Rovaniemi: Husky Farm Visit

If you’re heading to Rovaniemi, Finland, and have a soft spot for dogs or just love the idea of meeting those iconic Arctic huskies, this Husky Farm Visit offers a cozy, family-friendly glimpse into the lives of sled dogs. This experience, run by Apukka Resort Oy, is perfect for anyone curious about what makes these dogs tick — from their training to their diet — and those eager to enjoy some hands-on petting and photo ops.

What we really appreciate about this tour is its balance of education and fun. It’s not just about the cute pictures (though there are plenty of those); it’s about understanding the animals and their environment. Plus, the inclusion of a short cart ride allows you to see the huskies in action, demonstrating why they’re such incredible pullers.

That said, it’s worth noting that husky rides are only available when the temperature is 10°C or colder, so if you’re visiting during a mild spell, you might miss out on the ride. The tour is also quite short — around 1 hour — which makes it a great add-on rather than a full-day adventure. This experience is best suited for families, animal lovers, or anyone seeking an authentic, relaxed introduction to Lapland’s most famous working dogs.

Key Points

• Authentic insight into husky life: Learn what they eat, how they train, and why they love to run.
• Hands-on petting opportunity: Get up close and personal with friendly, well-cared-for huskies.
• Short cart ride: Weather permitting, experience a 500-meter ride to see huskies in action.
• Inclusive and practical: Warm winter clothing provided if needed, making it comfortable regardless of the weather.
• Educational and fun: Guided in English, with plenty of opportunities for photos and questions.
• Ideal for families and animal enthusiasts: Offers a genuine, relaxed Arctic experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Husky Farm Visit Experience

The Location and Accessibility

The husky farm is just a few minutes walk from the main resort area, which makes it very convenient. You won’t need to worry about complex transfers or long drives. The close proximity ensures you can easily fit this experience into a day’s itinerary. The farm itself is modern and well-maintained, emphasizing the well-being of the dogs.

What to Expect During the Tour

Guided by an English-speaking host, your hour-long visit begins with a warm welcome and an introduction to the farm’s operations. The guide will share how the huskies are trained, fed, and prepared for winter sledding. We loved the way the guide explained why these animals love to run — it’s in their nature, but also something they are trained and bred to do.

Soon, you’ll move into the area where the dogs are kept. The friendly huskies are accustomed to human interaction, so petting them feels natural and joyful. Reviewers frequently comment on how “lovable” and “friendly” these dogs are, making it a highlight of the visit. Many visitors appreciate the opportunity to cuddle the dogs and take plenty of photos, often describing it as “a real highlight.”

Weather permitting, the tour includes a 500-meter cart ride, pulled by the huskies. This short ride gives you a taste of what it’s like to be pulled by a team of dogs, though it’s quite brief — just enough to appreciate their strength and energy. Keep in mind this is only available when temperatures are at or below 10°C, which is typical during Finland’s winter months.

The Hot Drink & Winter Clothing

To keep everyone comfortable during the outdoor parts, thermal overalls, boots, woolen socks, mittens, and balaclavas are provided if needed. This thoughtful addition ensures you stay warm without the hassle of packing specialized clothing. After the farm tour, everyone gathers around a campfire to enjoy a warm drink, a small but appreciated touch that enhances the cozy, communal feeling of the experience.

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The Educational Component

This isn’t just about petting cute dogs; the guide will answer questions like “What do huskies eat?” and “How do they train for winter?”, giving you insights into their working lives. Visitors have expressed appreciation for the detailed explanations that make the experience more meaningful. It’s clear that the farm values the dogs’ welfare — the environment is clean, spacious, and designed with the animals’ comfort in mind.

Why It’s a Good Value

At around an hour, the tour offers a balanced mix of interaction and education at a reasonable price point, especially considering the included gear and hot drink. It’s a great choice for travelers who want a meaningful, close-up experience with sled dogs without committing to a longer or more strenuous activity.

Considerations and Drawbacks

While the experience is charming and well-organized, the short duration might leave some wanting more. If you’re especially interested in learning about sled dog training or participating in longer rides, you might find this tour somewhat limited. Also, because rides depend on the weather, if conditions aren’t cold enough, you’ll miss out on the cart ride — but the petting and learning still make it worthwhile.

On top of that, this tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, so travelers requiring accessible options should look for alternatives or confirm with the provider.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is perfect for families with children, animal lovers, or travelers seeking a relaxed and educational Arctic adventure. It offers an authentic taste of Lapland’s sled dog culture without the physical demands of a full sled ride. It also makes a lovely, low-pressure activity that complements other winter activities like Northern Lights viewing or reindeer visits.

If you’re curious about the day-to-day lives of huskies and want a personal, up-close encounter, this tour delivers. It’s especially valuable if you’re traveling during the colder months when husky rides are available, as it offers a safe, informative, and enjoyable introduction to these incredible working dogs.

FAQ

Is the husky farm visit suitable for children?
Yes, the experience is family-friendly, and children often love petting the dogs and taking photos. The tour duration and content are manageable for younger visitors.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 1 hour, including petting, the cart ride (if weather permits), and hot drinks.

Are winter clothes provided?
Yes, thermal overalls, boots, socks, mittens, and a balaclava are available if needed, ensuring comfort regardless of outdoor conditions.

Can I book the tour now and pay later?
Yes, you can reserve your spot without payment upfront and pay later, which offers flexibility.

Are husky rides available year-round?
Husky rides, such as the cart ride, are only available when the temperature is 10°C or colder, so they depend on the weather.

Is transportation included?
No, transfers are not included or available for this activity. You’ll need to walk from the resort to the farm.

Final thoughts

The Rovaniemi Husky Farm Visit is a charming, well-organized activity that provides a genuine peek into the world of Lapland’s most famous working dogs. It’s a perfect choice for those who want to connect with these lovable animals in a relaxed setting, learn about their lives, and enjoy some authentic Arctic atmosphere with a small group.

Whether you’re traveling with kids, want memorable photos, or simply love dogs, this experience offers good value and a heartfelt introduction to the sled dog culture of Lapland. Just remember — if you’re hoping for a long ride or a behind-the-scenes training session, this might not be the tour for you. Still, for its warmth, authenticity, and friendly dogs, it’s a delightful way to spend an hour in the Arctic wilderness.

You can check availability for your dates here: