Hiking with Husky in Akureyri (private)

Howls, cuddles, and a private husky walk. This short North Iceland outing turns a simple stroll into time with Gunni and Maria’s working huskies, with secluded woodland that feels far from the usual tourist routes.

I also love how much it’s about the humans behind the dogs. You’ll get real talk about husky care and life with the pack, then slow down with a warm coffee break at their home. One drawback to plan for: this is weather-dependent, so outdoor walking may be adjusted if conditions turn nasty.

Key things you’ll remember

• A private visit for up to 8 people so you avoid the crowd chaos
• Meet Gunni and Maria and learn husky life from the people who run the kennel
• Photo time and petting built in so you don’t rush past the fun parts
• Forest trails plus scenery that mixes woodland with sea and mountains views
• Your husky leads the way as you’re harnessed and teamed up for a guided walk
• Pickup about 15 minutes early so you lose less time on the clock

A Private Husky Hike That Feels Like Visiting Friends in Akureyri

This is one of those Akureyri activities that hits a sweet spot: nature time, dog time, and human conversation all in one package. You’re not just watching huskies in a pen—you’re interacting with them, learning the routines, and walking the area where these dogs live and train.

The private setup matters here. With only your group involved, you get breathing room around the dogs, more chances to ask questions, and more time to take photos without people constantly funneling past you.

The setting is also a big part of the appeal. You’ll spend time outside of the usual track, including woodland trails that feel quieter than the standard sightseeing loop.

Where You Start: Glæsibær and the Easy Pickup Plan

The tour starts at goHusky Dogsledding Tours at Glæsibær 3, 601 Akureyri. If you’re staying nearby (or on a tight schedule), pickup is offered: they pick you up about 15 minutes before the tour, and you should be ready out front at your accommodation.

Why I like this approach: it reduces that stress of figuring out timing and transportation. When you’re visiting in Iceland, that small bit of order helps a lot, especially if you’re coupling this with other stops around North Iceland.

You also get a mobile ticket, and confirmation happens at booking, which makes it easier to show up without extra paperwork.

Meet the Pack at Their Home: The Husky “Howl Welcome”

Once you arrive, the vibe is immediate. Expect a lively welcome from the husky pack—howls, movement, and a fence line full of energy. The house and kennel setup makes it feel more like an active home base than a staging area.

One of the highest-rated parts of the whole experience is how well the hosts connect with people. Gunni and Maria come across as passionate, and you’ll get practical, friendly explanations about how they care for the dogs and what working huskies need to stay happy and healthy.

You’ll also get time to meet a lot of the dogs. People have mentioned everything from around 16 to 28 huskies during their visits, and in every case the mood is the same: dogs that clearly recognize routine and treat new visitors with curiosity.

If you have kids, this part usually lands well because they can pet, watch personalities, and ask questions in a setting that doesn’t feel like a rushed theme park.

A quick note on puppies

You may spot puppies during your visit. In at least one account, they were too young to handle by so many strangers at once, so don’t count on being able to hold them—but you can still enjoy seeing them from a respectful distance.

How the Walk Works: Harnesses, Husky Teaming, and Guided Control

This is the main event: after the introduction and petting time, you’ll be set up to go on the walk. You’ll get harnessed and teamed with a husky so the dog can lead you along the trail.

What makes this feel special is that it’s dog-guided, not human-only sightseeing. You’re reading the dog’s pace and path, and that instantly changes the nature of the walk. Instead of you pushing through the scenery, the husky is actively part of the experience—power, curiosity, and friendliness all at once.

Expect an easy-to-manage outing

Many visitors describe the hike as manageable and family-friendly. That said, it’s still outdoors, and you’ll want to pay attention to what you’re shown about how to handle the harness and walk safely alongside the team.

One account also mentioned the hike being tailored to a knee injury. That tells you something important: the hosts seem ready to adjust the pace and setup rather than insisting everyone do the same thing no matter what.

Off-trail woodland (the good kind of quiet)

The trail setting is often described as secluded woodland off the main tourist route. You’ll be walking in a more intimate slice of North Iceland, where it’s easier to actually hear the quiet between howls and footsteps.

And yes, the scenery mix is part of the charm. People mention views that can include mountains, sea, and countryside, even on a shorter outing.

Photo Time and Cuddles: This Isn’t a Grab-and-Go Encounter

A big reason this private tour scores so highly is the time you get with the dogs. There’s room for petting and photos, not just a quick photo line and then move along.

In a private group, you can also slow down without feeling like you’re holding up strangers. It’s a small thing, but it changes the whole mood. You’re more likely to get the pictures you actually want—plus moments you didn’t plan for.

