Husky howls start your hike before you lace up. I love that this is private pack time with the people behind the dogs, not just a quick photo stop. You also get secluded woodland that feels calmer and more local than most tour routes.

My second favorite part is the actual walking with an assigned husky, usually after the host checks your group’s ability and fits you with harnesses. Afterward, the hot drink and home visit turn the experience into more than exercise and scenery.

One thing to plan around: this is a good-weather activity, and in colder parts of the year hiking may be limited by snow. If conditions are poor, the tour can change or shift to another option depending on timing.

Key things to know before you go

• Meet Gunni and Maria first, then meet their husky pack at home
• Private means no crowd pushing between you and your husky moments
• You’ll walk with one husky (assigned based on your group and ability)
• Photos and petting happen on purpose, not just during a rushed handoff
• Weather matters, so Iceland conditions can affect the plan

Why this husky hike outside Akureyri feels personal

This tour is built around one simple idea: you get to spend real time with huskies, led by the people who care for them every day. In Akureyri, where a lot of excursions follow the same patterns, a private visit like this keeps the whole morning more relaxed and less scheduled.

I especially like the pace. You’re not racing from one highlight to the next. You start at the goHusky area, then you move into the home-and-pack part of the day before you even put on a harness. That matters because it sets expectations: you’re entering an animal space, not watching from the edge of a fenced display.

And the setting does the rest. You’ll hike through woodland and nearby countryside, with fresh air and lots of chances to stop for photos. One review described how the walk included dirt trails with beautiful scenery, and you can feel the difference when the dogs are working calmly with you instead of treating you like a brief novelty.

Only your group goes. That’s the practical advantage: fewer interruptions, more time to ask questions, and a better chance of a smooth experience for kids and adults.

Meeting Gunni and Maria: where the pack starts talking

The best part of this experience begins before the walk. You meet at goHusky Dogsledding Tours in Akureyri (Glæsibær 3). Pickup is offered, and you’re picked up about 15 minutes before the tour time—so show up early, be ready in front of your accommodation, and keep your head clear.

When you arrive, the dogs are the headline, but the hosts make it click. Gunni and Maria guide you through what you’re seeing and what to expect. You get a chance to meet the larger husky group at their home, and this is where the day becomes “I get it” instead of “I saw it.”

Several people highlight how friendly and well cared-for the huskies are, and how the owners share the practical side of dog life: care, training routines, and what makes a husky happy and healthy. One review even mentioned the hosts tailoring the hike to a guest’s knee injury level. That tells you the host isn’t just watching a script; they’re adjusting so people can actually enjoy the time.

You’ll also notice the atmosphere. It’s not a sterile kennel setup. It’s a home, with dogs living as part of the household. After the walk, there’s a coffee break at the house, which turns the afternoon plan from rushed tourism into a conversation with real locals.

The forest walk with your assigned husky

The hiking portion is the core memory maker. After introductions and a quick check of your group’s ability, you’ll be equipped with harnesses. Then you’re matched with a husky for the walk—one review described the pairing as feeling like a lottery, with the host assessing ability first. In other words, it’s not random chaos; there’s a method behind who gets paired with whom.

Expect a walk that’s long enough to feel like an outing, not a driveway stroll. People mentioned around 2–3 miles through forest trails, plus scenic areas along the route. Another theme in the feedback: the dogs don’t lose control of the situation. You’re not fighting the pack; you’re walking with one dog who’s comfortable with the job and with you as a partner.

Private also means you can actually experience the dynamic. With a small group, you have space to react to what the husky is doing—pausing to let the dog lead, stopping for pictures, and staying calm when the dogs get excited. Several comments mention how the dogs have distinct personalities, how they howl and move as a group, and how that energy somehow becomes part of the fun instead of a distraction.

Practical tip: wear solid footwear. This is a dirt-trail style walk, and Iceland weather can turn ground conditions fast. If you’re coming with kids, keep expectations simple: they’re going to be fascinated by the dogs, but the group setup is designed to make handling go smoothly.

There’s also a chance you’ll see other local animals near the area. One review mentioned spotting Icelandic horses and trying to feed them grass. That’s not guaranteed, but the area has that countryside mix, so you might get an extra dose of Iceland flavor.

More than a hike: photos, cuddles, and husky know-how

This tour doesn’t stop at the walk. You get a second round of husky time back at the house. That extra block is a big deal for animal lovers, because you’re not just meeting one dog and then leaving. You meet more of the pack, learn what you’re seeing, and you get time for pictures and cuddling without feeling like you’re interrupting a conveyor belt.

If you’re curious about huskies beyond cuteness, this is where the host stories matter. People mention hearing plenty about huskies—what makes them smart and curious, how owners work with their personalities, and what it takes to care for the pack. You’ll also hear how their husky business developed, which adds a layer of context beyond the fence-and-facts style.

And yes, there are a few fun extras people specifically called out. One person noted seeing show-dog trophies and even items made from spun husky hair. You might also notice how the dogs move through the home space with familiar routines, like they each have their own preferred spots. That kind of detail is hard to capture on most “quick meet-and-greet” tours, but it’s part of what makes this one feel like visiting a working husky family.

Photos are a realistic part of the experience here. You’re allowed to stop and shoot—more than once—and the hosts understand that people want proof they were really there with the dogs.

Pickup, timing, and how the 2 hours play out

The tour is about 2 hours (approx.), with time built in for meeting, walking, and the coffee-and-dogs portion afterward. Most importantly, private tours stay flexible inside that window. One response mentioned there’s no stress if time stretches a bit, because the goal is fun over clock-watching.

Pickup timing is straightforward: you’re collected roughly 15 minutes before the tour. That’s ideal if you’re traveling around Akureyri and need the morning to stay predictable. For cruise passengers, at least some people reported being met at the cruise pier by Gunni, then driven to the home. If you’re on a cruise, I’d still confirm the pickup plan in advance so you’re not guessing in the terminal.

Where this fits best is as a morning activity. You’ll be outside in the Iceland air, and you’ll likely come away with that energized, slightly husky-howl-drunk feeling that ruins your need for other plans later. People also described being able to share the experience with fellow passengers afterward, which tells you the tour has plenty of talking points.

One more timing note: this is a weather-dependent activity. Iceland can be changeable, and the tour is meant to run when conditions are right.

Price and value: what you’re paying for

At $1,105.35 per group (up to 8) for a private tour, the price is not trying to be budget-friendly. It’s paying for private access, plus a lot of human attention and dog handling. In plain terms: you’re paying so your group has the house, the pack time, and the walking session, without sharing it with a larger crowd.

So how does it feel as value?

• If you’re traveling as a family or small group, it can work out surprisingly fair per person compared with tours that force you into long lines and rushed photo stops.
• The hosts invest time before and after the walk—meeting the pack, fitting harnesses, talking through husky care, and then coffee back at the house.
• The private format also tends to improve comfort for kids, because the host can adjust and manage interactions so the whole group stays calm.

Also note that the tour requires good weather. That matters for value because Iceland surprises can shift plans. You’re paying for an experience that depends on real outdoor conditions, not a guaranteed indoor attraction.

If you’re a solo traveler with no group, this price may feel steep. In that case, consider whether you’re okay paying for privacy, or whether you’d rather join a less expensive shared option elsewhere in Akureyri.

Who should book this, and who might want a different option

This is ideal if you:

• Love dogs and want real interaction, not just a quick look
• Want a small-group day with Gunni and Maria at the center of the experience
• Travel with kids who can handle a simple, guided outdoor walk
• Prefer quieter routes and more local time over crowded big-name tours

Several reviews emphasized how kids did well with the huskies, and how the hike is described as easy and adaptable. One person also mentioned the host tailoring the hike to a knee injury, which is a good sign that the experience can be adjusted for different ability levels.

It may be less ideal if you:

• Only want a long, workout-heavy hike. This is a guided husky walk with time for photos and dog interaction, not a strenuous endurance outing.
• Travel during a period where snow and poor ground conditions make hiking difficult. One note mentioned that it may not be the right time of year for hiking if covered in snow, with options shifting accordingly.

If you want husky sledding, there’s a clue to watch for: one review noted that in winter you might be taken on a guided sledge ride around the grounds instead of hiking. If you’re planning a winter trip, you may want to ask what the schedule looks like during your month.

Should you book the private husky hike with goHusky?

Book it if you want a husky experience that feels like visiting a working dog family. The combination of private pack time, an assigned husky walk, and a coffee-and-chat stop at the home makes it more memorable than the typical meet-and-pet tour.

Skip it (or plan differently) if your trip dates are shaky from a weather or snow standpoint. This is an outdoor experience with a weather requirement, and in some seasons hiking may be limited.

If you’re deciding between convenience and meaning: choose meaning. This tour trades mass tourism for calm attention—exactly what husky lovers tend to want.

FAQ

How long is the private husky hiking experience?

It runs for about 2 hours, roughly.

Where does the tour start, and is pickup available?

The start location is goHusky Dogsledding Tours at Glæsibær 3, 601 Akureyri. Pickup is offered, and you’ll be picked up about 15 minutes before the tour. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It’s private, so only your group participates.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

Who is this tour best for?

Most travelers can participate, and it’s described as good for both children and adults. The host can tailor the hike to ability level.

What happens after the hike?

After the hike, there’s time to meet the rest of the dogs. You’ll have a coffee break at the house where the dogs live, and you’ll have time for pictures and cuddling.

What if the weather is bad?

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

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Changes made less than 24 hours before the start time aren’t accepted, and late cancellations aren’t refunded.