Profile information
Host rating
65 %
Last replied
17 Sep 2025
Reply rate
72.7 %
Usually responds within 8 days
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Host offers payment
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Details
Description
We are a small local family in northern Sweden who are passionate about our huskies and life in the wilderness. Our kennel is home to over 30 happy sled dogs that we care for year-round.
At the moment, all our volunteer and paid positions for this autumn/winter are filled. However, plans sometimes change, so you are still welcome to send us a message.
💡 Important to know:
Off-season (April to November) work is usually handled by our family ourselves.
Some times we accept short-term volunteering during this period and it would mainly be about getting an introduction to the kennel, helping as an extra pair of hands, experiencing life with huskies and a local Lapland family.
December to March is our main paid season, where we look for 1–2 people each year who are ready to handle cold days with sled dogs and customers. We seek matured people who value customer service, can stay calm in stressful situations with animals and guests, and are ready to challenge themselves.
No two days are the same, and plans can change quickly—even if we are very well organized and everything is carefully planned.
🏡 About us:
We are Melina, Roger, our 6-year-old daughter, and our 30+ huskies. We live in the village of Kieksiäisvaara, about 8 km from Pajala, in the heart of Swedish Lapland.
Our daily life revolves around caring for our dogs (who are also part of our family), training them, preparing for winter, picking berries, and moose hunting.
🌲 Free time & surroundings:
From our doorstep you can:
Explore endless forests and hiking trails
Go fishing in nearby lakes and rivers
Pick lingonberries and mushrooms
Enjoy the peaceful autumn colours of Lapland
Learn about local traditions
If you would like to learn more about sled dogs and experience life in Lapland, feel free to contact us.
While we cannot guarantee a spot right now, we are always happy to hear from people who are interested.
Types of help and learning opportunities
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Interests
Pets
Animals
Nature
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
We're a local Lapland family, deeply connected to our traditions and the stunning nature that surrounds us. Here's what you can look forward to:
Authentic Lapland: Immerse yourself in the unique culture and traditions of Lapland.
Language Skills: Learn Swedish, Finnish, while sharing experiences with us.
Lapland Cuisine: Savor local dishes and perhaps even try your hand at cooking them.
Family Life: Experience daily life in our Lapland family, share stories and make memories with us.
Rural Living: Discover the joys of rural living, including a genuine absence of local transportation.
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Host offers payment in line with the minimum wage
This host offers accommodation and payment.
Help
🧭 Independence is key
It is important to understand that while we share meals, work together for a few hours each day, and sometimes do activities together, we cannot spend time with you 24/7.
We live close together, you have your own room in the house and as a family we already work hard – our daily jobs do not end after the 4 volunteer hours.
Outside of your volunteer time, you need to be comfortable entertaining yourself – whether that means exploring the local area, going on small adventures, or simply enjoying a good book in your own room and embracing the peace and quiet here.
We value our free time in autumn to recharge for the intense winter season ahead. A self-sufficient person who enjoys their own company and can appreciate the solitude of Lapland will thrive here.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Finnish: Fluent
Swedish: Fluent
Accommodation
Our spacious home features a large kitchen, a roomy living area, five bedrooms, two toilets, and one shower.
We, as a family, live on the ground floor of the house, which includes 2 bedrooms, a kitchen, a living room, and a toilet/shower. In the basement, there's an additional toilet.
Upstairs, we have 3 bedrooms. One of these bedrooms is a guest room specifically for you. It is furnished with a bed and a sofa, table etc to providing you with a comfortable and private space.
What else ...
In addition to the adventures right at our doorstep, Lapland offers a wide array of local sights and experiences, from the Northern Lights to the pristine wilderness. You'll have the opportunity to explore the natural beauty and rich culture of this unique region.
We encourage you to make the most of your free time by exploring all that Lapland has to offer, and we're here to assist you in making the most of your stay with us.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Space for parking camper vans
This host can provide space for campervans.
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
My animals / pets
Alaskan Huskies
