Dogsledding in Swedish Lapland: A Rich History
Dogsledding is one of the most exciting ways to explore the snowy forests of Swedish Lapland. It is a beautiful partnership between human and dog, with a history that goes back thousands of years.To help you get ready for your Arctic adventure, here is a quick overview of the history, the language of mushing, and the amazing dogs that make it all possible.
A Quick Look at the History
Long before snowmobiles were introduced in the 1970s, dog teams were a vital part of daily life in the north. The indigenous Sámi people and early Arctic explorers relied on dogs to haul firewood, gear, and supplies through deep snow. It was all about survival. Today, this rich tradition lives on through modern winter safaris, allowing you to experience the wilderness just like people did centuries ago.
Mushing Terminology & Commands
When you go dog sledding, you will hear a few specific terms and commands. The dogs are highly trained and listen closely to the voice of their driver. Depending on the guide, they might use the traditional international mushing language or the local Swedish commands!
- The Musher: This is the official name for the person who drives and guides the dog sled. During your tour, you will get to step into the shoes of a real musher!
- Basic Commands: Mushers don’t use reins to steer; they only use their voice. Here are the most common commands the dogs know:
- Hike or Framåt! /Ja! – Go / Start running
- Gee or Höger! – Turn right
- Haw or Vänster! – Turn left
- Whoa! or Stanna!/Ptroo! – Stop / Brake
Meet the Breeds
Sled dogs are true athletes that absolutely love to run and thrive in cold weather. The two most common breeds you will meet in Swedish Lapland are:
Alaskan Husky
These are the ultimate endurance runners. They are not a registered purebred but are specifically bred for their incredible stamina, speed, and friendly, hardworking character. They love attention and are very affectionate.
Siberian Husky
The classic Arctic dog. Known for their thick double coat, beautiful markings, and often striking blue or brown eyes. They are strong, full of energy, and love working together as a pack.
Experience DogSledding with Direct North
At Direct North, we love bringing you closer to this incredible Arctic tradition. Our dogsledding tours are all about giving you an authentic experience in the beautiful winter landscapes of Swedish Lapland. Whether you want to feel the thrill of steering the sled or just want to enjoy the quiet snowy forests, we make sure it’s an adventure you will never forget.
When you book a dog sledding tour with Direct North, you can expect:
- Drive or Ride: You can choose to step into the shoes of a real musher and drive your own eager team of huskies (only possible when booking mushing day), or sit back, relax under warm blankets, and enjoy the magical scenery.
- Meet the Pack: We believe in personal, small-scale experiences. Before and after the tour, there is plenty of time to cuddle the dogs, learn their unique personalities, and take some amazing photos.
- Lunch: It is possible to enjoy a lovely lunch in our wooden hut. The lunch is prepared above the fire and a perfect way to talk about what you experienced or what you are going to experience.
Worry-Free Transfers: Don’t want to worry about driving on snowy roads to get to the trail? We can easily arrange a comfortable transfer for you from Piteå.
Ready to hear the excited barking turn into absolute silence as the dogs pull you into the wilderness? Join Direct North for the ultimate winter memory!
What dog breed do you have at the kennel?
We currently mainly have Alaskan Huskies. These are the ultimate endurance runners. They are not a registered purebred but are specifically bred for their incredible stamina, speed, and friendly, hardworking character. They love attention and are very affectionate.
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Mushing Day
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Spend time outside with a friendly husky by your side! Become partners with the husky and enjoy the beautiful nature on a hike in the Swedish Forest.
Learn more
Do the dogs really like pulling the sled?
They absolutely love it. Our dogs are born and bred to run; it is in their DNA. You will see their incredible enthusiasm the moment we start harnessing them—they bark, jump, and cannot wait to get moving. The moment the brake is released, the barking stops, and they settle into a focused silence. Our dogs are beloved members of our family, and their health and happiness are our top priorities.
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8-Day Winter Experience
Self driven with Rental car
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- From 20000 SEK p.p.
- 8 Days / 7 Nights
- Rental car
Settle in for a week of discovery. This package includes daily excursions, good accommodation, rental car and lunch on your tour days.
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- From 20 000 kr
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8-Day Guided Holiday
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Settle in for a week of discovery. This package includes daily excursions, good accommodation, and lunch on your tour days, all with the support of our expert guides.
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Can you drive your own team of dogs?
