You are here: Home » Featured » Winter husky holiday in Lapland

Winter husky holiday in Lapland

Explore the wilderness by driving your own husky team

8 days (7 nights)

Enjoy the winter holiday with a difference in Finnish Lapland, just below the Arctic Circle. Explore Finland’s wilderness by driving your own husky team, an experience you will never forget! A treat for dog lovers!

Proper winters and warm summers shape nature in Taivalkoski, where the husky holiday takes place. The snow falls in October and lasts until May. The accommodation is in Saija Lodge that is situated in the middle of the beautiful, relaxing landscape. The lodge is built from wood in traditional Finnish style, and offers a cosy restaurant serving local specialities. The name “Saija” comes from the Sami language, and means “the quiet place”. The calm surroundings by Lake Jokijärvi help you to relax and enjoy the wonderful countryside around the lodge.

Day to day

Sunday: Arrival to Saija
Flight to Kuusamo airport and transfer to Saija. After checking in to your room, you can enjoy some real homemade Finnish food..

Monday: Learn to drive huskies
After breakfast there is an introductory meeting about Saija and the coming week. You’ll get your safari equipment and meet the dogs. After an introduction to the sled-dog world and the winter gear that you will need during the tour, there is a test drive of about 13 kilometres. Everyone leads his or her own dog team of 4-6 dogs.

Tuesday: Through the winter landscape
Tuesdays drive is about 25 – 35 kilometres long. The route takes you through the beautiful forest and marsh scenery, over frozen lakes and along the river. Lunch is enjoyed around an open fire and you’ll return to spend the night in Saija.

Wednesday and Thursday: Overnight husky safari
The two-day safari will take you through the magical winter scenery. We stay overnight in the simple but cosy wilderness cabin, Harjajärvi. The cabin has a sauna, but no shower, indoor toilet or electricity. You will look after your own dog team, and help prepare the meals together. Breakfast and dinner are served in the hut, the lunch at an open fire in the wilderness.

Friday and Saturday: Free days for independent activities
You can book an additional snowmobile tour, go skiing or snowshoeing around the area. An experienced instructor will join you on the snow mobile tour to make sure that you can enjoy the ride to the full. There are approximately 15 miles of marked and well-maintained ski tracks leaving from the front door of the hotel. If you feel adventurous, you can also try skiing or snowshoeing off the tracks.

Sunday: Day of departure
Transfer back to Kuusamo airport after breakfast.