Where Is Apukka on the Map and How to Reach It

Three ways to reach Apukka Resort

Apukka Resort sits about 27 km north of Rovaniemi city centre, nestled in the Laplandic forest. Your husky adventure begins here, but you need to decide how to arrive before your experience starts. Three realistic options exist: the included shuttle transfer from central pickup points, driving your own vehicle, or taking a taxi. Each suits different travel styles and schedules. The choice you make determines not only your arrival time but also your flexibility on the day itself. Most visitors choose based on whether they have a rental car, how early they want to leave, and whether they prefer the simplicity of a guided transfer or independence.

Your tour confirmation will specify which option applies to your booking. If transfers are included, you'll have designated pickup locations in Rovaniemi city centre or at Santa Claus Village (about 15 km from the resort). If you're arranging your own transport, allow extra time to account for finding parking or confirming taxi availability. Getting around Rovaniemi without a car is possible but requires planning, especially during peak winter season when transport fills quickly. The shuttle service handles logistics for you, while self-driving offers flexibility if you plan to explore the region before or after your husky experience.

The included shuttle transfer from city centre and Santa Claus Village

If your booking includes transfers, the operator provides shuttle pickup from two locations: Rovaniemi city centre and Santa Claus Village. From city centre, the shuttle typically collects passengers in the morning, though your exact pickup time depends on your tour's departure slot. From Santa Claus Village, a second pickup occurs slightly later to collect visitors staying at or visiting that attraction. Both routes converge at Apukka Resort for the start of your husky ride. The shuttle journey takes approximately 45 minutes to one hour from city centre, depending on road conditions and winter weather. From Santa Claus Village, the transfer is shorter, around 20-30 minutes.

Arrive at your designated pickup point 15 minutes before the scheduled collection time. The shuttle driver will have a list of booked passengers and will depart once all seats are filled or at the scheduled time. If you're unsure which pickup point is nearest to your accommodation, check your booking confirmation or contact the operator in advance. Winter roads in Lapland can be slower than summer routes, so allow buffer time if you're traveling by foot or local bus to reach the pickup spot. Return transfers operate the same way: the shuttle collects you from Apukka at the end of your 3-hour 30-minute experience and drops you back at either city centre or Santa Claus Village, depending on where you started.

Snow-lined entrance to Apukka Resort, your husky adventure awaits

Driving yourself and parking at Apukka Resort

Renting a car in Rovaniemi gives you complete freedom to arrive at your own pace. The drive from Rovaniemi city centre to Apukka Resort takes roughly 35-45 minutes via the main roads heading north. Follow the signs toward Sodankylä; Apukka is signposted along this route. Winter driving in Finnish Lapland requires winter tyres and caution, especially in snowfall or icy conditions. Roads are generally well-maintained and salted, but weather can change rapidly. If you've never driven in Arctic winter conditions, the included shuttle transfer may be the safer choice. Rental agencies in Rovaniemi can advise on road conditions and provide up-to-date weather information when you collect your vehicle.

Apukka Resort has dedicated parking available for guests. Parking is free and secure; simply park near the main building or in designated areas. The husky farm is located a short walk from the resort building, so you won't need to drive further once you arrive. Leave your rental car keys at reception or keep them with you, depending on the resort's instructions. If you're arriving early, the resort has a restaurant and facilities where you can wait comfortably. Ensure you have a full tank or know where the nearest petrol station is located, as fuel stations are sparse in remote Lapland. The drive back to Rovaniemi follows the same route; factor in daylight hours if you're traveling in winter, when darkness falls by mid-afternoon.

Taxi and ride-hailing options in Rovaniemi

Taxis operate throughout Rovaniemi and are a reliable alternative if you prefer not to drive. Local taxi firms can be booked through your hotel or by calling ahead; Rovaniemi's main taxi rank is near the city centre. A taxi journey to Apukka Resort will take 40-50 minutes and costs more than the shuttle transfer, though prices vary by operator and time of day. Ride-hailing apps like Uber have limited availability in Rovaniemi, so do not rely on them as your primary transport option. Traditional taxi booking through phone or your accommodation is more dependable in this region. Drivers are accustomed to the winter roads and Arctic conditions, making them a safe choice for unfamiliar travelers.

Book your taxi well in advance, especially during peak tourist season (November to February). Confirm the journey time and estimated fare before the driver arrives. Many taxi drivers speak English and can provide interesting local information during the drive. Request a taxi time that allows you to arrive at Apukka 10-15 minutes before your tour departure. If you're planning a return taxi, ask your tour operator or the resort staff to help arrange a pickup at the end of your husky adventure; this is often easier than waiting and phoning after your experience ends. Ensure the taxi driver knows the precise location within Apukka Resort, as the property is large and winter roads can obscure signage.

