Rovaniemi: Horse Sleigh Ride under the Night Sky

If you’re imagining a quiet, snowy landscape illuminated by the flickering glow of the Northern Lights, then a horse sleigh ride in Rovaniemi might just be your ideal winter adventure. While we haven’t personally taken this tour, the glowing reviews and detailed descriptions make it clear this experience offers a blend of natural beauty, cultural storytelling, and cozy comfort. It’s perfect if you’re craving a peaceful escape into the Arctic wilderness, especially if you’re drawn to the magic of the Northern Lights, Finnish horses, and winter traditions.

What we really like about this experience is how it combines both the thrill of seeking the Aurora with a genuinely warm, communal atmosphere—think campfires, hot drinks, and stories. Plus, riding through snow-covered forests on a rustic sleigh feels incredibly special, giving you a sense of the tranquil side of Lapland. One thing to consider, however, is the unpredictability of the Northern Lights—they might appear faint or not at all during your ride, which is worth keeping in mind when planning this as a key part of your trip.

This tour is well-suited for travelers who enjoy scenic, laid-back experiences and want a taste of traditional Lapland life without too much physical activity. It’s especially appealing if you’re looking for a cozy, atmospheric outing that’s accessible even if you’re not a hiking enthusiast.

Key Points

• Scenic Snowy Landscapes: Ride through frost-covered forests and snowy trails, capturing the quiet beauty of Lapland’s winter.
• Aurora Hunting: While there’s a chance you might see the Northern Lights, their appearance depends on the night’s conditions.
• Cultural Stories: The guide shares legends about the Northern Lights and talks about Finnish horses, adding a layer of cultural insight.
• Comfort & Warmth: Warm blankets, hot drinks, and sausages make the chilly evening welcoming.
• Group Experience: Each sleigh seats about six to eight people, creating an intimate atmosphere.
• Flexible Booking & Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance makes it easier to plan with flexibility.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Horse Sleigh Ride Experience

Setting the Scene: What the Tour Offers

This three-hour adventure begins with your pick-up from either Rovaniemi city center or Santa Claus Village, depending on what’s most convenient for you. Once you arrive at Apukka Resort, you’ll be introduced to the rustic charm of traditional Finnish sleighs, pulled by beautiful horses—Finn Horses, known for their strength and calm demeanor. The experience combines a 3 km horse sleigh ride through scenic winter terrain with storytelling, hot drinks, and a warm campfire.

The journey is designed to be relaxed, allowing you to savor the quiet beauty of the Arctic at night. Riding in a sleigh cocooned in blankets, you’ll glide past snow-laden trees and across snowy trails crafted specially for this experience. It’s a chance to slow down and fully appreciate the peacefulness of Lapland’s winter landscape.

What Makes It Special: Highlights of the Tour

One of the major draws is the possibility of seeing the Aurora Borealis. As the night sky fills with stars, you’ll be encouraged to look up and keep your fingers crossed. There’s always that bit of hope that the Northern Lights will dance across the sky, creating a truly memorable sight. Even if the auroras stay faint or absent, the experience of riding through the snow under the stars is calming and beautiful in its own right.

The stories and legends shared by guides about the Northern Lights and Finnish horses add a layer of cultural richness. We loved the way the guides intertwine folklore with facts, making the experience both entertaining and educational. It’s a nice touch that emphasizes local traditions and history.

The Cozy Campfire & Refreshments

At the forest’s edge, a blazing bonfire invites you to warm your hands and enjoy hot drinks and sausages served in traditional wooden cups. This simple, rustic setting creates a cozy atmosphere that contrasts beautifully with the icy outdoors. As you sip your hot beverage, you can listen to more stories about the Arctic skies and the folklore surrounding the Northern Lights, which helps set the mood of the whole adventure.

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The Logistics & Practical Details

The tour includes thermal overall clothing, thermal boots, woolen socks, mittens, and a balaclava, so you won’t need to worry about dressing too warmly. Just remember to wear weather-appropriate clothing underneath. The group size is small enough to feel intimate but large enough to maintain a lively, social vibe.

