Can I feed or pet the reindeer?

Yes, at most farms you’ll have the chance to **feed them under supervision** and take close-up photos after your ride.

Will I definitely see the Northern Lights?

The aurora depends on **weather and solar activity**, so sightings are not guaranteed, but local guides choose the most promising viewing areas each night.

Are the reindeer tours ethical?

All participating farms follow strict welfare standards, ensuring the **animals rest frequently** and work only short shifts each day.

Do the reindeer wear bells?

Yes, many reindeer wear **traditional harnesses with bells**, adding to the atmosphere and helping herders track them on snowy trails.

Can children join the reindeer safari?

Yes, reindeer safaris are among the **most child-friendly** Arctic activities, with blankets, shorter rides, and close adult supervision.

What language do guides speak?

Tours are led in **English**, but several operators offer guides fluent in other languages, including **German**, **French**, and **Italian**.

Do I need to bring cash to the farm?

Most tours are prepaid, but carrying a **small amount of cash** is useful for purchasing souvenirs or tipping guides.

Northern Lights Reindeer Safari | Expert Guides & Transfers

Step into a winter storybook as your reindeer sleigh glides silently across frozen landscapes beneath the Northern Lights. These peaceful night safaris immerse you in Sámi culture and Arctic tradition, offering a slower, more contemplative way to witness the beauty of Lapland’s sky.

Overview

Ride duration: 15 to 25 minutes, depending on the tour
Cost range: €200 to €259, based on duration and inclusions
Best time to visit: November to March, when long nights create ideal Aurora conditions
Meeting/drop-off point: Rovaniemi City Center hotels or direct farm meeting points
Key attractions: Traditional reindeer farm visit, peaceful sleigh ride under the Arctic sky, Aurora hunt in forest or lakeside locations, fireside stories, hot drinks
Recommended tour: Rovaniemi: Northern Lights with reindeer sledding

What to expect on a Northern Lights reindeer safari in Rovaniemi

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A peaceful Arctic journey

Your reindeer adventure begins with easy transfers from Rovaniemi City Center or Santa Claus Village, ensuring a smooth evening without the hassle of navigating dark, snowy roads.

Step into Lappish tradition

Local experts share stories about the deep connection between the Sámi people and their herds, of migration across tundra, and how reindeer have sustained families through harsh Arctic winters, shaping both daily survival and cultural identity in the far north.

Ride beneath the northern sky

Climb into a sleigh lined with warm furs and let your reindeer lead the way through the silent, snow-covered forest. The steady hooves and the creak of the sled create a sense of timeless calm, while the vast Arctic sky stretches above, the perfect backdrop for spotting the Northern Lights.

Chasing the Aurora

After the sleigh ride, your guide takes you deeper into the wilderness to search for the Aurora Borealis from quiet, open locations. Whether the lights appear in vivid green or faint silver, the experience feels intimate and awe-inspiring.

Stories and warmth to end the night

Back at the farm, sip something warm as you listen to more tales about reindeer herding and Arctic folklore. With small-group settings and expert guidance, these evenings feel personal, unhurried, and deeply rooted in Lapland’s way of life.

Things to know before booking your Northern Lights reindeer ride

Reindeer rides usually take place in the evening, when skies are darkest and the Aurora shines brightest. The 15–25 minute rides move at a calm, steady pace, perfect for soaking in the Arctic night’s silence and watching the sky.
As with any Aurora chase, sightings can never be guaranteed. Your guides will choose remote, low-light areas, such as forest clearings or lakeshores, to improve your chances, but clear skies and solar activity ultimately determine the show.
These experiences are deeply rooted in the centuries-old traditions of the Sámi, Lapland’s Indigenous herders. Many visits include family-run farms where you can learn about reindeer herding, feed the animals, and even earn a reindeer ‘driver’s license’ as a keepsake.
Some tours like the day and evening tour combine the Aurora ride with visits to husky farms or Santa Claus Village, offering a full day of Arctic adventure. These combo options are perfect for travelers with limited time who want to experience more without juggling multiple bookings.
Reindeer sleigh rides are among the most accessible Arctic activities, suitable for children and older guests alike. However, they’re not wheelchair-accessible, as boarding and exiting the sleigh requires stepping into soft snow.
Lapland’s reindeer are semi-domesticated and cared for under strict welfare standards. Every tour is designed around their comfort, with small groups, short rides, and a gentle pace.

Find your perfect reindeer adventure

Experience	Best for	Duration	Inclusions	Transfers	Add-ons	Starts from
Northern Lights & sledding	Enjoying a peaceful sleigh ride & guided Aurora chase for the best chance of spotting the Northern Lights away from city lights	3.5 to 4 hours, 20 mins sleigh ride	Reindeer ride, Aurora chase by car, visit to reindeer farm, English-speaking guide, winter overalls and boots, Finnish snacks, hot blueberry juice	Pick-up and drop-off from selected hotels in the Rovaniemi city center	Multi-language guide options (German, French, Italian, Spanish, Chinese)	€200
Day & evening tour	Experiencing multiple Arctic highlights in one day with seamless animal encounters, Santa’s Village visit, & an evening Northern Lights hunt	7 hours, 500m husky ride	500m husky ride, 400m reindeer ride, Santa’s Pets visit, Aurora hunt (2 stops), English-speaking driver-guide, Fazer chocolate, hot fruit/berry tea, winter clothing	Hotel pick-up in premium vehicles	All taxes & service fees	€259

Popular activities & stops along the way

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Traditional reindeer farms

Visit working reindeer farms where local herders introduce you to their animals and explain how reindeer herding remains central to Sámi culture.

