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Meet huskies & reindeers up close at Rovaniemi farms

Step into the heart of Lapland’s wilderness and meet the animals that define Arctic life. From energetic huskies ready to dash across snow-covered trails to gentle reindeer gliding through serene forests, every farm visit offers a hands-on encounter with the region’s living traditions. Along the way, you’ll learn about Sámi culture, sledding heritage, and winter survival skills, creating unforgettable memories for families and adventurers alike.

Why visit husky and reindeer farms in Rovaniemi

Dog sledding under northern lights in snowy Lapland forest.
Reindeer sled ride through snowy forest in Lapland.
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Get up close with Arctic animals

Meet playful huskies and gentle reindeer in their natural farm environments. Interact with the animals, learn their behaviors, and experience the joy of hands-on encounters that go beyond a typical sightseeing activity.

Experience authentic sledding traditions

Discover the history and techniques of Arctic sledding. Whether it’s a short 500m ride or a longer guided safari, you’ll see how sled dogs and reindeer have been integral to local transportation and survival for centuries.

Learn about Sámi culture

Gain insight into the Sámi way of life, including reindeer herding traditions, Arctic survival skills, and the spiritual and practical significance of these animals in Sámi communities.

Enjoy scenic Arctic landscapes

Farms are nestled in snow-covered forests, frozen rivers, and wide-open Arctic fields. Every visit offers the chance to absorb the serene beauty of Lapland, perfect for photography and peaceful moments.

Fun and educational for all ages

These farm visits combine adventure with learning, making them ideal for families. Children can meet the animals, take mini sled rides, and learn about Arctic life in an engaging and safe setting.

Seasonal magic

Visit during winter for snow-covered landscapes, sledding, and festive touches, or in summer to see Arctic wildlife in green meadows. Each season offers a different, authentic glimpse of life in Lapland.

What to expect during your farm visit

Van under Northern Lights on photography tour with hotel transfers.
Reindeer sled ride through snowy forest in Lapland.
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Enjoy round-trip transfers from Rovaniemi

You’ll be picked up from your hotel within 12km of Rovaniemi City Center in a comfortable Mercedes-Benz or Volkswagen, or you can meet at the city office.

Meet the animals & learn the ropes

On arrival, you’ll get a warm welcome and a brief orientation on how to interact safely with the animals. You’ll learn how sledding works, where to sit, and tips for making the most of your husky or reindeer ride.

Get hands-on with huskies

Pet the dogs, take photos, and learn about sled dog care, training, and team dynamics before hopping on a 500m guided or self-driven sled ride, taking turns driving and riding alongside a professional musher.

Glide with reindeer through winter trails

At the reindeer farm, feed and interact with gentle reindeer while your guide shares Sámi herding traditions and Arctic survival stories. Then, enjoy a peaceful 500m sleigh ride through snow-dusted trails and experience the quiet magic of traveling the traditional Lapland way.

Step into Santa’s world

On a few select tours, like the highlights day tour, you’ll cross the Arctic Circle, meet Santa Claus, and explore the festive magic of Santa Claus Village, from souvenir shops to holiday displays, before heading back to the farm or transfer vehicle.

Stories around a fire

During short stops or while sipping hot drinks, you’ll hear fascinating tales about Lapland, sledding traditions, huskies, reindeer, and Sámi culture, making each moment as educational as it is fun.

Find your perfect husky and reindeer farm tour

ExperienceBest forTransfersDurationKey highlights
Husky sledding tour

Husky enthusiasts looking for flexible, immersive rides & interaction with sled dogs

Round-trip transfers from Rovaniemi City Center

1.5 to 4 hours

Husky farm visit, 800m to 10 km sled rides, self-driven or guided options

Long self-driven husky ride

Adventure seekers who want a hands-on sledding experience with control over the husky team

Round-trip transfers from Rovaniemi City Center

2 to 2.5 hours

7km to 10 km self-driven husky ride, kennel visit, hot drinks & cookies

Reindeer farm & sledding

Guests interested in authentic Sámi reindeer culture & hands-on sleigh driving

Round-trip transfers from Rovaniemi City Center

3 to 4 hours

Authentic reindeer farm visit, 500m to 40-minute sleigh rides, official Reindeer Driving License, hot drinks

Highlights tour

Those looking for a complete Arctic day adventure, combining sledding, cultural experiences, & festive Santa stops

Round-trip transfers from Rovaniemi City Center

7 to 8 hours

Husky & reindeer farms, Santa Claus Village, 500m husky & reindeer rides, traditional salmon soup lunch, mini snowmobile experience for children

Day & evening tour

Small groups seeking intimate Arctic experiences with a mix of animals, cultural encounters, & Aurora viewing

Hotel pick-up/drop-off in premium vehicles like Mercedes-Benz & Volkswagen cars (within 12km of Rovaniemi City Center)

6 to 7 hours

Husky farm visit with 500m ride, reindeer feeding & 400m sleigh, small-group experience, hot fruit/berry tea, evening Northern Lights hunt

Santa Claus & sleigh rides

Families and couples wanting a shorter, festive Arctic adventure with Santa & animal encounters

Hotel pick-up/drop-off in premium vehicles like Mercedes-Benz & Volkswagen cars (within 12km of Rovaniemi City Center)

5 to 6 hours

Guided farm visits, meet Santa, 500m husky & 400m reindeer rides, small-group experience

Snowmobile & sledding

Adventure enthusiasts who want a full Arctic activity mix, combining sledding with snowmobile thrills

Round-trip transfers from Rovaniemi City Center

5 to 6 hours

Husky farm visit & 500m ride, reindeer farm visit & 500m ride, 1-hour snowmobile ride, hot berry juice & biscuits

Plan your visit to the husky and reindeer farms

  • Winter (December to March): This is the classic husky season, with pristine snow trails ideal for both guided and self-driven sled rides. The huskies are at their most active, providing thrilling rides through snow-covered forests and frozen rivers, and the full winter landscape creates picture-perfect photo opportunities.
  • Spring & early winter (November, April): These shoulder months offer softer snow conditions, smaller crowds, and peaceful trails. It’s a great time for shorter sled rides, kennel visits, and meeting the dogs up close, without the peak-season bustle.
  • Summer (June to August): Even without snow, husky farms are open for meet-and-greets, kennel tours, and playful interactions. While sledding is replaced by hiking trails and dry-land activities, you can still learn about husky training, team dynamics, and daily life on an Arctic dog farm.

All tours include round-trip transfers from Rovaniemi City Center or selected hotels within 12km, so reaching the farms is convenient and stress-free. You’ll travel in comfortable Mercedes-Benz or Volkswagen vehicles with professional guides.

  • By air: Fly into Rovaniemi Airport, which has direct connections from Helsinki and seasonal international flights. From the airport, you can take a short taxi or shuttle to the city center, where most tours start.
  • By train: VR Finnish Railways offers overnight and daytime connections from Helsinki, Oulu, and other Finnish cities, arriving directly at Rovaniemi station.
  • By bus: Intercity buses run from major cities like Helsinki and Oulu to Rovaniemi, and local buses or airport shuttles can take you closer to hotel pickups.
  • By car: Driving provides flexibility to explore surrounding areas at your own pace, but snow tires and winter driving experience are recommended during the snowy months.

Even if you arrive independently, the farm tours are designed for easy check-ins, ensuring you can start your husky or reindeer adventure immediately upon arrival.

While husky and reindeer farm tours in Rovaniemi offer authentic Arctic experiences, they present challenges for guests with mobility impairments. Most farm visits involve navigating uneven, snowy terrain, boarding sleds or sleighs, and engaging in outdoor activities that are not wheelchair accessible.

  • Always contact the farm before booking to ensure they can accommodate your specific needs. Inquire about the availability of accessible transport, facilities, and any support services they may offer.
  • Heated transfer vehicles from Rovaniemi City Center or hotels within 12 km
  • On-site winter clothing, including overalls, boots, gloves, and hats for all participants
  • Restrooms and sheltered areas at farm stops
  • Hot drinks and light refreshments during short breaks
  • Baby seats and family-friendly accommodations on vehicle transfers
  • Small seating areas or campfire spots for relaxing and enjoying the scenery
  • Photo-friendly setups near huskies, reindeer, and scenic trails
  • Warm layers, such as thermals, sweaters, and insulated jackets
  • Waterproof, insulated boots suitable for snow and ice
  • Camera or smartphone to capture sledding, animal interactions, and scenic landscapes
  • Sunglasses or snow goggles to protect eyes from glare on bright snow
  • Small backpack for personal items, snacks, and water
  • Extra gloves or socks for children, especially during mini sled or snowmobile rides
  • Optional hand warmers or lip balm for added comfort in cold, dry conditions

Visitor tips & guidelines

  • If doing a self-driven husky ride, take advantage of the guided safety tips at the kennel to practice turns and speed control in a quiet area before heading onto main trails.
  • Request a stop near the farm’s old wooden barns or traditional Sami huts for authentic cultural backdrops in photos.
  • Observe the huskies pulling empty sleds while waiting; it gives insight into their team dynamics and playful behavior.
  • For reindeer rides, time your visit to coincide with feeding or herding moments to see the animals’ natural behaviors up close.
  • Take note of wildlife tracks in the snow along trails; guides often share stories about Arctic foxes, hares, and bird species that inhabit the farms.
  • If visiting in winter, request mid-morning sled rides after frost settles on tree branches, creating glittering snowscapes perfect for photos.
  • Use colorful props or scarves for children on sleds to make snow photos pop against the white landscape.

Other Arctic experiences in Rovaniemi

Northern Lights chases

Venture into remote forests and frozen lakes on a guided tour to witness the Aurora Borealis dancing across the Arctic sky.

Northern Lights husky rides

Snowmobile safaris

Experience the thrill of riding a snowmobile through snow-covered trails, frozen rivers, and pristine wilderness under expert guidance.

Rovaniemi snowmobile sledding tours

Arctic wildlife safaris

Spot native Arctic animals, including reindeer, foxes, and owls, in their natural habitat with the help of knowledgeable guides.

Cultural & museum experiences

Visit places like Arktikum and Pilke Science Center to discover Lapland’s history, Arctic environment, and Sámi culture.

Frequently asked questions about husky and reindeer farms in Rovaniemi

Are the farm visits suitable for families with children?

Yes, the farms are family-friendly, offering short sled rides, mini snowmobiles for children under 150cm, and safe opportunities to meet and interact with huskies and reindeer.

Are hotel transfers included?

Yes, round-trip transfers are included for accommodations within 12 km of Rovaniemi City Center, with options to meet at the central office if staying farther away.

Can I combine husky and reindeer rides in one tour?

Yes, combo tours like the highlights tour and day and evening tour allow guests to experience both husky and reindeer sledding, along with farm visits, and in some cases, stops at Santa Claus Village or Aurora chase options.

Can I drive the husky sled myself?

Many tours offer self-driven husky sled options, allowing you to take turns driving and riding under the supervision of an experienced musher.

How long are the farm visits?

Visits range from 2 to 7 hours, depending on the tour type, including sled rides, animal interactions, and optional stops at Santa Claus Village.

What cultural insights are included during farm visits?

Guides share information about Sámi traditions, reindeer herding, sled dog history, and Arctic survival techniques, often during short stops or while enjoying hot drinks around a campfire.

Are the farms wheelchair accessible?

The farms are not fully wheelchair accessible, as trails are often uneven or snowy, and sleds cannot accommodate wheelchairs.

What should I bring for the farm experience?

Bring warm layers, waterproof boots, gloves, a hat, sunglasses or goggles, a camera, and a small backpack for personal items and snacks; extra gloves or socks are recommended for children.

More reads

Rovaniemi husky sledding tours

Rovaniemi reindeer sledding tours

Snowmobile sledding tours

Top Things to do in Rovaniemi
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