Hiking with Husky in Akureyri

Huskies turn a short walk into an adventure. GoHusky pairs you with one strong, friendly sled dog for a countryside hike near Akureyri, then invites you into the dogs’ home to meet the rest of the pack. I like the personal welcome from Gunni and María, and I like that the route can be adjusted to suit the group. The main thing to understand is that these are working sled dogs, not gentle little lapdogs. They pull hard, so even a hike of roughly two miles can feel like a workout.

The setting gives you more than dog cuddles. You may see mountains, sea, forest, open countryside, and plenty of clean North Iceland air in a single outing. I also appreciate the small-group limit of 12 people, which makes it easier to ask questions and spend real time with the dogs. Still, the ground can be uneven, and younger children may need help handling a powerful husky.

Six things to know before hiking with a husky

• The dogs live with the owners: You visit a real family home and see how the huskies are cared for.
• The walk is active: Sled dogs can pull strongly, giving your legs and core a proper workout.
• The route can change: Gunni and María can choose a trail that fits the group’s ability.
• The welcome is noisy and warm: The dogs may howl, bark, and make a remarkable racket when you arrive.
• Pickup is available: You can be collected about 15 minutes before the tour from your accommodation.
• The group stays small: A maximum of 12 people keeps the outing personal and manageable.

Meeting the GoHusky family near Akureyri

The GoHusky base is at Glæsibær 3, on the northern outskirts of Akureyri. If you arrange pickup, be ready in front of your accommodation 15 minutes before the activity begins. The tour returns to the same meeting point, and the whole experience takes about two hours.

If you arrive by car, you can drive to the base yourself. If you are stopping in Akureyri during a cruise, pickup can be especially useful. One account describes being collected at the port, with a friendly husky riding along in the vehicle. The drive was only about 10 minutes, making this a practical choice when your time ashore is limited.

The first greeting may be louder than you expect. Huskies are famously vocal, and this pack apparently likes to announce visitors with howls, barks, and unusual sounds. One dog has even been compared to a cow because of its distinctive call. That noise is part of the character of the place, but it is worth knowing if you prefer a quiet start to your morning.

Gunni and María treat the visit as a meeting at home rather than a formal kennel presentation. That tone matters. You are not simply shown a dog, handed a leash, and sent down a path. You have time to hear how the couple began their life with the pack and how the dogs fit into their daily routine.

Getting introduced to more than 20 huskies

Before the walk, you have time to meet the dogs at home. The pack includes about 21 adult huskies, along with younger dogs and, at times, puppies. Each dog has a name, personality, and place within the family.

This is the part that makes the experience different from a standard animal encounter. You see the dogs in the place where they live, not only in a staged visitor area. You can take photos, pet them, and watch how they respond to one another and to their owners.

The dogs are friendly, curious, and very energetic. They may crowd around you, compete for attention, or make it clear that they know a walk is coming. Their enthusiasm can be wonderfully funny, but it can also feel full-on for anyone uneasy around large dogs.

Gunni and María begin obedience training early, and the dogs respond to simple commands. That training helps keep the visit under control. Even so, expect plenty of movement and sound. If you are bringing a child, stay close and follow the guides’ instructions rather than letting a young child manage a dog alone.

One memorable detail is the way the owners use the dogs’ fur. You may see yarn and clothing made from husky fur, a small but fascinating look at how this family makes use of what the dogs naturally shed. It adds a personal touch to the visit and gives you something to ask about beyond the usual facts about sled racing.

Choosing your husky for the trail

For the hike, you are paired with a husky based on the dog’s age and temperament. That matching is important because the dogs are not interchangeable. A young, lively dog may pull much harder than an older or calmer one.

The leashes are hands-free, which lets you use both arms for balance. That design is helpful, but it does not remove the physical challenge. The dogs are trained to pull, and they enjoy doing it. You may find yourself leaning back, bracing your feet, and using your thighs, hips, and stomach muscles to control the pace.

The owners try to match the dog and walker carefully. If you are not an experienced dog handler, tell the guide how comfortable you feel. The point is not to prove that you can control the strongest dog in the pack. It is to have a safe, enjoyable walk with a good match.

Children can take part, but size and strength matter. An 11-year-old weighing about 75 pounds may not be able to handle a husky alone. The child can help one of the guides, and the guide can provide support. Children often enjoy the dogs’ playful attention, but adults should not assume that a child can manage a powerful sled dog without help.

Hiking through Icelandic countryside

The route brings together several features of North Iceland: mountains, sea, forest, countryside, and open air. You are not heading out on a long wilderness trek. This is a short local hike, but the scenery gives it a strong sense of place.

