Overview
What's included?
- Duration: 7 nights
- Flights:
return flights from London Heathrow to Kittilä (via Helsinki). Direct return flights from London Gatwick are available for a supplement on certain dates. Flight routes are subject to change
- Transfers: return airport transfers are included
- Accommodation: 3 nights safari house or hotel accommodation and 4 nights in wilderness cabin accommodation (all accommodation is on a shared basis)
- Activities: 5-day husky safari with own team of dogs
- Meals: 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches*, 7 dinners
- Cold weather clothing for the duration of your stay
- Fully qualified wilderness guides and instructors
- 24/7 assistance from our UK-based operations team and in-destination support from our local partners
*If you're travelling between 15th December and 16th February on direct flights, you will receive 7 lunches.
Driving your own team of huskies through the Finnish wilderness for five days, staying in remote cabins far from civilisation, is an arctic holiday experience that will stay with you forever. The stunning Pallas-Ylläs National Park in North West Lapland is said to have the cleanest air in Europe. You will get to fill your lungs and refresh your senses speeding through the snowy forests and across frozen lakes in this untouched wilderness.
Your journey begins at the Arctic Sled Dog Centre at the renowned and respected Harriniva Wilderness Hotel.
Your team of four to six dogs comes from the 400 huskies looked after here by expert mushers. These guides will teach you how best to act and react with your dogs when out on the trail. Soon you'll be working with your team as a motivational musher of your own dog sled - it's a valuable lesson in teamwork. These amazing animals very quickly understand what you want them to do and deliver it with an enthusiasm and energy reserved for this particular breed of beautiful, hard-working dog.
Depending on the group's ability and the weather conditions, you can cover daily distances of between 25 to 40 kilometres. Over this distance and five unforgettable days, you will really get to know your dogs who all live and love to run in this Arctic playground.
©Antti Pietikäinen, K Chae and Visit Finland
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Key facts
| Duration: | 7 nights |
| Pace: | Active |
| Suitable for: | Ages 18+ with a good level of physical fitness. See Day 2 of the Agenda for further information. |
Dates & Prices
We include more, no hidden costs
Activities: please note that if you are travelling early in the winter season and there is not enough snowfall, then some activities may be adapted by the local team, or alternatives provided, to ensure everyone’s safety and comfort. For more information on this, please see our booking terms and conditions.
Prices
| Departure dates between | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Sun 15 Dec 2024
to Sun 30 Mar 2025 |
Adults £ 2,625 To £ 3,465 |
Departure day: Sunday
Please note: our holiday prices are based on the lowest available airline fares. These fares can sell out quickly and, as a result, prices may increase and supplements may be applicable. We recommend booking at the earliest opportunity in order to secure the best possible fares and flight times.
Next season’s dates and prices
You can make a pre-reservation to secure your holiday at this stage by paying an initial deposit of only £50pp. The provisional departure dates, prices and itineraries remain subject to change. We will contact you when the final dates, prices and itineraries are confirmed, and you will have 14 days to decide if you would like to go ahead. You will then need to pay the remainder of your deposit to confirm your booking in full. If you decide not to travel, we will refund your initial £50pp payment. Our Travel Experts will happily provide you with full terms and a complete quotation.
Please note: where listed in the What’s Included section, pre-sales prices include return UK flights.
Please note that the prices below are subject to change due to availability at the respective hotels; supplements may apply.
| Departure dates between | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Sun 14 Dec 2025
to Sun 29 Mar 2026 |
Adults £ 2,940 To £ 3,885 |
Terms
For our full booking terms and conditions please click here
The Specifics
Holiday group size (approximate)
Minimum 4; maximum 7
Group Size
We always try to provide an approximation of the group size you can expect to be with for the duration of each of our holidays. It may be that you are joined by others for parts of your holiday (such as transfers and particular activities) but the above number reflects those you can normally expect to be with from beginning to end. If group size is something which is particularly important to you, please speak to our Travel Experts and they can suggest the best holidays for you.
Tailor-made holiday group sizes will vary for all activities as will the group size for any additional activities you book.
Minimum and maximum age
If a specific minimum age applies to this holiday, it can be found in the Key Facts box on the holiday Overview page.
Unless otherwise stated in the in the Key Facts box on the holiday Overview page, the minimum age for participation in an Artisan holiday is typically 8 years old (there may be younger children in some destinations who have booked with other companies). If an adult-only environment is important to you, then please contact our Travel Experts and they will advise on the best dates and destinations for you. If you are looking for a holiday designed specifically for families then please see our sister company www.activitiesabroad.com
Itinerary amendments
The order of activities listed in this agenda is provided for guidance only, your final and detailed itinerary will be provided either with your final travel documents (which are uploaded into your online account around a week prior to departure) or upon arrival.
