Top things to do in Rovaniemi

Experience Lapland’s most complete Arctic adventure as you ride snowmobiles through frozen forests, visit husky and reindeer farms, and learn about the traditions that define life in the North. These full-day tours blend outdoor excitement with wildlife encounters and genuine local culture.

Overview

  • Tour duration: 6-hour full-day small-group safari
  • Cost range: €188 to €198, depending on tour and add-ons
  • Best time to visit: December to March for the best trail conditions and daylight balance
  • Meeting/drop-off point: Snowmobile Park City Office or hotel transfers within Rovaniemi
  • Key attractions: 1-hour snowmobile safari through frozen forests, visits to husky and reindeer farms, short sleigh rides, Santa Claus Village exploration, Arctic photo stops
  • Recommended tour: The highlights tour: Santa Claus Village, husky, & reindeer sledding

What to expect on a snowmobile safari in Rovaniemi

Snowmobile riders preparing gear at Arctic Circle Snowmobile Park, Lapland.
Snowmobile tour through snowy forest in Lapland.
Teenage boy kneeling in snow with husky dog, traditional tents in background.
Kettle over campfire in snowy Lapland forest for blueberry tea preparation.
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Adventure made effortless

Every snowmobile tour begins with easy transfers from Rovaniemi City Center or Santa Claus Village, ensuring a stress-free start to your Arctic day. Once at the base, your guide provides winter overalls, helmets, boots, and gloves, along with a clear safety briefing, so even first-time riders can feel confident before heading into the wilderness.

Ride through frozen wilderness

Snowmobiling lets you explore Lapland’s untouched wilderness, gliding across frozen lakes and through snowy forests. On self-driven sleds, two people share one snowmobile, taking turns driving and enjoying the view, or you can choose a guided sled ride for a more relaxed experience.

Meet Lapland’s Arctic animals

Many tours combine snowmobiling with visits to local husky and reindeer farms, giving you a glimpse of both Lapland’s wild energy and quiet traditions. Meet the huskies before a short sleigh ride, then slow down for a gentle** reindeer glide, while learning how local families care for their animals and preserve centuries-old herding and sledding practices.

Comfort and connection throughout

Between activities, you’ll pause to warm up with hot berry juice or snacks by the fire. Guides share insights about Lapland’s wildlife, culture, and the extreme seasons that define life in the North, turning your adventure into a deeper understanding of the region.

Things to know before booking your snowmobile tour

  • All tours include round-trip transfers from Rovaniemi city center, usually from the Snowmobile Park City Office or Safari House. Premium full-day options often include hotel pickup within 12 km. Arrive a few minutes early, as tours leave right on schedule and missed pickups can’t be refunded.
  • Every tour begins with a safety briefing and practice session. You can drive your own snowmobile, ride as a passenger, or, if traveling with young children, sit together in a sledge pulled by your guide’s snowmobile.
  • Have your class B driver’s license ready if you’d like to drive. You’re liable for damages up to €950, but optional insurance before departure can reduce that to €150.
  • Full-day combo safaris offer the perfect balance of adventure and tradition, letting you ride snowmobiles through frozen forests and enjoy reindeer and husky sleds in one seamless day without extra cost or the hassle of multiple bookings.
  • If you want a fast-paced, thrill-first experience, choose sledding tours with longer snowmobile routes. However, if you want to spend more time interacting with the animals, pick the highlights tour featuring Santa Claus Village, animal farms, and a hearty local lunch.
  • With small groups of around eight guests, premium gear, and the chance to experience three Lapland icons in one itinerary, these tours offer a personal, well-paced adventure.

Find your perfect snowmobile adventure

ExperienceBest forDurationInclusionsTransfersAdd-onsStarts from
Snowmobile + animal sledding

Guests who want an active Arctic day, combining the thrill of snowmobiling with authentic husky and reindeer encounters

6 hours

1-hr shared snowmobile ride, 500m husky sleigh, 500m reindeer sleigh, reindeer driver’s license, English-speaking guide, helmet, balaclava, winter clothing, hot berry juice & biscuits

Round-trip transfers from Rovaniemi city center

Optional single-driver upgrade, on-site damage-reduction insurance (€15)

€198

Highlights tour

Travelers seeking a relaxed, family-friendly day of Lapland highlights with animal rides, a Santa Claus Village visit, and a warm lunch included

6 hours

500m reindeer ride, 500m husky ride, Santa Claus Village visit, Reindeer Driver’s License, English-speaking guide, traditional salmon soup lunch, winter clothing

Round-trip transfers from Rovaniemi city center

Vegetarian lunch option, children’s mini snowmobile experience

€188

Eco-friendly, safe, & thrilling snowmobile adventures

Our snowmobile tours are committed to sustainability, using eco-friendly equipment, sticking to designated trails, and ensuring wildlife remains undisturbed, all while prioritizing your safety and comfort for an unforgettable adventure in Lapland’s pristine wilderness.

