Janie Harford review 7 Apr 2013
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
It was ALL memorable, a wonderful experience, and very professionally organised. The dogs obviously love their work, the barking whilst being harnessed to the sleds each morning was almost deafening, and it was sheer joy to be pulled behind them through such beautiful scenery. Hanski and Biida worked miracles with some logs and a huge old black frying pan, and we had delicious lunches sat in the snow and sunshine out on the trail, followed by equally good candlelit suppers in the warmth of the cabins each evening. Salmon, Arctic char, and reindeer were on the menu, with lots of vegetables, local berries made into puddings to follow and eggs and bacon for breakfast each morning. You won't go hungry!
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
The trousers, anoraks, hats, gloves, balaclavas and boots supplied are superb quality, and designed for the temperatures, don't bother to bring your own. We went for a short walk before the bus came to collect us on our last morning, but otherwise you're only going from the hotel to bus to airport so normal hat, scarf and gloves are fine. I wore goggles as have contact lenses, my eyes streamed in sunglasses, it was -15c in the mornings. The sleeping bags are likewise really warm, and Harriniva provide a cotton liner. We took travel towels for the sauna each evening, but some people brought them from the hotel. You'll have access to a large bowl of hot water, so easy to wash at the end of a doggie day!
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Only in that tourism provides 60% of local employment in Lapland. We were one of 5 groups out on a 5 day husky safari but 4 snowmobile groups were out at the same time!
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
A really wonderful experience
Jeremy Lee review 3 Apr 2013
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Setting off from the dog compound on the first morning not knowing what to expect.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Travel light with layerable clothing, bring a small tripod for the camera. Be prepared for anything to happen.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The whole set up provides many different types of work in the local area.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Something really different, a really refreshing break and way to get out in to the back country and experience how things are done in this environment. A fantastic experience.
Bronley Gover review 16 Jan 2012
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The sound of only the dogs feet mushing through the thick snow with the sleigh. Absolutely mind blowing.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take hand warmers with you, lots of warm, thick socks and 2 camera batteries.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
10 out of 10! I would do this all over again, at the drop of a hat!
Tancy Douglas review 7 Jun 2012
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The whole thing!
Leaving the husky kennels was terrifying & exhilarating at the same time as we truly had no idea what we were doing - but it was a massive highlight. Traversing the beautiful countryside, both inside the forests and across the lakes with the only noise being the panting of the dogs, was truly awe inspiring. Helping to feed and settle the dogs each night, and then retiring for a sauna and dinner by candlelight was truly sublime. In fact, not having electricity was indeed one of the highlights! Petrie's ability to feed us all brilliantly three times a day - and light a fire in -20deg conditions was also a highlight!
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take good thermal underwear and if you wear glasses or contacts, make sure you have contacts and good goggles - you'll need them. Make sure you have spare batteries for your camera - you won't be able to charge anything and they don't last long in the cold! Be prepared for a bit of chaos when you first arrive and are getting kitted out, but relax - it's only temporary!
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Not to any great extent. I can imagine that there was a small benefit to local people in that some of the cabins were (I believe) rented from locals - but there wasn't a lot of interaction. With regards environmental impact and conservation - the cabins were very self sufficient, and of course we were dog sledding so not burning fossil fuels!
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Truly amazing and we'd love to do it again. Really can't get a better endorsement than that!!
Helen Ray review 5 Apr 2012
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Pretty much all of it! Husky sledging was fantastic fun on its own and seeing the northern lights was amazing.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
It actually was not as cold as I was expecting so have a look at the weather forecast before you go. With the gear from the base I hardly needed anything else apart from on the last day when we had to give it back quite early.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Tourism is a big thing for the economy in Lapland so I guess it helped it that way. I would also say it is an environmentally friendly trip. I do not think we really created much waste and of course dogs do not have emissions!
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent. I loved it and would happily go again.
Susan Prcychodny review 15 Feb 2011
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
We have just returned from Finland on a five day Husky Safari. I cannot find the right words to describe what a wonderful experience it was. We took video footage and over 200 photos but that will no way convey the emotions of this trek. Every time I thought that the scenery could get no more beautiful we turned another corner and it did. I stood on the rear of my sled going through the letters of the alphabet trying to find the right word but got to Z without finding even one that could describe the experience and the scenery. From the minute we met the dogs on the Monday to the very sad time that we left them back at the kennels on the Friday was just awe inspiring. Loved the hands on approach.
Raikka our guide was amazing his cooking was top class and his love and care for both us as clients and his dog team was second to none. You have to experience this trip first hand as I think its impossible to convey the emotion. Sometimes during the day I cried and my tears froze. The temperatures on our trip were between minus 24 and mins 34 but the clothing provided kept us warm. I could go on and on but my advice is JUST DO IT.
Sadly at the end of a great week we had book a stay at the ICE HOTEL this was to be the highlight. Unfortunately this was not the case. When we arrived the staff we nonplussed and we were not felt welcomed. We were not offered the warm clothing that was hanging by the door and were cold throughout the stay. To make things worse there was a film crew in filming a pilot for a show and the place was swarming with people, cables trailed throughout the village and equipment. The extra people there made the floors slippery and I fell 3 times hurting my leg. The meal in the Ice Bar was lovely but I was so cold I had to get up and dance between courses. We couldn't get into the Chapple as they were filming there and the young guide that took us round was not to enthusiastic. We were cold and tired and sat in the warm room till we could go to our ice bed at 10pm you cannot go before then as the rooms are all open for viewing. This experience cost us £450 we were expecting a little more care and attention.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
To go on the Husky Safari Pack plenty of batteries for your camera. Take lots of layers of clothing and invest in a good pair of warm gloves to go under the mittens supplied as your hands do get cold otherwise.A set of thermal underwear essential. Don’t take wet wipes as they freeze solid.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
The Husky Safari was out of this world a million words would not describe it adequately. If only you could bring home the emotions felt.
Robert Lendon review 30 Dec 2011
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Difficult to choose the most memorable part as there were so many. If I had to choose one it would be speeding across a frozen lake at night on a snow mobile.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
I'd recommend staying a couple of extra days at the hotel after the husky trip as some of the other activities are worth doing while you're there. Most notably are the snow mobiles and taking a sled of firewood to build a fire and cook sausages on it of an evening.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes, there was very little impact on the environment and the local population really were purely involved in tourism.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was an excellent holiday overall. The only disappointment was that we didn't see the northern lights. I guess that's a good excuse to go back again though.
Clare Muir review 20 Mar 2011
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Steep down hills
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Dress warm
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
9/10
Sarah Lockwood review 25 Jan 2011
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Sledding through snowy Lapland with my team of dogs!
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
It's very hard work, make sure you're fit and healthy and wear lots of layers!
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Definitely minimised impact on the environment, we left no litter and left all the wilderness cabins clean. None of the cabins had electricity.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Amazing, loved it, met some lovely dogs and fun people, can't wait to do it again!
Patricia Lambert review 6 Jan 2011
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Going across frozen lakes, howling huskies at night. Living in log heated huts, no water except from ice hole in lake, deciding whether one rally needed to "pee" or could wait longer. Spectacular scenery, peace and quiet. Knowledge that doing something most people considered mad.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Need to adopt kit list to inc. inner gloves with fingers--two pairs thinner ones as apposed to bulky. Hand/foot warmers if suffer from cold feet. Contact lenses as glasses steam up and freeze. Thermals and base layers--take spare as -30 very cold. Take insulated drinking container as not enough drink en route - wary of metal as burns when freezing. Body warmer with pockets to store batteries, good head torch/neck warmer. Choc/booze/pain relief/cold remedies. Hot Choc sachets/fluffy boots for cabins at night. Book return activities prior to leaving. Massages not very brilliant.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes, cabins needed stocking up with logs and dog food = employment. Huskies need
Care = employment, minimal impact on environment, all rubbish taken away. No
damage done as far as I can tell, believe this type of holiday benefits.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
I went away to escape the anniversary of very unpleasant memories, I was so busy controlling huskies/ensuring hands warm/ falling off/ chopping frozen meat/
bedding down dogs etc that I had no chance to dwell. Would recommend it for
anyone who needs to escape.
Sheffi Raiskin review 8 Apr 2011
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The five day husky tour. Our guide, Hanski, was a love. We had an amazing group
of people. The dogs were well cared for, the scenery amazing. Everything was
worked out precisely. The wilderness cabins were cozy, clean and warm, the food amazing!!! Our guide worked very very hard and was extremely capable.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Come fit.
Don't expect to be able to do much on the weekend at the Harriniva Centre,
because most of the activities do not take place on the weekends.
Come earlier in the winter, to see the Northern lights.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes. We left virtually no garbage, either composted the organic waste or burned the paper.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
The five days with the huskies were great. The rest of our time was more or less wasted, since there was not much to do on the weekend. This very much lowers the rating I could give to the holiday. If I had been able to use those two days, I would have thoroughly enjoyed myself. I spent a lot of money and came a long way, and am quite upset about this. The brochure was misleading as far as being able to sign up for all kinds of activities.
Read the operator's response here:
Thanks for this review and it's great to know that the husky safari lived up
to all expectations, it's a remarkable and unforgettable experience.
Regarding the rest of the stay, the reason we extend the holiday by an extra
day is to take advantage of the direct flights to Kittila. Those flights allow
us to avoid scheduled services via Helsinki and keep the price the same for 7
nights as it would be for 6.
Normally, there are activities available on Saturday and Sunday at Harriniva
but it was extremely busy that weekend. I was actually there for about an hour
on the Saturday night and was amazed at how lively it was. I asked the owners
about it and apparently they had some large groups from Europe there. I
believe that this put pressure on the number of activities and guides
available.
We've been offering this holiday for about 6 years now and have always added
in the extra day. Thanks to the cheaper direct flights this means a longer
stay at no additional cost. If we used the far more expensive scheduled
flights then clients would have to fly home a day earlier and pay the same
price.
Reading through the reviews from previous clients here, I'm pleased that this
appears to have been a one-off occurrence due to the numbers of people at
Harriniva that weekend.
I am sorry if this detracted from our clients' enjoyment at the end of the
stay especially as the husky safari was such a success but unfortunately, we
can't control the number of visitors to the accommodation.
Joanna Bibby review 4 Apr 2011
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
By far the 5 day 4 night husky safari into the wilderness. Our guide Hansky was fantastic in every way, if i had to give our guide Hansky marks out of 10 I would give her 20. She was brilliant in every way.
It was very much dorm accommodation ( no room for modesty) but that was part of the fun and all the equipment provided was perfect for the conditions. Everyone mucked in with the tasks and it was everything i imagined. The dogs were fantastic and I became very attached to my 4. All so well looked after. Most impressed
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
You really don't need to take much at all, outside clothing is taken care of and you will probably be sleeping in your thermals anyway in the fantastically warm down sleeping bags provided. Head torches were most useful and not provided.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
I do hope so. Though difficult to specify how. Compost loo's were used which were great. did,nt smell at all but made for a cold visitation at night.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
The dog sledding 5 days (4 nights) were fantastic and I couldn’t fault this part of the trip in any way.
HOWEVER
Back at Harriniva Hotel I was very disappointed. First night was great, private room with shower. Return on the Friday following was not so great. There were NO activities available over the weekend particularly on the Sunday for those departing at 6pm for the late Gatwick flight. No reindeer visits, no spa facilities, etc etc everything was closed. Mis-leading in your brochure.
Maybe it was a one off but there was also an invasion of 70 French noisy men that totally spoilt the calm friendly atmosphere of the whole place.