Medical History and Advice
We want our holidays to be accessible as they can be and will do our best to accommodate any special requests and requirements where possible. We have a wide range of holidays and destinations and so our travel experts will help find the best holiday for you.
In order to give us the best possible chance to do this we ask that if you or any member of your party has any medical condition or disability which may affect your holiday or has any special requirements, that you tell us at the time of enquiry or booking. You must also promptly advise us if any medical condition or disability which may affect your holiday develops after your booking has been confirmed. You may need to provide a doctor’s note and proof of insurance in some cases as the health and safety of our clients is absolutely paramount.
In providing this information you are allowing us to work with our expert local partners to ensure that your whole party can enjoy the holiday. By letting us know in advance we can discreetly work with you to adapt any part of the holiday which may potentially be challenging. Being able to prepare for this in advance makes an incredible difference to what we can offer and minimises any impact on your party and the rest of the group.
Unfortunately, if you choose not to share this information with us in advance then it may limit some or all of the itinerary you have booked, and we cannot be held accountable for any additional costs or missed activities resulting from this.
Insurance
Insurance is not included in your holiday, but it is a pre-requisite to travelling with us. You will need to ensure that you have cover for all the activities that you will be participating in during your holiday.
It is extremely important that you take out a suitable travel insurance policy at the time of booking. Plans do sometimes change, and you will need this policy should you need to cancel your holiday.
If you are struggling to find a suitable policy then details of our preferred provider, who will cover you for all the activities we offer, can be found on our website by clicking here. Please note that this policy is available to EU residents under the age of 75 only.
The UK Foreign Office Advice
Our clients’ safety is at the centre of everything we do, and our operations team continually assesses and monitors the destinations we feature. We carry out thorough risk assessments and work closely with all of our suppliers to continually follow best practice. For up to date travel advice the UK government offers its Travel Aware website as well as the advice detailed below.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice
We receive all updates from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) with regards to travel advice and we always ensure that we follow this advice in our operations. The FCO issues travel advisories for countries based on a very wide range of factors. They may provide notification about things as simple as a football match and crowds, or they may go so far as to advise against all travel to a region. We ask all our clients to refer to the relevant Travel Advice by Country for the destinations they are visiting in order to make an informed decision on the safety of the destination based on the details provided. It also provides vital information regarding entry requirements, embassy information, local laws and customs as well as specific safety and health. Guests should take responsibility for keeping themselves up to date with this advice. Please also ensure that, if you are transiting through another country, you have read the advice and meet the entry requirements for that destination too.
The FCO travel advice is applicable to British Passport Holders. Most governments will issue their own travel advice for a region and, if you are not a UK resident then you can find some helpful links below:
Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/
New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade http://www.safetravel.govt.nz/
Canadian Consular Affairs Bureau http://voyage.gc.ca/
The U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs http://travel.state.gov/content/travel/english.html
If the FCO deems that there is an unacceptable level of risk for UK citizens then, together with the government, they may issue an advisory against all travel to a region or country. If such an advisory is published, then we will act accordingly, and this may require the cancellation, curtailment or amendment of a holiday itinerary. These decisions are made on the basis of ensuring our clients’ safety and will affect all clients on the holiday, regardless of their nationality.
If one of our local experts suggests an amendment due to a situation which develops locally then we may also take the decision to amend an itinerary appropriately.
If we have to cancel your holiday prior to departure you will be offered the option of an alternative trip (where any price difference will either be refunded to or covered by you) or a full refund of the monies paid.
If we have to curtail a holiday, then you will be refunded for any costs for the elements we have been unable to deliver, where we have been able to secure a refund from our suppliers. If we must reroute a holiday, then any basis for refund is determined on a case by case basis and dependent on whether the central holiday experience was provided or not.
Booking activities locally
Additional activities can be booked locally in almost all our destinations. However, as per our booking conditions, we cannot be held responsible for any injury or loss incurred through participation in activities which are booked at your destination outside of our holiday itinerary (see our ‘Terms and Conditions’ for further details).
When arranging any such activity please always ensure that safety is your primary concern.
In some of our destinations, you can borrow or hire equipment for use in your free time. You do so entirely at your own risk. You must ensure that you are properly prepared, have the necessary equipment and knowledge (maps, etc) and ensure that where applicable, you follow marked routes. We recommend discussing your plans with the local teams who will be able to advise on the most suitable options for you.
Always let the reception/guide know where you are planning to go and take a torch and mobile phone (with the hotel/guide’s phone number stored). It is also a good idea to leave your contact number and the time you expect to return to the hotel should the hotel need to contact you.
Brexit information for British Passport holders
For the most up to date information on how the UK’s departure from the EU may affect your holiday please click here to view our Brexit information for British Passport holders.
Flight schedule changes and connecting transportation
On your documentation, we will confirm your flight schedule. Sometimes the flight number, routing and timings might change prior to your departure. If the change is classed as a significant change then we will contact you to discuss this. Please see our booking conditions for details.
Flight schedule changes can impact on your pre and post-holiday travel arrangements if these have been booked separately to your holiday. We strongly recommend that you do not book transport (such as trains or transfers), car parking or non-connecting flights to the departure point for your holiday until you have received your final confirmed travel times when your final travel documents are issued. We are not responsible for the effect of any schedule change on your pre or post travel arrangements. We strongly recommend that you do not purchase non-flexible or non-refundable tickets to avoid cancellation and penalty charges.
Booking your own flights - cancellation disclaimer
If you have chosen to book your own flights, then you will need to wait until we confirm to you that the holiday departure has met the minimum numbers required to run (if applicable to your chosen holiday). Once the holiday is guaranteed to run, you will be informed and you can then make your arrangements.
If transfers are included in your holiday, please ensure that any potential flights will be met by our standard transfers (speak to one of our Travel Experts for advice) otherwise private transfer supplements may be applicable. Once your flights are booked, please send us a copy of your detailed flight itinerary.
Please be aware that most tickets are non-refundable in the case of cancellation. For this reason, we strongly advise you check the rules of the ticket and check the limitations of your cancellation insurance before booking. We cannot be held liable, in the unlikely eventuality that we should be forced to cancel or amend your trip, for losses incurred relating to any flight booking you have made.
Terms and Conditions
Our full booking terms and conditions can be found on our website: https://www.artisantravel.co.uk/booking-conditions
Minimum travellers 10, Maximum travellers 20
Trip Specific Terms and Conditions
Overnight husky safari
Please note: should you wish to discontinue the overnight husky safari for reasons other than emergency evacuation, you will be charged an evacuation fee of €300.
Agenda
Agenda
-
DAY 1
Flights, Arrival, Introduction
From the airport, you will be transferred to your shared accommodation for the first night of your holiday. This will vary depending on availability but could be at any of the Pietikäinen family’s three hotels or a safari house located near the Harriniva Wilderness Hotel (max distance of around 5km). If you are staying in one of the hotels then you will enjoy your evening meal in the hotel restaurant; if you are staying in one of the safari houses the hotel will provide a minibus to take you to dinner. You will be provided will full information regarding your accommodation for the first and final nights of your stay upon arrival. If you would like to upgrade to a private en-suite hotel room for the start and end of your stay then please ask our Travel Experts for a quotation.
For an extra special start or end to your holiday, it is possible to upgrade to an Aurora Dome or a night in the Torassieppi Winter Village. Please see the 'Personalise' section for more details.
Included Meals: Dinner -
DAY 2 - 5
Husky Safari
After breakfast, you will meet with your guide for a full briefing and instruction session, before getting acquainted with your dog team. Then the sleds and equipment will be packed ready for the awaiting wilderness.
Your route takes you out into one of Europe's most pristine environments, with the dogs leading the way through snow-laden forests and across frozen lakes. When weather conditions and the terrain are right you can cover up to 40km per day, with the only sound being the soft rustle of the sleigh and the patter of paws on the snow. You and your team will become one, with you aiding the dogs by helping push up the hills and maintaining the speed of the sled on the downhill sections and technical bits.
This is a really hands-on holiday and, whilst on the trail, your dogs are your responsibility and they’ll be fed and watered ahead of any of their human companions. There are also an array of camp chores to be shared amongst the group and so you’ll get together to prepare breakfasts and dinners and will be involved in tasks such as carrying water, preparing the dog food (frozen meat in some cases), chopping wood and setting up the dogs’ resting areas. In our experience and that of our guests, this all adds to the atmosphere and really builds camaraderie amongst the group.
Your accommodation is in simple, yet cosy wilderness cabins. They are not always equipped with showers, indoor toilets or electricity and accommodation is dormitory style. A traditional Finnish sauna is normally available (depending on the route you take and the wilderness cabin you will stay in) to help you relax and steam clean after a day of adventure. Dinner will be cooked by your guide over an open fire and you’ll be able to discuss the day’s adventures.
A huge benefit of the wilderness locations is that there will be little or no light pollution and so you will have a great chance to see the Northern Lights if the conditions are right.