Highlights of your snowmobile & animal safari

Guests riding snowmobiles through snowy forest in Zakopane.

Drive your own snowmobile

Take the wheel of your snowmobile and glide across icy lakes and forest trails, feeling the rush of cold air and the freedom of exploring Lapland’s vast winter wilderness at your own pace.

Visitors enjoying snowmobiles in snowy Zakopane forest.
Reindeer pulling sled with two people in snowy Rovaniemi forest.
Husky sledding through snowy forest in Lapland during winter.
Couple sitting by a fire inside a Finnish kota in Rovaniemi.
Snowmobilers riding through snowy forest in Lapland during winter.
Reindeer pulling a sled through snowy forest in Lapland.
Husky sledding through snowy forest near Rovaniemi.
Children with Santa Claus at Santa Claus Village, Rovaniemi, Finland.
Tourists warming hands by a campfire in snowy Rovaniemi, Finland.
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Snowmobile trails & Arctic wilderness

Ride through Rovaniemi’s surrounding forests, across frozen rivers, and over wide-open snowy plains, a mix of speed, scenery, and silence unique to Lapland.

  • Time required: 1 hour
  • Activities: Guided snowmobile drive, photo stops, panoramic viewpoints

Reindeer farms

Meet reindeer herders, learn about their centuries-old traditions, and enjoy a short sleigh ride through peaceful snowfields.

  • Time required: 45 minutes
  • Activities: Reindeer sleigh ride, herder interaction, reindeer driver’s license souvenir

Husky farms

Meet energetic huskies and their mushers, discover how the dogs are trained for winter work, and enjoy a brief sled ride through the snow.

  • Time required: 45 minutes
  • Activities: Short husky ride, kennel visit, musher Q&A, photo opportunities

Santa Claus Village

A favorite stop on full-day tours, Santa Claus Village adds a festive touch to the experience. Meet Santa, cross the Arctic Circle, and explore its restaurants and shops.

  • Time required: 1.5 to 2 hours
  • Activities: Santa meet-and-greet, Arctic Circle certificate, souvenir shopping

Wilderness campfire rest

Take a break in a rustic kota hut or open camp, warming up with hot berry juice and biscuits surrounded by the Arctic stillness.

  • Time required: 20 to 30 minutes
  • Activities: Fireside break, hot refreshments, guided storytelling

A typical snowmobile safari timeline

  • 10am: Begin your adventure with round-trip transfers from Rovaniemi City Center, or meet your guide at the Snowmobile Park City Office or Safari House. Suit up in thermal overalls and snowmobile gear, then join your guide for a quick safety briefing before setting off into the snowy trails.
  • 10:30am: Set off on a 1-hour guided ride across frozen forests and open landscapes. Stop along the way for photos and driver swaps to make the most of the experience.
  • 11:30am: Arrive at a traditional reindeer farm, where you’ll meet the herders and take a short 500m sleigh ride. Feed the reindeer and receive your ‘Reindeer Driver’s License’ as a keepsake.
  • 12:30pm: Pause for warm berry juice and biscuits outdoors before continuing your journey through Lapland’s snowy countryside.
  • 1pm: At the husky farm, meet the dogs, learn how they’re trained, and enjoy a 500m husky-pulled ride. Capture photos with your husky team before saying goodbye.
  • 2:30pm: Your adventure wraps up with transfers back to the city, leaving you with memories of snowmobiling, sled rides, and the warm spirit of Lapland’s Arctic animals.

Plan your snowmobile ride

Santa Claus Village in Lapland with snow-covered trees and festive lights.
  • Snowmobile & animal sledding experiences: 10am
  • The highlights tour: Santa Claus Village, husky, & reindeer sledding: 8:45am

Note:

  • Both tours last around 6 hours, combining snowmobiling, husky and reindeer sledding, and farm visits, with breaks for photos and refreshments.
  • On the highlights tour, children under 150cm can enjoy a 10-minute mini snowmobile ride in a safe, supervised area, a fun bonus for younger guests.
  • Schedules may shift slightly with daylight hours and weather, especially in mid-winter when days are shorter.
Snowmobiles on snowy terrain during Iceland's Golden Circle tour.

The best time for snowmobile adventures in Rovaniemi is from December to March, when frozen lakes, packed trails, and consistent daylight create ideal riding conditions. These months guarantee solid snow cover, safe ice routes, and excellent visibility for exploring Lapland’s forests and open tundra.

Time of night:

  • Tours usually start in the late morning between 9am and 10am, when the temperature has eased slightly from the early-morning chill. The sun sits low in the sky, casting a golden glow over the snow, a highlight of winter in Lapland.

