Sit Down Husky Ride Dog Sled Tour in Kiruna

Snow, huskies, and a crackling fire make a fine morning.

The Sit Down Husky Ride from Lapland Sleddog Adventures offers an easy way to experience Swedish Lapland without learning to drive a sled. A professional guide handles the team of 12 huskies while you sit back, watch the forest pass, and cross frozen lakes. I especially like the included Arctic clothing and the warm break with coffee, tea, and homemade cake in a traditional lavvu tent.

The main drawback is the price: at about $197.99 per person, this is not a cheap two-and-a-half-hour outing. Changing clothes also takes part of the scheduled time, and the ride is shared rather than a private family adventure unless you book the private option.

The best parts of this Kiruna husky tour

• A professional musher does the driving: You can focus on the views, dogs, and cold-weather scenery instead of managing the sled.
• Twelve huskies pull each sled: The team gives you a close look at the strength, rhythm, and energy behind a working dog operation.
• Warm clothing is included: Parkas, insulated trousers, Sorel boots, and mittens help make very cold days manageable.
• A lavvu stop breaks up the ride: Coffee or tea made over a fire and homemade cake add comfort halfway through the outing.
• Family seating is practical: A sled can hold four adults, or up to five people in a family group, with space for children who can sit safely.
• The trails avoid the main tourist areas: Forest tracks, frozen lakes, and a river valley provide a quieter setting than a heavily developed attraction.

From central Kiruna to Kurravaara

The morning starts with pickup in central Kiruna. The available collection points are Scandic Hotel or Elite Hotel Frost, Arctic Eden, and Camp Ripan. The stated pickup times are 9:15 at the bus stop opposite Scandic or Elite Hotel Frost, 9:20 at Arctic Eden, and 9:25 at Camp Ripan.

You should arrive a few minutes early. The vehicle may be slightly ahead or behind schedule because of the number of pickups, but it cannot wait for late arrivals. That is a small detail that matters in winter, when missing transport can ruin the whole morning.

The drive to the kennel at Kurravaara takes only about 10 to 15 minutes from town. The short transfer is useful because you get a genuine outing beyond Kiruna without spending much of your tour time in a minibus.

The kennel address is Viltvägen 12, 981 46 Kurravaara. The tour returns there at the end, although central Kiruna pickup and drop-off are included from the designated points.

A key planning note: pickup is for central Kiruna only. Jukkasjärvi, where the ICEHOTEL is located, Camp Alta, and Aurora Camp are not included unless you arrange a private tour. If you are staying outside central Kiruna, check this before paying rather than assuming every local hotel is covered.

Getting dressed for Arctic conditions

At the kennel, you change into the supplied winter gear. This includes a parka jacket, insulated trousers, Arctic Sorel boots, and mittens. Equipment is available in most children’s and adult sizes.

This is one of the strongest reasons to consider the tour. Kiruna can be brutally cold, and several outings have taken place in temperatures around minus 30 or even minus 35 degrees Celsius. Proper outerwear does not make such weather tropical, but it removes the need to buy or pack a complete expedition wardrobe for one activity.

You should still dress sensibly underneath. The supplied clothing is an outer layer, not a substitute for warm base layers, wool socks, and a hat. The tour information does not list hats as part of the equipment, so bring your own head covering.

The changing process is practical, but it uses some of the two-and-a-half-hour schedule. One detailed account estimated that roughly half an hour could be taken up with changing clothes. That does not make the experience poor, but it is worth keeping your expectations realistic. The advertised duration covers the full activity, not two and a half hours of constant sled movement.

A sit-down ride with twelve working dogs

Once dressed, you are divided among the sleds. The standard arrangement is up to four adults per sled. Family groups can have a maximum of five people, allowing two adults and three children according to the tour description.

The word sit-down is important. This is not a driving lesson, and you are not expected to stand on the runners or direct the team. A professional English-speaking guide drives the sled and explains the dogs, the route, and the work involved in running a team.

