsuits, boots, gloves, hats, and socks.

Can I participate if I have no experience? Absolutely. Guides give thorough safety instructions, and two participants share each sled, taking turns steering and sitting.

What if the weather is bad? You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Weather conditions might affect the experience, but flexibility is offered.

Is the tour suitable for children? While generally family-friendly, it’s best for kids who are comfortable in cold weather and can handle a 4-hour outdoor activity. Children over 95 years are not suitable.

How many people are in a group? The tour is limited to small groups of up to 4 participants, ensuring personalized attention.

What makes this tour a good value? Included gear, expert guides, and an authentic cultural experience all add up, making the $235 price quite reasonable for the quality and intimacy.

Are the huskies well treated? Yes, reviews consistently mention the dogs are cared for with kindness and respect.

What’s the scenery like? Expect snow-covered landscapes, starry polar night skies, and possibly sunset views during your sled ride.

Can I book now and pay later? Yes, this tour allows you to reserve your spot without immediate payment, providing flexibility with your travel plans.

In sum, this dog sled tour in Kiruna stands out as a truly authentic way to experience Lapland’s winter magic. Whether you’re a dog lover, a nature seeker, or simply looking for a memorable Arctic activity, it promises a blend of adventure, culture, and cozy warmth that’s hard to beat.

You can check availability for your dates here: