Sit Down Husky Ride Dog Sled Tour in Kiruna

The best part of this Kiruna outing is its easy, family-friendly format: you sit on a large sled while a professional guide handles the dogs and route. Twelve huskies pull you through forest trails and over frozen lakes, well away from the main tourist areas.

I like the provided Arctic clothing, which takes much of the worry out of dressing for northern Sweden. I also like the warm stop in a lavvu, where you get fire-made coffee or tea, homemade cake, and time with the friendly dogs.

The main drawback is value. At $197.99 per person, this is a costly two-and-a-half-hour activity, and part of that time goes toward transport and changing clothes. You are paying for comfort, care, equipment, and a guided experience rather than a long, hands-on mushing lesson.

Key points to know before booking

• Twelve huskies pull your sled: You sit back while a professional driver controls the team and explains the dogs, trails, and local area.
• Families can share one sled: A sled seats two adults and up to three children in a family group, with a usual limit of four adults.
• Arctic gear is supplied: Parkas, insulated trousers, Sorel boots, and mittens are available in most child and adult sizes.
• The route leaves the busy tourist zone: Expect forest trails, a river valley, and frozen lakes, with a chance of seeing reindeer or moose.
• A lavvu break is part of the ride: Hot coffee or tea and homemade cake are served beside a fire.
• Pickup is limited to central Kiruna: Jukkasjärvi, the ICEHOTEL, Camp Alta, and Aurora Camp require a private tour instead.

A gentle husky ride rather than a driving lesson

This is a sit-down dog sled tour, which makes it different from outings where you learn to steer or brake your own team. You ride on a large sled driven by a professional guide, so you can concentrate on the scenery, the dogs, and staying warm.

That format works especially well for families, couples, and anyone who wants the classic Lapland experience without managing a team of huskies. It also suits people who are curious about sled dogs but would rather not take on the physical work of mushing.

The sled normally carries four adults. Family groups can have up to five people, with two adults and as many as three children sharing one sled. If your group is larger, you will be divided among the available sleds, and the activity has a maximum of 12 people.

You will sit on a low sled bench with your knees bent. That detail matters more than it may sound. You need to be mobile without walking aids and comfortable sitting in that position for the ride. Babies under two are not accepted, and very young children should be able to sit up without help.

From central Kiruna to Kurravaara

The morning begins with pickup in central Kiruna. The listed pickup points are Scandic Hotel or Elite Hotel Frost at 9:15, Hotel Arctic Eden at 9:20, and Camp Ripan at 9:25.

At Scandic and Elite, you wait at the bus stop across the road. At Arctic Eden and Camp Ripan, pickup is at the entrance or in the lobby area. Be ready a few minutes early. The vehicle may arrive a little before or after the stated time as the guide collects people from several hotels, but the driver cannot wait for late arrivals.

The drive to the kennel in Kurravaara takes about 10 to 15 minutes from town. This short transfer is useful because you do not need to arrange a taxi or find a remote meeting point in unfamiliar winter conditions.

Pickup is offered only in central Kiruna unless you book a private tour. If you are staying at the ICEHOTEL in Jukkasjärvi, Camp Alta, or Aurora Camp, do not assume you can join the standard transfer. You need to contact the operator about a private arrangement.

The tour ends back at the meeting point in Kurravaara before you return to your hotel. The full activity lasts about two and a half hours, though changing into outdoor gear takes part of that time.

Getting dressed for Kiruna cold

At the kennel, you receive a parka jacket, insulated trousers, Arctic Sorel boots, and mittens. Clothing is available in most children’s and adult sizes.

This is one of the strongest practical features of the experience. Kiruna weather can turn brutally cold, and several outings have operated successfully at temperatures around -30 and even -35 degrees Celsius. The supplied gear does not make you invulnerable to cold, but it gives you a much better base than ordinary city clothes.

You should still plan sensible layers underneath. The outerwear is the main protection supplied by the operator, while your own base layers, hat, and warm socks help you stay comfortable. The exact clothing size you need should be considered when booking, especially for children or anyone over 100 kilograms.

People over 100 kilograms are asked to notify the operator in advance. In some cases, you may be asked to book two places on the sled for comfort and to give other people enough room. Pregnant participants can join at their own risk.

Twelve dogs, one quiet winter route

Once everyone is dressed, you are placed in groups and introduced to the sled team. The route winds through the forest and crosses frozen lakes, with sections through a river valley. The trails are away from the main tourist routes, so the ride has a quieter, more open feel.

The dogs do the hard work, but the experience is not silent. You hear the team moving together, feel the sled glide over the snow, and watch the dogs settle into their rhythm. The guide drives and talks about training, dog placement, speed, trail preparation, and the seasonal routine.

Guides have included Andrew, Natalie, Gaynor, and Milos, along with other members of the team. Andrew is especially good at mixing practical information with stories, while the wider crew is described as friendly and attentive with both children and dogs.

Wildlife is possible but not promised. You might see reindeer or moose along the route. One particularly memorable outing included a wild reindeer, but you should treat that as a lucky extra rather than part of the guaranteed program.

The route is best understood as a scenic ride with dog contact, not as a race. The emphasis is on the dogs, the snowy setting, and the guide’s explanations. If you want to control the sled yourself, this is not the right format. If you want to sit comfortably and take it all in, it is a good match.

The lavvu stop, coffee, cake, and dog time

About halfway through the ride, the group stops at a lavvu, a traditional-style tipi tent. A fire provides warmth while you are served coffee or tea and homemade cake. The cake has included homemade apple cake, a welcome treat when your fingers and face need a break from the cold.

This pause gives the experience a useful human scale. You are not simply transported through the snow and sent back to town. You have time to ask questions, talk with the guides, and meet the dogs up close.

The dogs are a major part of the appeal. You can pet them and, if they are comfortable with it, give them a cuddle. The team is described as friendly and well cared for, which matters to anyone choosing a dog sled outing on ethical as well as recreational grounds.

The stop also helps families. Children can move around a little, warm up, and enjoy the dogs without having to remain seated for the entire outing. Still, keep young children close and follow the guide’s instructions around the team.

What the price includes, and what it does not

The listed price is $197.99 per person. That puts the tour firmly in the premium winter activity bracket, especially since the total outing lasts about two and a half hours.

I think the price is easier to justify if you need the full package. You receive central Kiruna pickup and drop-off, warm outdoor clothing, a professional English-speaking guide, a scenic route, dog interaction, coffee or tea, cake, and all taxes and fees.

The gear is important. Buying or renting a parka, snow trousers, Arctic boots, and proper mittens for one short outing could be inconvenient and expensive. The transfer also saves you from arranging transport to Kurravaara.

The value is less convincing if you already own excellent Arctic clothing, have your own rental car, or want a longer sled ride. One candid assessment puts the actual sled time closer to two hours once changing is included. I would compare the price with other Kiruna dog sled outings and decide how much you value comfort and easy logistics.

Group discounts may be available. A private tour is also offered, which can make sense for a special occasion or for anyone staying outside central Kiruna.

Who will enjoy this tour most

This is a strong choice for families with children old enough to sit safely on the sled. A four-year-old has joined successfully, and the provided clothing helps parents avoid packing a full Arctic wardrobe for a single activity.

Couples and solo participants can also enjoy it, especially if they prefer a guided ride over a driving lesson. The maximum group size of 12 keeps the outing relatively small, though you should expect to share the experience with other people unless you book privately.

Dog lovers will get the most from the kennel visit and stop. You do not need to be an experienced dog owner, and the dogs have been described as easy to approach and affectionate. If you are nervous around dogs, tell the guide and take the introduction at your own pace.

The tour is not suitable for babies under two, people who cannot sit on a low bench with bent knees, or anyone who needs a walking aid. It also deserves caution for anyone with limited cold tolerance. The supplied gear helps, but you are still spending time outdoors in Arctic weather.

Booking details that can save you trouble

This experience is often booked about 27 days ahead, so I would reserve early if your dates in Kiruna are fixed. Confirmation is provided at booking, and the activity is offered in English.

Choose your pickup location carefully. If you select that you will decide later, you must tell the operator your central Kiruna pickup point at least 16 hours before departure. Otherwise, the operator may not know where to collect you.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund.

The tour depends on suitable weather and a minimum number of participants. If poor weather or low numbers cause cancellation, you are offered another date or experience, or a full refund.

Should you book the Sit Down Husky Ride?

I would book this tour if you want a comfortable, well-organized introduction to dog sledding around Kiruna, especially with children or limited Arctic clothing. The combination of hotel pickup, supplied gear, a professional driver, dog contact, forest trails, frozen lakes, hot drinks, and cake removes most of the usual winter activity hassles.

I would think twice if your main goal is hands-on mushing or the longest possible sled ride for your money. In that case, compare a driving tour or a longer private outing.

For most first-time visitors, the deciding question is simple: do you value an easy, warm, family-friendly introduction to husky sledding? If yes, the Sit Down Husky Ride is a sensible choice. Book early, arrive on time, and dress in layers under the supplied Arctic gear.

FAQ

Where does the husky ride take place?

The tour operates from Lapland Sleddog Adventures at Viltvägen 12 in Kurravaara, about 10 to 15 minutes from central Kiruna.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included from designated locations in central Kiruna.

Which hotels have listed pickup points?

Pickup is listed at Scandic Hotel or Elite Hotel Frost, Hotel Arctic Eden, and Camp Ripan.

Can I be picked up at the ICEHOTEL?

Not on the standard tour. Pickup from Jukkasjärvi, including the ICEHOTEL, Camp Alta, and Aurora Camp, requires a private tour.

How many people fit on one sled?

A sled normally carries four adults. Family groups can have up to five people, with two adults and up to three children.

Do I drive the sled?

No. A professional guide drives the sled and controls the team of huskies.

What clothing is provided?

The operator provides a parka jacket, insulated trousers, Arctic Sorel boots, and mittens. Most children’s and adult sizes are available.

Is food or drink included?

Yes. Coffee or tea and homemade cake are served at the lavvu tipi tent during the break.

Can young children join?

Children can join if they can sit safely. Babies under two are not accepted, and very young children should be able to sit up without help.

What happens if the weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. A full refund is also available if the minimum number of participants is not reached and the tour is canceled.