An ancient mode of transport still used in Lapland today
Dog-sledding has been used for hunting and travel in the Arctic region since the 10th century. Even today, it is still a thriving mode of transport in Lapland, the northernmost region of Scandinavia. So it comes as no surprise that dog sledding has grown to be one of the most popular activities for tourists in this area.
A dog sled varies in size and function and is pulled by one or more specially-trained dogs, usually Siberian Huskies or Alaskan Malamutes. A team of sled dogs, typically ranging from 3 to 24 dogs, includes wheel dogs, swing dogs, point dogs and lead dogs—all chosen by experienced dog sled drivers, or “mushers”, based on the dogs’ strength, speed and endurance. Careful training and selection of the dogs is crucial, as these hard-working canines can travel up to 130 km in a day and average a speed of 32 km/h for distances up to 40 km.
All dog sledding tours include a basic lesson on interacting with the dogs and equipment at the kennel before the reins are turned over to the new musher for a thrilling ride in the snowy wilderness.