Your pickup time from Rovaniemi or Santa Claus Village is confirmed via email, and if needed, transfers are included. The duration is about 3 hours, making it a manageable evening activity that won’t take up your entire night.

What People Are Saying

From reviews, it’s clear that many find this tour truly memorable. One traveler called it “simply magical,” praising the rustic carriage, the campfire, and the stunning Northern Lights, even noting that they saw their most beautiful Aurora formations during the tour. Another appreciated the storytelling aspect, even mentioning that language barriers didn’t detract from the overall enjoyment.

Some travelers, however, did not see the Aurora or saw only a faint one, which is a reminder that nature is unpredictable. Still, most found the scenery and the overall experience to be worth it, highlighting the beautiful views and tranquility as major highlights.

The Practical Side: What to Know Before You Go

• Weather & Clothing: Dress warmly in weather-appropriate gear, as it gets very cold at night. The tour provides thermal clothing, but layering is always a good idea.
• Duration & Timing: The ride lasts about 2.5 hours, and start times vary. Be sure to check availability and confirm your pickup details.
• Group Size & Seating: Each sleigh fits about six to eight guests; guides will seat families and groups together whenever possible.
• Accessibility: Not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users, so consider this if you or your companions have mobility issues.
• Cost & Value: While not the cheapest activity, the combination of scenic beauty, cultural storytelling, and cozy comfort offers good value for a memorable Arctic night.
• Cancellation & Flexibility: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing some peace of mind if your plans change.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re after a peaceful, scenic experience that combines nature, culture, and comfort, you’ll find plenty to enjoy here. It’s particularly fitting if you’re seeking a romantic outing, a culture, or a gentle adventure that doesn’t require strenuous activity. Families with older children might also find it appealing, especially if they enjoy stories and cozy atmospheres.

This tour isn’t ideal if you’re hoping for a guaranteed Aurora sighting, as that depends on the night’s conditions. However, even if the lights stay faint, the quiet beauty of the snow-covered forest and the charm of traditional Finnish horses make it worthwhile.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s generally suitable for older children who can enjoy a calm ride and storytelling. Keep in mind that a short walk is required to reach the horses, and the experience involves being outdoors in cold weather.

What should I wear?
Layering with warm, weather-appropriate clothing is recommended. The tour supplies thermal overall, boots, socks, mittens, and a balaclava to keep you warm during the ride.

Can I see the Northern Lights on this tour?
There’s always a chance, but aurora sightings depend on the weather and solar activity. The guides share stories regardless, making the experience meaningful whether or not you see the lights.

How long is the sleigh ride?
The actual horse sleigh ride covers about 3 km and lasts around 2.5 hours, including stops and the campfire.

What’s included in the price?
The tour fee covers the horse sleigh ride, guiding and storytelling, hot drinks and sausages, winter clothing, and transfers if needed.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, pickups from Rovaniemi city center or Santa Claus Village are included, and times are confirmed via email after booking.

What if I miss my pickup?
Refunds aren’t available if you miss the pickup, so arrive on time and keep an eye on your email for confirmation.

Are the guides professional?
Absolutely. The sleighs are operated by experienced guides who ensure safety and provide engaging stories.

Is this experience family-friendly?
While generally suitable for older children, it’s best for those who can handle outdoor cold weather and a gentle ride.

The Rovaniemi horse sleigh ride offers a lovely way to experience Lapland’s winter landscape with a touch of culture and tradition. Its scenic route, intimate group size, and cozy campfire make it a delightful choice for those looking for a peaceful Arctic adventure. While the Northern Lights are never guaranteed, the overall atmosphere, stories, and stunning snowy scenery create a memorable evening—one that’s perfect for anyone wanting to slow down and savor the quiet beauty of Lapland under the stars.

If you’re not expecting a high-energy activity but rather a calm, scenic outing with cultural flavor, this tour is well worth considering. Just remember to dress warmly, keep your expectations flexible regarding the Aurora, and enjoy the magic of a snowy night in the Arctic.

You can check availability for your dates here: