Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Huskyfarm & Dogs
Our husky farm is a lovingly run family business with a strong focus on the well-being of our dogs. Our sled dogs live in groups in spacious, well-equipped kennels with daily free runs and attentive care. To us, they are family members – not just working dogs.
Around 80 Alaskan Huskies currently live with us. Each dog receives individual care, socialisation and the attention they need.
A visit to the kennels is only possible when accompanied by our team – the safety and well-being of our dogs and guests always come first. After a short introduction, you are also welcome to go for a walk with one of our dogs.
Our dogs remain part of our family even when they grow old. When a dog becomes too old or is no longer suited for sled work, they are allowed to enjoy their well-deserved retirement. Many stay with us on the farm and enjoy a quieter life with lots of care, playgroups and cuddle time.
If we feel that a dog would be happier in a calmer home, we carefully rehome them to a loving new family – but only if we are sure it is truly the right fit.
No dog is put down simply because they are old or can no longer work. Only if a dog is seriously ill and suffering do we make a decision together with our veterinarian, always in the best interest of the dog.
Our dogs live in social groups and have daily free runs, playgroups, enrichment, good care and veterinary support when needed. We focus on species-appropriate living conditions, do not keep our dogs on chains, and do our best to meet the individual needs of each dog.
Yes, but only very selectively and with the greatest care. For us, health, character and suitability for life in a social dog group, as well as for sled work, always come first.
Dogs that are not used for breeding are neutered. We do not breed dogs to attract guests, but only to be able to run our tours responsibly in the future. We also do not sell puppies to private individuals.
Our breeding is focused on securing the long-term quality and well-being of our sled dogs.
Tours & Activities
Our dog sledding tours are usually not accompanied by snowmobiles. It is important to us to offer you an authentic, nature-connected experience without motorised support, so you can fully enjoy the silence of the winter landscape and the harmonious teamwork with the dogs.
In certain situations, however, snowmobile support may be necessary for safety or organisational reasons – for example in extreme weather conditions, challenging trail conditions or other unforeseen circumstances. This only happens when it supports the safety of our guests, dogs or guides.
In winter, we mainly offer complete week-long programmes – ideal for anyone who would like to experience an intensive sled dog adventure. Our winter programmes usually last 8 days / 7 nights and include:
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One-day and multi-day dog sledding tours
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Snowshoe hikes through the snowy wilderness
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Accommodation directly on our farm
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Full board with regional cuisine
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German- and English-speaking support throughout your stay
Additional day activities can also be booked, such as:
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Ice fishing on one of the surrounding lakes
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Snowmobile tours through the Finnish winter landscape
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Day dog sledding tours with our wonderful dogs
Our husky farm is not a public zoo or amusement park, so spontaneous visits without prior arrangement are unfortunately not possible in winter.
During the winter season, we focus on our booked guests who take part in our week-long programmes or day activities. Caring for the dogs, preparing the tours and running the programmes require our full attention and careful planning.
However, if you are in the area and interested in a day activity, such as a dog sledding tour or ice fishing, you are welcome to contact us in advance. If we have availability, we will do our best to make it possible.
Yes, absolutely! We offer tours for both beginners and more experienced guests.
Our beginner programmes include a detailed introduction, where you learn how to drive a husky team, prepare the dogs and travel safely on the trail. No previous experience is needed – just a love for dogs, nature and being active outdoors.
For more experienced guests, we also offer more demanding tours and week-long programmes, for example with longer daily distances or overnight stays along the trail.
If you are unsure which programme is the best fit for you, we are happy to advise you personally!
Our groups are small, with a maximum of 5–6 guests, to ensure a personal atmosphere.
Absolutely! There is also plenty to experience with us outside the winter season:
In summer, we offer:
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Guided hikes with huskies
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Canoe tours through the Finnish lake and river landscape
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Kennel tours, where you can meet our huskies and watch them enjoy a swim in the lake
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Further nature experiences in small groups
Short-term overnight stays or day visits are also often possible during the summer season.
In autumn, the focus is on sled dog training in preparation for the winter season. During this exciting time, you can:
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Take part in special autumn programmes
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Join a sled dog training run with the training cart as a day guest
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Get a behind-the-scenes look at our work with the dogs
Please note: Even though spontaneous visits may be possible in summer and autumn, we kindly ask you to book tours in advance. As a small farm, we need to plan our staff carefully and cannot always accommodate last-minute bookings.
Accommodation & Meals
During your stay, you will sleep in cosy guest rooms on our property or in simple wilderness cabins surrounded by nature – far away from the hustle and bustle, with peace and wide open spaces all around.
🌿 In summer, on our multi-day tours, you may also sleep in a tent or in traditional laavus – Finnish wilderness shelters with an open fireplace.
Yes! Full board is included in all multi-day programmes, with homemade regional meals prepared with care. Vegetarian or vegan meals are also possible – please let us know when booking.
In summer and autumn, breakfast is always included with overnight stays without a fixed programme. If you wish, you can easily add half board or full board to your stay.
We focus on tasty, down-to-earth food – and full bellies after an active day outdoors in nature!
Dogs may only be brought by prior arrangement.
As around 80 dogs live on our farm in established groups, the property is carefully organised. To avoid stress, illness or unwanted encounters, outside dogs cannot be brought without prior arrangement.
Please contact us in good time if you would like to visit with your dog – we will then look together at whether and how a stay is possible.
Arrival & Booking
There are several ways to travel to us.
Winter
The easiest way to reach us is by flying to Kuopio or Joensuu. For our winter week programmes, the advertised transfer from and to Kuopio, Joensuu or Lieksa is already included in the package price.
Alternatively, you can also arrive by rental car or your own vehicle. Travelling by train to Joensuu, Kuopio or Lieksa is also possible.
If you would like to travel by train, please check your connection with us before booking. This allows us to make sure that the transfer can be organised smoothly.
Summer and Autumn
In summer and autumn, arrival is organised individually depending on the programme. Many guests travel by their own car, rental car or train.
For example, you can fly to Helsinki and continue by train to Joensuu or Lieksa. It is also possible to fly via Kuopio or Joensuu.
For some autumn programmes, certain transfers are already included in the package price. Please always check the description of the individual programme. For summer programmes, accommodation-only bookings and individually arranged stays, transfers are not automatically included, but can be organised separately on request and subject to availability.
Current train timetables can be found at www.vr.fi. They are usually available around two months before the travel date.
The following prices apply to separately booked transfers, for example for accommodation-only bookings, summer programmes, individually arranged stays or additional transfers outside the services included in the programme.
Prices are per vehicle and per journey, not per person.
| Route | Price |
|---|---|
| Joensuu Airport or Joensuu Railway Station ↔ Eräkeskus | 250 € |
| Kuopio Airport or Siilinjärvi Railway Station ↔ Eräkeskus | 330 € |
| Kuopio Railway Station ↔ Eräkeskus | 350 € |
| Lieksa Railway Station ↔ Eräkeskus | 60 € |
| Nurmes Railway Station ↔ Eräkeskus | 95 € |
Transfers are only possible by prior arrangement and subject to availability. Please let us know your arrival and departure times as early as possible so that we can plan the transfers properly.
You can send an inquiry directly through our website or contact us by email at office@eraekeskus.com. Booking through travel agencies is also possible.
As we are not an accredited travel agency, we are unfortunately unable to book flights for you.
We recommend booking your flight yourself through your preferred travel platform or directly with the airline.
Of course, we are happy to help if you have any questions about planning your journey or finding suitable connections.
Still have questions?
If you have any further questions, feel free to send us a message through the contact form or by email at office@eraekeskus.com. We look forward to hearing from you!