Who are
Empyrean AND Wingren
Empyrean is all about connection—between people, dogs, and nature.
It was created by Victor, who wanted to offer husky tours that feel personal, respectful, and real. This winter, Empyrean brings that vision to life by partnering with two neighboring kennels, each with its own spirit and story.
Self-Driving Tours at Wingren’s Kennel
Here, guests can drive their own sleds with teams made up of Victor’s huskies and the experienced 34+ Alaskan huskies of the Wingren family—who have been doing husky tours in Levi since the 1990s. This collaboration means bringing fresh energy together with deep experience, and offering guests a hands-on way to truly feel the rhythm of the dogs and the trail.
Musher-Driven Tours – Jaakko’s Kennel
If you'd rather sit back and take it all in, Jaakko’s kennel offers a different kind of journey. Jaakko has 36 Siberian huskies and years of experience—he started running tours after retiring in the early 2010s. He became Victor’s mentor around 2020, and now they’re teaming up again to offer guided sled rides where you can relax and just enjoy the magic of it all.
No matter which path you choose, Empyrean is about care, trust, and sharing something meaningful with the dogs and the land.
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Victor Jové
FOUNDER & HUSKY CHAUFFEUR
All the way from Spain, Victor arrived in 2017 and quickly fell in love with Lapland's breathtaking nature. He began working with reindeer and soon found his calling with huskies. His passion for these incredible animals has taken him to Alaska and Sweden, where he gained valuable skills in their care, welfare, and training.
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Jaakko Raunio
PARTNER & FULL TIME DOG LOVER
When Jaakko retired, he was hoping for a peaceful, relaxing life. But soon, he and his wonderful wife, Sirkka-Liisa, began welcoming guests to share in their love for Lapland. Throughout his mushing career, Jaakko won numerous husky sledding races, and the kilometers he’s covered with his dogs could circle the globe more than once!
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Ronny Wingren
PARTNER & TOP MUSHER IN EUROPE
Following in his father’s footsteps, Ronny has risen to become one of Europe’s top mushers, mastering the art of dog sledding with dedication and passion.
With years of experience guiding tours in Levi, Ronny has not only shared his love for mushing with travelers from around the world but has also carved his own legacy on most competitive races in Europe.
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Greta Weston
DOG WHISPERER & PART-TIME ARTIST
From the warmth of Colorado to the wilds of Finland, she traded her 9-to-5 life in 2023 to become a musher. Having worked with elite Iditarod and Finnmarksløpet racers, she's now part of Empyrean’s team! With a gift for connecting with shy dogs and a love for the serenity of Lapland, she brings heart and talent to every adventure.
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Sirkka Liisa Raunio
SUPERVISOR, HOSTESS & FOOD ARTISAN
For Sirkka-Liisa, every detail matters, and thanks to her thoughtful touch, our guests love their experience with us! Although she doesn’t seem it, Sirkka-Liisa retired from her nursing career some time ago. Now, she enjoys the tranquility of Lapland, sharing fascinating stories and insights from her life with our guests.
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Ole Wingren
DOG EXPERT & PROFESSIONAL RACER
Started a husky tour business in Levi in 1995, driven by a deep passion for the husky way of life. With years of experience racing across Europe, winning competitions, and exploring the most extraordinary parts of the Arctic, his love for the sport remains unwavering. Now, in his 70s, he remains in excellent shape, continuing to do what he loves—guiding sleds, caring for his beloved huskies, and sharing their magic with others, all alongside his family.
Meet our dog family
Victor’s dogs
Jaakko’s dogs
Usva (So sweet that gives you diabetes)
Peikko (The Playboy)
Zorro (He is like your first ex, never changes)
Pargu (Selective Hearing)
Yamaha (No Mechanic can fix him)
Juuma (Either he is a good boy or a good boy)
Äasi (The Victoria Secret Model)
Urhi (The living carpet)
Vasko (Impersonification of a surfer)
Zumba (Free solo climber)
Väino (Forgot how to bark)
Halti (The George Clooney)
Ursa (If your name is Jaakko Raunio then she likes you)
Zero (Not a Dog person)
Rasmus (Trying to quit caffeine)
Minnie (Fluffiest dog ever)
Viivi (The ADHD girl)
Susi (the Pure Angel)
Veeti (The Dog Termite)
Paju (Glove Quality Taster)
Balto (The young promise)
Bella (No habla inglés)
Saana (Takes motherhood really serious)
Ressu (Never looks back)
Aave (Jaakko’s Favourite)
SOON MORE DOGGIES!
Ami (Unlicensed therapist)
Kettu (She travels more than you)
Viva (Drinks coffee like a Finnish)
Luna (If you don’t pet her, you must pay a fee)
Darwin (Rejected modeling agencies to be with us)
Jaguar (Best Picture I could get from him)
Max (He thinks he is your shadow)
Amigo (He is your best friend already)
Dave the Brave (Scared of everything)
Champion (Small but Mighty)
Cookie (Tastes like one)
Warrior (Wouldn’t kill a fly in his life)
Riitu (World Champion in cuddles)
Noora (Best Mommy Ever)
Sisu (Just Sisu)
Pihla (Happy Carpet)
Ruska (Likes all the humans that are called Jaakko Raunio)
Mirkku (Happy Angel)
Huge (Sweet Angel)
Oodi (Born to be a Leader)
Muusa (Brave Angel)