Husky Petting, in Akureyri

Akureyri’s Husky Petting experience is less a formal show and more a friendly visit to a working dog family. Gunni and Maria welcome you to their kennel just outside town, where you can meet more than 25 huskies, cuddle the dogs, and, when available, spend time with puppies.

I like two things here: the personal welcome and the chance to see the dogs as much-loved family members rather than photo props. I also like the small-group limit of 12, which should make the hour calmer and more personal than a large animal stop.

The main consideration is the price. At $84.02 for about one hour, this is not a cheap quick stop. It makes the most sense if you truly love dogs, want close contact, or are visiting Akureyri on a cruise or family holiday and value a warm local experience over a longer sightseeing tour.

Key points at a glance

• More than 25 huskies may be waiting at the kennel, including friendly adult dogs and recent puppies.
• Gunni and Maria host the visit, opening their home and kennel to small groups.
• Cuddling and photos are central, with dogs known for being curious, social, and affectionate.
• You may see husky-yarn making and a large trophy collection, adding a glimpse into the family’s life with sled dogs.
• Pickup is offered 15 minutes before the tour, and the activity returns to the same meeting point.
• The one-hour visit suits families, with both children and adults able to participate.

Meeting Gunni and Maria outside Akureyri

The visit begins at goHusky Dogsledding Tours at Glæsibær 3, 601 Akureyri. Pickup is available, with the vehicle collecting you 15 minutes before the scheduled start. You need to be ready in front of your accommodation, which is helpful if you are staying in Akureyri and do not want to arrange a taxi.

The meeting point is also the end point, so you do not need to plan a separate return trip. That simple setup matters in northern Iceland, where weather and limited transport options can make even a short outing harder to organize.

This is an English-language activity. Confirmation arrives when you book, and the group can include up to 12 people. That is small enough to keep the visit manageable, though the exact feeling will depend on how many people are booked on your date.

The kennel sits just outside Akureyri, giving the visit a more personal setting than a city attraction. You are not simply watching dogs through a fence. The hosts welcome you into their world, explain how the dogs became part of the family, and share the story of turning their passion into a livelihood.

A kennel full of friendly sled dogs

The heart of the hour is the huskies themselves. These dogs are described as intelligent, curious, and friendly, and the visit is built around close contact. Expect plenty of petting, cuddling, kisses, and chances to take photos.

That matters because huskies can look serious and powerful in photographs. Here, you get to see their softer side. Their size and energy may be impressive, but the point of the visit is their affectionate nature and their willingness to meet new people.

You should allow the dogs to set the pace. Some may come straight over for attention, while others may be more interested in sniffing around or meeting someone else. A kennel visit is better when you treat the dogs as living animals, not as a line of photo opportunities.

For children, this can be the most exciting part of a holiday in Iceland. The activity gives them something hands-on to do, and the dogs provide an easy focus even on a gray or chilly day. Adults who grew up with dogs, or who miss having them at home, will likely find the hour especially satisfying.

The setting also lets you see different personalities. Huskies are not all alike. Some are outgoing and kiss-happy, while others may be quieter or more watchful. That variety gives the visit a natural feel.

Puppies, photos, and the best part for families

Recent puppies may be part of the visit, and that can change the mood completely. Puppies are usually the center of attention, especially for children, and a chance to play with them can become the favorite memory of a family trip.

There is an important practical point here: puppies are not guaranteed in the description for every departure. You may meet them, depending on their age and availability, but you should book the activity for the kennel visit itself rather than assume a long puppy session.

Bring a phone or camera with plenty of space. You can take as many pictures as you want, and the close setting makes it easy to capture expressions, ears, muddy paws, and those famous husky eyes. Still, I would put the camera down for part of the hour. You will get better memories if you spend some time simply sitting with the dogs.

Families should also remember that this is an animal visit, not a fast-paced ride. The tour does not promise dogsledding during this particular activity. If your main goal is speed, snow, and a sled behind a team, you need a different goHusky outing. This experience focuses on contact and conversation.

The story behind the kennel

One of the more valuable parts of the visit is learning how Gunni and Maria came to raise their huskies. The dogs are presented as family members, and the hosts explain how their passion became their livelihood while keeping the animals well cared for and loved.

That personal story gives the visit more meaning than a simple petting session. You begin to understand that the kennel is not just a place where dogs are kept for tourist photos. It is part of the family’s daily life and work.

You may also get a look at husky-yarn making. That is an unusual detail, and it offers a small window into how the owners use their connection with the dogs in a practical and creative way. One visitor received husky mittens, but you should not assume that mittens or yarn products are included in the ticket.

The trophy and ribbon collection adds another layer. It shows the dogs’ role in competitive sledding and gives you something concrete to examine while Gunni and Maria explain their background. For people curious about dog racing, this may be the most informative part of the hour.

The experience works best when you are willing to listen as well as pet. The dogs draw you in, but the kennel’s story helps explain why these animals matter to the people caring for them.

Why the one-hour format works

The tour lasts about one hour. That is long enough to meet a good number of dogs without making the visit tiring for young children or anyone with limited time in Akureyri.

A one-hour activity also fits neatly into a cruise day. The experience has been used as a port stop, and the pickup option reduces the need to arrange local transport. Still, you should leave a sensible buffer around the booking if you are returning to a ship. The stated duration is approximate, and the pickup time is set before the visit.

For a longer stay in Akureyri, you can pair this with other local plans. The husky visit is a short, focused activity rather than a full-day excursion. It fills one part of your schedule without taking over the day.

The small group limit of 12 is another useful feature. You may not have the kennel entirely to yourself, but a group of this size should allow more room for individual attention than a large bus tour. It also helps keep the dogs from being surrounded by too many people at once.

Is $84.02 good value?

At $84.02 per person, the price is high when measured against the clock. You are paying roughly for one hour, not transportation across a large part of Iceland or a full dogsledding run.

The value comes from the personal nature of the visit. The price includes access to a private kennel setting, time with a large husky family, host interaction, photo opportunities, and pickup when offered. If you would happily pay for a special dog-focused activity, the cost may feel fair.

I would be more cautious if you are only mildly interested in dogs. For you, the visit could feel short for the price. Akureyri offers many ways to spend an hour, and this one is quite specific.

For families, the calculation may work better because children and adults can enjoy the same activity. You do not need separate entertainment for different ages. The experience also has a personal quality that is hard to measure in minutes.

The perfect audience is someone who sees a husky and immediately wants to say hello. If that sounds like you, the price is easier to justify. If you are seeking a broad introduction to northern Iceland, this is too narrow.

What to know before you book

Book early if your dates are fixed. The activity is often reserved well ahead of time, with an average booking lead time of 79 days. That is especially useful information for cruise passengers, families traveling during busy periods, or anyone with only one day in Akureyri.

Wear clothing that you do not mind a dog brushing against. The provided information does not specify a dress code, but a kennel visit involves close contact, so practical clothing makes sense. You should also be comfortable around active dogs and ready for plenty of attention.

Most people can participate, and both children and adults are welcome. The activity information does not give detailed accessibility guidance, so contact goHusky before booking if you have specific mobility or support needs.

The tour is offered in English, and a mobile ticket is available. That keeps the booking process simple while you are on the road.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the activity are not accepted for a refund, and the cut-off follows local Icelandic time.

Who should book Husky Petting in Akureyri?

I would book this if you love dogs, are traveling with children, or want a personal activity near Akureyri that does not require a full day. The combination of affectionate huskies, puppies when available, and a family-run kennel gives it a clear identity.

It is also a good choice for a cruise port day. Pickup, a one-hour duration, and return to the meeting point make the plan easy to fit into a tight schedule, though you should still protect your time before sailing.

I would skip it if you want actual dogsledding, a wilderness outing, or a long Iceland sightseeing trip. This is a close-up animal visit, not an adventure ride.

For the right person, that focus is exactly the point. You leave with photos, a better sense of the dogs’ lives, and the cheerful memory of a kennel full of friendly faces. Just book it for the huskies, not for a promise of puppies or a sled ride.

FAQ

Where does Husky Petting take place?

The experience starts at goHusky Dogsledding Tours, Glæsibær 3, 601 Akureyri, Iceland. It ends back at the same 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 activity last?

The visit lasts approximately one hour.

How much does Husky Petting cost?

The listed price is $84.02 per person.

What language is the experience offered in?

The activity is offered in English.

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is 12 people.

Can children participate?

Yes. The activity is described as suitable for both children and adults.

Will I meet puppies?

Puppies may be part of the visit, but their availability is not guaranteed for every departure.

What is the cancellation policy?

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 for a refund.