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
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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 type
Duration
Timings
Inclusions
Transfers
Upgrades/Add-ons
Book your tickets
Reindeer sledding + farm visit
2.5-3 hours
9:30am
Expert guide, reindeer sleigh ride, farm visit, hot drinks, and cookies
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
Expert guide, small group of 8, reindeer sleigh ride, snowmobiling, husky ride, husky and reindeer farms, snowmobiling gear, hot berry juice, and biscuits
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
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 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.
Popular activities and stops along the way
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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.
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.
Best experience:Snowmobile & Animal Sledding Experiences
Plan your Reindeer sledding tour in Rovaniemi
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Generally, reindeer sleighs can carry up to 200–220 kg combined weight, though limits may vary slightly between farms.
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.
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.
Reindeer Rides in Rovaniemi
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Say yes to warm and worry-free journeys!
From winter overalls to round-trip transfers, every detail is covered in the tours, leaving you free to embrace Lapland’s snowy magic and reindeer adventures without a worry.
Visit an authentic reindeer farm, choose your sleigh ride, & explore centuries-old herding traditions.
Everything you get: 2.5 to 3-hour guided reindeer experience, round-trip transfers from Rovaniemi City Center, choice of 500m, 2.5 km, or 40-minute sleigh ride, authentic family-run farm visit, meet and feed reindeer, stories of herding traditions and Arctic culture, and winter clothing.
Why choose this: From a quick reindeer ride to a longer forest journey, this tour lets you tailor the experience to your pace. With transfers and farm entry included, it’s a seamless way to discover Lapland’s reindeer traditions while choosing the adventure that suits your group best.
Inclusions
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2.5 to 3-hour guided reindeer experience with a professional local guide
Round-trip transfers from Rovaniemi City Center (hotel pick-up, if selected; luxury 2025 Ford Tourneo vans available on some tours; surcharge may apply for some locations)
500m reindeer ride, a 2.5 km journey, or a 40-minute sleigh ride through Lapland’s snowy trails (based on option selected)
Visit to an authentic, centuries-old family-run reindeer farm
Meet and greet with reindeer, including opportunities to feed them and take photos
Stories and insights into reindeer herding traditions and Arctic culture
Official Reindeer Driving License certificate (on 40-minute ride)
Winter clothing (thermal overalls, boots, and gloves)
Hot berry juice, coffee, or tea with cookies served by the fire after the ride
Exclusions
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Liquor, beer, & bottled beverages
Travel insurance
These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Chase the Northern Lights on a magical reindeer sleigh ride through the snowy forests of Rovaniemi.
Evening out to: Ride through snowy Lappish forests, visit a reindeer farm, and watch for Northern Lights in Rovaniemi's starry skies.
You’ll get: Reindeer sleigh ride, English-speaking guide (other languages on request), transfers, winter gear, Finnish snacks, and hot blueberry juice.
Traditional reindeer farm: Meet gentle reindeer, feed them, and hear fascinating stories about their role in Lappish culture.
Lappish forest & Northern Lights: Glide through snowy trails under a starry sky, with a chance to spot the magical Aurora Borealis.
Inclusions
#
Northern Lights chase tour
English-speaking guide (other languages available on request: German, French, Italian, Spanish, Chinese)
Pick-up & drop-off from selected hotels in Rovaniemi city center
Reindeer sleigh ride through Lappish forest
Visit to a traditional reindeer farm
Winter clothes (overall and boots)
Finnish snacks & hot blueberry juice
What to bring
A valid photo ID matching the name on your booking (may be requested at pickup).
Warm layered clothing suitable for Arctic conditions; winter overalls and boots are provided.
A fully charged camera or smartphone to capture the Northern Lights and your experience.
What’s not allowed
Pets are not allowed on this tour.
Alcohol, drugs, or participation under the influence is strictly prohibited.
Large luggage or suitcases are not allowed during the sleigh ride.
Accessibility
This experience is not wheelchair accessible.
Additional information
Northern Lights sightings depend on weather and solar activity and cannot be guaranteed.
Minimum group size: 2 people (weekdays & Saturdays), 4 people (Sundays & public holidays).
Children 12 and under must be accompanied by a paying adult.
Be ready in your hotel lobby 10 minutes before pickup.
Departure times vary by season and availability—check your confirmation email for exact details.
Guests should be comfortable sitting outdoors in cold weather for up to 20 minutes at a time.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Meet Santa himself, ride with huskies and reindeer, and officially cross the Arctic Circle — all in a single, well-organized half-day tour.
Half-day out to: The Santa Claus, the official hometown of Saint Nicolas himself. Enjoy a magical visit to Santa’s office, a thrilling reindeer sleigh ride through snowy forests, and an exhilarating husky sled adventure. This highly rated tour is perfect for families and Christmas lovers alike.
You’ll get: Meet Santa Claus, reindeer sleigh ride, husky ride—all in one festive half-day tour with an English-speaking professional driver and guide. Cross the Arctic Circle and get an official Arctic Circle Certificate too.
Santa Claus Office: Meet Santa in his bustling office – a dream come true for Christmas enthusiasts of all ages.
Reindeer Sleigh Ride: Glide through the picturesque Lapland landscape on a traditional reindeer sleigh, surrounded by winter magic on this 500 metre sleigh ride. Now you know what Rudolph feels like!
Husky Ride: Experience the excitement of a husky sled ride, adding adventure and joy to your Lapland escape as you race across 400m of Arctic terrain.
Inclusions
#
5-hour small-group tour combining Santa Claus Village, husky and reindeer experiences
Hotel transfers in a Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, or similar vehicle (up to 9 guests)
Professional English-speaking driver and guide
Guided visit to Santa Claus Village with free time to explore
Meet-and-greet with Santa Claus and an official Arctic Circle Certificate
400m reindeer sleigh ride at a local farm
500m husky sleigh ride and husky farm visit
All taxes and service fees
Exclusions
#
Food
Beverages
You can cancel these tickets up to 72 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
What to bring
Wear warm base layers such as thermals, fleece, or wool, along with thick socks, gloves, and a hat.
Bring protective cases for your camera gear and keep it inside your jacket when not in use to prevent battery drain and condensation issues.
Sunglasses and lip balm can be useful in the bright snow and dry Arctic air.
Carry any personal medications you may need, as the tour lasts around seven hours with outdoor activities.
What’s not allowed
For safety reasons, alcohol or arriving under the influence is not permitted.
Large luggage and bulky bags cannot be taken on the tour due to limited space in transfers and vehicles.
Smoking is not allowed inside vehicles, near the animals, or during activities.
Accessibility
This tour is not wheelchair accessible, as it involves uneven snowy ground, boarding sleighs, and walking short distances outdoors.
Guests should be comfortable with some movement in snowy conditions and standing outside in cold weather.
Additional information
Pick-up is included for accommodations within 12 km of Rovaniemi City Center. If you’re staying further out, a small additional fee applies, or you can choose to meet directly at the city office.
Show your booking confirmation at the office and enjoy a 10% discount on gifts and souvenirs.
The tour lasts approximately seven hours and runs in small groups of up to 8 people, ensuring a more personal experience.
The tour is guided in English to ensure clear communication and a smooth experience.
Please note that cancellations made three days or less before the tour will incur a 100% fee.
This tour includes an Aurora hunt, so return times may vary depending on the conditions; waiting a little longer can often mean a much better chance of seeing the Northern Lights.
Activities may be adjusted slightly depending on weather, snow levels, or animal welfare considerations.
The experience is family-friendly and suitable for all ages. Children will enjoy short husky and reindeer rides, while adults can take part in safaris and animal feeding experiences.
Inclusions
#
7-hour full-day Arctic adventure with husky rides, reindeer encounters, and an Aurora hunt
Hotel transfers in (5/9 seater Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, or similar vehicles)
Fazer chocolate for all guests upon arrival
Professional English-speaking driver and guide
500m husky safari and husky farm visit
400m reindeer sleigh ride
2 Aurora viewing locations
Hot berry tea, Lappish BBQ (sausage), grilled marshmallows
All taxes and service fees
Small-group tour with a maximum of 8 participants per car
Exclusions
#
Lunch
You can cancel these tickets up to 72 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Sledding
Reindeer Farm and Sledding Experience
Visit an authentic reindeer farm, choose your sleigh ride, & explore centuries-old herding traditions.
