The biggest and best husky centre (with around 400 dogs) in Lapland, the Harriniva Holiday Centre, 3km south of Muonio along Route 21 towards Tornio, is the place to get your doggie fix. Established in 1973 by husband-and-wife team, Köpi and Maria Pietikäinen, Harriniva has developed a reputation over the years for well-organised, good-value husky safaris that are hard to beat. During the winter season, 95% of guests here are foreign, predominantly from Britain, France, Germany and Holland, which gives the entire place an enjoyable, cosmopolitan air.
All accommodation at Harriniva is clean, comfortable and warm. Prices vary according to time of year; high season is early December to early January and February to early April. Rates quoted here are all high-season prices. Accommodation in winter tends to be block-booked months in advance and it is unlikely you will find availability without booking an inclusive package. In summer, however, things are different and there is plenty of availability.
Winter tours
There are various lengths of husky safaris available at Harriniva. At the top end of the scale, for example, a week-long tour with your own dog-sled team, overnighting in log cabins with all food provided costs from €1,835. The cabins have wood-burning saunas but no running water or electricity. Although the pleasure of riding across frozen lakes and weaving your way deep through Lapland’s snow-covered forests doesn’t come cheap, it is not one you are likely to forget in a hurry.
Alternatively, Harriniva also operates snowmobile tours: a three-day safari covering up to 100km per day overnighting in log cabins, for example, costs €1,680 per person.
Summer tours
Between June and September, Harriniva specialises in trips on the Muonio River. There are white-water raft tours lasting 1 ½ hours for €45; or more sedate canoeing tours (min 4 people) of 2 to 3 hours at €50 per person. The Muonio River is considered one of the best salmon rivers in Finland and from the end of June to mid-August, salmon fishing is in season (€190 for a boat with an outboard motor and fishing equipment). Rowing boats are also available for rental at €35 per day. Since not all tours operate daily, it is best to check with Harriniva to find out exactly what will be available while you are there.