Lapland Reindeer and Husky Safari from Rovaniemi

If you’re planning a trip to Rovaniemi and want a taste of Arctic magic without spending the entire day in tours, the Lapland Reindeer and Husky Safari might be just what you’re after. From what we’ve seen, this experience offers a delightful blend of traditional Sami culture, adorable huskies, and scenic snow-covered landscapes. It’s perfect for those who want a quick yet memorable Arctic adventure that balances fun with authenticity.

What we really appreciate about this tour is the chance to meet and learn about reindeer at a local farm, and then hop into a reindeer-drawn sleigh for a gentle glide through snowy woods. Plus, the husky sled ride adds a dash of adrenaline and companionship, with the opportunity to pet and interact with energetic sled dogs. An added bonus: a cozy hot drink to warm up after the rides.

That said, a potential downside is that the duration of certain activities is quite short—the reindeer ride is around 2-3 minutes, and the husky sled is approximately 2 km. If you’re expecting lengthy rides or a deep-dive into sledding, this might feel a bit rushed. However, for many, the quick bursts of authentic Arctic life make this tour a fantastic snapshot of Lapland.

This safari suits travelers who are short on time but eager for a genuine Arctic experience. Families, couples, or solo adventurers alike will find value here, especially if they appreciate well-organized tours and are happy with a fast-paced taste of wilderness life.

Key Points

• Authentic encounters with reindeer and huskies at family-run farms
• Short but scenic rides through snowy forests with knowledgeable guides
• All-in-one experience includes both reindeer and husky sleds plus cultural insights
• Convenient pickup from hotel and Santa Claus Village
• Favorable reviews highlight beautiful scenery and friendly guides
• Price point offers good value considering the inclusion of multiple activities and transfers

A Closer Look at the Tour Experience

The Lapland Reindeer and Husky Safari from Rovaniemi typically lasts around 3 hours, making it a perfect morning or afternoon outing if you’re pressed for time but still want a taste of Arctic life. The tour starts with a pickup from your hotel or Santa Claus Village, ensuring a hassle-free start that gets you straight into the action.

Once at the reindeer farm, you’ll get a short visit to familiarize yourself with these gentle animals. One thing our research shows is that visitors value the personalized attention from farm owners, who are passionate about their reindeer. You might enjoy hearing stories about Sami culture and the animals’ care. Plus, you’ll have the chance to pass an exam on reindeer sled handling and even receive a souvenir drivers license—adding a fun, memorable touch.

The reindeer sleigh ride involves a 500-meter glide pulled by these calm, friendly animals. While some reviews mention the ride is brief—around 2-3 minutes, many still find it worthwhile for the authentic experience and the chance to sit back and soak in the winter wonderland scenery. Afterward, you’ll receive the reindeer driving license, which is a cute keepsake.

Next is the visit to the husky farm. Here, you’ll meet a team of beautiful, energetic sled dogs that are well cared for, according to most reviews. The highlight for many is the 2 km husky sled ride—a lively, fast-paced trip across the snow. If you’re lucky, you’ll get a safety briefing and instructions beforehand, making you feel confident before hopping into the sled.

Reviewers frequently mention that the guides are friendly and knowledgeable. One even notes, “Slava was one of the best tour guides we ever had,” emphasizing how much a good guide enhances the experience. You’ll get some time to pet and hug the huskies, which is often a highlight for visitors, especially families or animal lovers.

To wrap up, a hot drink—be it coffee or sweet hot berry juice— awaits you, providing a cozy moment to reflect on your Arctic adventure. The tour concludes with drop-off at your hotel or Santa Claus Village, leaving you with memories of a fun, cultural, and scenic outing.

What Makes This Tour Noteworthy?

The authenticity of the farms is a significant plus. Unlike some tours that use touristy spots, this experience supports small family-run businesses. Many reviews mention the passionate farm owners and the genuine care for animals, which adds depth to the trip. Seeing reindeer and huskies in their natural environments, rather than highly commercialized settings, brings a real sense of connection.

The scenery can’t be overstated. Expect snow-covered forests, peaceful winter landscapes, and the silent beauty of the Arctic wilderness. The rides are short, but the views are stunning enough to leave a lasting impression.

The value for money is generally regarded as good. Priced at approximately $255 per person, the experience includes not only the rides but also transportation, a souvenir license, and warm drinks. This bundle makes it a practical choice for travelers wanting a well-rounded Arctic adventure without splurging on longer, more expensive excursions.

However, some reviews highlight areas for improvement, such as the brevity of rides and the location of husky rides—which are often at Santa Claus Village, rather than deep in the forest. If you’re expecting extended rides or a remote wilderness experience, this may not fully satisfy those desires.

The Itinerary in Detail

Pickup and Transfer

The tour begins with hotel pickup—you’ll be greeted at your accommodation or Santa Claus Village, which is a convenient start for most travelers. The transportation is generally reliable, and most reviews mention a smooth transfer.

