MEDI Mushing Workshop – 6 Days/5 Nights

A look behind the scenes—experience the magic of sled dogs up close!

Join us on a journey into the world of mushers and become part of our team!

  • Have you ever wondered how mushers train and care for their dogs?
  • Or would you like to know what a sled dog kennel is really like?
  • How do you take care of dogs?

Then our musher workshop is just the thing for you!

Dive into the world of mushers and become part of our team!

From early October through mid-December, you’ll join us for nearly a week to experience the exciting preparations our sled dogs are undergoing for the upcoming season. Learn firsthand what it means to work with sled dogs and experience the unique bond between humans and dogs.

What to expect:

  • Join us for sled dog training.
  • Manage your own team.
  • Experience this incredible bond between dogs and humans.
  • Learn the subtle nuances of dog language and how to interact properly with our dogs.
  • Help us with feeding, grooming, and kennel care.
  • Discover the Art of Splicing
  • Spend some quality time with our dogs—our senior dogs are always happy to go for a walk!
  • Enjoy a beautiful hike in the nature reserve.
  • Stay the night in our wilderness cabin.

Adventure awaits you!

Experience the beauty of the Finnish wilderness, discover what it’s like to be a musher, and create unforgettable memories.

You decide how long and how intensively you’d like to help out: whether it’s two hours or the whole day. You don’t need any prior experience or special skills—you’ll learn everything on the spot. A love of nature and an interest in dogs are all you need.

Send a non-binding inquiry

Day 1: Arrival and welcome

On the first day, you’ll arrive in either Kuopio, Joensuu, or Lieksa, where we’ll give you a warm welcome. Alternatively, you can make your own way to the lodge. After checking in and settling into your cozy room, you’ll have the opportunity to meet our team in person. We’ll wind down the evening with a delicious dinner in the cozy atmosphere of our lodge—the perfect start to your adventure.

Day 2: Introduction to our kennels and first training session

After a hearty breakfast, your day begins with an exciting activity: You’ll get to help with the morning feeding in one of our two kennels, where you’ll get to know our dogs and their unique personalities. You’ll also learn interesting details about how to care for them, groom them, and work with them on a daily basis.
After lunch, we’ll start with the theory: You’ll receive an introduction to our vehicles (quad, troll, or—depending on the weather—sleigh). We’ll show you how to put a pulling harness on the dogs and safely harness them to a vehicle. Your guide will explain important tips for working with the teams. Afterward, you’ll accompany your guide on a training run and experience firsthand the dynamics and fascinating teamwork of the dogs. Upon returning, you’ll help unharness the dogs and reward them for their performance. In the evening, over a cozy meal, we’ll discuss the upcoming hike to the Aittokoski Forest Lodge.

Day 3: Hike to the Aittokoski Forest Lodge

After breakfast, we pack our backpacks with the essentials. Our transfer driver takes us to the starting point for our hike—which we discussed the day before—and transports the rest of our luggage and food directly to the cabin so we can hike without any worries. Accompanied by a few dogs, we hike along the Karhunpolku—the famous Bear Trail—through the stunning natural landscape. Along the way, we take a break to enjoy our lunch. In the afternoon, we reach the idyllic Aittokoski forest cabin, where you can relax in the wood-fired sauna. We spend the evening enjoying a rustic dinner in the cozy cabin—a real highlight in the middle of the wilderness.

Day 4: Crafts and Return to the Lodge

After a traditional lodge breakfast, you can relax, take a short walk with the dogs, or simply enjoy the tranquility of nature. Afterward, we’ll dive into a hands-on workshop: You’ll learn how to splice tow lines and make the sections for the sleds out of wire rope—a valuable skill for working with sled dogs. After a hearty lunch, we’ll head back to Eräkeskus, where you can enjoy a delicious dinner at the lodge in the evening.

Day 5: Intensive Training

Today is all about training. After breakfast, we’ll set out with the dogs on different routes, depending on the dogs’ fitness levels. A special highlight: Today, you’ll drive your own team. You’ll experience the harmony and teamwork between the dogs from a whole new perspective.
If you’re feeling unsure, you’re of course welcome to ride along with your guide.

