Racing Through Lapland: A Day at Arctic Circle Husky Park (Rovaniemi)
Dashing through the snow, on a husky-pulled sleigh. Over Lapland we go, laughing all the way… Ahahaha.
This was the moment I had been dreaming of.
Spending five weeks interrailing from Kraków to Bergen, nothing quite compared to arriving in the winter wonderland of Finnish Lapland. It’s exactly how you imagine it – snow-capped trees, frozen lakes, and crisp air that bites at your cheeks. A landscape that feels almost too magical to be real.
At night, the sky comes alive as the Northern Lights flicker and dance overhead, making you genuinely question whether you’re dreaming.
Based in Rovaniemi, one of the most famous experiences is visiting Santa Claus Village, where, yes… You can meet the man himself.
But that’s not all. You can also meet the most energetic and lovable residents of the north at Arctic Circle Husky Park.
I was incredibly grateful to collaborate with the park and capture content during my visit, but truthfully, this was already high on my Lapland bucket list.
In this blog, I’ll take you through what it’s really like to race through the snowy wilderness, meet these incredible dogs, and experience one of Lapland’s most unforgettable adventures.
You can book your husky experience here.
Welcome to Arctic Circle Husky Park
Santa Claus Village is one of the most popular spots in all of Lapland and for good reason. It’s where you can meet Father Christmas himself and pick up those postcard memories to take home.
But beyond the festive charm, the village is packed with moments for all families and friends. One of the most unforgettable lies just a short walk away.
As we arrived, the quiet stillness of the snow-covered village was suddenly broken by the distant sound of huskies howling.
We followed the noise through the crisp -12°C air, passing gingerbread-style cabins and snow-dusted paths, until we reached Arctic Circle Husky Park.
After checking in, we gathered around an open fire, warming our hands as we waited to be called. The excitement was building with every passing moment.
I was finally about to tick off a true bucket list experience.
Meet The Huskies
Once we were split into groups, we stepped into the husky enclosure to meet the stars of the show.
This was where we were introduced to the dogs and learned more about their lives – starting with the huskies enjoying a well-earned day off from sledge duties.
Most were curled up in the snow, resting, but a few wandered over to greet us from their pens. If there wasn’t a “do not touch” sign, we were free to give them a well-deserved pet – something I definitely took advantage of.
Each husky had its own unique look and personality. Some had deep brown eyes, others icy blue, and a few had a striking mix of both. None looked identical to the other.
Their personalities were just as varied. Some were loud and excitable, howling with energy, while others were calmer, quietly observing everything around them like silent little assassins.
Our guide explained that despite the freezing temperatures we were braving (and I’m Scottish. I thought I knew cold), these conditions are actually far too warm for huskies. Their ideal environment sits closer to -40°C, with thick fur designed to keep them insulated in extreme Arctic conditions.
She also explained the differences and similarities between a husky and a wolf. At first glance, you might be a little caught off guard!
You might wonder whether sledging is tough on the dogs, but in reality, it’s the opposite. Huskies are built for this. They’re full of energy and thrive on running, and pulling the sledge allows them to release that natural drive.
Before setting off, I watched some of them bouncing with excitement. They were howling, jumping, and desperate to get moving. It was clear they wanted to run.
The park rotates the dogs regularly, giving them short runs followed by food and plenty of rest. Seeing this firsthand, it was reassuring to know how well cared for they are. The bond between the guides and the dogs was obvious, and it made the whole experience feel even more special.
Husky Play Time
Before taking the ride of a lifetime, we had one more activity to enjoy… PLAY TIME!
To help warm the dogs up before their runs, we stepped into a pen with a group of working huskies, and within seconds, we were surrounded. Around a dozen dogs darted around our feet, full of energy. It was a complete (and slightly chaotic) dog overload.
We were each given a small treat to offer, which gave us the perfect excuse to get up close with these incredible animals. But once the snacks were gone, their attention quickly shifted back to what they loved most – playfighting with each other.
So, if you’re imagining a peaceful cuddle session with a dozen huskies… Think again. These dogs are full of energy and ready to run. This definitely isn’t their first rodeo!
One tip: keep any loose items tucked away. Hats, gloves, scarves, if it’s within reach, a husky might try and claim it as their own.
I actually witnessed a glove nearly meet its end, but thankfully, the guides (and my dad, perfectly positioned) stepped in before any serious damage was done.
Still, this was such a memorable part of the outing. We’d already learned about the dogs; now we were right in the middle of their world.
And with the energy building all around us, it was finally time for the main event… let’s hit the slopes.
The Husky Safari
The air was so cold it almost sparkled around us. An ethereal sight that made Lapland feel even more whimsical.
And now, it was time. This was more than just a ride; it was a tradition passed down through generations of the Sámi people. A true Arctic experience.
Sitting on a layer of soft reindeer fur inside the sledge, I got myself comfortable and relaxed, bracing for what was to come. Then, with a sharp command and a chorus of howls… we were off.
The speed instantly took me by surprise. Within seconds, we were racing through the snow, the sledge gliding effortlessly behind a team of powerful huskies. To them, I felt weightless, more like an empty backpack than a passenger.
We weaved through the frozen landscape, the dogs navigating each bend with surprising ease. Snow-covered trees blurred past as the only sound was the rhythmic crunch of paws against the ground.
At times, they slowed just enough for me to take it all in: the stillness, the vastness, the beauty of the Arctic, before surging forward once again.
It was easy to understand why this has been such an essential mode of transport in these regions. You can cover incredible distances across the tundra in no time at all.
And just like that, it was over.
We returned to base, adrenaline still pumping, before heading into a nearby cafe to warm up with a hot chocolate and reflect on what we had just experienced.
It was, without a doubt, one of the most unforgettable moments of my entire trip.
Was This Experience Worth It?
I think it’s safe to say this bucket list experience exceeded all expectations. I never thought a five-minute husky sledge ride could be that fun.
The build-up played a huge part in that too. Learning about Lappish culture and spending time with the huskies made the whole experience feel much more meaningful before the main event even began.
And when it came to the ride itself, yes, it was over quickly, but it was easily one of the most adrenaline-filled moments of my entire time in Lapland.
If you’re after something a bit more relaxed, a reindeer sleigh ride might be more your pace. I tried one a few days later, and the contrast was night and day. Both are magical in their own way, but the energy of a husky safari is on another level.
Of course, this experience isn’t the most budget-friendly, so it’s important to choose an ethical provider. From what I saw at Arctic Circle Husky Park, the dogs are extremely well cared for, and their excitement to run speaks for itself.
For me, that made it worth every penny.
With its location right in Santa Claus Village, it’s also one of the most accessible husky parks in the region – perfect if you want to combine multiple experiences in one day.
If you’re heading to Lapland, take this as your sign: don’t miss out on a husky safari. You can book your experience here.
And once again, a massive thank you to Arctic Circle Husky Park for making this unforgettable day possible.
Lewis 🙂
Lost in Travel 