If you’re an animal lover, the comfort level matters. Husky interaction can be intense in a good way, but here it’s handled thoughtfully, with guidance from the hosts and a clear rhythm so everyone stays safe.

The Coffee Break at the House: Awards, Stories, and Warm-up Time

After the walk, you head back to the home base. This is where the experience turns from outdoors to lived-in hospitality.

You’ll have a coffee break (hot coffee is mentioned), and it’s not just a drink stop. You can expect a tour of the home and kennel area, plus the kind of details you usually never get on a standard roadside stop.

Some people specifically mention seeing show-dog trophies and learning about the business evolution over time. There’s also mention of husky-hair apparel being shown as a form of recycling—so even if you’re not shopping, you’ll likely find the story side interesting.

This part is valuable because it turns the dogs from animals you met into animals you understand. You see how the hosts structure the day and how much care goes into keeping the pack healthy.

What You’ll See Beyond the Dogs: North Iceland in a Short Window

Even though this is a short tour, it pulls in multiple “Iceland types” of scenery. People talk about mountains, sea, countryside, and forest, plus the feeling of being in countryside rather than at a busy viewpoint.

That mix matters for two reasons:

1) It makes the walk feel like more than a dog session.

2) It gives families a reason to enjoy the nature even if they’re mostly there for the huskies.

If you’re doing other stops around Akureyri or moving through North Iceland, this is a good add-on because it doesn’t demand a full day. It also has a different flavor than waterfall and viewpoint hopping.

Price and Value: Why $1,105.35 Can Make Sense (or Not)

The price is $1,105.35 per group for up to 8 people, and the tour runs about 2 hours.

On paper, that sounds steep. But value isn’t just cost—it’s what you get for the money:

• Private time with the pack and hosts
• A walk guided by a husky team (not just watching from the sidelines)
• Built-in photo and petting time
• Pickup offered, which saves hassle and time
• A warm hospitality stop afterward, with coffee and a look into how the kennel works

For couples, this can still feel pricey—unless you really prioritize unique animal encounters and want the crowd-free version. For a family or a group of friends, it often feels more reasonable because the cost spreads across up to 8 people.

My practical take: if you want this to be your big “Iceland memories” stop, go for it. If you’re trying to do lots of budget-friendly activities, you may want to compare against other husky options and decide what you care about most: dog time, private access, or sled-based action.

Who This Fits Best

This is a strong match if you:

• Love dogs and want a more personal experience than a quick viewing
• Prefer private over group tours because you want more interaction time
• Are traveling with kids (several families describe it as a highlight)
• Want a short outdoor outing with real scenery variety

It may not be the best fit if:

• You’re trying to keep costs extremely low
• You don’t like cold, outdoor conditions (because this depends on weather)
• You want a long hike or a long day of trekking

Practical Tips So You Enjoy the Full 2 Hours

Because Iceland weather can change fast, show up prepared for cold and wind. Wear layers, bring waterproof outerwear if you have it, and choose shoes with good traction.

Also, don’t treat this like a strict hiking workout. It’s a guided husky teaming experience, so your main job is to follow instructions on harnessing and walking with your assigned husky.

Finally, manage expectations about the puppies. If you see them, enjoy from a distance, and focus on the dogs you’ll be interacting with directly.

If you’re booking during a colder season, be aware that walking may not always be the plan. One host note indicates that in winter, a guided sledge ride around the grounds can be offered when snow changes trail conditions. The key idea: they want the experience to still work even when the outdoors is less forgiving.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

It starts at goHusky Dogsledding Tours, Glæsibær 3, 601 Akureyri, Iceland.

Do you offer pickup?

Yes. Pickup is offered about 15 minutes before the tour. You should be ready in front of your accommodation.

How long is the experience?

It lasts about 2 hours (approx.).

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, and only your group participates.

How many people can be in a group?

The price is per group for up to 8 people.

What language is the tour offered in?

It’s offered in English.

What weather conditions does it require?

The experience requires good weather.

What happens if it’s canceled due to poor weather?

If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel and get a full refund?

Yes, free cancellation is available. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Can children join?

Most travelers can participate, and the experience is described as suitable for both children and adults.

Should You Book This Private Husky Hike Near Akureyri?

If you’re choosing between seeing huskies and actually doing something with huskies, this is the better bet. I’d book it if you want crowd-free time, guided teaming, off-the-usual-trail woodland, and a real sit-down coffee moment with the people behind the kennel.

Skip it (or at least think twice) if you hate outdoor weather swings or you’re only interested in a quick photo stop. Otherwise, for dog lovers and families, this is exactly the kind of short, memorable North Iceland experience that feels worth the money.