Please note: physical fitness required for this holiday
To fully enjoy this holiday you do need a good level of physical fitness. Temperatures can be anywhere between -5ºC to even -45ºC but the thermal clothing you are provided will keep you toasty warm whatever the conditions. You will spend long parts of your day standing on the runners of the sledge for a few hours at a time but when required you may also be needed to walk/ jog behind the sledge for a short period and help the dogs push the sledge up any short hills (which are few and far between in this part of the world). Anyone with any recent injuries or longer term medical conditions who would like to discuss the level of physical activity required are more than welcome to speak to our travel experts who have all been lucky enough to take part in husky safaris of varying lengths (and are all manner of ages and levels of fitness too!).
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
DAY 6
The Final Leg
Today you will make the final leg of your journey and arrive back at the hotel. It's time to part from your husky team and take a hot shower – a real luxury after five sensational days in the wild.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
DAY 7
Free Day
Today is a free day for you to enjoy however you choose. The wonderful thing about Harriniva is that you have the chance to try an array of additional Arctic adventures such as snowmobiling and snowshoeing (payable locally). Alternatively, you can simply relax and unwind after a truly unforgettable adventure.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
DAY 8
Departure
Today you will be transferred back to the airport for your return flights home.
Please note that lunch is only included today if you are travelling on direct flights between 8th January and 12th February.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation
Accommodation
Included in price
Harriniva Adventure Resort
Nights: 1,6-7
Ideally located in the north-west corner of Finland, high above the Arctic Circle and in the very heart of the Aurora Zone, Harriniva Adventure Resort serves as a perfect base for your adventure holiday.
Welcoming guests for over 50 years now, the hotel has developed a growing reputation for its warm ambience and the large range of enjoyable activities on offer.
Hotel facilities
The hotel has a range of facilities that have been designed to make your stay here as enjoyable as possible.
- There is free Wi-Fi throughout for guest use, in our experience, we have found it works best in the main reception and dining area
- The hotel restaurant consists of three separate dining areas. The meals are served in a buffet style with two or three choices for each course. The food here is hearty and wholesome
- The hotel also has a pub serving a range of beers, wines and spirits - this is the perfect place to unwind and relax with your fellow guests in the evening
- Tea and coffee are available free of charge throughout the day in the hotel restaurant / bar area.
- In the main reception area of the hotel, you will find a small gift shop selling a range of postcards, soft toys and handcrafted products. There is also a selection of snacks that can be purchased
- A sauna is available for guest use with separate facilities for men and women. This is free of charge and is heated every evening for around three hours
- The hotel also has an Aurora Wellness Centre (situated a short walk away on the riverbank), where you can enjoy a range of therapies such as facials or massages. A real treat after a day of sapping up the pristine wilderness! During peak periods, we would strongly recommend booking therapies in advance through reception (all payable locally)
- Snowshoes and cross-country skis are available to hire for a small charge and there are marked trails surrounding the hotel for those with some experience. For those interested in downhill skiing, the reception will be able to arrange a taxi to the nearby ski resort of Olos (payable locally).
Room types
Double/twin rooms: Harriniva has 64 guest bedrooms which consist of twin or double rooms. Triple rooms are also available on request. Decorated in traditional Scandinavian style, all rooms have an en-suite shower room and a hairdryer.
Safari House: For those travelling on our longer husky or snowmobile experiences, your nights before and after setting out on your adventure you will stay either at one of the Pietikäinen family’s three hotels (in a shared room) or a safari house located near the Harriniva Wilderness Hotel (max distance of around 5km). If you are staying in one of the hotels then you will enjoy your evening meal in that hotel restaurant, if you are staying in one of the safari houses the hotel will provide a minibus to take you to dinner. You will be provided will full information regarding your accommodation for the first and final nights of your stay upon arrival. If you are staying in one of the Safari Houses then each has sleeping facilities, a shower room, toilet, hairdryer and a sauna.
Wilderness plus rooms: These recently renovated rooms include double/twin beds and an unfolding sofa suitable for 1 adult or 2 children. Decorated in traditional Scandinavian style, all rooms have an en-suite shower room and a hairdryer, as well as a small seating area
Image Credits: Matt Robinson, Emmi Kähkönen, Harriniva Hotels & Safaris
Wilderness Cabins
Nights: 2-5
Wilderness cabin accommodation is reserved for those people enjoying overnight safaris. There can surely be few better forms of escape from the everyday stresses (which could include laptops, mobiles and your day job) than a night in one of these cabins. Their isolation also means that the views of the night sky are incredible.
The Northern Lights could well pay you a visit should conditions be right and, if the sky is clear, you will never forget the sight of the galaxy overhead.
The title is fairly self-explanatory as the cabins are located in the wilds. The cabins that you visit are determined by the conditions of the trails you are using. They are varied in their set up but all offer the same incredible experience of complete silence in the evening (not guaranteed if you are dog sledding as the huskies do like a howl now and then!).
Some of the cabins are more basic than others, as some have no electricity or running water. Everyone will join the guide to help set up camp by collecting wood and water if needed. Participating enhances the wilderness experience.
Once the fire is lit, the food is cooked. The guides prepare your meals over an open fire and our guests always provide exceptional feedback on the meals that the guides rustle up.
Should you have specific dietary requirements, please mention these at the time of booking.
There are no showers or bathroom facilities in the cabins but this is all part of the adventure. Scandinavia is renowned for its saunas and the wilderness cabins are no exception. Once heated, you can steam clean in the sauna. The toilet facilities are normally a short walk from the cabin and are compostable. We certainly recommend a head torch for any ventures to the toilet during the night!
In most cases, the sleeping arrangements are dormitory style. You will be given your own arctic-grade sleeping bag in which to sleep and, combined with your thermals and the open fire, this should keep you lovely and warm.
You will carry with you all that you need for any stay in the cabins, so luggage is typically restricted to the essentials. Your main bag will be securely stored back at the hotel and a safe is provided for your valuables.
There is something so refreshing about realising that you can strip back your belongings and enjoy such a simple but satisfying experience.
Depending on the weather conditions you might spend the nights in cosy and warm basecamp tents at one of the wilderness camps.
Image Credits: Antti Pietikainen
Other options
Jeris and Torassieppi Aurora Huts
The unique Aurora Huts at Jeris and Torassieppi offer a rather different overnight experience for guests. These huts have pleasant, cosy décor, with floor to ceiling windows on one wall, allowing you to gaze at the night sky in search of the Northern Lights. The Aurora huts at Torassieppi are located close to the lakeshore, whereas the huts at Jeris are located in the woods. The exact location of your dome will be confirmed upon check-in at your hotel.
Each hut has a double bed, a composting toilet and a small sink with running water. Shower and sauna facilities are just a short walk away (around 50-150 metres). There is space for one extra bed in the huts, but space will be very limited when added.
Personalise
Personalise this tour
Our pick
Aurora Adventure (20km Snowmobile Safari)
Racing after the Northern Lights on snowmobiles is utterly thrilling. You will receive a safety briefing and comprehensive instructions on working the vehicles before riding all the way to the summit of a picturesque fell during this two-hour safari. Relax with a hot drink as you look in the hope of seeing the lights dancing above you. You will cover around 20km over around two hours and will travel two people per snowmobile (ask our sales experts if you would like to upgrade to have your own machine).
Please note that you should be over 18 and hold a full driving licence to drive a snowmobile in Finland.
Read moreActivity level: Low
Minimum group size: 2 adults
Available: Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Sunday at 9 pm
Other options
Activities
Local culture
The Sámi people are native to Lapland, and their culture can be found throughout the region. On this activity, you will visit a local reindeer farm and have the chance to learn about the herder's lifestyle, help feed their animals and look around the nearby museum. This farm is one of the oldest in Finland and now welcomes visitors to come and gain an insight into the very special connection between the Sámi people and their animals. A magical reindeer sleigh ride is included (approximately 3km), as is lunch in a traditional kota (tepee).
Read more about this activityFrom late December, you will then enjoy a tour of the nearby Torassieppi Winter Village which features snow rooms, ice sculptures and a very cool restaurant!
You will be out for around 4 hours (including transfers).
Activity level: Low
Minimum group size: 2 adults
Available: Monday, Wednesday & Saturday at 10.20 am
Suitable for those aged 5 years and over.
Ice fishing
Ice fishing is one of Finland’s most beloved pastimes. A guide will take you to a nearby fishing location, helping you to drill through the ice and set up your line before leaving you to wait patiently for a fish to bite. It’s immensely rewarding to make a catch – even if you don’t, you’ll be treated to some marvellous scenery. A hot drink is included and you will be out for around two hours.
Read more about this activitySuitable for those aged 5 years and over.
Activity level: Low
Minimum group size: 2 adults
Available: Tuesday at 10 am and Sunday at 1 pm
Aurora Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing in search of the Northern Lights is particularly magical because you can slow down and enjoy the silence of the forests and wilderness at night, connecting to the land around you. A knowledgeable guide will take you into the dark outdoors, and you’ll stop partway for hot drinks in a prime Aurora viewpoint. You will be out for around 2 - 3 hours in total.
Activity level: Medium
Read more about this activitySuitable for those aged 12 years and over.
Minimum group size: 2 adults
Available: Monday, Thursday & Saturday at 9 pm
©Antti Pietikäinen
Little Extras
Cross-country ski hire
You can hire a set of skis (day hire) and test yourself on the cross-country skiing trails around Harriniva.
Image credit: Antti Pietikainen
Snowshoe hire
Hire snowshoes for the day and go trekking over the pristine snow.
Reviews
Traveller Reviews
Our guide Pita was excellent. She worked really hard ensuring the smooth running of the activity , food and accommodation needs.The Huskies of course ! The dogs were great. Again I think Pita was instrumental in knowing the nature of each individual dog and maintaining safe control. I loved my team of dogs and missed them on my free day. I enjoyed the cabins I liked the fact we had to get water,…
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wood, feed the dogs etc we got in to a routine which was different and enjoyable and part of looking after each other. I enjoyed the cooked lunches over the open fires. The salmon cooked over the fire in the cabin was the best salmon I have ever eaten as was the arctic Chard served in the hotel. I enjoyed the traditional reindeer dish with the mashed potato and finish berries. I liked the remoteness of the cabins .The stars were amazing. We did get a little northern lights on two nights. It is evident that this is an established activity in a centre with much experience.
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What a great experience - again! This was my third multi day husky safari through Artisan Travel. The booking experience was stress free and easy to follow. Travel to and from Finland was organised well - with no waiting around for hours, or having to look for where to go. Flying with Finnair who are very efficient and friendly directly from LGW to Kittila the local Finnish airport to the…
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hotel is such a boon. Harriniva Hotel - is a clean simple style Scandic hotel with lots of wood in the construction, good food, especially the wrap up dinner (with all the local specialities) but with the real deal being the husky operation (of over 400 dogs ) on site. All sorts of winter kit is provided by the resort - so no worries there. Staff are very friendly and all speak good English. Our guide, Hanski, was a star - very knowledgeable about every dog in her pack and patient in teaching us humans what we needed to know. The dogs themselves are very docile with humans, but they are working dogs and love being out on the trail where their enthusiasm for running and pulling the sleds is amazing.The scenery is just stunning - no matter what the weather. Huts are simple and very basic, but provide your refuge for the night. A major part of the whole experience is the managing of the chores (collecting the water, chopping the wood etc) and ensuring the dogs are cared for and fed. If you are looking for staff to do everything for you, you’re in the wrong place!
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Would do again in a heartbeat.
The quality of food and choice was amazing considering the remote location. The huskies were incredible and it was so good to be out in such a pristine environment. I will certainly look at Artisan Travel fo my next holiday. Flights and transfers were excellent too.
The husky safari guide (Hanksi) was excellent and delivered a brilliant trip.
Superb all round .... from initial enquiry to holiday end. Great, helpful, friendly, knowledgeable staff....... excellent proactive info (re Gatwick drone probs). Special mention to Andy Marshall (UK) and Katrina (on site in Finland) for their excellent friendly service and support - superb!
It was beautiful and the dogs were fantastic, enjoying every minute of it. The accommodation was basic as promised but atmospheric with the candles. We got into a routine quickly of getting water from the lakes, hauling wood, feeding, then clearing up after the dogs then going sledding. The food was marvellous in the circumstances and there was plenty of it. We all loved it, the only…
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disappointment being the absence of the Aurora, still, its an excuse to go back.
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We did the five day dog sledding safari and it was absolutely amazing. A truly life changing, peaceful, exciting, challenging and beautiful experience. Learned so much, saw so much and the amazing scenery and awesome dogs were a wonderful experience. Our enjoyment, experience and memories were really aided by the superb organisation and skills of Piita our guide. Gliding across frozen lakes,…
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running up hills and scooting down bumpy tracks with the sound of the runners, waking up to howling dogs and snuggling into their amazing fur for a cuddle will stay with me forever.
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Perfect holiday
Our tour guide Hanski was excellent and very knowledgeable. Hotel Harriniva staff were excellent. Food was excellent.
Overall a fantastic holiday. I would recommend it to anybody who likes outdoor activities.
The 5 day Husky safari was amazing. The hotel staff, Rep and activity team were outstanding. Friendly, knowledgable and professional.
The 5 day husky trip was an incredible memorable experience that I will never forget. Having a free day Saturday was great to do additional activities and rest before travelling home.
Cecilia is brilliant and Leif too. All the guides and activities were very good.
We went to go husky sledding and got a full on experience that we will never forget. Thoroughly enjoyed every minute of our time with the dogs. We also got to see the Northern lights night after night which was a real bonus. We can't praise our guide enough either, Hanski was knowledgeable and ensured our holiday was one we will remember for all the right reasons.
