Levi: Evening Husky Sled Ride under the Northern Lights

REVIEW · SIRKKA

Levi: Evening Husky Sled Ride under the Northern Lights

  • 4.03 reviews
  • 2 hours
  • From $341
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Operated by Polar Lights Tours · Bookable on GetYourGuide

Traveller rating 4.0 (3)Duration2 hoursPrice from$341Operated byPolar Lights ToursBook viaGetYourGuide

Huskies in the night sky is a shockingly good plan. This evening safari takes you through the Arctic’s snowy forest by husky sled, then out under the Northern Lights for an after-dark experience that feels bigger than the clock. I like the straightforward way it’s run: clear pre-ride safety talk, a guided route, and a quick photo stop when the sky is at its best. I also like the cozy touch at the end, with warm blankets and a simple fire-side snack. One drawback to keep in mind: you’re not promised the Northern Lights will appear.

You start at Levi Center, then hop on the bus for a short transfer so you spend more time outside and less time sitting. The whole program is built for a cold-weather evening, so you’re expected to be warmly dressed, and you’ll have blankets for comfort once you’re stopped. In one recent positive experience, the operator also provided very warm cold-weather clothing if guests didn’t come prepared.

Finally, set expectations around the ride itself. In some runs, the focus is clearly on riding safely with an experienced handler guiding the team (you usually don’t control much yourself). In at least one disappointing account, a guest expected to drive the sled and was told they wouldn’t at night—so if steering is important to you, ask what passengers can actually do before you book.

Key highlights before you go

Levi: Evening Husky Sled Ride under the Northern Lights - Key highlights before you go

  • Two-hour evening format from Levi Center, with pickup and return
  • A guided husky sled safari through a snow-covered route
  • Short, purposeful stops: safety briefing, photo break, and a fire-side pause
  • Warm juice and a snack included, plus cozy blankets while you wait
  • Northern Lights viewing is a bonus, not a guarantee
  • Time with the dogs at the end can make the experience feel personal

Levi Center pickup: the part that sets the tone

Levi: Evening Husky Sled Ride under the Northern Lights - Levi Center pickup: the part that sets the tone
The trip starts at Levi Center on Hissitie 11. You’ll see a bus marked Icepark Levi – Polar Lights Tours. It’s easy to spot, since it’s across from the parking lot and beside the pizza place area.

Why this matters: in Lapland, evenings can feel like a moving puzzle—darkness arrives fast, temperatures bite, and you don’t want to waste time hunting for the right meeting spot. Having a fixed pickup point in Levi makes the evening smoother, especially if you’re staying close to town.

The ride includes a short bus transfer out to the activity area and then back again. That adds a bit of waiting, but the upside is you’re not trekking across town in heavy winter gear just to begin.

You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Sirkka.

Safety briefing: quick, practical, and worth paying attention to

Levi: Evening Husky Sled Ride under the Northern Lights - Safety briefing: quick, practical, and worth paying attention to
Before the husky sled portion, you get a safety briefing. It’s timed (around 10 minutes), and it’s designed to help you understand how to sit, how to hold on, and what to expect once the huskies start moving.

I like this approach because it’s not a long lecture. You’re not trying to learn everything at once—you’re getting the basics you need for the glide and the turns. If you’re bringing kids or you just want a stress-free start, that short pre-ride structure is reassuring.

Then, once the briefing is done, you’re guided into the actual safari portion for about an hour.

Husky sled safari through the Arctic snowy forest

Levi: Evening Husky Sled Ride under the Northern Lights - Husky sled safari through the Arctic snowy forest
This is the heart of the evening: a guided sled ride through the snow-covered wilderness, with energetic huskies pulling you forward as the sky slowly turns darker.

In one of the best-rated experiences, guests rode two people per sled, and the guide was described as experienced. That kind of setup usually means the focus stays on smooth handling rather than letting everyone take over the controls. The ride is designed to feel thrilling without turning into a stress test.

What the experience feels like

  • You’re moving through a quiet, snowy environment where the forest and open spaces blend together under winter night conditions.
  • The pace tends to be steady, and the “wow” moments often come when you look around and realize how far the dark stretches beyond the lights of town.
  • The huskies are not just logistics. You’re close enough to feel that living energy.

One thing to watch for: if you’re expecting to drive or steer, be clear about the rules. A less positive report described a situation where a guest thought they would drive, but the operator said they couldn’t because it was night. That doesn’t mean it’s never possible—just that you shouldn’t assume. Ask before you go.

Also, keep your attention on how animals are handled. One critical review raised concerns about dog condition and enclosure standards. I can’t confirm those details are typical, but it’s enough to take seriously if animal welfare is a big priority for you. If you feel uneasy at the start, trust that instinct and ask questions about care and how the dogs are treated before you step onto a sled.

Photo stop: where the night sky has a chance

A short photo stop is built in (about 10 minutes). This is the moment you can step back, look up, and try to capture the atmosphere—snow, dark trees, and (if luck and sky conditions cooperate) the Northern Lights.

