Dog Sledding in the Wilderness

Sled dog driving has become a popular activity and service, especially in Lapland. However, traveling with a sled dog in nature requires even greater consideration for other people and the environment compared to hiking with a single dog.

Dog sledding is generally permitted based on everyman's rights, except in protected areas where sled dog travel is often restricted to specific routes by regulations. If sled dog driving is conducted as a business, it is necessary to agree with the landowner on the routes to be used. On lands managed by Metsähallitus, business operations always require a cooperation agreement (metsa.fi). In wilderness reserves, nature tourism is guided by management and utilization plans.

In Lapland's wilderness reserves, dog sledding is allowed, but special caution must be observed in reindeer husbandry areas. Disturbing reindeer is strictly prohibited. Reindeer react to the scent and barking of dogs as they would to predators, and careless movement of the sled dog team can cause significant additional work and expenses for reindeer herders. Never stop the sled near reindeer, even for taking photos. Disturbance, especially in early spring, can cause considerable harm and lead to compensation claims. Always remember to close the reindeer fence gates.

Be considerate of other users, especially when staying overnight in huts. Bringing sled dogs inside open wilderness huts, rental huts, and reservable huts is prohibited. Additionally, storing sled dog equipment inside huts or service buildings is not allowed. Using the hut's kitchenware for feeding dogs is also forbidden.

When staying overnight at huts, dogs must be tied at a sufficient distance (about 50 meters) from the hut to avoid disturbing other occupants. Do not tie dogs on ice-covered water bodies to prevent contamination of drinking water. Dog waste must be collected from the terrain and disposed of according to waste management instructions. If the hut has a designated dog park, place the waste in the specific bin provided – do not put any other waste there. Leaving bedding straw from the dogs around the hut area is not permitted.