Rovaniemi: Husky and reindeer farm visit with sleigh rides

If you’re planning a trip to Lapland and considering an experience that combines Arctic animals, scenic sleigh rides, and a touch of local culture, this tour might be on your radar. We haven’t personally been on this specific tour, but based on detailed descriptions and reviews, we can give you a good sense of what to expect. It’s a solid choice for those who want a well-organized, family-friendly excursion with opportunities to learn about huskies and reindeer, plus enjoy some scenic rides.

What we really like about this experience is the chance to connect with Arctic animals in a natural setting and the inclusion of guided tours that promise insights into the animals’ lives. The hot drinks and snacks add a cozy touch, especially after some outdoor activity. One thing to keep in mind: if you’re excited about participating in sledge rides, you’ll want to check the timing—before December 1st, those rides aren’t included, and you’ll need to pay separately on the spot.

This tour is best suited for anyone eager to have a relaxed, educational, and scenic encounter with Lapland’s iconic animals. It’s not a high-adrenaline adventure but offers a good balance of activity, learning, and comfort. Families with children or anyone wanting a gentle introduction to the Arctic wilderness should find it quite appealing, though those wanting a more immersive or intimate dogs or reindeers experience may want to consider other options.

Key Points

• Educational focus: Learn about huskies and reindeer from guides who know their stuff.
• Scenic sleigh rides: Enjoy a 1km husky sledge and 400m reindeer sledge ride—great for visualizing the Arctic lifestyle.
• Family friendly: Suitable for all ages, with gentle activities and plenty of photo opportunities.
• Flexible options: Sledge rides are optional and paid separately if booked before December 1st.
• Convenience: Hotel pickup and drop-off included, making logistics simple.
• Value for the price: At $284 per person, it offers a nice mix of experiences, hot drinks, and transportation—though it might seem a tad pricey for just a few hours.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour

The Itinerary Breakdown

The tour kicks off with hotel pickup within Rovaniemi, which is a huge plus if you want to avoid the hassle of renting a car or navigating public transport in winter conditions. The guide, speaking fluent English, will be your host for the day. Expect to meet your group and head towards the husky and reindeer farms, which are the core attractions.

Once at the husky farm, you’ll get a guided tour of the kennels and learn about these powerful, friendly dogs. Guides are typically knowledgeable and eager to share insights, making this part both educational and fun. You’ll see how the huskies are cared for and learn about their role in Lapland’s culture and history. The highlight is the 1km sledge ride—you’ll be bundled up, then held on as a team of eager huskies pulls your sled across the snowy landscape. It’s a simple yet exhilarating activity that offers a genuine taste of Arctic travel.

Next, you’ll move on to the reindeer farm. Here, the focus shifts to these gentle creatures, which are vital to Lapland’s indigenous Sami culture. You can feed the reindeer, gaining a closer look at their calm nature and importance. After the visit, there’s the option to take a 400m reindeer sledge ride, giving you an authentic experience of Sámi traditions. Note, however, that if you’re visiting before December 1st, these rides are not included, and you’ll need to pay separately—roughly €20 for reindeer, and €45 for the husky sledge.

Throughout the day, you’ll enjoy hot drinks and snacks in a cozy setting, which is perfect after outdoor activities. The tour wraps up with transportation back to your hotel, making it easy to relax after your Arctic adventure.

What the Reviews Say

One reviewer described the experience as “very well-organized and unhurried,” emphasizing the professionalism of the guide and the overall smooth flow of activities. They appreciated the way the tour balanced engagement with the animals and the scenic rides.

Another review pointed out some limitations, noting that while the information about reindeer was very interesting, the sleigh rides felt a bit circular and impersonal. They also expressed disappointment about the huskies being kept in small kennels with no direct contact or insight into their lives, describing the experience as “very commercial.” This highlights that, like many tours, it can be a bit scripted, and animal welfare is a consideration worth thinking about.

The Price and What’s Included

At $284 per person, the tour offers quite a bit: hotel pickup, guided visits, sledge rides, hot drinks, and snacks. For many, this price could seem steep for just four hours, but considering the transportation logistics, the guided insights, and the chance to enjoy authentic Arctic animal encounters, it’s a reasonable value. The optional sledge rides, payable on-site if you wish to participate earlier in the season, add another layer of authenticity—though they’re not included in the initial price before December 1st.