It was great fun sharing dormatory accommodation with everyone during the 5 day trip but some privacy (single room with private bathroom) for the last 2 nights would have been preferable on our return. I would love to do the husky wilderness trip again but have reservasions about the Harriniva hotel side of things.
Melanie Skotadis review 8 Mar 2010
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The husky sledding: exciting yet relaxing, peaceful and yet sometimes chaotic too! Staying in the wilderness cabins on the trail, taking everything you need with you and living simply but very comfortably. It makes you realise just how unnecessary so much of what we think we need to live well really is. Our guide (Raikka) was superb and the food he cooked us 3 times a day was outstanding. What that man can do with a frying pan and a camp fire I couldn't achieve in my smart London kitchen! He was an enthusiastic and generous cook and we were an appreciative audience, we never went hungry.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Just do it!!!
There's quite a bit of free time on the Saturday and Sunday and extra activities can be expensive, plus in theory you are supposed to hand back your snow gear. Don't, ask nicely to keep it and at least go for a long walk in the snow which costs nothing. Otherwise allow yourself some more money to add on another activity or two to make the most of the experience, we enjoyed the horse riding. The outdoor clothes & boots you are given are very good indeed, follow the advice in the briefing pack, take lots of good layers and you shouldn't ever be cold at all. And don't expect to see the Northern Lights, its really down to luck, we saw a little bit, but that's all, I think most groups are the same.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes, but then we also saw the snowmobile safaris setting off from the same place, which had the opposite effect on the environment!
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Superb. Wouldn't change anything at all (not even the outside loos in -25deg C, all part of the experience and gave us lots of laughs!).
Julia Featherstone review 16 Feb 2010
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Out with the huskies for 5 days in wilderness cabins. Being so away from it all with only the sound of the dogs and the sledge over the snow.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Opt for the real tour of being out for 5 day and not the hotel. Take lots of base layers and some face cream for chapped skin. The tour operator provides really great outer wear and boots.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Minimal impact on environment. All local food and staff.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Amazing as long as you are up to the physical side of the tour. Will bore my friend rigid with my tales and pictures or then again maybe not!!!!
Emma Davey review 24 Mar 2010
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Being on the sled, particularly during the middle days of the safari when we were further away from other people, the quietness and the natural surroundings were wonderful. Standing out on the lake in complete darkness looking for the Northern Lights and marvelling at the bountiful stars. Cooking lunch over an open fire with not another soul passing by us. Warming up in the sauna at the end of a day out on the dog sleds. Meeting new people with a similar appetite for adventure.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Have an open mind and go with the flow! I abandoned my quasi vegetarian diet for the week and found reindeer to be much more delicious than I had imagined. Cold red wine (well it was being carted about in sub zero temperatures on the sled) and tea without milk were normal, but the food was plentiful and delicious even in the limited cooking conditions. Toilet paper was always available at the huts but not always during the day - keep tissues in your pocket (wipes will freeze) - but don't litter. Be prepared to pee in the wild during the day. It is cold, not much to do but be quick! Remember soap/shower gel/shampoo - it is possible to wash and pour water over your head in the sauna (every hut has a sauna). Take a pack of cards or small travel game for entertainment in the evenings. Sleeping is dormitory style in the huts - take some ear plugs in case your fellow travellers snore! Give some thought to what you would like to do on the last Sat/Sun as there is quite some time to fill. Downhill skiing in Olas was fun.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Almost all the people we saw, or heard of, working at the hotel were from Finland and mainly lived in the surrounding areas and villages. The food we ate seemed to be mainly from local sources. We took all rubbish with us, or it was collected later from the huts where there was easier access from the roads.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was fantastic! It was exactly the type of escape and adventure I wanted. It was great to be totally away experiencing something completely different, being active and busy and surrounded by nature.
Gill Goode review 16 Mar 2010
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Travelling through the forested areas on the dog-sled, the snow weighing down the trees formed arches which we sometimes went under. The shapes formed by the snow gave a magical effect. The trail was like a bob-sleigh run and after 2 days I was more confident in handling the sled around corners and avoiding trees!
