Plenty of people tell us they would love to meet the huskies but are nervous about the cold. They run hot or cold, they have circulation problems, or they simply spent last winter in a flat and do not trust themselves to be outside for hours.

We understand it. Alla grew up with softer winters than Rovaniemi, and she still measures her day by how many layers she is wearing. This is our practical take on the Nulkki Husky Adventure for people who feel the cold, written from local knowledge rather than any pretence of toughness.

Why the cold feels different on a husky tour

Cold is not just temperature. It is wind, standing still, wet feet and the gap between your gloves and your sleeves. A husky safari can be comfortable at temperatures that feel brutal in town, because the day is built in short active blocks with plenty of warm-up time between them.

When you drive a sled you are standing, gripping and braking, which keeps your core warm. The hands and face take the cold, not the body. Dressing for those two areas is the difference between a good afternoon and a miserable one.

We would be doing you a disservice if we promised you will not feel cold at all. What we can say is that the tour is designed for first-timers who have never seen a Lapland winter, and the clothing supplied is meant for that.

What is included in the Nulkki tour

The listing includes a 5 km husky ride that you drive yourself, instructions on how to mush safely, information about the huskies, a guide in English (other languages by request, limited availability), photos on your own device, thermal winter clothing in adult and child sizes including overalls, boots and gloves, and cookies and juice.

The tour lasts about four hours and is rated easy. The booking cut-off is 12 hours before the start, and free cancellation applies up to 24 hours before the activity. Children under 3 are not allowed. In bad weather the tour can be run as a shortened, guide-driven experience, which is safer for everyone.

Check dates and prices for the Nulkki Husky Adventure →

The price starts at €189 per adult, and you can type HUNGRYTRAVELFAMILY5 at checkout for 5% off.

Layers that keep cold-sensitive people comfortable

The tour provides overalls, boots and gloves, but what you wear underneath decides how warm you are. Start with a thin merino or synthetic base layer, add a fleece or wool mid-layer, and wear thick wool socks. Skip cotton, because it holds moisture and chills you.

The two upgrades that matter most are liner gloves and a hat. Thin liner gloves under the supplied gloves let you handle a phone and keep your fingers safe. A thin balaclava or buff keeps your neck and nose covered. Hand warmers in the glove cuffs are cheap insurance if your fingers go white quickly.

We covered this in more detail in our husky safari clothing guide. If you feel cold easily, read it before you pack.

Timing the day for comfort

Choose a mid-day start if you have the choice, so that you drive in daylight and the ride is not at the coldest point of the day. Eat a proper breakfast and drink something warm before you go; a hungry body loses heat quickly.

Avoid alcohol the night before, which dilates blood vessels and makes you feel the cold more. Use the bathroom before departure, because short toilet stops cost warmth at the wrong moment.

The dog stops are where you warm up. Huskies are happy, noisy and affectionate, and a few minutes of petting changes your mood enough to forget your toes. Bring your own phone for photos and keep it inside your jacket between shots.

If you want more than huskies: the combination tours

Cold-sensitive travellers sometimes prefer a longer day in one place instead of several outings. The Kuoksa Husky & Reindeer Adventure5% off · HUNGRYTRAVELFAMILY5 from €349 adds a 2–3 km reindeer sleigh ride and open-fire salmon soup in a teepee, which is a very welcome warm-up. The Kuoksa Husky & Snowmobile Adventure5% off · HUNGRYTRAVELFAMILY5 from €299 adds about an hour of snowmobile driving, which is more exposed to wind.

If you are choosing between the Nulkki tour and the combination with reindeer, we compare them for families in this Nulkki versus Kuoksa post.

See the Husky & Reindeer Adventure →

When to book

The best month for comfort is arguably early winter or March, when daytime temperatures can be kinder than January. Christmas week and February school holidays are the busiest, so reserve early if you are visiting then.

Booking early also gives you a weather backup. If your first-choice date is much colder than expected, you can swap to another day without panic. Because the cut-off is 12 hours before the start, you can still book at short notice if the forecast looks pleasant.

For general planning, our guide to activities in Rovaniemi lists everything bookable and how long each activity takes.

What a typical husky stop feels like

At the kennel, the first sound is the barking, which is pure excitement and not aggression. Huskies love to run and they know when the sleds are coming out. Guides handle the dogs, show you how to stand, how to brake and how to keep a safe distance from the sled in front.

On the trail the dogs go quiet as soon as they start pulling. Many first-timers say that silence, broken only by breath and the sound of runners on snow, is the moment they remember. You are not pushed to go fast and the dogs set a steady pace.

Between rides you stand in a warm layer of clothing, cuddle puppies if they are around, and drink something warm. For cold-sensitive guests, those pauses are where you recover. Ask the guide if you can do the second half of the route as a passenger if your hands are struggling; guides would rather adjust than have you suffer.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Nulkki husky tour too cold for me?
Warm clothing is provided and the day has breaks; dress well underneath and you should be comfortable.

How much does it cost?
From €189 per adult. Type HUNGRYTRAVELFAMILY5 at checkout for 5% off.

How long is the tour?
About four hours.

Do I drive the sled myself?
The listing describes a 5 km self-driven ride with instructions. In bad weather it may become a guide-driven ride.

Can children come?
Not suitable for children under 3. Check the age categories on the live page.

Can I cancel?
Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the activity.

Our pick

If the cold worries you, the Nulkki Husky Adventure is still one of the friendliest ways to meet huskies. It is short enough not to exhaust you and warm enough that most first-timers are surprised by how comfortable they were.

Dress in good layers, eat first, bring liner gloves, and type HUNGRYTRAVELFAMILY5 at checkout for 5% off.

Check dates & book the Nulkki Husky Adventure →