Huskies do the steering for you. This 3-hour Husky Safari in Levi takes you from the Levi Center out to a family-owned husky farm and back, with real dog sled time plus a cozy story stop on the way. I love how the tour gives clear driving and safety instruction, and I love that you get Lapland culture in the middle of the Arctic action, not tacked on at the end.

One thing to consider is that it runs rain or shine, so you’ll want solid warm layers and waterproof outerwear if the weather turns wet.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• 15 to 18 km husky sled route, with real time on the sled, not just a short loop
• Two people per husky team, so plan for shared space and shared fun
• Driver swap halfway through, so both people actually get a turn
• Warm juice and a snack, plus time to relax by an open fire in the Kammi
• Finnish folklore and legends during the warm-up, tied to the mythical creature theme of the tour
• Pickup from Levi Center (Hissitie 11), across from the parking lot next to Kotipizza, by Polar Lights Tours bus

Getting to Hissitie 11, the Levi Pickup, and the Farm Day

This trip starts right in Levi at Levi Center, Hissitie 11, across from the parking lot and next to Kotipizza. You’re looking for the bus marked Polar Lights Tours, which matters because timing in Lapland is all about being where you need to be, when the bus shows up.

From there, you’ll ride by coach for about 15 minutes before you reach the main start area around Levi, Sirkka. That short transfer gives the day a smooth rhythm, and it also helps you avoid arriving too early to cold-wait in outdoor conditions.

Once you arrive, you head straight into the farm experience. Expect it to be a hands-on, family-style setup with huskies, plus other animals on-site (the farm has huskies, horses, and reindeer). That mix is part of why this feels more like a real place than a quick photo stop.

Safety Briefing First: How You Drive (and Why It Feels Manageable)

The tour includes a 15-minute safety briefing before the sled adventure starts. This is where the whole experience becomes less intimidating. You’re taught what to do, what to avoid, and how steering and movement work when you’re riding with Alaskan huskies.

Here’s the part I’d call out if you’re unsure about controlling the sled: the dogs are the real engine. In the feedback people highlight that steering is not a headache after the instructions, and that the dogs can find the way on their own. Translation for you: you should still pay attention during the briefing, but you’re not being thrown into a technical driving task.

You’ll also likely get guidance on how to handle the sled team calmly. In cold weather, hands and nerves can both get cranky, so having a short, clear prep session before you move matters. You’ll feel more confident once you’ve been told exactly how to respond.

Practical tip: wear layers you can move in. If you’re bundled so tightly you can’t shift your weight, you’ll feel tense when you actually start riding.

The 15 to 18 km Husky Safari: What the Ride Feels Like

After the briefing, your guided husky safari begins with an actual sled route around 15 to 18 km. The tour pairs you into teams of two people per husky sled, so you’re not solo out there. That’s ideal if you’re traveling as a couple, a friend group of two, or even a parent bringing a small sibling (though it’s not suitable for kids under 4).

The pace is the big draw. You glide across snow with that classic sense of winter speed, but you’re doing it at dog speed, not motor speed. And because the dogs navigate, you get to focus more on the experience and less on constant correction.

Timing-wise, the guided portion is about 1.5 hours on the ground as part of the program. In that span you’ll move from instruction to sled time, with the farm and route elements built in. It’s enough time to feel like you truly did a “safari” rather than a short taster.

If you care about photos, you’ll have plenty of chances while you’re moving. If you hate stopping for pictures, you’ll still enjoy the continuous ride segments. Either way, dress for wind and cold, since you’ll feel it more while moving.

Mid-Safari Driver Swap: Sharing Control Without Missing the Magic

One of the best practical touches on this tour is the driver swap halfway through. You start with one person driving, and then you switch so both people in the team get hands-on time.

That means you’re not stuck being the passenger while someone else does all the fun. And it also improves the experience for nervous riders, because the moment you feel the urge to learn, the swap time comes and you get your turn when you already know what the motion feels like.

It also makes the day fair. You’ll both leave with the memory of controlling the sled and making the dog team do what you asked, even though the dogs handle the route.

Here’s the little mindset shift I recommend: treat the swap like a chance to compare feelings, not just a mechanical change. The sled will feel different when you’re steering, even if the dogs are doing much of the navigation. Pay attention to how your hands and posture affect the team, and you’ll get more out of every minute.

Warm Juice, Local Snacks, and the Cozy Kammi by Open Fire

Between the ride and the storytelling, you get a proper warm-up. The tour includes hot juice and a snack, and the schedule shows 30 minutes for local snacks. This is a good chunk of time to get your temperature back up, especially if you tend to get cold in your fingers.

After that, you move into the Kammi, a cozy structure with an open fire. This is not just a photo moment. It’s a change of pace that gives your body a break and your brain a chance to slow down.

