Dog sledding in Sweden

What is dog sledding?

A dogsled is run by a musher, the 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 whom 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 handle the dogs and then guide you to the best views and nature-spotting opportunities. The groups are usually small, ranging from five to eight 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.

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

• List of companies in and around Åre.
• List of companies in Vemdalen.

High Coast of Sweden

• List of companies close to Sollefteå.

Medelpad

• Visit Sundsvall recommends Amarok.

Hälsingland

• Nature's Best recommends Sweden Husky Tours.

Dalarna

• List of companies in and around Idre Fjäll, Sälen and Falun.

Värmland

• Visit Värmland recommends Hike Husky Tours, Highyard Sleddogs Adventure and Mooneye Sleddogs.