• > Why go to Finland with Djoser?
• > What kind of clothing is best to bring?
• > How cold will it really get in the winter in Finland?
• > Do I have to steer the sled myself during the husky tour?
• > What kind of accommodations are there?
• > I will be joining a Dutch (International) group. Will I have problems with language?
• > Is it possible to extend this tour?

Why go to Finland with Djoser?

Far away from the crowds in the Alps Djoser offers a unique winter tour above the Arctic Circle. With your own husky dog team you will make a three-day tour through the beautiful winter landscape of Finnish Lapland guided by an experienced local “musher.” You will also meet the local Lapland population and see their customs. We will fly to the northern city of Ivalo via Helsinki on Finn Air. Local guides will assist you at your destination.

What kind of clothing is best to bring?

Clothing that you normally bring on a winter sport vacation will be ideal for this trip. Usage of equipment on the husky trips is included, such as warm fur boots, a winter jacket, thermal clothing, mittens, boots and a cap. Thermal underwear will be for sale locally, but if you have it already you should bring it. If you want to go cross-country skiing or skating we advise you to bring your personal gear for these sports.

How cold will it really get in the winter in Finland?

Temperatures vary from an average of 5 to –4°F in January to about 14°F in March, but it may also go down to –13°F in those months. The temperatures may feel very low due to the wind chill factor. However the thermal clothing that you will receive locally will be sufficient to protect you against the low temperatures.

Do I have to steer the sled myself during the husky tour?

At the start of the husky tour you will be assigned your own sled and husky team. The experienced local guides will teach you how to steer the sled and how to best control the dogs. It won’t take long before you will be an experienced husky driver.

Click on the following link to view slides of the dogsleds: http://www.djoserusa.com/transportation

What kind of accommodations are there?

In Ivalo we will spend the night in a comfortable hotel with spacious rooms with private bath. You may use the Finnish sauna with swimming pool free of charge. During the sleigh trip we will spend the night in a wilderness cabin where you share accommodations, shower and bathroom with your fellow travelers. The cabins are plain and simple but very neat. Mattresses, sheets, blankets or sleeping bags are provided.

You can see photos of some of our accommodations on our website: http://www.djoserusa.com/hotels

I will be joining a Dutch (International) group. Will I have problems with language?

It is possible that you could be one of a maximum of four North American travelers on this trip, made up of Dutch travelers from Djoser, Netherlands. Almost all travelers from the Netherlands have a wonderful command of English and are willing to socialize. The Dutch tour leader (who is a trip coordinator, not a lecturer) will address the group in English. There is a breakfast meeting with the group and tour leader each day, which is a good time to review materials and to go over plans for the day. At some stops we may also have the assistance of a local country guide who will address the group in English as well.

The overwhelming majority of people who book these trips enjoy the international blend but frankly, it is not for everyone. It is inevitable that there will be times when your fellow travelers are speaking Dutch. If you have a travel partner, it is much easier to blend in to conversation, or at least to have a buffer for an English conversation. A flexible and easy-going nature are essential when joining an international group. Single travelers may feel a little isolated at such times, particularly at the beginning of the trip. But as the group gets to know each other, socializing gets easier. Before booking, you can check with us to see if another North American traveler has booked. Singles who adapt well on these trips are typically experienced travelers, more independent type travelers or those who are comfortable with English being the second language on the trip.

Is it possible to extend this tour?

When you book your trip you can request a layover. The layover cost is $150 for the flight deviation. If you would like an extension you can request an extension when you book for $100 per extension (for flight deviation). Djoser will book these flights subject to availability. Please let us know when you book how many nights and where you wish to extend or layover. Neither hotels nor airport transfers are provided for layovers and extensions.