Yes, but it depends on the tour you book! At Direct North, we offer two different ways to experience the magic of dogsledding in Piteå:
- Riding as a Passenger (Dogsledding 5km and 12km): On most of our regular tours you get to sit back and take in the stunning snowy landscapes. While you are comfortable on the sledge our experienced guides will share fascinating insights about the dogs. How the team works together and the local surroundings.
- Driving Your Own Team (The Mushing Day): If you want to feel the thrill of steering the sled yourself, you can book our exclusive Mushing Day. This tour is carefully structured to make sure you feel confident and safe:
- First Half: You will start the day riding as a passenger. During this ride, your guide will explain exactly how to drive the sled and what important signs to look out for on the trail.
- Lunch: We will head back to enjoy a lovely lunch cooked over the open fire in our wooden hut.
- Second Half: After lunch, it is your turn to step onto the runners and be a real musher!
Safety & Age Requirements
Please note that there is a minimum age requirement for the Mushing Day tour. Additionally, the safety and well-being of our guests, guides, and dogs always come first. If weather or trail conditions create an unsafe situation, our guides are obligated to adapt the program to provide a fitted, safe solution for everyone.
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- ~6 hours
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Mushing day in Piteå is full day experiencing and learning about dogsledding. This is a day for you who wants to experience dogsledding like mushers do!
View tourPrices
- Adults
- From 4 650 kr
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Dogsledding Tour 12km
Experience the power of teamwork
Highlights
- ~12 Km
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Experience the thrill of dogsledding in Piteå on our 12km tour. Our huskies are excited to meet you and take you on an adventure through Swedish nature.
View tourPrices
- Adults
- 1 850 kr
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- 925 kr
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Dogsledding tour 5km
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Highlights
- ~5 Km
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Experience the thrill of the short husky tour in Piteå on a 5 km dogsledding tour. Our huskies are excited to meet you and take you on a short tour over the lake.
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Is dogsledding suitable for children?
Yes, dogsledding is a wonderful experience for children! Kids usually fall in love with the huskies instantly, and our friendly dogs absolutely love the extra attention and cuddles.
However, because the Arctic winter requires extra care for the little ones, we have a few important guidelines to ensure everyone stays safe and warm:
The Perfect Tour for Little Adventurers
For families with younger children, we highly recommend our 5km Dogsledding Tour. Sitting still on a sled can get very cold, and because children lose body heat faster than adults, a shorter tour is the perfect way to experience the magic without getting uncomfortable.
Age Recommendations
Children are very welcome on our standard tours from the age of 2 and up. If you have a child younger than 2 years old but still want to experience dogsledding, please contact us directly! We will do our best to find a customized, safe solution for your family.
Weather conditions
Your family’s safety and comfort are our top priorities. If the weather conditions on the day of your tour are too rough or cold for children, we will reach out to you beforehand to find a good solution for the entire family.
Related FAQ
Related Activities
-
Dogsledding tour 5km
Feel the power of the dogs
Highlights
- ~5 Km
- 2-8 pers.
Experience the thrill of the short husky tour in Piteå on a 5 km dogsledding tour. Our huskies are excited to meet you and take you on a short tour over the lake.
View tourPrices
- Adults
- 1 300 kr
- Children
- 650 kr
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Guides you will likely meet
Monica
Founder, Guide and Musher
Dirk
Founder, Guide and Musher
Book this activity
-
Dogsledding tour 5km
Feel the power of the dogs
Highlights
- ~5 Km
- 2-8 pers.
Experience the thrill of the short husky tour in Piteå on a 5 km dogsledding tour. Our huskies are excited to meet you and take you on a short tour over the lake.
View tourPrices
- Adults
- 1 300 kr
- Children
- 650 kr
-
Dogsledding Tour 12km
Experience the power of teamwork
Highlights
- ~12 Km
- 2-12 pers.
Experience the thrill of dogsledding in Piteå on our 12km tour. Our huskies are excited to meet you and take you on an adventure through Swedish nature.
View tourPrices
- Adults
- 1 850 kr
- Children Age2-10
- 925 kr
-
Mushing Day
Experience the life of a musher
Highlights
- ~6 hours
- 2-4 pers.
Mushing day in Piteå is full day experiencing and learning about dogsledding. This is a day for you who wants to experience dogsledding like mushers do!
View tourPrices
- Adults
- From 4 650 kr