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take alcohol with you on the safari if you want any. The wilderness cabins get very warm with the fires lit and the saunas allow you to wash in hot water each night. It is physically demanding, lot of work involved getting water, wood, feeding dogs etc on arrival at each cabin. March was ideal time as long days and relatively warm - we had few days about 0 to -5C though nights -20 to -30C! We had clear blue skies all week making scenery stunning. Don’t try and take photos from the sled until confident - take a camera with a neck strap to make this easier! If YOU GET OFF THE BRAKE THE DOGS RUN!!
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Tourism and reindeer are only local industries so very important. Very little impact as dogs are environmentally friendly!
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Fantastic, definitely a once in a lifetime experience
Peter Bampton-Clare review 3 Feb 2010
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
This was such an amazing experience. The week is hard work with lots of chopping and fire making and water getting but if you immerse yourself in these tasks, the feeling of going back to basics completes the experience. The dogs are just incredible, they are all so friendly - my lead dog Pepsi would jump up at me every time I walked past for a hug, I got so attached to my dogs in just a few short days. The scenery is constantly breathtaking and the actual sledding is both relaxing yet exciting - speeding downhill going over bumps is so exciting! The food was brilliant throughout and our guide was very knowledgeable and was one of the best guides I have ever had.
A truly memorable week.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be prepared to work hard. Chopping frozen dog meat, getting water and starting fires are all essential and are hardwork. Bring tons of socks, as on the cold days I wore up to 4 pairs of walking socks!!
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes, the local town worked closely with the Huskies from what I saw. Everyone who looked after the huskies really cared for the dogs, it was lovely to see.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was an amazing experience that I will never forget. You feel so detached from day to day life, it was all I could have asked for.
John Kilbride review 23 Mar 2010
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The dogs and Petri our guide.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Break if you see a tree coming towards you.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Fantastic.
Angela Connell review 19 Apr 2009
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Husky safari - amazing experience.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Don’t worry too much about the cold, gear provided is very good, safari huts were very comfortable and guides knowledge and experience excellent.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Would not say this was a major aspect of the holiday, certainly environmental impact was minimal and tour was run by a local operator.
Alex Parr review 26 Jan 2009
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The extreme cold, the huskies, the warm huts, the good food, saunas.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take extra face protection, the warmer you are the better. Also take gloves with fingers to go underneath the mitts. It's easier taking photos and harnessing huskies with finger gloves than mitts.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes- absolutely.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Fantastic!
Selina Bolton review 5 Jan 2009
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Being with the huskies... travelling through the snow in the National Park - they had bags of personality and it was an absolute joy to be with them.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Finnish Sauna includes bucket showers - so don't forget your shower gel... we didn't know having only used saunas in gyms so thought they were just hot, dry rooms. It is an exceedingly pleasant way to end the day.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes, our guide was entirely reliant on the husky holiday season for her income. We travelled with a very light footprint - everything recycled. The cabins were great - did not miss electricity or running water - they were toasty and comfortable and the short-drop loos were perfectly fine. Also, spoke to staff in Ice Hotel - their livelihood also entirely dependent on tourist trade. They spend the summer repairing / preparing for winter season.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Exceptional. From the moment we arrived at the Harriniva we were very well looked after. The Wilderness Centre was very comfortable. We were well kitted out in terms of snow clothes. We had the best guide - Katrin - she made the 5-day husky safari; it was very well organised, she was a fabulous hostess. The quality of the food was excellent throughout. I think it's been a 5-star adventure and I've been on a fair few treks across the world. The husky safari and Harriniva out shone the Ice Hotel by far. While the staff were very pleasant and we appreciated the warm room / sauna, the food was very poor in comparison. The hotel and restaurant were not particularly busy but the food seemed to be some mass produced packet exercise.