Time required: 30 to 45 minutes
Activities: Feed the reindeer, learn herding traditions, take photos with the animals

Forest and lakeside trails

Ride through snowy woodland paths and frozen lakes, surrounded by the soft glow of lanterns and the sound of runners gliding through the snow.

Time required: 20 to 30 minutes (en route)
Activities: Scenic sleigh ride, winter photography, stargazing moments

Aurora lookout points

Venture deeper into the wilderness for the best chance of seeing the Northern Lights. Guides choose locations with open horizons and zero light pollution.

Time required: 1 to 1.5 hours (evening tours)
Activities: Aurora viewing, night photography, storytelling by guides

Fireside gathering areas

Pause at a rustic kota hut or open fire to warm up with hot blueberry juice and snacks while listening to tales of Arctic folklore.

Time required: 20 to 30 minutes
Activities: Hot drinks, folklore, relaxed group conversations

Santa Claus Village (on extended day tours)

On longer combo tours, the evening begins or ends with a visit to Santa Claus Village for a festive photo stop and Arctic Circle experience.

Time required: 1 to 2 hours
Activities: Santa meet-and-greet, Arctic Circle certificate, souvenir shopping

A typical evening timeline

6pm: Start your night with round-trip transfers from Rovaniemi City Center or Santa Claus Village to a nearby reindeer farm. Meet your guide, suit up in warm overalls, and prepare for a quiet evening in Lapland’s wilderness.
6:30pm: Feed the reindeer, learn about their care, and get a closer glimpse into how these gentle animals have sustained Arctic life for centuries.
7pm: Climb into a sleigh and let the reindeer lead you through snow-dusted pine forests. The ride lasts around 20 minutes, offering a calm, rhythmic journey under the winter night sky.
7:30pm: After your ride, enjoy hot blueberry juice and Finnish snacks by a crackling fire.
8pm: Guides take you to clear, dark-sky locations known for frequent aurora sightings, where you can photograph the lights as they shimmer above Lapland’s silent wilderness.
9:30pm: After an unforgettable evening, relax on your drive back to Rovaniemi, carrying with you the calm of Lapland’s night.

Plan your Northern Lights reindeer ride

Reindeer pulling a sled through snowy forest in Lapland.

Day & evening tour: Santa's pets, sledding & Aurora hunt: 9am
Rovaniemi: Northern Lights with reindeer sledding: 7pm

Note:

The full-day tour runs approximately 7 hours, combining reindeer and husky rides with Santa’s Village and an evening Aurora chase.
The evening reindeer safari takes about 3.5 hours, beginning after dusk to maximize your chances of seeing the Northern Lights in remote locations.
As Aurora conditions vary, the evening may extend slightly to allow better viewing opportunities.

The ideal season for a Northern Lights reindeer safari is December through March, when thick snow blankets the trails and the long Arctic nights create perfect viewing conditions.

Time of night:

Tours usually start between 6pm and 8pm, ensuring the ride takes place under the stars with enough time afterward for Aurora viewing. The 9pm to 11pm period usually provides the best balance of visibility and activity for Northern Lights photography.

Good to know:

Choose January to February for peak snow and crisp skies, or March for milder temperatures and a more relaxed experience.
Reindeer rides are kept short in extreme cold to ensure the comfort and well-being of both guests and animals.

Van parked under Northern Lights during Northern Lights Camp Visit

Round-trip transfers from Rovaniemi City Center or Santa Claus Village, with pick-up from select hotels.
Local Sámi or Lappish guides sharing cultural insights and stories about reindeer herding traditions.
Traditional Lappish shelters or kota huts with open fires to relax and warm up between activities.
Warm clothing and winter accessories provided, including thermal suits, boots, mittens, and hats.
Child-friendly amenities such as booster seats for transfers and shorter sleigh rides for comfort.
Hot drinks and light snacks served during the experience, often by the fire.

Snowmobile riders preparing gear at Arctic Circle Snowmobile Park, Lapland.

Warm thermal underlayers and thick socks to wear beneath provided winter gear.
A scarf and insulating gloves for extra comfort during the sleigh ride.
A camera or smartphone with a tripod or stabilizer for Northern Lights photography.
Power bank or spare batteries, as cold weather drains devices quickly.
Sunglasses for daytime departures in late winter, when snow glare increases.
Personal medication and any essentials for a few hours outdoors in sub-zero conditions.

Visitor tips & guidelines

Choose darker clothing or gear when possible, as lighter shades reflect more light and may reduce visibility when photographing the aurora.
Avoid applying perfume or scented lotion before meeting the reindeer, since strong smells can make them uneasy.
Keep movements slow and voices calm around the reindeer; they are gentle but easily startled by sudden gestures.
Carry a sealable bag for small electronics and lenses to prevent condensation when moving between cold and warm areas.
Ask your guide to help you adjust your sleigh blanket properly before the ride; small gaps can quickly lead to cold spots.
Turn off your camera flash during night rides to preserve the quiet, natural atmosphere of the reindeer forest.

Frequently asked questions about Northern Lights reindeer tours

Rides usually last between 400m and 1km, depending on the ticket, giving guests a peaceful 10 to 20 minutes on the sleigh.