Good to know:

  • For families and first-timers, February to March offers the best balance of light, comfort, and snow reliability.
  • Early winter can mean shorter rides due to limited daylight, while late winter offers longer excursions and clearer skies.

Most snowmobile tours depart from either the Snowmobile Park City Office (Koskikatu 8) or the Safari House (Joulumaantie 5), both located within easy reach of central Rovaniemi.

  • From Rovaniemi hotels: Guests staying downtown can often walk to the City Office in under 10 minutes. Hotels on the outskirts are connected by taxis that take around 5 to 10 minutes.
  • From Rovaniemi Airport: About 8 km from the City Center, the airport is roughly 15 minutes by taxi or shuttle.
  • From Rovaniemi Railway Station: The station is only 2km away, so it’s a quick 5-minute taxi ride or a pleasant 20-minute walk to the City Office.
  • From Santa Claus Village: The Village sits 8km north of the City Center and is linked by local buses and taxis, with an average travel time of 15 to 20 minutes.

Round-trip transfers are included in most packages, so once you reach the meeting point, your guide provides warm gear and handles all transport between activities throughout the day.

Van used for Lapland Lake Ice Floating transfers under Northern Lights.
  • Round-trip transfers from Rovaniemi City Center or Safari House, with transport between all activities included.
  • Expert English-speaking guides providing snowmobile instruction and safety briefings.
  • Full winter clothing and protective gear, including thermal overalls, boots, gloves, helmets, and balaclavas.
  • Heated rest stops or campfire shelters between rides for warming up and refreshments.
  • Visits to husky and reindeer farms with opportunities for short sled rides and cultural interactions.
  • Mini snowmobile rides for children under 150 cm, ensuring the tour is fun for all ages.
  • Hot drinks and light snacks during breaks, with salmon soup lunch included on full-day tours.
Woman in snow gear with helmet and goggles on a snowy mountain.
  • A valid driver’s license (Class B) if you plan to operate a snowmobile; digital copies are not accepted.
  • Warm base layers and thick socks to wear under provided snow gear.
  • Protective eyewear or sunglasses to reduce glare from snow during daytime rides.
  • Camera or GoPro with a wrist mount or chest strap for hands-free filming.
  • Lip balm and moisturizer to protect skin from cold, dry winds.
  • Personal medication and any necessary travel documents or insurance details.

Visitor tips & guidelines

  • Tuck a thin neck gaiter inside your snowmobile helmet for added warmth without bulk.
  • Keep a small flashlight or headlamp ready for early evening or twilight rides when visibility can change quickly.
  • Double-check that all zippers and straps on your overalls are fully closed before starting the ride to prevent wind seepage.
  • Bring a waterproof phone pouch or small case for quick access to your device during photo stops.
  • Avoid placing your gloves directly near open fires during rest breaks, as the fabric can easily scorch.
  • Ask your guide about local wildlife tracks during photo stops; spotting fox or moose prints adds an unexpected highlight to the snowmobile route.

Other Arctic experiences in Rovaniemi

Continue your Arctic journey with additional must-see experiences. Whether you're taking a husky safari under the Northern Lights, gliding through snowy forests on a reindeer sleigh, or visiting Santa Claus Village, there’s no shortage of winter magic in Lapland.

Frequently asked questions about snowmobile tours

Do I need previous experience to drive a snowmobile?

No, beginners are welcome. Professional guides provide a detailed safety briefing and hands-on instruction before setting out.

Can two people share one snowmobile?

Yes, each snowmobile is typically shared by two adults, with the option to switch drivers halfway through the route to ensure both get a chance to experience the ride.

Is a driving license required?

Yes, a valid Class B driving license (physical copy) is required to operate a snowmobile. Passengers do not need one.

What happens if I damage the snowmobile?

Drivers are responsible for minor damages up to a fixed amount, usually €950, though optional insurance is available to reduce liability.

How fast do snowmobiles go during the tour?

Speeds are kept moderate for comfort and safety, typically between 30 and 50 km/h, with guides adjusting the pace to suit snow conditions and the group’s confidence level.

Are there restroom facilities along the route?

Rest stops and farm visits include warm indoor areas or heated shelters, offering a chance to relax and freshen up mid-tour.

Is it safe for children to join?

Yes, children ride safely in a sledge pulled by the guide’s snowmobile, and younger kids can enjoy a supervised mini snowmobile ride.

Can I use my phone for navigation or filming while driving?

It’s safer to keep your phone secured while driving. Guides schedule stops for photos and videos along scenic parts of the route.

What if I feel cold during the ride?

You can request to pause briefly or warm up at designated rest points; guides ensure everyone stays comfortable.