Everything you get: 2.5 to 3-hour guided reindeer experience, round-trip transfers from Rovaniemi City Center, choice of 500m, 2.5 km, or 40-minute sleigh ride, authentic family-run farm visit, meet and feed reindeer, stories of herding traditions and Arctic culture, and winter clothing.
Why choose this: From a quick reindeer ride to a longer forest journey, this tour lets you tailor the experience to your pace. With transfers and farm entry included, it’s a seamless way to discover Lapland’s reindeer traditions while choosing the adventure that suits your group best.
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.
2 hr. 30 min. - 3 hr.
Guided tour
Transfers available
Pickup available
Sledding
Rovaniemi: Northern Lights with Reindeer Sledding
Chase the Northern Lights on a magical reindeer sleigh ride through the snowy forests of Rovaniemi.
Evening out to: Ride through snowy Lappish forests, visit a reindeer farm, and watch for Northern Lights in Rovaniemi's starry skies.
You’ll get: Reindeer sleigh ride, English-speaking guide (other languages on request), transfers, winter gear, Finnish snacks, and hot blueberry juice.
Traditional reindeer farm: Meet gentle reindeer, feed them, and hear fascinating stories about their role in Lappish culture.
Lappish forest & Northern Lights: Glide through snowy trails under a starry sky, with a chance to spot the magical Aurora Borealis.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Book now, pay later
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.
2 hr. 30 min.
Guided tour
Pickup available
Day Trips
From Rovaniemi: Meet Santa Claus, Reindeer Sleigh Ride & Huskies
Meet Santa himself, ride with huskies and reindeer, and officially cross the Arctic Circle — all in a single, well-organized half-day tour.
Half-day out to: The Santa Claus, the official hometown of Saint Nicolas himself. Enjoy a magical visit to Santa’s office, a thrilling reindeer sleigh ride through snowy forests, and an exhilarating husky sled adventure. This highly rated tour is perfect for families and Christmas lovers alike.
You’ll get: Meet Santa Claus, reindeer sleigh ride, husky ride—all in one festive half-day tour with an English-speaking professional driver and guide. Cross the Arctic Circle and get an official Arctic Circle Certificate too.
Santa Claus Office: Meet Santa in his bustling office – a dream come true for Christmas enthusiasts of all ages.
Reindeer Sleigh Ride: Glide through the picturesque Lapland landscape on a traditional reindeer sleigh, surrounded by winter magic on this 500 metre sleigh ride. Now you know what Rudolph feels like!
Husky Ride: Experience the excitement of a husky sled ride, adding adventure and joy to your Lapland escape as you race across 400m of Arctic terrain.
Wear warm base layers such as thermals, fleece, or wool, along with thick socks, gloves, and a hat.
Bring protective cases for your camera gear and keep it inside your jacket when not in use to prevent battery drain and condensation issues.
Sunglasses and lip balm can be useful in the bright snow and dry Arctic air.
Carry any personal medications you may need, as the tour lasts around seven hours with outdoor activities.
What’s not allowed
For safety reasons, alcohol or arriving under the influence is not permitted.
Large luggage and bulky bags cannot be taken on the tour due to limited space in transfers and vehicles.
Smoking is not allowed inside vehicles, near the animals, or during activities.
Accessibility
This tour is not wheelchair accessible, as it involves uneven snowy ground, boarding sleighs, and walking short distances outdoors.
Guests should be comfortable with some movement in snowy conditions and standing outside in cold weather.
Additional information
Pick-up is included for accommodations within 12 km of Rovaniemi City Center. If you’re staying further out, a small additional fee applies, or you can choose to meet directly at the city office.
Show your booking confirmation at the office and enjoy a 10% discount on gifts and souvenirs.
The tour lasts approximately seven hours and runs in small groups of up to 8 people, ensuring a more personal experience.
The tour is guided in English to ensure clear communication and a smooth experience.
Please note that cancellations made three days or less before the tour will incur a 100% fee.
This tour includes an Aurora hunt, so return times may vary depending on the conditions; waiting a little longer can often mean a much better chance of seeing the Northern Lights.
Activities may be adjusted slightly depending on weather, snow levels, or animal welfare considerations.
The experience is family-friendly and suitable for all ages. Children will enjoy short husky and reindeer rides, while adults can take part in safaris and animal feeding experiences.