Reindeer Farm Visit

Upon arrival, you’ll spend some time at a reindeer farm, where you can learn about reindeer care, Sami culture, and the animals themselves. The focus here is on education and cultural appreciation, making it a meaningful stop.

Reindeer Sleigh Ride

Next, you’ll settle into a reindeer-drawn sleigh for about 500 meters of gentle gliding through snowy woods. The brief ride is often cited as being around 2-3 minutes, but many reviewers agree that it’s still a charming, memorable experience. Some describe it as “beautiful,” with stunning winter scenery.

Reindeer Driving License

Following the ride, you’ll receive a souvenir reindeer driver’s license—a quirky, fun token to remember your Arctic journey.

Huskies and Sled Ride

The visit shifts to the husky farm, where you’ll meet friendly, energetic dogs. After a safety briefing, you’ll hop on a 2 km husky sled ride. Many find this the most exciting part, with the speed, the crisp air, and the companionship of the dogs making it a highlight.

Photo Opportunities and Animal Interaction

Throughout, most reviews mention the joy of petting and hugging the huskies and observing the reindeer up close. These moments tend to be treasured, especially for animal lovers or families.

Refreshment and Return

The tour ends with a warm drink, usually hot berry juice or coffee, giving you a chance to relax and chat about your favorite moments. The return transfer drops you back at your hotel or Santa Claus Village, typically feeling satisfied and with plenty of photos.

Practical Information and Tips

Duration: About 3 hours, making it a manageable, well-paced outing.
Price: Around $255 per person, which covers transport, multiple activities, and souvenirs.
Group Size: Usually limited to 15 travelers for a more intimate experience.
What to Wear: Dress warmly in layers—think thermal wear, hats, gloves, and insulated boots. Weather can be unpredictable, and staying warm is essential.
What’s Included: Guide service, hotel pickup/drop-off, reindeer and husky rides, souvenir license, and hot drinks.
What’s Not Included: Additional food/drinks outside the provided hot beverage, thermal outerwear (if needed), or food options beyond the hot drinks.

Booking Tip: The experience is popular—most travelers book about 81 days in advance—so planning ahead ensures you secure your spot during peak season.

Pros and Cons in a Nutshell

Pros:
– Authentic, family-run farms enhance the genuine feel
– Short rides fit well into a busy schedule
– Friendly, knowledgeable guides boost the experience
– Beautiful winter scenery and animal interactions
– Good value considering the included activities and transportation

Cons:
– Rides are brief, which may disappoint those wanting longer sledding adventures
– Husky rides often at Santa Claus Village, not deep in the forest
– Some reviews mention the condition of the husky kennels, raising ethical concerns for animal lovers
– Limited time at each stop, so don’t expect in-depth exploration

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This safari is ideal for those with limited time who want a quick but authentic taste of Lapland’s iconic animals and scenery. It’s suitable for families with children, couples, and solo travelers who appreciate a well-organized tour with friendly guides. If you’re interested in supporting small businesses and learning about Sami culture, you’ll find this experience especially rewarding.

However, if you’re after longer rides or more remote wilderness experiences, you might want to explore other options. This tour provides an excellent introduction to Arctic life in a safe, accessible package.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a reindeer sleigh ride, a husky sled ride, a souvenir reindeer license, and a hot drink, making it a convenient all-in-one Arctic experience.

How long does the tour last?
It runs for approximately 3 hours, offering enough time to enjoy both activities without feeling rushed.

Are the rides long enough?
The reindeer sleigh is about 500 meters, and the husky sled is around 2 km. Many travelers find these lengths ideal for a quick taste, though some wish for longer rides.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included within Rovaniemi city and Santa Claus Village areas.

Do I need to bring anything?
Dress warmly in winter layers—thermal underwear, hats, gloves, and insulated boots are recommended. The tour provides hot drinks to warm you up afterward.

Can children participate?
Yes, the experience is suitable for most travelers, including families, though it’s always good to check if your kids are comfortable with cold weather and animal interactions.

Final Thoughts

The Lapland Reindeer and Husky Safari from Rovaniemi is a wonderfully compact way to experience the Arctic’s charm. It balances cultural insight, animal interactions, and scenic rides in a format that respects your schedule. The authentic farms and friendly guides make it more than just a tourist trap—it’s a genuine glimpse into Lapland’s unique lifestyle.

If you’re seeking a short, memorable adventure that captures the essence of Arctic life, this tour offers solid value and plenty of photo-worthy moments. Just keep in mind the short ride durations and consider if you’d prefer a more in-depth sledding experience—if so, you might want to explore longer or more remote options elsewhere.

This safari is best suited for first-timers, families, or travelers with limited time, wanting a friendly, well-organized introduction to reindeer and huskies surrounded by stunning winter scenery.

Ready to experience Lapland’s iconic animals? This tour might just be your perfect Arctic introduction. Just dress warmly, bring your camera, and prepare for a fun, authentic day in the snow.