Akureyri plus huskies equals a great morning. You start near Glæsibær 3 with goHusky guides Gunni and María, walk a scenic trail while a husky leads you on hands-free leashes, and then you get time at their home with the larger pack. I especially like the family-style welcome and the way the owners match the hike to who’s in your group. One thing to consider: huskies are strong pullers, so this is a short hike that can feel like a real leg workout on uneven ground.

This experience has a rare mix of wild scenery and real dog life. You’ll be in North Iceland country—think mountains, sea views, countryside, and forest air—while you learn the basics of how their dogs are trained and raised. After the walk, you’re not just looking at kennels from afar; you spend time with the dogs where they live with their owners.

It’s also a crowd-pleaser in a practical way. Most travelers can participate, kids and adults tend to have a blast, and the small group size (up to 12) makes it feel less like a production and more like you’re visiting people you actually know. If you’re picturing a quiet nature stroll, adjust your expectations: expect excited husky energy and a lot of friendly attention.

Quick hits before you go

• Meet the pack at their home, not just on a roadside stop
• Small groups up to 12 travelers, so you get real attention
• Hands-free leashes during the hike (still a pull, still fun)
• Trail choices based on ability, so beginners aren’t stuck
• A guided husky intro, including how they train and raise racing-style sled dogs
• Photo time built in, plus plenty of cuddling opportunities

Where the adventure starts: Glæsibær 3 and the goHusky welcome

Your visit begins at goHusky Dogsledding Tours at Glæsibær 3, 601 Akureyri. This matters because you’re not far from town, but you’re still out in the northern outskirts where the air feels more open and the trails feel local.

Pickup is offered: you’ll be collected about 15 minutes before the tour. Plan to be ready in front of your accommodation at pickup time. You’ll also receive a mobile ticket, which keeps things simple on the day.

Once you arrive, the hosts set the tone right away. The dogs tend to greet visitors with serious enthusiasm, and you’ll get a feel fast for the difference between a working dog setup and a household that treats the pack like family. In the best way, it’s a little chaotic at first: vocal huskies, excited energy, lots of tails and fur, and owners who keep it organized without killing the fun.

The hike with huskies: what it’s really like for your body

This is about 2 hours total, and the hike portion is short. But short does not mean easy. Huskies are built for traction and they love action. When you hook up to your dog, you can expect a tugging pull that asks your legs and core to work.

A few practical details that help you enjoy it more:

• Leashes are hands-free: you’re not holding the line the whole time, but you still manage your position and footing.
• Simple commands get you rolling: the owners help you understand what to do so you’re not guessing.
• Your husky is matched to you when possible: one review specifically noted that the operator matched the dog’s age and temperament to the guest, which makes a difference for comfort.

Some trails can be a bit uneven. One reviewer noted the ground wasn’t level and described it as a “little trail walk” with a bit of work. Another described the experience like a workout, with quads and glutes doing most of the heavy lifting. If you like walking but want it to be gentle, choose a different plan. If you like active, rewarding walks, you’re going to smile the whole way.

Also, the dogs can get loud—husky vocalization is real. Think singing or moaning sounds when they’re excited. That doesn’t mean something is wrong. It’s part of the personality of huskies, and you’ll likely experience it right when you show up.

The views around Akureyri: mountains, sea, forest, and real North Iceland air

One of the best parts is how you get scenery without wasting time. You’re out in North Iceland around Akureyri, and the walk route is described as a mix of mountains, sea, countryside, and forest. That combo is great because you’re not staring at one type of view the whole time.

Even though the hike is short, you get variety. The area feels like it’s doing double duty: part coastline atmosphere and part interior trail space. On a good weather day (late-day light helps if you’re visiting when daylight is better), the whole thing feels more like a mini countryside adventure than a quick petting stop.

The key is that the owners are guiding you while also reading the group. Reviews mention the team can pick different trails and adjust to match different abilities. So if you’re hiking-friendly but not athletic, or if you’re bringing a kid who needs pacing, there’s a decent chance you’ll get a workable route.

Before and after: learning how huskies are raised and trained

This tour isn’t just about walking with a husky and leaving. You’ll spend time meeting the dogs in the place where they live, and you’ll hear stories that help the whole experience click.

During the visit, you’ll get introduced to the huskies and learn more about the operation and how the dogs are cared for. One review called out a background talk on why and how the business started, and another highlighted learning about racing and raising huskies. That kind of context turns the hike from a cute activity into a window on a working-dog lifestyle.

You may also hear unusual, practical details about how the pack’s fur can be used. One reviewer mentioned seeing yarn-making and clothing made from dog fur as part of what they learned during their visit. If that interests you, it’s a good reminder that these owners don’t treat the dogs as decoration. The pack is part of their day-to-day life in a very hands-on way.

The dog introductions also matter for safety and enjoyment. Instead of random leash-on surprises, the hosts typically show you how to interact and move with your husky, and they keep it friendly. Reviews also mention that dogs quiet quickly after training begins, which suggests there’s a routine that helps the excitement settle into focus.

Cuddles, photos, and meeting the bigger pack at the home

After the hike, you go back for the second half: more time with the dogs at the house where they live with their owners. This is the part that many dog lovers seem to remember most, because it’s more intimate than a typical attraction.

You’ll have time to:

• meet more dogs beyond the one you walked
• take as many pictures as you want
• cuddle and interact in a way that feels calm and friendly

Reviews describe the home setup as involving a house with space for the pack and guests. One reviewer noted a housing/enclosure setup for 21 adult dogs, and another mentioned seeing over 20 dogs during their visit. You might also see puppies depending on what the pack is like on your day; one review specifically said they got to see puppies and described them as adorable.

This is also where the owners’ warmth becomes obvious. Multiple reviews use the same theme: you’re treated like a visitor in their home, with conversation and dog knowledge that feels personal. Owners named Gunni and María come up repeatedly, and another name that appears in a review is Naarvy as someone engaging with guests. The vibe is welcoming and down-to-earth rather than stiff.

Who this fits best (and where it might not)

This is a strong match for:

• Dog lovers who want more than a quick cuddle moment
• Families. Reviews mention kids and adults both enjoy it, and the hosts are helpful with pairing dogs and people.
• People who like short, active walks and don’t mind being pulled along a bit by a powerful animal.

It may be less ideal if:

• You want a relaxed, zero-effort nature stroll. Huskies can be excited pullers, and the uneven trail can add up.
• You’re looking for a passive viewing experience. This tour is interaction-heavy, by design.

There’s also a realistic kid note. One review described bringing an 11-year-old and said kids of smaller sizes may not be able to handle a husky alone, but kids can help by guiding with the help of an adult/guide. If you’re bringing children, plan to communicate how much support you want, because the hosts can adjust who walks what.

Price and value: is $138.17 worth it?

At $138.17 per person for about 2 hours, you’re not paying for a long-distance tour. You’re paying for something that’s hard to replicate at scale: a guided walk where the dog is doing real work, plus time in the home environment with the full pack.

Here’s what makes it feel like good value:

• The small group limit (12 travelers) helps you get more attention and less waiting around.
• You’re not only meeting one dog. You get interaction before the hike and more time after.
• The hosts provide training-style guidance: you’re not just holding a leash; you’re learning how to keep things smooth.
• The tour includes the feeling of being in a working-dog family setup, not an animal showroom.

If you’ve been doing Iceland tours that are mostly bus windows and quick photo stops, this one is different. It’s more physical, and more personal. If your budget allows one memorable dog-focused experience in Akureyri, this is the kind that tends to land as a highlight.

Booking timing and how to plan your day in Akureyri

This is popular. On average, it’s booked about 80 days in advance, so don’t treat it as a last-minute “maybe.” If you’re visiting during a busy season or you have a tight cruise schedule, booking earlier helps you avoid getting stuck with fewer time slots.

Because the tour ends back at the meeting point, you can plan your day around it fairly easily. You’ll get pickup about 15 minutes before, and then you’re finished after the two-hour experience.

A good practical strategy: schedule this earlier in the day if you want the most relaxed energy. That said, one review mentioned late-afternoon weather made it especially delightful, so if your itinerary allows, daylight conditions can matter for comfort and photos.

Should you book the husky hike with goHusky?

Yes, if you want an authentic, hands-on husky experience near Akureyri. It’s small-group, guided, and built around real interaction: walking with huskies, learning from Gunni and María, and meeting the pack where they live. The owners’ welcoming approach is a huge part of the value, and the dog care and friendliness come through in multiple accounts.

Skip it (or go in with eyes open) if you prefer quiet and effortless walking. This is a short hike that can feel like a workout, and husky excitement is part of the deal. Also, you’ll get the most out of it if you’re comfortable with close contact with dogs and ready for a lot of fur, sound, and motion.

If you match those expectations, you’ll likely feel like you didn’t just do an activity. You visited a dog family in North Iceland, took great photos, and went home tired in the best way.

FAQ

How long is the Hiking with Husky experience?

It lasts about 2 hours.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is goHusky Dogsledding Tours, Glæsibær 3, 601 Akureyri, Iceland.

Do you offer pickup?

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

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point.

What language is the tour offered in?

The experience is offered in English.

How big is the group?

The maximum group size is 12 travelers.

Is there a mobile ticket?

Yes, a mobile ticket is used.

What’s included besides the hike?

You’ll have time to meet and interact with more dogs at the house where the dogs live with their owners, and you can take pictures and cuddle with the huskies.

Who can participate?

Most travelers can participate.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.

When should I book?

It’s commonly booked about 80 days in advance on average, so booking early is a smart move.