That makes the outing a good match for families, couples, solo visitors, and anyone who wants the husky experience without the physical demands of a self-drive tour. It also means you have less control over the pace and handling than you would on a driving tour. The trade-off is comfort and attention. You can watch the dogs and take in the scenery while someone experienced manages the team.

The sleds travel through forest trails and across frozen lakes away from the main tourist areas. The route may also pass through a river valley. The scenery is the main event here: snow-covered trees, open white expanses, and the quiet motion of the runners over packed snow.

Wildlife sightings are possible, not promised. You might see moose or reindeer, and one outing included a wild reindeer sighting. Keep your eyes open, but do not book this as a wildlife tour. The dogs and the winter setting are the reliable attractions.

Meeting the huskies at the kennel

The dogs are not just a source of transport. The stop gives you time to meet them, ask questions, and offer a cuddle if the dogs are comfortable with it.

The team can include dogs with names such as Olga, Sunday, Bell, Ayla, Freddie, Tia, Tyson, Elvis, and Rudy. The chance to interact with them helps explain the appeal of the tour. These are working animals with different personalities, and the best moments may happen before or after the sled moves, when you can see their excitement and friendly nature up close.

The company places clear emphasis on caring for the dogs. That matters in a region where sled rides vary greatly in tone. Here, the experience is presented as an introduction to the animals and their training, not simply a fast trip pulled by anonymous dogs.

Guides also explain how the dogs are arranged in the team, how they train, how the route is prepared, and how speed and duration are managed. Andrew has been noted for his lively explanations, while Natalie has led outings praised for their calm organization and attention to both people and dogs. Gaynor is involved in running the operation, and guides such as Milos bring experience with the sport and the teams.

The exact guide and dog team will depend on the day. Still, the operation’s human side is a real strength. If you are curious about husky care, training, or the practical work behind sledding, ask questions during the break.

Coffee, cake, and fire inside the lavvu

About halfway through the ride, the sleds stop at a lavvu, a traditional tipi-style tent. You warm up beside the fire with coffee or tea and homemade cake. Homemade apple cake has been served, and it is the sort of modest comfort that feels especially welcome after time outside.

Coffee is made fresh over the fire. That detail gives the pause a strong sense of place. This is not just a scheduled snack stop; it is a chance to slow down, talk with the guides, and let the dogs rest.

The break also helps the tour work for families. Children get a change of pace, adults can warm their hands, and everyone can meet the huskies at closer range. If you dislike being cold for long periods, this pause is important when judging the experience.

The tent is not a luxury restaurant, and the food is limited to drinks and cake. That is enough for a warming interval, but you should eat breakfast before pickup. The activity is outdoors, and the tour does not promise a full meal.

How the group size affects the experience

The maximum group size is 12 people. That is small enough for the guide to answer questions and keep an eye on the group, but you should not expect a completely private outing.

Family seating is one of the practical wins. Up to five people can share a sled in a family group, while the general arrangement places four adults on each sled. If you are traveling with children, this lets you stay together instead of splitting the family across multiple sleds.

The sled bench is low, and you sit with your knees bent. You need to be mobile without walking aids and able to get into and out of that position. Very young children should be able to sit up unaided, and babies under two are not suitable for the activity.

The company asks anyone over 100 kilograms to mention it when booking. In some cases, that person may need to book two places on the sled for comfort and to avoid crowding. This is not a judgment call about fitness; it is simply a seating and space issue that should be settled before the day.

Pregnant participants join at their own risk. The tour also requires good weather, so conditions can affect the schedule.

Is $197.99 good value?

The cost is high for 2 hours and 30 minutes, especially since changing clothes takes part of that time. If you measure value by minutes on the sled, you may find the price hard to justify.

I see the value in the package rather than the ride length alone. You receive hotel pickup and drop-off from central Kiruna, a professional driver, a small group setting, a 12-dog team, full Arctic outerwear, a forest and frozen-lake route, a fire-heated tent stop, drinks, cake, and time with the dogs.

