Rovaniemi Tours

Reindeer Rides in Rovaniemi

Handpicked tours
Handpicked tours
Effortless planning
Effortless planning
Expert guides. Unique insights
Expert guides. Unique insights
Tourists on reindeer sleds under Northern Lights in Tromso, Norway.
























































Top things to do in Rovaniemi

Reindeer sledding in Rovaniemi: Ride through snowy forests, auroras, and more

Discover the magic of Lapland with reindeer sledding tours in Rovaniemi. From chasing the Northern Lights to visiting Santa Claus Village, feeding reindeer, and gliding through snowy forests, these tours combine Arctic adventure with authentic culture.

A brief overview of Reindeer tours in Rovaniemi:

  • Tour duration: 2.5-7 hours, depending on tour 
  • Best time to visit: December to March for peak snow and the chance to pair with Northern Lights tours
  • Meeting/drop-off point: Rovaniemi City Center, with hotel pick-up available 
  • Key attractions: Reindeer farms, Arctic forest trails, self-driven or guide-driven sled rides, cultural extras like Arctic Circle certificate or Santa Claus Village visits
  • Recommended tour: The highlights tour: Santa Claus Village, husky & reindeer sledding

What to expect on a Reindeer safari in Rovaniemi

Van under Northern Lights on photography tour with hotel transfers.
Reindeer sled ride through snowy forest in Lapland.
Reindeer sledding with Sami guide in snowy landscape, showcasing Sami culture.
Two people in winter gear watching the Northern Lights in Rovaniemi.
Sausages grilling on barbecue at night with glowing coals.
Van under Northern Lights in Rovaniemi during small-group photography tour.
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Comfortable and convenient round-trip transfers

Most tours begin with a hotel/meeting point pick-up in Rovaniemi, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free start. You’ll be transported in comfortable vehicles, often limited to small groups, so you can relax and prepare for the day’s adventure.

Reindeer sleigh ride

Slip under warm blankets and ride through snowy forests on a traditional sleigh. Options range from short 400–500m rides perfect for families, to longer 40-minute journeys for those wanting a deeper wilderness experience.

Storytelling and local legends

Guides enrich your experience with tales of Arctic survival, Sámi folklore, and Lapland myths, transforming a simple sleigh ride into a cultural journey.

Add-on Arctic adventures

Many tours combine reindeer sledding with Northern Lights, husky rides, snowmobiles, or Santa Claus Village visits. This means you can mix adventure with culture and even meet Santa himself.

Warm up with local snacks

After the ride, enjoy hot berry juice, tea, or coffee with Finnish cookies or salmon soup, depending on your chosen tour. These breaks are perfect for warming up and soaking in the experience.

Return journey to your hotel

At the end of the adventure, relax as your driver takes you back to your hotel in Rovaniemi, full of new memories and plenty of photos to share.

Things to know before booking your Reindeer ride in Rovaniemi 

  • Types of tours: Your Reindeer sleigh ride can be combined with immersive farm visitsor Northern Lights chasefor a short-duration tour, or you can pick longer-duration adventures combining the sleigh ride and farm visit with Santa Claus Village, husky safaris, and snowmobiling.
  • Sledding duration and distance covered vary: If you select theReindeer farm and sledding experience ticket, you can**** choose your preferred ride duration from a short 400-500m ride of just a few minutes, to a medium 2.5km ride, or even long journeys of 30-40 minutes through the forest.
  • Day vs evening experiences: Choose daytime rides for clear views of snow-covered forests and trails, or evening tours for Northern Lights hunting.
  • Transfers are included: Most tours include round-trip hotel transfers from Rovaniemi. Some use minibuses, others luxury vans for small groups.
  • Standard inclusions and extras: Reindeer farm visit, winter clothing (overalls, boots, gloves), necessary gear, and hot drinks or snacks are included in all the tours. Extras such as salmon soup with vegetarian options, Fazer chocolates, multilingual guide options, or children’s snowmobile rides can vary based on the tour you select.
  • Fitness and safety requirements: Reindeer rides in Rovaniemi are suitable for all, as sledding requires no physical effort. Snowmobiling requires a valid driver’s license for drivers.
  • Weather and seasonal dependency: The tours operate in the winter season, typically from late November to March. Please note that Northern Lights sightings depend on clear skies, and while sightings cannot be guaranteed, going on a guided tour increases your chances, as local experts know the most reliable viewing spots and times.

Find your perfect Reindeer ride experience in Rovaniemi

Tour typeDurationTimingsInclusionsTransfers Upgrades/Add-onsBook your tickets

Reindeer sledding + farm visit

2.5-3 hours

9:30am

Expert guide, reindeer sleigh ride, farm visit, hot drinks, and cookies

Round-trip transfers from Rovaniemi city center

Longer sleigh ride option

Book now

Reindeer sledding + farm visit and Northern Lights

2.5 hours

7pm

Expert guide, reindeer sleigh ride, farm visit, aurora hunt, Finnish snacks, and hot blueberry juice

Pick-up & drop-off from selected hotels in Rovaniemi city center

Multilingual guide options (English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, or Chinese)

Book now

The highlights tour: Santa Claus Village + Husky & Reindeer sledding

6 hours

8:45am

Expert guide, reindeer sleigh ride, husky safari, husky and reindeer farms, Santa Claus Village, salmon soup (vegetarian option available)

Round-trip transfers from Rovaniemi city center

Mini snowmobile experience for kids at no extra cost

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Day and evening tour: Santa's Pets + sledding & aurora hunt

7 hours

9:30am

Expert guide, small group of 8, reindeer sleigh ride, husky safari, husky farm visit, reindeer feeding at Santa’s Pet, aurora hunt, Fazer chocolate, hot fruit or berry tea

Hotel transfers in Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, or similar vehicles

N/A

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Snowmobile + Reindeer and Husky ride

6 hours

10am

Expert guide, small group of 8, reindeer sleigh ride, snowmobiling, husky ride, husky and reindeer farms, snowmobiling gear, hot berry juice, and biscuits

Round-trip transfers from Rovaniemi city center

N/A

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Meet Santa + Reindeer and Husky ride

5 hours

9:30am

Expert guide, small group of 8, reindeer sleigh ride, husky ride, reindeer and husky farm visit, meet-and-greet with Santa and Arctic Circle Certificate at Santa Claus Village, and Fazer chocolate

Hotel transfers in a Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, or similar vehicle

Baby seats available upon request

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Enjoy ethical encounters, rooted in tradition and care

All tours operate in collaboration with local Sámi or Lappish herders, ensuring that reindeer are cared for ethically, given plenty of rest between rides, and raised in natural herding systems that preserve cultural heritage and sustainable practices.

Highlights of your Reindeer sleigh ride, Rovaniemi

Reindeer in snowy forest, Lapland tour.

Reindeer meet and greet

Meet and connect with reindeer up close at the farms, learn about their importance in Arctic life, and experience the bond between herders and animals.

Three people in traditional fur clothing with a sled and dog in snowy Siberia.
Northern Lights over snowy landscape on Tromso chase tour, Norway.
Northern lights over snowy Rovaniemi landscape with group on guided tour.
Santa Claus with reindeer in snowy Rovaniemi forest.
Dog sledding tour with huskies in snowy landscape, family in sled, winter adventure.
Snowmobiles driving through a snowy forest trail at dusk.
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Northern Lights chase

Escape city lights and head to scenic wilderness locations with expert guides for the best chances of spotting the aurora.

  • Time required: 1–2 hours (evening tours)
  • Highlights/activities: Aurora photography, hot drinks, fireside breaks
  • Best experience: Rovaniemi: Northern Lights with Reindeer Sledding

Santa Claus Village

Meet Santa Claus, cross the Arctic Circle, and explore a festive village that combines Lapland’s magic with shopping, dining, and photo opportunities.