The open fire also helps you enjoy the experience instead of rushing through it. Cold weather activities can push you into survival mode. This part of the tour gives you a chance to breathe and recover, so the rest of the program lands better.

If you’re traveling with someone who gets chilly faster, this warm-up time is a relief. It’s also where the overall “winter day” feeling becomes more complete.

Finnish Folklore and the Gnome-Themed Story Stop

The safari is called the Path of the Gnome, and the program leans into that through Finnish folklore and legends surrounding mythical creatures. You’ll hear about their role in local traditions and stories.

I like this approach because it connects culture to what you’re experiencing right now. You’re already in the Arctic mood, and the storytelling helps you understand why Lapland’s winter myths are taken seriously. It’s not just trivia. It’s a way to interpret the place beyond the snow and sleds.

You’ll get this during the warm-up, when everyone is settled inside the Kammi. That timing is smart. You’re not trying to listen to stories while freezing outside. You can actually focus.

If you’re the type who enjoys short, focused cultural moments, you’ll find this fits perfectly between adventure segments.

Price and Value: Is $352 Worth the Time?

The price is $352 per person for about 3 hours total, with pickup and drop-off from Levi Center included. At this cost, the key question is whether you get meaningful time on the snow and not just a package wrapper.

Here’s where the value comes from:

• You get a 15-18 km sled adventure, which is a real distance for a guided winter activity.
• You receive safety instruction, plus the driver swap, so your experience is shared and complete.
• The tour includes hot juice and snack, which saves you from hunting for food in the cold.
• You also get the culture piece: Finnish folklore plus time in the Kammi by open fire.

Yes, it’s not cheap. But if you’re comparing it to shorter rides that feel like a quick loop, this one is built around a proper safari duration. The included transfer from Levi Center is another hidden value lever. In Lapland, time and comfort count, and a smooth start and finish can make the whole day better.

If you’re traveling as two people and you want both people to drive, the driver swap adds extra value because you’re not paying for one active participant and one spectator.

Who This Husky Safari Suits Best

This tour is a great fit if you want a full winter experience without getting lost in complicated logistics. It’s also a strong choice if you’re traveling as a pair, because two people per sled team and the driver swap are built into the format.

Choose this if:

• You want to ride 15-18 km rather than a very short sled loop
• You’re a first-time sledder who wants clear instruction
• You want both Arctic adventure and a Finnish folklore component
• You like the idea of warming up by open fire and relaxing mid-program

It’s not the best fit if you’re looking for a quiet, low-activity day. This is hands-on, cold-weather movement, and you’ll feel the wind while riding. You should also know it’s not suitable for children under 4 years.

Quick Practical Tips for a Better Ride

Start with warm clothing. The tour only says to bring warm clothing, but I recommend thinking in layers: base layer, insulating layer, and a real outer layer to block wind.

If you’re prone to cold hands, plan for it. When you’re driving, your hands work the controls. Gloves that fit well matter.

Also, plan to be comfortable being outside even though it’s rain or shine. Wet snow and wind make colder weather feel colder. You’ll enjoy the ride more if you protect yourself from that.

Finally, remember the tour does not allow alcohol and drugs. If you’re imagining a celebratory drink, save that for later in town.

Should You Book the Path of the Gnome Husky Safari?

Book it if you want an honest-to-goodness husky safari with enough distance to feel like you did something substantial. The biggest reason to say yes is the combination of easy-to-follow guidance, a manageable driving setup, and the added fairness of the driver swap halfway.

Skip it only if you dislike cold weather movement or if you’re hoping for an ultra-custom, private experience. This is structured as a guided program, and that’s part of the charm.

If you’re basing your Lapland day around husky sledding, this one is a strong bet: practical, active, and paired with warm culture time in the Kammi.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point?

The meeting point is Levi Center, Hissitie 11, across from the parking lot and next to the Kotipizza restaurant. Look for the bus with Polar Lights Tours written on it.

How long is the husky safari tour?

The total duration is about 3 hours.

How far do you ride on the husky sled?

The sled adventure length is 15 to 18 km.

Do both people drive the sled?

Yes. There is a driver swap on the halfway point, so both people in the team get a chance to drive.

How many people are on each husky team?

The safari runs with two persons per husky team.

Is hot food included?

You get hot juice and a snack during the program.

What happens after the safari?

After the safari, you’ll get time to meet the friendly dogs, warm up in the Kammi by open fire, and learn Finnish folklore and legends connected to mythical creatures. Then you return to the pickup point.

Is the tour inside or outside?

It is an outdoor activity, and it takes place rain or shine. You’ll also have indoor or sheltered time during the warm-up in the Kammi.

What language is the guide?

The live tour guide is available in English and Finnish.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible, and is it suitable for children?

It is wheelchair accessible. It is not suitable for children under 4 years.