Hiking with Husky in Akureyri (private)

The best part of this Akureyri outing is not simply walking a dog. You enter the home and kennel of Gunni and Maria, meet a whole pack of friendly sled dogs, then head outside with a husky at your side. I like the personal scale of the visit and the chance to see Icelandic countryside beyond the usual sightseeing route. I also like that the hike is adjusted to your group, rather than run as a rigid march.

The main drawback is the price: $1,105.35 per group of up to eight is a serious spend for about two hours. It makes far more sense for a family or small group splitting the cost than for one or two people. Weather can also change the plan, since the activity requires good conditions.

Key points at a glance

• A real family visit: Meet Gunni and Maria, their sled dogs, and the home where the animals live.
• One husky leads your walk: You are harnessed to a dog and guided along woodland, countryside, and shore.
• Private means flexible: Only your group takes part, with room to adapt the pace and route.
• More than a quick photo stop: Allow time to pet the dogs, hear their stories, and see the kennel.
• Good for children: Families have brought children as young as seven, with the dogs matched to the group.
• Cruise-friendly pickup: Collection is offered from your accommodation or cruise pickup point, with the tour returning there.

Meeting the pack just outside Akureyri

The goHusky property is at Glæsibær 3, about a short drive from Akureyri. Pickup is offered 15 minutes before the start, so you should be waiting in front of your accommodation or at the agreed cruise pickup point.

The arrival is lively. The huskies know when something is happening, and the sound of the pack gathering at the fence can make the visit feel less like a standard excursion and more like being welcomed into a busy household. Numbers vary, but the home has been described with packs ranging from 16 to 28 dogs over the years.

That variety matters because every dog has its own character. Some are curious and eager to greet you. Others may be more settled in a favorite place. You get time to notice those differences instead of being rushed past a single working dog for a quick photograph.

The dogs live with their owners, and you can see that this is part of daily family life. Some huskies have access to parts of the house, and the hosts explain how they are cared for, trained, and kept healthy. That is useful context if you are interested in sled dogs rather than simply looking for a cute animal encounter.

Choosing a husky for the woodland walk

The central activity is a guided walk with a husky. You are fitted with a harness and paired with a dog. The dog provides the pull and forward energy, while the guide keeps the walk under control.

The route can include forest, dirt trails, open countryside, shoreline, mountain views, and glimpses of the sea. This is not a demanding Icelandic trek. It is a relaxed outing built around the dog, fresh air, and conversation. Some descriptions place the walk at roughly 2 to 3 miles, though the exact route depends on conditions and the group.

I like this format because you experience the dogs as working animals. A husky is powerful, alert, and eager to move. Feeling that energy through the harness gives you a much better sense of the breed than standing beside a kennel gate.

At the same time, do not expect the dog to pull you wildly along the trail. The walk is guided, and the dogs are accustomed to the activity. Families with children have managed well, and the route has been adjusted for people with different abilities. One participant with a knee injury received a shorter, easier walk.

Still, you should be comfortable walking outdoors and handling a strong dog. Children need to follow instructions and stay close to the adults in their group. The dogs are friendly, but they are working animals with plenty of muscle.

A private tour that feels personal

This is a private activity, so only your own group participates. That is a major benefit here. You are not trying to get a turn with the dog while another busload waits nearby.

The small-group setup gives Gunni and Maria room to ask about your interests, match the walk to your ability, and spend more time explaining the dogs. The hosts have also shown flexibility with timing and with a visit that runs a little longer than planned. That does not mean you should assume unlimited time, but it does give the experience a relaxed feel.

Private tours are often most valuable when the host is central to the activity. Here, the conversation is part of the visit. Gunni and Maria explain the dogs, their care, their work, and the way the operation has developed. You may hear about sledding, breeding, training, dog shows, and the practical work behind keeping a large pack happy.

You might also see trophies from show dogs and unusual items made from spun husky hair. These small details add character and show how closely the owners’ lives are tied to the animals.

Coffee, cocoa, and time inside the home

After the walk, you return to the house for a hot drink. Depending on the visit, that may be coffee or cocoa. This pause gives you a chance to warm up, look through photographs or awards, and ask questions without trying to keep pace on a trail.

The home visit is one of the strongest parts of the experience. It changes the outing from a simple hike into a personal introduction to an Icelandic family and its unusual way of life. The restored farmhouse, described as more than 100 years old, adds another layer to the visit.

You also have more time to pet and photograph the dogs. That is important for families with young children, since not every child will want a long walk, and not every dog will be part of the hiking group.

A full pack cannot go on the trail at once. Usually only a few dogs are selected for the walk, while the others stay behind. They may make their disappointment known. The hosts explain that the dogs take turns, but you should expect some noisy excitement from the animals that remain at home.

Puppies may sometimes be present, but they are not always available to handle. Very young puppies need protection from too many unfamiliar hands, so do not book this expecting guaranteed puppy cuddles.

Why the scenery adds value

Akureyri is a useful base for waterfalls, mountains, fjords, and northern Iceland’s major sights. Those outings can be spectacular, but they often involve driving, viewpoints, and a lot of looking from a distance.

This walk offers a different pace. You move through the countryside with a dog setting the rhythm. The route provides fresh air and views of mountains, sea, woods, and rural Iceland without the feel of a major attraction.

The woodland setting is especially appealing because it takes you away from the most obvious sightseeing stops. You are not just checking off another waterfall or scenic road. You are spending time in a place connected to the hosts and their dogs.

The route is not presented as a strenuous hike, and conditions can change. In summer, a dirt trail and open views may make for an easy walk. In winter, snow normally covers the area, and the operator may offer dog sledding instead of the standard hike. If you are booking for a particular season, confirm what format is operating at that time.

A strong choice for families and cruise passengers

This activity suits animal lovers first. If you are happy spending time with dogs, asking questions, and taking photographs, you will have plenty to enjoy. If you are mainly seeking a challenging hike, a fast sled ride, or dramatic geology, this may not be the right use of your time.

Families are a particularly good match. Children can meet the dogs, take part in the walk, and enjoy the informal home visit. The private format also helps because the hosts can adjust the experience to the ages and confidence levels in your group.

Cruise passengers should pay close attention to pickup details. The operator has collected people at the cruise pier and returned them there. The stated pickup time is 15 minutes before the activity, and the tour ends back at the meeting point. You should still provide accurate ship and pickup information when booking and leave a sensible margin before departure.

The group limit is up to eight people. One account describes a larger group, but the stated capacity for this experience is eight, so do not plan on bringing nine unless the operator confirms it directly.

Is $1,105.35 good value?

At first glance, the price looks high. The tour costs $1,105.35 per group, not per person, and includes up to eight participants. For a full group, that works out to about $138 per person before any currency or booking differences. For four people, it is about $276 each. For only two, it becomes a much harder sell.

The value comes from what is included in the private format. You receive pickup, a personal dog walk, access to a private home and kennel, time with the wider pack, a hot drink, and direct conversation with the owners. You are paying for access and attention, not just transportation to a public attraction.

I would consider it good value for a family or group of friends who place a high value on animals and personal contact. I would hesitate if you are traveling alone or as a couple and are comparing it with several lower-cost activities in North Iceland.

The advance booking pattern also matters. This experience averages 213 days booked ahead, which suggests that dates can fill well in advance, especially around cruise calls and busy summer periods. If the idea appeals to you, do not wait until the last few days.

Weather, clothing, and practical expectations

The activity requires good weather. If conditions force a cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes inside that window are not refunded or accepted.

Wear practical outdoor clothing. The provided information does not specify a clothing list, but the activity includes a walk through countryside and woodland, so sturdy footwear and layers are sensible choices. Icelandic weather can shift quickly, and a warm layer will also help during the outdoor portion.

Bring a phone or camera. You will have time for photographs, and the pack provides more than one standard photo opportunity. Ask before using flash or approaching a dog that has moved away.

The experience is offered in English. Most people can participate, but you should be ready to walk outdoors and manage a dog through a harness. If someone in your party has a mobility concern, contact the operator in advance. The walk has been adapted for individual ability, but the route and conditions still matter.

Who should book this experience?

I would put this near the top of the list for:

• Families with children who love animals
• Small groups sharing the private price
• Cruise passengers wanting a personal shore excursion
• Dog owners curious about sled-dog care and training
• Visitors seeking a quiet countryside experience near Akureyri
• Photographers who enjoy animal portraits and informal local scenes

I would look elsewhere if you want a long mountain hike, a guaranteed winter sled ride, or a low-cost group activity. The walk is the main outdoor feature, but the home visit and time with the dogs are just as important.

The private nature also means you should be comfortable with a social visit. Gunni and Maria are part of the experience. If you prefer a silent, independent trail walk, this will feel too personal. If you enjoy stories, questions, and a warm drink around people who care deeply about their animals, that personal contact is the point.

My take on the goHusky visit

I like this experience because it gives you time. You are not hurried through a kennel, handed a leash, and sent back to the bus. You meet the owners, learn about the dogs, walk with one, return to the home, and spend time with the whole pack.

The most praised elements are consistent: the dogs are well cared for, the hosts are welcoming, the walk is scenic, and the activity works well for families. Those are meaningful strengths, especially in a private tour where the quality of the hosts shapes the entire day.

My reservation remains the cost. A group of six to eight can make the numbers work. A couple may need to decide if a two-hour dog visit is worth more than several other Iceland activities combined.

Book it if you want an affectionate, local, dog-centered experience and can fill enough places to share the price. Skip it if you are hunting for a strenuous hike or a bargain. For the right group, meeting Gunni, Maria, and their lively husky family can become one of the most personal memories of an Akureyri stay.

FAQ

Where does the husky hike begin?

The tour begins at goHusky Dogsledding Tours, Glæsibær 3, 601 Akureyri, Iceland. Pickup is offered 15 minutes before the tour from your accommodation or an arranged cruise pickup point.

How long does the experience last?

The activity lasts approximately two hours, including the husky walk, time with the dogs, and the visit at the owners’ home.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. Only your own group participates, with a stated capacity of up to eight people.

What does the price include?

The listed price is $1,105.35 per group of up to eight. The experience includes the private visit, the guided walk with huskies, time with the pack, and pickup when arranged.

Can children take part?

Yes. Children and adults can participate, and families with children have taken part successfully. Most people can participate, but children should be able to follow instructions around strong working dogs.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The activity requires good weather. If the operator cancels because of poor conditions, you are offered a different date or a full refund. You can also receive a full refund when canceling at least 24 hours before the start time.