Powerun Adventures: Experience Finnish Lapland by husky safari

By Molly McPharlin | Photos: Powerun Adventures

A dog-sled tour is one of the classic ways to experience Finnish Lapland. Since 2011, Powerun Adventures has organised safe husky safaris near the Swedish border, around 150 kilometres inside the Arctic Circle. Whether self-drive or guide-led, in winter or summer, the family-run company creates experiences shaped by its dogs, the surrounding landscape and years of racing expertise.

A family company owned by two passionate dog-sledders and animal lovers, Riku and Sanna Setälä, Powerun Adventures’ roots lie in racing. Both Setäläs began racing dogs from an early age as a hobby. Their interests grew into a career as they gained knowledge in areas such as animal welfare, nutrition and training, eventually opening Powerun Adventures 15 years ago.

A variety of tours and activities on offer

The company offers tours and other dog-related activities. In winter, its busiest season, this includes tours of 10 to 40 kilometres. In summer, cart rides, husky hiking, puppy walks and kennel visits are also on offer. Besides running Powerun, the Setäläs still participate in long-distance races of 250 to 600 kilometres in Lapland and Finnmark, spending several days on the trail with their dogs. They are among the leading teams in Finland and the Nordic region.

Powerun Adventures: Experience Finnish Lapland by husky safari

For people not familiar with huskies, excitement is one of the first things guests sense as they step out of their car at Powerun. “We harness the dogs and make the teams ready just before our guests arrive,” says Sanna. “They’re jumping against the harness and looking forward to starting.” After a briefing and driving instructions, it is time to hop on the sled and get going. “Even with the briefing, the beginning always comes as a bit of a surprise – how much you need to control the speed and make sure the sled and the dogs are under control.”

Powerun Adventures: Experience Finnish Lapland by husky safari

The tour begins on forest trails. “After starting, we head to a hillier section where it’s time to help the dogs go uphill and use the brake going downhill,” says Sanna. “We swap drivers at the halfway mark, so that everyone gets a chance to enjoy the ride sitting in the sled and looking around. After the tour, the dogs are taken care of first, and then we all sit down by the fireplace in our kota, or wooden teepee, to drink warm blueberry juice and learn more about the dogs’ way of life.” When the dogs are a bit calmer, guests can interact with them. People often notice how well-behaved and calm they are, even with strangers.

Powerun Adventures: Experience Finnish Lapland by husky safari

An ideal way to take in the landscape

The landscape around Powerun Adventures is an ideal area for dog sports. “The forests around us include great trails, and there is a very nice lake about one and a half kilometres away which offers the perfect location for swimming,” says Sanna. “The highest peak closest to us, Niesakero, is surrounded by a beautiful old-growth pine forest. We can view it from our yard. On our 20-kilometre tour, we cross over large moorlands with a magnificent view of Ylläs, the highest mountain in the country accessible by ski lift.”

Powerun Adventures has planned safari adventures for visitors from all over the world, even from as far away as Tahiti and New Caledonia. “For many of our guests, it’s their first time in the Arctic region and it can take them a little while to adjust to the climate,” says Sanna. “We collaborate with local companies, hotels and tour operators to make sure visitors have the best experience while they’re in the region.” This can include families with children, who are welcome to join the 10-kilometre tour, and guests with disabilities, who can enjoy a safe experience sitting in the guide’s sled. The Setäläs prioritise safety before anything else. “It’s not recommended, for example, to take a child under four out during the coldest periods of the year in December or January. For guests, it’s important to let us know about any specific requirements before arrival so that we’re able to ensure a safe trip for all.”

Sanna and Riku of Powerun Adventures.

The importance of healthy, happy dogs

The Setäläs have been involved with Green Activities, a sustainability programme for activity operators, and gained a certification in animal welfare in 2023, which they renew annually. “The dogs’ welfare has been our priority from the beginning,” says Sanna. “Their high quality of life is recognised by our guests. We spend a lot of time with them, raising them from the time they are puppies and teaching them basic skills. Everyone can see how happy our dogs are to run and exercise, simply enjoying the life of a dog and being part of a pack. Developing a good relationship with them is what makes our tours so successful.”

Powerun Adventures: Experience Finnish Lapland by husky safari