  • Time required: 2-3 hours
  • Highlights/activities: Santa meet-and-greet, Arctic Circle crossing, souvenir shopping
  • Best experience: Meet Santa Claus, Reindeer Sleigh Ride & Huskies

Husky safari and farms

Pair your reindeer ride with a husky safari, experiencing the thrill of fast-paced sledding while also meeting and bonding with these energetic Arctic dogs.

  • Time required: 1-2 hours
  • Highlights/activities: Husky rides, kennel visit, photo opportunities
  • Best experience: Day and Evening Tour – Santa's Pets, Sledding & Aurora Hunt

Snowmobiling

Add adrenaline to your journey with a snowmobile ride through frozen lakes and snowy forests, balancing the tranquility of reindeer with high-speed Arctic exploration.

  • Time required: 1–2 hours
  • Highlights/activities: Guided snowmobile ride, gear included, scenic stops
  • Best experience: Snowmobile & Animal Sledding Experiences

Plan your Reindeer sledding tour in Rovaniemi

Reindeer resting under northern lights in snowy landscape.
  • Peak sledding season: December to February is the peak season when landscapes are fully snow-covered, creating the most magical sleigh ride settings. It’s also the most festive time, with Christmas celebrations and high chances of crisp, clear weather.
  • Aurora season: The period from late November to March offers the best opportunity for spotting the Northern Lights during evening rides. Longer nights and cold, clear skies make this the ideal season for travelers hoping to combine reindeer sledding with aurora hunting.
Tivoli Gardens Christmas display with wooden reindeer and Chinese-style pavilion.
  • Hotel transfers: If your tour includes hotel transfers, you’ll be picked from your hotel within the Rovaniemi city center, saving time and ensuring a smooth start to your Arctic adventure.

  • Meeting point transfers: These tours begin from designated meeting points in Rovaniemi’s city center. This option makes logistics simple and allows tour operators to coordinate departures efficiently for larger groups of travelers.

Guest holding a warm drink in a snowy Sami tent after reindeer sledding in Tromso, Norway.
  • Dress in thermal base layers under the provided overalls to stay warm in sub-zero temperatures. Avoid wearing cotton socks or jeans, as they absorb moisture and can make you cold.
  • Book early during the December peak season, as these Reindeer sledding tours sell out weeks in advance.
  • Carry a fully charged camera with spare batteries, as cold weather drains them quickly.
  • Please avoid strong perfumes or foods before the ride as reindeer are sensitive to scents.
  • For Northern Lights tours, bring a tripod to capture long-exposure photos of the aurora.
  • Follow the guide instructions carefully, especially with animals and snowmobiles, to ensure both safety and respect for local traditions.

Frequently asked questions about Reindeer sledding tours in Rovaniemi

How far in advance should I book my tour?

During December and the peak Christmas season, booking at least 3–4 weeks in advance is highly recommended, while outside peak season, a few days ahead is usually enough to secure availability.

Can I drive the reindeer sleigh myself?

No, reindeer sleighs are led by trained herders for safety and tradition. Guests sit comfortably in the sleigh, allowing you to relax and enjoy the scenery without responsibility for guiding.

How many people fit in one reindeer sleigh?

Most sleighs are designed for two adults sitting together, although families with young children may share with three passengers. For larger groups, multiple sleighs travel together in convoy.

Is there a weight limit for reindeer sleigh rides?

Generally, reindeer sleighs can carry up to 200–220 kg combined weight, though limits may vary slightly between farms.

What happens if there is not enough snow?

Reindeer tours operate only when snow conditions are suitable. If snow levels are too low, the operator may reschedule your tour or provide a refund.

Can I pet or feed the reindeer during the tour?

Yes, most farm visits include time to meet, feed, and photograph reindeer. Herders provide safe guidance so both guests and animals can interact comfortably without stress.