Anthea Whitton review 4 May 2009
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The dogs & the sledding!! The dogs - they have the most amazing strength and stamina and they were always keen to get going. The sledding - one moment balancing on one runner going down hill round a tight bend (exhilarating), the next enjoying the scenery as you sled across a flat, frozen lake and let any worries evaporate (relaxing).
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
This is an active holiday in the sense you need to be fit enough to husky sled all day and then to muck in with chopping meat for the dogs, feeding the dogs, chopping wood for the fire, fetching water from the lake, cleaning the cabin in the morning and so on. However, don't worry if you're not super fit. A lot of our group (including me) were anxious about this and it was fine (the dogs do all the aerobic work!). You do need good strong, supple ankle and knee joints and a sense of balance. Do follow the advice given in the preparation sheet - all the advice re buying wool thermals, wearing wool sweaters etc is spot on. Do remember toiletries; it seems to be a common misconception that no running water means no washing (!) but it's easy to have a make shift shower in the saunas at each cabin. Do take a head torch. I'd also recommend taking a pack of playing cards for evening entertainment. If you're going to have a spare afternoon at the beginning or a spare day at the end plan your activity in advance. I did cross country skiing and snow mobiling - both were great fun.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Must have provided income for the area. Husky sledding wouldn't appear to do much environmental damage. Not sure about the snow-mobile though.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Fantastic. Dogs, the outdoors, constant activity and a chance to get away from it all - wonderful.
Dawn Johnston review 8 Feb 2007
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The complete freedom off being out on the trail! All the problems of the 'real world' seem a million miles away as you glide along behind the dogs through stunning scenery. Being in charge of your own team is a real highlight. It really makes you feel like you're on an adventure. By the end of the week I had really bonded with my dogs. If possible stay on a few more nights to try the snowmobiles reindeer safaris and stay in the igloo (but take a pillow). It's also possible to try night time riding which is amazing. We were lucky enough to see the full moon and the Northern lights as we trekked through the forest.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
The temperature can drop very low especially in January/February so bring plenty of thermal underwear and lots of thin clothes that can be layered up. When you think you've got enough layers on put on one more! A good head torch is always handy, swimwear for the saunas, wet wipes, also a small camera bag/case that can be worn under your coat is great for keeping cameras/batteries warm. But the most important thing you can bring is a sense of adventure the more you throw your self into it the more you will get out of it!
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
I'm not sure how much locals benefited other than to bring money into the area. The impact on the environment is definitely minimized. All trails are clearly marked, well looked after and kept to. You try to leave no evidence you were ever there!
4. Any other comments?
We all had an amazing time it was so much more than we ever though it would be. Harriniva is a friendly well run hotel where the staff are always willing to help. I would recommend this trip to anyone! I got a lot more out of it than i ever thought i would and would do it all again tomorrow given the chance!
Karl Jones review 6 Jan 2007
My wife and I went to Finland on a six day husky safari over Xmas week. There were 7 in the group, plus the guide, Ralph, an East German chap who knew everything there was to know about survival in the cold. He also knew a lot about caring for the dogs - our only way of getting back home. We stayed at a different cabin each night and covered about 150km. The cabins were basic, but lovely and warm when the fires got going - most nights we had to try and cool the cabin down so that we were able to sleep (even though it was -23 outside).
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Holding on to the sleigh as it was pulled through the woods by the huskies - desperate to please and loving every minute.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
You have to be fit - it's lots more "Ray Mears" than you think. Don't think that there will be much time for relaxation; there are dogs to feed, water to fetch and logs to cut. Everything takes longer in the Arctic, because everything is frozen. For example - to feed the dogs you have to cut up the frozen meat with an axe, make a hole in the ice to get water, carry the water to the boiler and make a fire to boil the water - the water is then used to defrost the meat. I was not prepared for all of the hard work initially, and after the first day I wanted to come home - but then the group all found their own tasks to do and each night got easier and easier - after the second night I loved it!
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Northern Finland is desperate for more tourists so that they can protect the environment from the really serious loggers who will build big roads and destroy huge areas of land - and get rid of the reindeer herders.