The trail surface can be uneven. One route was described as a pleasant walk with ground that was not level, so sturdy footwear and a steady step are sensible. The guides can choose among different trails around the property and nearby area, adjusting the outing to the group’s ability.

That flexibility is one of the tour’s best practical features. A group of confident walkers may enjoy a more active route, while a family or mixed-ability group may need something gentler. Weather can also affect how comfortable the trail feels, although the supplied details do not specify a particular weather policy.

The husky changes the rhythm of the walk. You are not simply strolling and admiring the view. The dog may surge forward, pause, sniff, or pull toward something interesting. You will need to pay attention to the dog and the ground at the same time.

The hike is not especially long, with one outing lasting roughly two miles or a little less. Do not confuse short with effortless. The pulling can make the walk feel like a session at the gym, especially if your dog is young and eager. If you want only a gentle scenic stroll, this may be more work than expected.

Returning home for photos and cuddles

After the hike, you return to the GoHusky property and spend more time with the pack. This gives you a second chance to meet dogs you did not walk and to take pictures without trying to manage a leash at the same time.

You can cuddle the dogs and watch how they interact with their owners. The strongest impression is the owners’ affection for the animals. Gunni describes the dogs as family members, and the daily connection is clear in the way he knows them by name and talks about their personalities.

That personal contact is valuable for dog lovers. You learn about racing, raising, training, and living with sled dogs from people who do it every day. You also get a more realistic picture than a polished performance would provide. The dogs are happy and affectionate, but they are also loud, strong, excitable animals that need structure.

The home setting also gives the visit a relaxed quality. You may find yourself lingering over photos, asking questions, and watching the dogs settle after their outing. The small group helps here. With no more than 12 people, the guides have a better chance to speak with you directly.

What the $138.17 price includes in value

At $138.17 per person, this is not a cheap way to spend two hours. The price makes more sense if you value personal access, animal interaction, and transportation rather than simply measuring the experience by walking distance.

You are paying for a guided hike, time with a large pack, an introduction to the owners’ home and daily life, and possible pickup from your accommodation. You also receive a small-group experience instead of being one face in a large bus tour. For a cruise stop, the pickup and short transfer can save useful time.

The value is strongest if you love dogs and want something personal. You will probably get more from meeting the pack and hearing the owners’ stories than from the physical distance covered. It is also a refreshing change from a standard sightseeing circuit.

The value is weaker if you are mainly looking for a long mountain hike or a quiet nature walk. Two hours passes quickly, and much of the experience is built around the dogs rather than a major Icelandic viewpoint. The physical effort can also surprise you, though many people will see that as part of the fun.

The tour is available in English, and mobile tickets are offered. Confirmation arrives at booking. Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund.

Who will enjoy this outing most

This is an easy choice for dog lovers. You get close contact with friendly huskies, learn their names and habits, and see them in the home environment where they live with Gunni and María.

Families can enjoy it too, especially if children are fascinated by animals. Adults should remain involved, since a child may not have the strength to manage a husky independently. The guides can help children participate safely.

It also suits cruise passengers who want a small, local experience during a short stop in Akureyri. Pickup can simplify the timing, and the two-hour duration leaves room for other plans, though you should allow extra time around the stated start and end points.

You may want to reconsider if you dislike loud dogs, feel nervous around large animals, or have difficulty walking on uneven ground. The tour is friendly and flexible, but it is not a passive petting session. The dogs are powerful, vocal working animals.

Should you book Hiking with Husky in Akureyri?

I would book this if you want a warm, personal encounter with Icelandic sled dogs rather than another large sightseeing tour. The combination of a local trail, a real family home, and a pack of more than 20 friendly huskies is unusual, and the owners’ care for the dogs gives the outing real substance.

Go in ready for noise, pulling, uneven ground, and plenty of canine energy. Tell the guides about your walking ability and your comfort with dogs, especially if you are traveling with children. If that sounds appealing, the price is reasonable for the access and personal attention. If you want a quiet walk with little effort, choose another Akureyri activity.

FAQ

Where does the husky hike begin?

The activity begins at goHusky Dogsledding Tours, Glæsibær 3, 601 Akureyri, Iceland.

Where does the activity end?

The tour ends back at the meeting point.

Is pickup available?

Yes. Pickup is offered, and you should be ready in front of your accommodation 15 minutes before the tour.

How long does the experience last?

The experience lasts approximately two hours.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $138.17 per person.

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is 12 people.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. The experience is offered in English.

Can children join the husky hike?

Yes. Children can participate, but smaller children may need help handling a husky because the dogs are strong pullers.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted.