run 2

MINI Mushing Workshop – 3 Days/2 Nights

A brief but immersive look into the world of sled dogs!

Would you like to get a taste of a musher’s life, but don’t have quite that much time? Then our MINI Musher Workshop is perfect for you! Over three exciting days, you’ll get an introduction to working with sled dogs, get to know our dogs, and experience the special bond between humans and dogs.

What to expect:

  • Train with our sled dogs —join us for training and drive your own team.
  • Learn how to properly care for the dogs —understand their body language and help with their daily grooming and feeding.
  • A Look at a Musher’s Gear – Learn more about our vehicles, our equipment, and how to use them.
  • Quality Time with Our Dogs – Our senior dogs love going for walks and getting some extra cuddles.

Immerse yourself in the world of sled dogs for a few days and experience the magic of the Finnish wilderness!

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

You’ll make your own way to our lodge, where we’ll give you a warm welcome. After checking in and settling into your cozy room, you’ll have the chance to take a relaxing walk with one of our dogs. Afterward, you can warm up and unwind in our lodge’s electric sauna. We’ll round out the evening with a delicious dinner. If you’d like, you can help with the evening feeding afterward and get a glimpse into our daily kennel routine.

Day 2: Introduction to our kennels and first training session

After a hearty breakfast, an exciting morning awaits you: You’ll help with the morning feeding at one of our two kennels and get to know our dogs and their unique personalities. At the same time, you’ll gain interesting insights into how they’re cared for, groomed, and the daily work involved with them.

After lunch, we’ll start with the theory: We’ll introduce you to our vehicles—depending on the weather, this will be a quad, a Troll, or a sled. You’ll learn how to put a pulling harness on the dogs and harness them safely to the vehicle. Your guide will give you important tips on handling the teams and show you what matters most. In the afternoon, you’ll accompany your guide on a training run and experience firsthand the impressive dynamics and teamwork of our dogs. After returning, you’ll help unharness the dogs and reward them for their performance.

In the evening, you can relax in our beach sauna and reflect on the day’s experiences before we wrap up the day with dinner together.

Day 3: A Special Highlight—Driving Your Own Team

After a hearty breakfast, an unforgettable experience awaits: Today you’ll drive your own dog team! You’ll experience the harmony and teamwork of the dogs from a whole new perspective. If you feel unsure, you’re of course welcome to ride along with a guide.

After you return, we’ll take care of the dogs together: You’ll help them unwind and reward them for their fantastic work. Then we’ll enjoy a delicious lunch together.

Then it’s time to say goodbye. We’ll see you off with our best wishes and a small gift to remind you of your time with us. We hope you take home many unforgettable memories and maybe come back to visit us soon!

  • Per person: 650 ,- € in a double room.
  • Children up to age 16: €580 (when staying in a double or triple room with at least one adult).
  • No single-room surcharge.

Optional:

  • Additional night with full board: 130,- €.
  • Sled Breakage/Full Coverage: 25,- €.

Travel & Transfers:

Travel to the destination is on your own. Transfers to and from Lieksa, Nurmes, Joensuu, or Kuopio can be booked separately upon request and subject to availability. For more information, see our FAQ under “Travel & Transfers.”

  • Available dates: October 1, 2026 – December 13, 2026.
  • Arrival and departure are possible every day.
  • Check-in: 3 :00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
  • Late check-out: until 4:00 p.m.

Included:

  • Accommodations: 2 nights at the Eräkeskus guesthouse.
  • Meals: Full board from dinner on Day 1 through lunch on Day 3 (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
  • Drinks: coffee/tea included.
  • Sauna: 1 wooden sauna (beach sauna), 1 electric sauna (in the lodge).
  • 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.

Tips:

  • 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. Everything is optional—nothing is required—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