Curiosity Quest 4 days / 3 nights
– a short winter adventure packed with unforgettable experiences
Would you love to experience the magical connection between people, dogs and nature, but only have a few days to spare? Or are you travelling through the area and have always dreamed of trying dog sledding?
Then our Curiosity Quest is just right for you! Over four intensive days, you’ll immerse yourself in the world of sled dogs while enjoying peaceful nature and the cosy atmosphere of the Nordic winter.
What to expect:
- Zwei Ausfahrten mit dem eigenen Schlittenhunde-Team – Erlebe die Kraft und Harmonie deines Teams auf verschneiten Trails (Kinder bis 15 Jahre fahren im Schlitten der Eltern mit).
- Two trips with your own sled dog team – experience the strength and harmony of your dogs as you travel along snow-covered trails. Children up to the age of 15 ride in their parents’ sled.
- Quality time with our dogs – our senior dogs especially enjoy gentle walks and plenty of extra cuddles!
- Free use of snowshoes and cross-country skis – explore the surrounding area at your own pace.
- Relax in two different saunas – enjoy both a traditional wood-fired sauna and a modern electric sauna during your stay.
A compact winter experience filled with special moments – perfect for anyone curious about life with sled dogs!
Detailed program
Day 1: Arrival and welcome
You make your own way to our lodge, where we’ll be ready to give you a warm welcome. After checking in and settling into your cosy room, you can enjoy a relaxed walk with one of our dogs. Afterwards, warm up and unwind in the sauna before ending the day with a delicious dinner.
Day 2: Learn the Basics of Dog Sledding
After a hearty breakfast, you’ll receive your equipment and an introduction to dog sledding and working safely with our dogs. Then it’s time to get hands-on: together, we’ll harness the dogs and prepare the teams – a rewarding experience that helps you build a connection with your dogs.
We then set off on our first, slightly easier sled ride, lasting around 1 to 1.5 hours depending on the group’s pace and confidence. Back at Eräkeskus, we first take care of the dogs and reward them before sitting down together for lunch and sharing our experiences from the trail.
The afternoon is yours to enjoy at your own pace – relax in the peaceful surroundings or warm up with a cup of tea.
Day 3: Dog Sledding Tour through the Wilderness
After a relaxed breakfast buffet, available until 10 am, we head out to the dog teams once again. Today’s tour is a little more technically challenging and takes you through the breathtaking Finnish winter landscape. You’ll quickly notice how much more smoothly everything goes after yesterday’s introduction, allowing you to focus fully on working together with your team.
We spend around 2 to 2.5 hours out on the trail with our dogs, travelling through sparkling snow, peaceful forests and untouched nature. Back at the lodge, we take care of the dogs before enjoying a well-earned lunch together in our restaurant.
The afternoon is yours to enjoy as you wish. You might take one of our senior dogs for a gentle walk or relax in the sauna by the lakeside. In the evening, we meet again in the restaurant for dinner together.
Day 4: Farewell & Departure
After our final breakfast together, it is time to say goodbye – to the dogs, the peaceful winter landscape and the special atmosphere of the North. We wish you a safe journey home and hope you leave with many wonderful memories.
You’ll return home with many new impressions, meaningful moments and lasting memories.
Prices
- Pro Person: 990,- € im Doppelzimmer
- Single room supplement at the Eräkeskus Guesthouse: 150,- €
- Discount for a third person in an extra bed: €50
- No children’s discount available
Optional:
- Full coverage for sled breakage: 25,- €.
Travel Dates
- Available dates:
- from December 1 – December 20
- from January 4 to April 11
- Check-in: 3 :00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Check-out: by 12:00
- Arrival possible on any day.
Services
Included:
- Accommodations: 3 nights at the Eräkeskus Guesthouse (double room with private shower/toilet)
- Meals: Full board from dinner on Day 1 through breakfast on Day 4 (breakfast, lunch, and a 3-course dinner)
- Program:
- 2 trips with your own sled dog team
- Drinks: coffee/tea included.
- 1 x electric sauna in the lodge and 1 x wood-fired sauna in the beach sauna
- Free use of skis and snowshoes, subject to availability
- Guide: German, English, Finnish speaking guide.
- Final cleaning: Included.
- Bed linen and towels: are provided.
- Overalls and winter boots are provided. Available sizes for overalls range from XXS to XXL, and for boots from size 36 to 47.
Not included:
- Travel to and from Eräkeskus
- Drinks: Except tea, coffee and water.
Clothing/equipment: gloves, hat, thermos flask, headlamp. Please be sure to take a look at our equipment list.
Tips:
- We recommend that you purchase cancellation and return travel insurance.
General Terms and Conditions:
- Our General Terms and Conditions apply.
Level of difficulty
Eräkeskus 1
Our tours are designed for anyone who wants to actively experience the winter wilderness. We tailor the distances and difficulty levels of the sledding training days to the specific conditions and the group.
However, our tours require a good basic level of fitness. Driving a dog sled is an active sport: the dogs need your support, whether at the start, on uphill sections or in deep snow. Walking in thick winter clothing can also be more demanding than usual.
You do not need to be an athlete, but a certain level of physical fitness is required to enjoy the tours safely and with confidence. If you are unsure whether the tour is suitable for you, feel free to contact us – we are happy to advise you individually!
Why you should choose us:
Eräkeskus stands for authentic experiences in the untouched wilderness of Finland – far away from mass tourism and in a family-like atmosphere. You can expect real adventures, a deep connection to nature, and a truly relaxing slowdown.
- Familiar atmosphere – With only 10 to a maximum of 16 guests at a time, you will experience personal care, genuine warmth and the feeling of being part of a small community.
- Small groups, big experiences – Our dog sledding tours take place in small groups of 2 to 5 guests – for intensive, individual experiences close to nature.
- Untouched wilderness instead of mass tourism – In North Karelia, you will hardly encounter any scooter traffic or overcrowded trails – instead you will find endless expanses, deep silence and pure nature.
- Get as close as possible to the dogs – Our dogs are not just part of the tours, but part of the family. You can accompany them in everyday life, cuddle with them and learn more about their lives and training.
- Gentle tourism & respect for nature – We focus on sustainable experiences with minimal impact on the environment – for adventures in harmony with nature.
- Peace & relaxation – Experience winter in a different way: without the hustle and bustle, but with cozy evenings by the fireplace, Finnish sauna and plenty of time to take a deep breath.