After we return, we’ll take care of the dogs as usual: You’ll help them unwind and reward them for their great work. Before dinner, we’ll heat up the beach sauna for you, where you can relax and reflect on the day’s events before we celebrate the end of the week with a festive farewell dinner. As a memento of this unforgettable week, you’ll receive a small farewell gift.

Day 6: Departure

Your stay with us ends after breakfast. Depending on what we’ve agreed upon, we’ll arrange transportation to your departure point, or you can begin your journey home in your own vehicle. We’ll say goodbye with our best wishes and hope that your time with us has left you with many unforgettable memories.

Note: This program is an example. Depending on the weather, our group dynamics or other circumstances, the days and activities may change slightly. Flexibility is part of the adventure – but one thing is certain: every day will be special!

  • Per person: €1,130 in a double room.
  • Children up to age 16: €830 (when staying in a double or triple room with at least one adult)
  • A €150 discount for guests arriving on their own (the discount is valid once per family, couple, or group).
  • No single-room surcharge

Optional:

  • Additional night with full board: 130,- €.
  • Full sled damage protection: €50.

  • Available dates: October 1, 2026 – December 13, 2026.
  • Arrival and departure are possible every day.
  • Check-in for guests arriving on their own: 3 :00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
  • Check-out for guests arriving on their own: by 12:00 p.m.

Included:

  • Transportation: From/to Kuopio, Joensuu, or Lieksa, and all necessary transfers during the tour.
  • Accommodations: 4 nights at the Eräkeskus Guesthouse, 1 night at the Aittokoski Forest Lodge, including 1 sauna session.
  • Meals: Full board from dinner on Day 1 through breakfast on Day 6 (breakfast, lunch, and a two-course dinner).
  • Weekly program:
    • Kennel tour and information about caring for, feeding, and training the dogs
    • two training runs with the dogs
    • Vehicle Science
    • Splicing
    • Hike to Aittokoski and an overnight stay at the wilderness cabin
  • Drinks: coffee/tea included.
  • Sauna: 1 wooden sauna (beach sauna), 1 electric sauna
  • Free use of bikes, canoes, kayaks, rowboats, and skis, subject to availability
  • Guide: German, English, Finnish speaking guide.
  • Final cleaning: Included.
  • Bed linen and towels: are provided.
  • Snowsuits and winter boots: will be provided as soon as there is snow on the ground. Available sizes for snowsuits range from XXS to XXL, and for boots from size 36 to 47.

Not included:

  • Travel: Flight, train ticket.
  • Drinks: Except tea, coffee and water.
  • Clothing/Equipment: Weather-appropriate clothing, thermos, headlamp. Please be sure to check out our equipment list.
  • Daypack: For hikes or overnight stays at mountain huts.

Tips:

  • Money-Saving Tip: The train route from Helsinki to Joensuu is significantly cheaper than the domestic flight from Helsinki to Kuopio/Joensuu. Train schedules are usually available about 2 months before your trip at www.vr.fi . If you plan to travel by train, please let us know your arrival time in advance so we can arrange your transfer accordingly.
  • Pro tip: We recommend taking out cancellation and return travel insurance.

General Terms and Conditions:

Eräkeskus 0

The Musher Workshop Week is suitable for anyone in normal physical condition.
You don’t need any prior experience—just a love of dogs and a desire to be active outdoors.

If you need a break, you can take one at any time. We’ll also adjust the hike to the cabin to suit your fitness level. Everything is optional—you set the pace. If you’re unsure or have any questions, feel free to contact us—we’ll be happy to provide personalized advice!

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.

  • A Family-Like Atmosphere – With us, you’re not just guests—you’re part of a small, close-knit community—with personalized service, a warm atmosphere, and very small guest groups.
  • Unspoiled wilderness instead of mass tourism – North Karelia is one of the quietest regions in Europe, where you can experience unspoiled nature and the peace of the wilderness.
  • Close Bond with the Dogs – We work with passion and respect for and with our dogs—we take their natural instincts and needs into account so that they can live in an environment that promotes their well-being
  • Gentle tourism & respect for nature – We focus on sustainable experiences with minimal impact on the environment – for adventures in harmony with nature.
  • It’s simple: Because fall and early winter in North Karelia aren’t just breathtakingly beautiful—they also offer you the chance to experience the interplay between people, animals, and nature in a way that’s sure to leave a lasting impression.
First and Last Name
DD.MM.YYYY - DD.MM.YYYY