Renting or buying equivalent cold-weather gear would add cost and effort. Transport is also handled for you. That makes the tour a better deal for a short Kiruna stay, a family with limited winter equipment, or anyone who wants a straightforward introduction to dog sledding.

A self-drive husky tour may offer more activity for your money, but it also asks more from you physically and requires more instruction. This sit-down version is aimed at comfort, scenery, and contact with the dogs. Decide which kind of experience you want before comparing prices.

The tour is often booked well ahead, with an average booking lead time of about 27 days. That is useful evidence for planning, especially during the winter season. It is available in English and accepts mobile tickets.

Cold-weather tips for a smoother morning

Arrive at your pickup point early, especially if you are using the Scandic or Elite Hotel Frost stop, which is across the road at a bus stop. Keep your phone charged, but remember that extreme cold can drain batteries quickly.

Wear warm layers under the provided clothing. Bring a hat and consider a spare pair of socks if you are prone to cold feet. Avoid tight footwear or bulky clothing that will make the supplied boots and trousers uncomfortable.

At the lavvu, use the break to warm your hands and ask questions. The guides can explain the dogs and local area, and this is also the best moment for a closer look at the team.

If you are bringing children, make sure they understand that the sled bench is low and that they need to remain seated. The tour is family-friendly, but the age and mobility rules are real safety requirements.

Who should book the Sit Down Husky Ride?

I would choose this tour for a family that wants to stay together, a couple looking for a gentle winter activity, or a first-time visitor who wants huskies without learning to mush.

It also suits people who have not packed serious Arctic clothing. The supplied gear is a major advantage, especially if your Kiruna visit includes only a few winter activities.

I would think twice if you want to drive your own sled, spend several hours in the wilderness, or avoid sharing a sled with other people. The ride is relatively short, the price is substantial, and the central Kiruna pickup rule can be inconvenient for anyone staying outside town.

Should you book it?

Book it if you want a well-organized, family-friendly husky ride with warm clothing, a professional guide, and time to meet the dogs. The fire-heated lavvu stop, homemade cake, and quiet trails add more than a simple out-and-back sled ride.

Skip it if your priority is a long expedition or hands-on sled driving. For everyone else, this is a polished introduction to Kiruna’s winter outdoors, with enough warmth and practical support to make even a very cold day enjoyable.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Late cancellations and last-minute changes are not accepted. If poor weather or too few bookings force cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

FAQ

Where does the Sit Down Husky Ride take place?

The kennel is at Lapland Sleddog Adventures, Viltvägen 12, 981 46 Kurravaara, Sweden. The sled ride takes place on forest trails and across frozen lakes near Kiruna.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are available from designated points in central Kiruna. The listed locations are Scandic Hotel or Elite Hotel Frost, Hotel Arctic Eden, and Camp Ripan.

What time is pickup?

The listed pickup times are 9:15 at the bus stop opposite Scandic Hotel or Elite Hotel Frost, 9:20 at Hotel Arctic Eden, and 9:25 at Camp Ripan.

Can I be picked up at the ICEHOTEL?

No. Pickup from Jukkasjärvi, including the ICEHOTEL, Camp Alta, or Aurora Camp is not included. These locations may be possible when booking a private tour.

How many people ride on each sled?

The standard arrangement is four adults per sled. Family groups can have a maximum of five people, with space for two adults and three children.

Do I need to drive the sled?

No. A professional English-speaking guide drives the sled and leads the dog team. This is a sit-down ride.

Is Arctic clothing provided?

Yes. The tour provides a parka jacket, insulated trousers, Arctic Sorel boots, and mittens in most children’s and adult sizes.

Can young children join?

Children can join if they can sit up unaided. Babies under two are not suitable for the activity.

Is the tour accessible for people using walking aids?

No. Participants must be mobile without walking aids and able to sit on a low sled bench with their knees bent.

What happens if the tour is canceled?

If poor weather or the minimum number of bookings causes cancellation, you will be offered another date or experience, or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time.