5 km Husky Sledding Ride Levi

Meeting in Levi and the transfer

The adventure starts in the parking area of Levi village centre, where a dark minivan waits for the group. Levi sits in the municipality of Kittilä in Finnish Lapland, and within minutes of leaving the resort the road runs through quiet snowy forest, which is part of the charm of this husky tour in Levi.

The drive to the husky base takes about 10 to 15 minutes each way and is included, so you only need to reach the meeting point in the village. Arrive 10 minutes before departure: late arrivals cannot be rescheduled, because the dogs and the trail are prepared for each group at a fixed time. The van is warm, so you arrive at the base ready for the ride.

Lake Rautusjärvi husky base

The kennel sits beside Lake Rautusjärvi, one of the lakes in the forested countryside around Levi. In winter the lake freezes solid and becomes a wide white plain framed by pine and spruce, a picture-perfect setting for a husky safari in Lapland.

On arrival the dogs greet you with an excited chorus of barks. Your guide gives a short safety briefing on standing on the runners, using the brake and keeping a safe distance from the sled in front. The trail may be adjusted to weather and snow conditions so the ride stays safe and scenic. Lake Rautusjärvi lies away from the busy ski slopes, so the dogs and riders have the quiet landscape largely to themselves.

Driving a husky team for 5 km

Alaskan huskies are bred for speed and endurance, Siberian huskies for strength and a thick coat that handles deep cold. Together they pull your sled across the frozen lake and into the snowy forest, where the only sounds are paws on snow and the swish of the runners.

The ride is self-drive: you hold the handlebar and control the brake, while your guide stays close for support. Five kilometres is long enough to feel the rhythm of the team and short enough for first-timers. Watch the trees for reindeer, which sometimes wander through the woods along the route. The guide sets the pace so that both riders and dogs are comfortable on every section of the trail.

Husky puppies and the reindeer area

After the ride comes the part many guests remember most: time with the four-month-old puppies. You can cuddle and play with them in the snow and take the cutest photos of your trip, then meet the adult dogs, each with its own character.

A reindeer area near the base lets you observe and photograph these gentle animals, which are central to Lapland culture. Feeding the animals is not allowed. The husky farm follows a strict no-kill policy and makes sure the dogs are well rested and cared for. Children especially enjoy this part, and the guide explains how the puppies grow into working sled dogs.

Heated shelter and the return

To finish, step into a cosy heated shelter for a warm drink and cookies while the experience sinks in. Extra drinks and snacks can be bought on site; card payments sometimes fail in remote areas, so carry an alternative.

The van then brings you back to Levi centre about two hours after departure. Dress warmly for the whole visit, because most of the time is spent outdoors. In extreme cold of minus 30 or lower the activity may be rescheduled or refunded for the safety of guests and dogs. It is a relaxed end to a compact winter adventure that fits easily into a day of skiing or other activities in Levi.