Self-Drive Guided Husky Tour 1 or 2 Hours Levi

Levi and the village of Sirkka

Levi is Finland's largest ski resort, built around the village of Sirkka at the foot of Levi fell in the municipality of Kittilä, well north of the Arctic Circle. In winter the village is a compact base of hotels, cabins, shops and restaurants, with ski slopes on one side and endless snowy forest on the other. Kittilä Airport is only a short drive away, which makes Levi one of the easiest places in Lapland to reach for a winter holiday.

Your husky safari begins right in Levi Centre, at Hissitie 11, opposite the parking area. From there a shuttle drives you about 15 minutes out of the village to the kennel, so there is no need to arrange your own transport. It is one of the most popular things to do in Levi and fits easily into a day of skiing, shopping or a northern lights evening.

The husky kennel and the Alaskan huskies

At the kennel you meet the stars of the day: Alaskan huskies, a working breed of sled dogs that are lighter and faster than the fluffy Siberian huskies of picture books. They are bred to run in the cold, and the noise and excitement in the yard before departure, when the dogs bark and jump to get going, is an unforgettable part of the experience. The guides introduce the dogs, explain how a team works together and how they are cared for.

You also get a clear safety briefing of about 15 minutes, including how to stand on the runners, how to use the brake and how to keep a safe distance from the sled in front. The kennel visit is included on both options, so even guests who are nervous at first feel comfortable before setting off into the forest.

Driving your own sled through the Lapland forest

Once the teams are harnessed, the guide leads the way and the sleds follow in a line. On a self-drive husky safari two guests share one sled: one stands on the runners and drives, the other sits in the basket and enjoys the view. The 1-hour programme covers about 3 km, a perfect taste of dog sledding. On the 2-hour programme you travel about 6-8 km and swap drivers halfway, so both of you get to drive.

The trail winds through snow-laden spruce and pine, across open clearings and towards the fells, and the only sounds are the runners on the snow and the panting of the dogs. Your guide stops for photos along the way. On the 2-hour safari you finish with hot juice and a local snack of about 20 minutes, a welcome moment to warm up and share the experience.

Winter in Lapland: when to go and what to wear

Husky safaris in Levi run during the snowy season, from late autumn to spring, when the forest is covered in deep snow. Each month has its own atmosphere: in December the sun barely rises and the days glow blue and pink, from February the light returns and the snow sparkles, and in March long sunny days make for some of the best conditions. The best time to visit Levi for husky rides depends on whether you prefer magical twilight or bright skies.

Temperatures can fall well below freezing, and you stand still on the sled while the dogs do the work, so warm clothing is essential: thermal layers, a warm jacket and trousers, a hat, gloves and warm winter shoes. Many hotels and rental shops in Levi lend or rent winter overalls. Dress well and the cold becomes part of the magic.