Accessible to all, dog sledding is a very popular activity in the Kiruna region. Sitting on a sled, you’ll enjoy a silent ride across the Lapland tundra, pulled by dogs. In this article, we’ve compiled all the information you need to prepare for your dog sledding trip in Kiruna.
Used since time immemorial and on many occasions in Lapland, it’s still a popular means of transport for the locals, especially for sporting activities. But it’s also a great way to discover Kiruna’s surroundings.
Practical information about dog sledding
In this section, we’ll talk you through all the essentials you need to know before booking your dog sledding activity in Kiruna.
What’s the right season for dog sledding in Kiruna?
Since you’ll be spending time in the forest and on frozen lakes, this activity necessarily takes place during the winter months. From October at the earliest to April at the latest, the dogs are at work.
The rest of the year, they’re off-duty and can’t pull a sled because there’s little or no snow.
Alternatives and prices
There are other alternatives to the traditional dog sled ride in Kiruna. Would you like to drive the sled yourself? Would you like to chase the northern lights on a dog sled? See below for other options that might interest you:
Start your day with a morning dog sled ride: as a passenger, you'll glide through Lapland's snowy landscapes, pulled by eager huskies. Afterwards, you'll warm up with a traditional fika break with hot drinks and pastries.
Hunt for the northern lights from the comfort of a wooden sled. Pulled by dogs, you'll enjoy the calm of Lapland nights as you admire the starry sky and try to observe this unique and spectacular natural light show.
Drive your own dog sled and set off on an adventure! After a briefing from the guides, you'll take the reins yourself and ride through the snowy landscapes around Kiruna. Along the way, you'll warm up with a traditional fika in a Nordic tent.
How do I get there?
As with most activities in Kiruna, a pick-up outside your hotel is included in the price of the dog sledding activity. In this case, the instructor will pick you up by van at the meeting point you’ve arranged in advance.
If you’re coming by car, parking is easy. Free parking is available in front of the reception. It takes about 20 minutes to get there from the center of Kiruna.
The road is perfectly clear, and you’ll have no problem getting there or parking. The exact address will be given to you when you make your reservation.
Once on the E10, just take the first left towards Marknadsvägen, then left again towards Lintanenvägen and then right towards Oinakkavägen. These are small roads, but with a GPS you’ll have no trouble getting to the starting point.
The dog sledding company is located on a side road off a main road where many winter activities are based. However, you’ll have no trouble finding it, thanks to the signpost.
It’s quite rare, but if you want to come by bus, line 501 has a stop about 2 kilometers from the activity, called Laxforsen Södra.
How long does dog sledding last in Kiruna?
Allow 3 full hours for the entire activity, from your arrival at the meeting point to your departure. You’ll be able to enjoy the dog sledding experience in complete peace of mind.
How does dog sledding work in Kiruna?
In the following paragraphs, we’ll explain in detail how dog sledding works in Kiruna. This will give you all the information you need to make the most of this activity.
Video of dog sledding in Kiruna
To get you straight into the mood, here’s a video of the activity:
Equipment and meeting the sled dogs
When you arrive at the meeting point, the first thing you’ll be asked to do is suit up, if necessary. The cold can quickly get to you, and it can be biting in this region.
If so, you can borrow insulated overalls to wear over your clothes. Lined boots and thick gloves are also provided.
If they’re offered, don’t turn them down. The guides are used to these temperatures, but you’ll really appreciate them after an hour sitting motionless in the dog sled, shaken by the cold and the wind!
Then you may have to wait a few minutes for the guide to harness the dogs. You can then wander between the pens and pet the dogs if you feel like it.
If you’re feeling nervous, don’t worry, they’re very well trained. In any case, don’t hesitate to talk to your guide and let the dogs come to you, never the other way around!
Before you leave
Then it’s time to get on the dog sled. The instructor will call you and invite you to gather around.
He’ll then explain the safety instructions, the most important of which is: never move your feet outside the designated areas. You could otherwise injure yourself.
You can then take your place on the sled. As a general rule, it’s best to go from tallest to shortest, so that everyone can enjoy the experience and see the scenery. However, nothing is compulsory, and you are free to choose a different order.
Start and first part of the sled ride
The dogs will then start off to the sound of a very precise command given by the musher (the person in charge of guiding the dogs and the sled).