Even when the aurora isn’t dancing loudly, the photo stop still has value. Winter nights can be dramatic in a plain way: the contrast of snow and trees against deep dark sky is striking, and you get a better sense of scale.

Practical tip: wear gloves you can actually handle. Trying to adjust a camera with thin gloves in the cold is how evenings get frustrating fast.

Local snacks and warm juice: small, but it changes comfort

When the ride winds down, you shift from motion to warmth. You’ll get local snacks (around 20 minutes) plus hot juice and a snack. In one positive account, the snack included grilled bread cooked over the fire, along with jam and whipped cream.

That kind of simple food matters more than it sounds. After time in cold air, warm juice and something quick to eat helps you stay comfortable enough to actually enjoy the waiting and conversation. It’s also a nice reset if you’ve been bracing your body against the winter chill.

You should expect it to be straightforward rather than fancy. One critical review complained about the standard of food (bread, jam, and cream) and mentioned juice was the only drink option. So if you’re very picky about snacks, don’t treat this as a gourmet meal. Think of it as “warmth + fuel for the experience.”

Northern Lights: the sky show you can’t force

The program includes Northern Lights viewing, but there’s an important line you should respect: there’s no guarantee you’ll see them.

Here’s how to make that work for you. If you go in expecting a sure thing, you’ll feel disappointed when clouds roll in or the aurora is subtle. If you go in treating it like a bonus, you’ll still enjoy the ride, the dogs, the fire-side break, and the feeling of being deep in the Arctic night even without a major light show.

Also, consider timing and patience. The night is the environment, not just the lights. Even on a muted sky evening, you’ll still be out in a real winter setting, with a guided route and warm spots to pause.

Price and value: does $341 buy enough?

At $341 per person for about 2 hours, this is not a budget activity. So the question isn’t just what you get—it’s whether the package fits what you want from Lapland.

Value boosters in this specific tour:

  • Pickup and drop-off from Levi Center, which saves time and hassle
  • A guided husky sled safari through a snow-covered route
  • Included hot juice and snack, plus cozy blankets for warmth
  • A photo stop designed specifically for the night-sky moment
  • A structured safety briefing that keeps the experience from feeling chaotic

Where the value can feel weak:

  • If you’re hoping to actively drive/steer the sled yourself, you might not get what you expected (and at night, guest expectations can clash with how operators keep things controlled).
  • If the Northern Lights are the main reason you’re booking, remember the viewing is not guaranteed.

My practical take: if you want a classic husky evening in Levi with a calm, guided setup, this price can feel fair. If you want a guaranteed aurora show or maximum hands-on control of the sled, you’ll need to do a little extra checking before you commit.

What to pack for an Arctic evening (and what to do if you’re not ready)

The tour expects cold-weather readiness. Bring:

  • Warm shoes
  • Warm clothing

Beyond that, I’d plan for how long you’ll be outside and what happens when you stop. In a guided husky ride, your body might cool down fast once movement slows, especially during the photo stop and fire-side pause.

Also, in one positive experience, guests said the operator provided very cold-weather clothing if needed. Don’t assume it’s always available—but if you don’t have proper winter layers, it’s worth asking ahead of time.

Key mindset: you’re dressing for the cold, not for comfort indoors. Your goal is to stay warm enough that the experience stays fun.

Who this husky sled ride is best for

This activity fits best if you:

  • Want a short, organized Arctic experience without a long multi-day commitment
  • Love the idea of time with huskies and a guided route in deep winter
  • Prefer a cozy break with warm drinks and a snack after the ride
  • Are visiting Levi and want a night activity that starts right from town

It might not be the best match if you:

  • Need the Northern Lights to be guaranteed
  • Strongly care about driving/steering and want hands-on control
  • Have strong concerns about animal welfare and want maximum transparency before you participate

Should you book Levi’s evening husky sled under the Northern Lights?

I’d book it if your top goals are a guided husky sled ride, a real Arctic night setting, and a comfortable, structured evening with warmth built in. The two-hour format is long enough to feel like a full experience, but short enough that you won’t dread the cold for half your day.

Skip or double-check if Northern Lights are the only thing you care about. The experience is designed to be memorable even without the aurora, but the lights are not promised. Also, if you’re aiming for steering the sled, ask what’s possible for passengers on the ride.

Finally, if animal welfare concerns would ruin your enjoyment, take a moment at the start to observe how the dogs are treated and ask questions if anything feels off. Based on the mixed accounts, that small step can protect your vacation mood.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for the husky sled ride?

The meeting point is Levi Center, Hissitie 11, across from the parking lot and next to the pizza place area.

How long is the experience?

The duration is 2 hours.

Is pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off from Levi Center is included.

What happens before the sled ride?

You have a safety briefing before the guided sled safari.

How long is the guided husky tour part?

The guided tour is about 1 hour.

Do you stop for photos?

Yes, there is a photo stop (around 10 minutes).

What food and drinks are included?

Hot juice and a snack are included.

Is Northern Lights viewing guaranteed?

No. The Northern Lights are not guaranteed.

What should I bring?

Bring warm shoes and warm clothing.

What’s the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What languages are the guides available in?

The live tour guide is available in English and Finnish.

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