Stack Activities at Apukka Resort Rovaniemi

Build your day around the husky experience

The 6 km husky ride lasts three and a half hours and forms the heart of a full day at Apukka Resort. Because the activity takes place on the resort's own grounds in Rovaniemi, you can stack other winter pursuits before or after your time in the sled. The morning suits the husky adventure if you want to start early and have the afternoon free for quieter activities, or reverse the order if you prefer a gentler warm-up before commanding your own dog team. The resort sits in Finnish Lapland where daylight is limited in winter, so timing matters: plan your husky slot when natural light is strongest, usually between 10 am and 2 pm during December and January.

Apukka's location means transfers from Rovaniemi city center or Santa Claus Village are built into the package, so you arrive ready to go. Winter clothing including thermal overalls, boots, socks and mittens is supplied, removing the stress of guessing what to wear. A hot drink arrives after you return from the sled, warming you before you move on to your next activity. This structure makes it simple to add experiences without the friction of changing locations or waiting for shuttles between each one.

Reindeer sleigh rides on the frozen landscape

Apukka runs reindeer sleigh rides as a separate activity on the same grounds where you'll drive the huskies. A reindeer experience offers a completely different pace and sensation from dog sledding: the animals move at a slower, more meditative rhythm through the snowy forest, and you sit in an open sleigh pulled by a single animal rather than commanding a team. Many visitors choose to book both activities in the same day, starting with the husky drive while adrenaline and focus suit that pace, then switching to reindeer in the late morning or early afternoon as a wind-down. The reindeer are accustomed to guests and the sleigh route follows scenic trails across the resort property.

Because both activities depart from and return to Apukka Resort itself, there's no additional transfer time between them. You can schedule your husky slot and reindeer outing back-to-back with only a short break for a hot drink and a moment to catch your breath. This seamless pairing appeals to families wanting to give every family member a chance at both animals, and to solo travelers who want to maximize winter animal encounters in a single day.

Meet Santa at the resort during winter months

Santa Claus Village lies only a short distance from Apukka Resort, and the transfer from Santa Claus Village to Apukka Resort and back is included in your husky tour package. This proximity means families traveling with children can build a day that weaves between both locations. You might visit Santa Claus Village in the morning to see his home and explore the Christmas shops, then head to Apukka for the early afternoon husky drive, combining festive photo moments with the thrill of dog sledding. Alternatively, complete your husky adventure first and use the afternoon to walk through the village, which transforms with seasonal decorations even in the depths of winter.

The included transfers simplify logistics when you want to experience both locations in one day. Your return journey from Apukka to Santa Claus Village is arranged, so you don't need to book separate transport or navigate between the two places yourself. Children often find the contrast between the magical village setting and the outdoor sledding adventure memorable, making a combined day particularly rewarding for multigenerational groups.

Ice fishing and winter lake activities

Apukka Resort sits near a frozen lake where ice fishing opportunities emerge during the winter season. The resort arranges ice fishing as a standalone activity separate from the husky ride, allowing you to add it to your day if winter fishing appeals to you. Unlike the high energy of commanding a husky team, ice fishing offers contemplative time on the ice, often with instruction from someone familiar with the local waters and seasonal patterns. Early morning or late afternoon ice fishing slots fit well before or after your husky adventure, depending on light and your own energy levels.

The lake setting also creates opportunities for other winter lake-based pursuits that the resort may offer during frozen months. Because the husky ride takes three and a half hours and both activities occur on the resort grounds, you can plan a full winter day without spending time in transit between locations. Check with the resort about specific ice fishing availability and scheduling when you book, as seasonal conditions affect when the lake is safely frozen solid enough for guests.

Aurora hunting and evening stargazing

Rovaniemi's location deep in Finnish Lapland places it within the aurora zone where northern lights are visible on clear winter nights. The resort has evening aurora experiences available for guests during the winter season, typically departing in the late evening when darkness is complete and visibility of the lights is most likely. These departures happen after your afternoon husky ride, so you can rest and warm up indoors for several hours before heading out to hunt for the aurora. Many visitors schedule their husky drive in the morning or early afternoon specifically to leave the evening free for aurora chasing.

Aurora viewing is weather dependent and requires clear skies, but the resort's northern location maximizes your chances during winter. Evening aurora expeditions contrast sharply with the daytime activities: instead of speed and physical exertion, you'll be watching, waiting and hoping for the sky to light up. Combining a dynamic morning or afternoon at the resort with a quieter, more contemplative evening pursuit creates a balanced and varied winter day in Lapland.

Sauna and hot tub to ease tired muscles

After three and a half hours controlling a husky team, your legs and shoulders need recovery time. Apukka Resort offers sauna facilities available to activity guests, providing heat and relaxation once you've finished your sledding adventure. A traditional Finnish sauna session pairs perfectly after the physical exertion of the husky ride, warming you from the inside while you sit quietly and let the dry heat soothe tired muscles. The sauna ritual is deeply embedded in Finnish winter culture, and using one at the resort deepens your sense of authentic Arctic experience.

You can transition from your husky return, hot drink in hand, directly into the sauna facilities without needing to leave the resort grounds. This built-in recovery option means you start your next activity refreshed rather than exhausted. If you're planning a full day that includes reindeer rides, ice fishing or an evening aurora expedition, the sauna becomes a valuable pause between activities, allowing you to shift gears and recharge.

Dining and accommodation at the resort grounds

Apukka Resort operates as a full destination where you can spend an entire day or multiple days without leaving the property. The resort has on-site dining available, so you're not limited to the hot drink supplied after your husky ride if you want a larger meal. A cafe or restaurant on the grounds means you can eat lunch between your morning husky adventure and afternoon reindeer ride, or grab dinner before an evening aurora departure. Checking the resort's menu options ahead of time helps you plan timing and decide whether to bring snacks or rely on on-site food.

For visitors who want to extend their stay, Apukka Resort offers overnight accommodation including aurora cabins and glass igloos, allowing you to spend multiple nights in pursuit of northern lights and winter activities. Staying on-site means you can attend activities across several days without daily transfers, and you're positioned to step outside at any moment if aurora activity lights up the sky. Whether you're visiting for a single day husky adventure or a longer Lapland getaway, the resort's facilities support the full range of winter experiences that draw visitors to Finnish Lapland.

Before you book