Hold on tight at the start: it can be a bit abrupt! Then it’s off for a ride through the snow-covered Lapland landscape. From forests to lakes, you’ll enjoy all that Lapland has to offer while chatting with your guide.
The instructor’s explanations will help you learn more about the Kiruna region, the musher’s job and what makes these dogs so special and precious to humans!
At the halfway point, you can enjoy a well-deserved fika break.
The fika break
Derived from the word kaffe (Swedish for coffee), the fika break is a social coffee break that enables Swedes to get together over a hot drink and socialize on different occasions and at different times of the day.
It’s a widespread tradition in the country. You can often try it out on your outings in Kiruna.
The sled will then be brought to a halt and you’ll have plenty of time to pet the dogs or take photos of the landscape. Stopped on a frozen lake next to a Sami tent, you can also take time to admire the view.
In this tent, you can take shelter and enjoy a warm fire. You can also enjoy hot drinks and cakes, including the famous Swedish cinnamon rolls.
Back to the starting point
Once this break is over, you’ll get back on the sled and head off in the opposite direction to finish your journey in Kiruna. In the same way, you’ll cross snow-covered forests and frozen lakes before returning to the starting point.
You will then be invited to leave the sled. While the dogs are unharnessed, you can collect any equipment you may have been lent.
You can then leave, either by car, or using the transport provided to take you back to your hotel or to a meeting point you’ll have agreed with your guide.
Frequently asked questions
Here’s a summary of the different questions and answers you might have before going dog sledding in Kiruna. You’ll find them in list form, so you can quickly find the information you’re looking for.
What clothing and equipment do you need?
If you want to go dog sledding in Kiruna, you’ll need to be well covered up. Even though the outside temperature may seem rather mild, you’ll be sitting still for the duration of the activity.
Remember to keep your extremities well covered so you don’t suffer from the biting cold. Bring several pairs of gloves, socks and even a balaclava in case of strong winds.
In any case, if the weather isn’t good, don’t worry. The instructor in charge of guiding the dogs will be able to lend you a very warm snowsuit to wear over your clothes, as well as fur-lined boots and thick gloves so you don’t get cold.
If you’re feeling a little hungry, you can take advantage of the fika break (explained above) to enjoy a hot drink and some Swedish cakes, which will also keep you warm.
Can I take photos during the excursion?
You’ll be seated for the duration of the expedition. This means you can take out your camera and take a few photos during the dog sled ride. Be careful, however, to keep your camera safe, close and strapped to you in case of jolts or sharp turns, so as not to drop it overboard.
The best place to take photos is right at the front, where you can enjoy an almost 360° view of the Lapland landscape, with no one in front of your lens. You’ll also have a front-row seat to take photos of the dogs in full stride.
Otherwise, a GoPro or even a phone (provided it’s also firmly attached to you) is still the best option for taking photos.
In all cases, your equipment remains your responsibility in the event of breakage or loss.
How long does the tour last?
Allow 3 full hours for this activity. You’ll be able to take your time, without stress, to enjoy the dogs, the fika break and the journey through the snowy landscape.
Is dog sledding in Kiruna accessible to everyone?
Dog sledding is an activity that’s accessible to everyone. Whether you’re a family, a couple or a group of friends, you can all enjoy this unique experience in the heart of the extreme cold.
Children are welcome, as long as they follow the safety instructions and remain calm during the dog sled ride.
Can I do this activity if I’m afraid of dogs?
Like humans, dogs have their own personalities and histories. If you’ve had a bad experience with a dog in the past, don’t panic.
Sled dogs are highly trained and accustomed to human contact. So there’s nothing to worry about: you can approach and pet them without fear of being hurt.
Be aware that they will still be very noisy, but that’s perfectly normal: they can’t wait to go running and can’t contain their excitement, nothing more!
If you’re really too scared, you don’t have to go near them. As mentioned above, they’re highly intelligent dogs who are there to let off steam while they’re “working”.
They won’t come to you if you don’t want them to. In fact, they run most of the time and stay perfectly still during the break (they’ll also be harnessed to the sled throughout your experience).
You should now have all the information you need to book your dog sledding activity in Kiruna! If you love being out in nature and want to discover this unique way of getting around, pulled by dogs, then this is the activity for you.