Combining Santa Claus Village with your husky adventure

Many visitors to Rovaniemi combine a trip to Santa Claus Village with other winter activities, including the husky sledding at Apukka. Santa Claus Village is located about 15 km south of Rovaniemi city centre, making it roughly midway between the city and Apukka Resort. If your tour booking includes a transfer from Santa Claus Village, you'll be collected from a designated meeting point on the village grounds. This pickup is timed to collect visitors after they've explored the village, so coordinate your visit accordingly. The shuttle from Santa Claus Village to Apukka is significantly shorter than from city centre, roughly 20-30 minutes, which means you can spend more time at the village without rushing.

If you're staying at or visiting Santa Claus Village and your transfer is from city centre instead, you'll need separate transport between the two locations. A shuttle bus, taxi, or rental car can cover this 15 km journey. Plan your day carefully: arrive at your city centre pickup point on time, or arrange a Santa Claus Village transfer through your accommodation. Many holiday packages combine both attractions, so ask your booking operator how they recommend timing your visits. The resort staff can also suggest the smoothest sequence for experiencing both husky sledding and Santa Claus Village in a single day. Remember that winter daylight is limited in Rovaniemi (around 4-6 hours of daylight mid-December), so plan activities accordingly.

Timing your arrival and what happens if you're late

Your husky adventure is scheduled for 3 hours and 30 minutes, but you must arrive at Apukka Resort before the official start time. Plan to be at the resort 15 minutes before your departure, allowing time to check in, collect winter gear, and meet your guide and huskies. If you're using the shuttle transfer, arriving at your pickup point 15 minutes early ensures you don't miss the bus. If you're driving, plan your journey so you reach the car park with time to spare for parking and walking to the main building. Winter weather and road conditions can cause delays, so add a safety buffer into your travel plans. In December and January, sunset occurs around 2-3 pm in Rovaniemi, so daytime experiences must start early enough to finish before darkness.

Missing the shuttle transfer or arriving late to Apukka may result in missing your tour time slot, and rescheduling may not be possible during busy periods. If you encounter unexpected delays, contact Apukka Resort or the tour operator immediately using the phone number on your booking. The resort is understanding about minor delays caused by winter weather, but arriving significantly late undermines the value of your experience. If you're driving and running late, update the resort by phone so they can notify your guide. The husky teams have strict schedules to manage animal welfare and other bookings, so punctuality is essential. Check weather forecasts the evening before and allow extra travel time if snow or poor visibility is forecast.

Distance from the resort building to the husky farm

Once you've arrived at Apukka Resort and checked in, the husky farm itself is a short walk from the main resort building. The distance is roughly 5-10 minutes on foot, depending on snow depth and your pace. Staff will direct you along marked paths, and the route is well-maintained even in winter. Wear warm clothing and sturdy, insulated boots for this walk, as you'll be traversing snowy ground. The journey from the main building to the huskies is part of the experience, introducing you to the Laplandic landscape before you meet your team. Facilities such as toilets and changing areas are located in the resort building, so use these before heading to the farm if needed.

Winter clothing is provided as part of your tour package (thermal overall, thermal boots, woolen socks, and mittens), but you'll benefit from wearing warm layers underneath. The walk to and from the husky farm is exposed to the elements, so dress appropriately for Arctic conditions. Hot drinks are included after your sledding, served back at the resort building or a designated warming area. Once your 3-hour 30-minute husky adventure is complete, you'll return via the same path to the main building. Staff will help you remove winter gear, return equipment, and arrange any onward transport. If you have mobility concerns, speak to the resort staff when you arrive; they may be able to offer assistance or alternative arrangements for accessing the husky farm.

Arrival

1. Get to Apukka Resort

   Board the shuttle from Rovaniemi city centre or Santa Claus Village. Your driver will take you directly to the resort.

2. Meet your guide at reception

   Arrive 15 minutes early. Check in at the main lodge and confirm your group details before your adventure begins.

3. Put on winter gear provided

   Thermal overalls, insulated boots, woolen socks and mittens are supplied. Staff will help you fit everything properly.

4. Enjoy a hot drink indoors

   Before heading out, settle in with a warming beverage and meet the huskies in the heated comfort station.

5. Greet and pet the huskies

   Spend time with your sled team up close. The handlers will introduce each dog and answer your questions about them.

6. Head to the sledding trail

   A short walk takes you from the resort to the husky farm departure point. Your 6 km adventure starts here.

Before you book