The husky safari itself was beyond excellent and will be recommended to any and all people who are looking for this kind of holiday.
Husky sleighing through the magnificent wilderness with simply incredible dogs...A once-in-a-lifetime incredibly awesome experience!
As this was a short activity holiday little time was really spent in the Harriniva Centre but it was operated very efficiently and in a very friendly manner from what we experienced. On the husky safari, the local guide spoke good English and explained what was needed to be done very well. The 5 days (4 nights) out sledding with the dogs was an unforgettable experience. It was a great challenge…
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handling the sled and the dogs in sometimes very difficult conditions, especially when travelling through woodland along a narrow and very undulating route. The dogs, however, were amazingly easy to handle and loved their work and it was good to be able to look after them for the 5 days. We had a small party of 5 people plus the guide and everyone got on well together and got stuck into whatever jobs needed to be done. The least enjoyable activity was probably having to use the compostable toilets which were generally some distance from the log cabins and not warm. You also needed to remember to take a torch even during daylight!
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We found your web site easy to use and informative and the booking process was simple and straightforward. The sales, after sales and administrative teams, were very helpful and the pre-trip documentation was easy to access and comprehensive. The transfer vehicles were clean, comfortable, prompt and safely driven. We stayed in the Harriniva Hotel on our first and last evenings and…
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not in a safari cabin – we were happy to have a double room rather than shared accommodation. The hotel was friendly and comfortable with a good choice and quality of food. Hanski, our guide for the 5-day husky safari, was excellent. The wilderness cabins were as described and in good locations. The food was very good local produce and there was plenty of it. We used most of the equipment provided and it was of good quality. Overall it was an excellent trip and if Artisan Travel were offering a holiday that suited our needs we would book with you again.
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We were well looked after by our guide who helped us to learn how to drive the sledges and look after the dogs. The scenery was lovely. The sledge riding was not too technical or challenging. At the end of each day there were camp chores to be done which were quite part of the experience of living in the wilderness. We found these highly enjoyable. In all it was a great way of getting away from…
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every day cares. The food was much better than we expected. It was good hearty food although not overly fancy. The saunas were good and hot. This is a wilderness trip so the accommodation was quite basic with outdoor drop toilets so you need to be prepared for this.
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Extremely well organised. Superb experienced guide - Hanski worked so hard in a sociable & professional manner for the whole trip. My son and I had a wonderful five-day husky safari in Lapland starting from Harriniva. We had our own sleds and dog teams and spent 5 days travelling from hut to hut. Our guide Hanski was extremely helpful, and made sure we were all suitably briefed for each…
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day. The equipment was excellent and at no time were we cold although temperatures fluctuated from 0 to minus 23 degrees C. We were also treated to some beautiful Aurora displays that made the trip even more special. I highly recommend this trip for anyone who likes a little adventure on their holiday!
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The Whole Experience was amazing on the 5 Day Husky safari. Our guide Piita was knowledgeable skilful and friendly and made sure we maximised the experience. The dogs were friendly, if a little timid but excitable, and were very well cared for by peter and the kennel team. I would revisit for another activity in the future. Locals and staff very friendly and did not feel like a tourist as you do…
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in most other destinations. Absolutely loved my time in Finland. Keep up the good work.
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If you want a different style of winter holiday then this is the one for you as long as you have a reasonable level of fitness and don't mind early starts. The level of accommodation throughout the trip is above average & with 4 nights in the 'wilderness' that speaks for itself, considering there is no running water or electricity but there is always a sauna. The actual sled safari is really…
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enjoyable - clean air: frozen lakes: forests: beautiful soft snow & the pattering of huskies trotting along all day. The Siberian huskies are friendly & hard working - you have supervised (by the Musher/Guide) responsibility for feeding them : (un) harnessing them: clearing poo (when in overnight camp) & taking photos of them! The guide was very hard working - overall responsibility for a pack of 27 dogs: cooking breakfast: lunch & dinner as well as sorting the log fires in the lodges. I was very lucky in that all 5 of us in the group got on really well - that chemistry is rather important & the guide that we had could not have been bettered.
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A unique trip and a great experience. You will need a reliable head torch for outdoor and indoor. Mine went on the blink but luckily I had an extra one. Some cabins don't have electricity. Take lots of spare batteries - they don't last very long in the cold - better to have too many than not enough!
One of the best trips I have ever had. A lot of it was due to the amazing scenery, the dogs, the Northern Lights, but staff everywhere were super friendly and helpful. The 5-day husky tour was well organised and very well run (considering that there were 7 of us and in total 38 dogs!). We stayed at the Harriniva hotel for a night before the tour, at one of their cabins for a night after our tour…
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and back at the main hotel for the last night. The hotel is warm and welcoming. Rooms are very comfortable, wood clad and well suited to the environment. There are plenty of saunas on sight. Staff were all very helpful, warm and friendly. The food was delicious. Fresh and varied, something for everyone. Local cuisine available and again, very tasty. We were given amazing gear (warm clothes) for our tour and despite being out and about on husky sleds at -20, I did not get cold once! The 5-day Husky tour was perfect. Hanks, our guide, knew her dogs inside out and quite clearly cared for them very much. She kept all of us informed and safe at all times. She is an excellent cook and the food on the safari was second to none. Especially loved the local food and finding out more about local traditions, beliefs and history. The wilderness huts on the 5-day tour are basic, but despite this very homely and really add to the charm of the tour. I have gotten used to the sauna every evening and rolling in the snow afterwards - 'tis the Finnish way! Seeing the Northern Lights just added to the magic of this beautiful and unforgettable winter wonderland experience. The landscape was breathtaking, it gets a lot lighter than I imagined and the sunrises/ sunsets are magical on a clear day. Definitely one the of best holidays I have ever been on! Back at the hotel, we used the cross-country skiing available. The chap in the equipment room was excellent at ensuring we had the right gear (especially sizes) and also gave us a fantastic mini lesson on how best to get started and managed to get us all skiing cross-country!
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Our Dog Sledding guide Piita was amazing; she had fantastic local knowledge and cared for the dogs and us so very well :). We got to bond with our teams of dogs and really experienced the Arctic wilderness.
This isn't a holiday for everyone, but it was 100% us. We loved it; we loved mucking in and certainly loved the dogs and scenery. It had a feeling of being in the wilderness, and we were so impressed at our guides expertise and generosity, especially to me being a vegan. The food was amazing as well. The huskies were simply amazing, I initially had concerns about how they'd be for five days, but…
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the whole safari is done at their pace, and they always came first, so ethically speaking it was fantastic, and lovely to hear that some have been rehomed by holiday makers once their working life was over.
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First class and exceeded all the expectations we had. Bonding with the dogs was something that will live me for a very long time.
Our rep at Harriniva, Katrina, could not have been more helpful and friendly. Made sure that everything went well. Similarly the lodge couldn't have been more helpful and knowledgeable. Everyone was fantastic and made the holiday of a lifetime even more special.
Favourite activity: The huskies - our guide was amazing and dogs totally brilliant.
Husky safari - best holiday ever
Just returned from a 5 day Husky Safari in Finland. We had a truly magical time. The pre trip support was excellent and accurate. The highlight of our trip was sledding with the huskies, I wanted to take one of my dogs, Yeti, home with me but our guide Raikka would not agree! Living in the wilderness was very basic but brilliant. The food was wholesome, with plenty of it. The daytime cooking over…
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an open fire was particularly special. The wilderness cabins were as described and the saunas kept us cleaner than we'd thought. Our guide Raikka was hardworking and helpful, but expect to work hard yourself which added a genuine sense of living in the wilderness and made the relaxing in the evenings all the more enjoyable. We didn't see the Northern Lights so we will have to return. I would recommend a day's skiing at the local resort Olos, where everything was easy and the slopes were clear and well pisted.Thanks for a great trip!
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Have just returned from an amazing 5 day husky dog sledding Dec 2011 Xmas trip. It was fantastic, the weather was cold don't get me wrong, but nothing can compare to how friendly the dogs are and they are eager to get going no matter what the weather or time of the day and how cool sledding is!! The cabins are basic, no electricity or running water, but they are comfortable, there are mattresses…
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to sleep on and it's warm once the fire has been going for a bit. There are even toilets too! - well long drops, but you have to brace the cold to get to them from the cabins!!! It's not a typical holiday, you do have to help out feeding the dogs, lighting fires (if you want warm water or a sauna), chopping up dog meat, but it's fun - I never thought I would say that standing outside feeding dogs out of a huge trough in -10degrees would have me smiling, but the dogs have worked hard to get you there so you want to make sure they are fed and happy. It's picture perfect scenery - photos will never do it any justice!! The guides are super friendly and prepared to help out with anything - sledding is hard initially but after a few days you get the hang of it and by the end you are holding on with one hand and taking photos with the other! Food is super tasty - anything you can ever imagine cooked over a fire you will have! I'm a fussy eater and managed no problems!!
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The dogs were fantastic. Loved the fact that it was pretty much hard core wilderness i.e. no running water or electricity so it was truly back to basics. There was a great sense of achievement on completing the five day safari and totally recommend this trip.
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