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- Top 8 winter activities in Sweden
- Dog sledding in Sweden
Dog sledding in Sweden
Winter adventures don't get much more real or exotic than mushing your own team of Alaskan Huskies in the Swedish mountains or in Swedish Lapland in the Arctic Circle. Dog sledding in Sweden is truly a bucket list experience.
What is dog sledding?
A dogsled is run by a musher, a person who stands behind the sled and guides the dogs with different techniques and commands. As a musher, you also have to work and help the dogs. This adventure is teamwork! A team of dogs consist of between 2 to 18 dogs, most of them are Alaskan or Siberian huskies. However, there are other suitable breeds for dogsledding.
The huskies are very enthusiastic about taking you on a tour through the winter wonderland. They are bred for the task and you can expect them to cover between 15 and 40 kilometres a day. If you are lucky you might spot reindeer, wolverine and arctic hares on your trip and if you are extraordinarily lucky, the very rare Arctic Fox. If you are here in winter, there is also a chance you will catch the world’s biggest light show – the Northern Lights.
What to wear when you go dog sledding?
It is advisable to wear warm clothing. Most companies will provide you with warm overalls, snow boots and gloves for your Husky Tour but it is advisable to check beforehand what is provided. You can wear thermal underwear, comfortable clothing and bring a scarf or a buff.
When and where to experience dog sledding?
A good introduction to dog sledding in Sweden are the ski resorts in the Scandinavian Mountains, many of which (aside from having great skiing) offer short dog sledding trips led by an instructor. It’s a great way of getting used to the sport before booking a multi-day trip with a dog sledding operator or husky tour activity centre in Sweden.
Nature doesn’t get much closer than dog sledding through the Swedish winter wonderland; through snow-clad forests and across frozen flatlands, lakes and mountains. It will give you an appreciation of the beauty of this part of Sweden and for the Huskies pulling you.
For multi-day trips you will be accompanied by an expert guide and usually stay in log cabins or tents along the way. Usually, all accommodation, meals and a sleeping bag are included in the price. The guide will introduce you to your team of dogs, instruct you on how to dog sled and handle the dogs, then guide you to the best views and nature-spotting opportunities. The groups are usually small, ranging from 5 to 8 people.
Although some companies offer dog sledding on wheels in summer, you’ll want to book your trip to the northern parts of Sweden between December and March if you prefer to experience dog sledding on snow.
The dog sledding tours closest to Gothenburg and Stockholm are located approximately a three hours drive from the cities, in the regions of Värmland, Dalarna and Hälsingland.
Sleddogs in the woods
Siberian Huskies pulling a dog sled in Swedish Lapland. Jokkmokkguiderna provides dog sledding adventures in the forests and mountains of the North, and their excursions are all approved by the Swedish eco-tourism society.
Photo: Anna Öhlund/imagebank.sweden.se
Sleddogs in the woods
Photo: Anna Öhlund/imagebank.sweden.se
Dog sledding in Skellefteå
Photo: Ted Logart/visitskelleftea.se
Team of huskies
Photo: Asaf Kliger/imagebank.sweden.se
Dog sledding in Sweden – from north to south
Swedish Lapland
- Info and list of companies in Swedish Lapland
- Info and list of companies in and around Kiruna
- Nature's Best also recommeds Jokkmokkguiderna and Wilderness Retreat Solberget
Västerbotten
- List of companies in and around Umeå
- Västerbotten Experience also recommends Wild Lapland and Granö Beckasin
Jämtland-Härjedalen
High Coast of Sweden
Medelpad
- Visit Sundsvall recommends Amarok
Hälsingland
- Nature's Best recommends Sweden Husky Tours
Dalarna
Värmland
- Visit Värmland recommends Hike Husky Tours, Highyard Sleddogs Adventure and Mooneye Sleddogs