Morning Self-Drive Dog Sledding Excursion from Kiruna

Experience the thrill of driving your own team of huskies through the Arctic wilderness on this dog sledding tour in Kiruna, Sweden. Welcoming adventurers from ages 16 and up!

Kiruna is one of the most northern towns in Sweden and is situated within the Arctic Circle. Located in Swedish Lapland, the region experiences subarctic climates in winter. Due to its renowned picturesque wilderness, Kiruna is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Dog sledding is an amazing activity to discover the nature of Kiruna!

The tour will begin at Camp Ripan (transfer is available from listed locations, please specify when booking), where you will meet your experienced guide and get dressed in warm Arctic clothing (thermal overalls, boots, hat and mittens). You and your group (a maximum of 8 participants) will then be driven from Kiruna to the kennel, approximately 40 minutes away. While driving, you will pass by the local moose’s winter grazing land, increasing the likelihood of encountering these magnificent creatures! 

After arriving at the kennels in Kiruna, the adventure begins! You will begin by meeting the adorable and friendly Alaskan huskies. Your guide will take you through a safety briefing and a thorough driving lesson. They will teach you how to best interact and direct the dogs. Each sled is shared by 2 people with a team of 4-6 dogs. Once everyone is prepared, you will set off into the unique wilderness surrounding the kennels.

With the instruction from your guide, you will lead your dog sled through the mountain forest and over frozen swamps and rivers. If the skies are clear you will see the Kebnekaise mountain in the background. This mountain range runs through the Scandinavian Peninsula and forms the natural border between Norway and Sweden. The silent dogs and the remote location will allow you to truly experience the beautiful wilderness of the area. 

Then, you will guide the dogs to the River Kalix. The river has not been used for hydroelectric purposes and serves as an important migration route for many migratory birds and a reproduction area for salmon and trout. Although this is a remote area, people have made their living here from fishing and reindeer herding for hundreds of years. You may also spot some other wildlife or their traces in the area, including moose, reindeer, grouses and foxes. 

Each person will take turns and get to drive the sled for approximately 45 minutes. After the tour, you will return to the kennels. As soon as you are back, the guide will show you how to massage the dogs and then you will massage your team and give them a bit of soup. After, you will enjoy a warming vegetarian lunch, taking place either in the private kitchen or in a special mindfulness tipi, overlooking the mountains and the river.

In the tipi, after lunch, you will learn more about animal welfare and how mindfulness is incorporated into the kennel's daily life. The guide will start with a lecture and an introduction to how mindfulness works and how it can help you and your animal. Insights will be given on how a present mind helps the team and the dogs in their daily lives and how you can build a relationship with your own animal. Many examples of how the guide works with the dogs are shown - from young puppies to old dogs, wherein the Trust Technique is one of our most important tools. You will then say goodbye to your four-legged friends and be driven back to the starting point at Camp Ripan or to your original pick-up location.

This excursion is more than just a dog sledding tour, it is a learning experience about how to care for husky dogs. Book your next unforgettable adventure in Kiruna, Sweden today to make lifelong memories!