The tour also offers flexibility with free cancellation (up to 24 hours) and the option to reserve now and pay later, which is helpful if your plans aren’t yet set.

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Practical Details and Considerations

• Duration: Approximate 4 hours, including transportation and activities.
• Start times: Check availability for specific hours.
• Pickup: Hotel pickup within 5 km of Rovaniemi, with instructions to wait 10 minutes before scheduled time.
• Not Included: Overalls (so dress warmly), and water (bring your own if needed).
• Language: English-speaking guides ensure clear communication, especially important when learning about animals or Sami culture.
• Timing note: Before December 1st, sledge rides are not included, but you can pay separately for them.

Visualizing the Experience

Imagine stepping off your cozy hotel into a crisp, snowy landscape. The guides are friendly and knowledgeable, explaining how huskies are bred and trained for Arctic work, and showing you how reindeer are herded and cared for. The thrill of a 1km husky sledge ride cuts through the silence of the snow-covered wilderness, with the wind in your face and a team of eager dogs pulling you along. Then, feeding reindeer and riding in a reindeer sleigh offers a peaceful, almost meditative glimpse into indigenous ways of life, set against the backdrop of Lapland’s winter beauty.

The Realities

While many reviewers praise the professional guides and beautiful scenery, some point out that the animal enclosures are small and that the tour is more commercial than an immersive farm experience. If your main goal is to interact closely with the animals or see them in a more natural setting, other options might suit better. Still, for a balanced, family-friendly introduction to Arctic animals, this tour hits the right notes.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience works well for travelers who want a convenient, guided overview of Lapland’s iconic animals and scenery without spending hours in transit or engaging in more intense activities. It’s particularly suited for families, first-timers, and those with limited mobility who prefer a relaxed pace. If you’re interested in learning about Sami culture or simply want a beautiful, photo-worthy experience, you’ll probably enjoy this tour.

However, if your focus is on animal welfare or getting up close and personal with the dogs and reindeer in a more natural, less commercial environment, you might want to look for more specialized or smaller-scale experiences.

Common Questions

Do I need to bring my own overalls or warm clothing?
You don’t need to bring overalls—they’re not included, but dressing warmly in layers is advised, especially for outdoor activities.

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a guided tour at the husky park, a 1km sledge ride, a visit to the reindeer farm, a 400m reindeer sledge ride, hot drinks, and snacks.

Can I participate in sledge rides before December 1st?
No, sledge rides are not included before December 1st. If you want to ride, you’ll need to pay on the spot—roughly €20 for reindeer, €45 for huskies.

How long does the tour last?
It’s approximately four hours, including transportation and activities.

Is this experience suitable for children?
Yes, it is family-friendly, but keep in mind that the rides are gentle and the pace relaxed, making it suitable for kids and adults alike.

What if I want a more immersive experience with the animals?
This tour offers a good overview but is somewhat commercial and controlled. For deeper, more interactive encounters, other tours might be better suited.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included within 5 km of Rovaniemi.

Will I see Arctic animals in their natural habitat?
You’ll visit farms and kennels designed to showcase these animals, but they are in controlled environments, not wild.

What should I wear?
Dress warmly in layers, as you’ll be outdoors in cold weather. Bring gloves, hats, and waterproof clothing for comfort.

Final Words

This husky and reindeer farm experience in Rovaniemi offers a straightforward, well-organized way to get a taste of Arctic life. It’s perfect for those who want to see and learn about some of Lapland’s most iconic animals without a lot of fuss or time commitment. While it’s not an off-the-beaten-path adventure, it strikes a good balance between fun, education, and comfort.

If you’re after a family-friendly, scenic introduction to Arctic animals, this tour is worth considering. Just remember that if you’re looking for more immersive or animal-welfare-conscious experiences, exploring other options may be beneficial. Overall, it’s a solid choice for a memorable day in Lapland.

Hope this helps you decide if this tour fits your Arctic adventure plans. Feel free to ask if you want more details about other experiences or tips for your trip!

You can check availability for your dates here: