Arctic Animals Adventure with Lunch Buffet

Traveling to Finnish Lapland offers a chance to step into a winter wonderland filled with unique wildlife and authentic Arctic experiences. The tour I’m reviewing promises a full day of excitement—reindeer and husky rides, encounters with Arctic animals, a traditional lunch buffet, and a walk inside the Arctic forest. While I haven’t done this tour myself, the glowing reviews and detailed itinerary give us a pretty clear picture of what to expect.

What I love about this experience is how it combines adventure with educational moments. The chance to meet reindeers and huskies at a local farm feels genuine, and the visit to Ranua Wildlife Park offers a rare glimpse of Arctic animals up close. Plus, the inclusion of a lunch buffet at the zoo is a thoughtful touch, making the day well-rounded. One possible consideration is that it’s a fairly full schedule—so, if you prefer a more relaxed pace, this might feel a bit intense.

This tour seems best suited for travelers who crave hands-on encounters with Arctic animals, enjoy outdoor adventures, and want a good mix of activities without sacrificing comfort. If you’re traveling with kids, the guided visits and animal encounters could make it especially memorable. However, it’s worth noting that the tour operates in cold conditions, so bundling up is essential.

Key Points

• Authentic Arctic Encounters: Meet reindeers and huskies at a local farm, an experience that feels genuine and memorable.
• Full-Day Adventure: Combines outdoor activities, wildlife viewing, and a tasty lunch, offering great value for a 7.5-hour experience.
• Expert Guides: Reviews highlight friendly, attentive guides who share interesting stories, adding depth to the journey.
• Well-Organized Itinerary: Starts with farm visits, moves on to a zoo visit, and ends with free time in the Arctic forest.
• Weather Considerations: The tour operates in winter conditions—dress warmly and be prepared for cold temperatures.
• Group Size & Comfort: Small groups (max 8 per vehicle) ensure a more personal experience, and transport is in comfortable vehicles.

A Closer Look at the Experience

Starting in Rovaniemi

Your day kicks off early at Santa’s Hotel Santa Claus, a central and convenient meeting point in Rovaniemi. From there, you’ll be picked up in a comfortable vehicle—most likely a Mercedes-Benz or Volkswagen—by a professional guide who speaks English. The group size is small (up to 8 people per vehicle), which means you get personalized attention and more flexibility during stops.

Reindeer and Husky Farm Visits

The real highlight begins at a local Arctic farm, where you’ll meet authentic reindeers and huskies. This isn’t just a photo-op; you’ll get to experience reindeer sleigh rides (around 500 meters) and huskies rides (approximately 800 meters). These rides are perfect for those who enjoy outdoorsy activities and want to feel the thrill of sledding in the snow. The reviews consistently praise the guides for their storytelling—some mention how friendly and attentive guides like David and Lea made the experience even more special by sharing stories about the animals and the Lappish culture.

Many reviews mention how much fun it was to interact with the animals, with one saying, “We loved the way the guides shared stories and made us comfortable.” It’s a genuine chance to connect with these Arctic creatures in their natural environment, or at least as close as you can get in a farm setting.

Learning About Lappish Culture

Alongside the rides, you’ll get to learn about reindeer herding and husky work from local storytellers. This adds a layer of cultural insight that enriches the experience beyond just the rides. Afterward, there’s time to enjoy traditional cookies and blueberry juice inside a Kota—an open-sided Sami tent—adding authentic flavor to the morning.

Lunch and Wildlife Park

Around midday, the tour takes you approximately 80 km away from Rovaniemi to the Ranua Wildlife Park for a lunch buffet. The drive itself offers scenic views of the Arctic landscape, and many reviewers note how smooth and comfortable the transportation is, thanks to the small group size and professional drivers.

Once at the zoo, you’re free to explore and view Arctic animals in an environment designed to resemble their natural habitats. Some of the animals you’ll likely see include polar bears, wolves, and wolverines, among others. The reviews rave about the knowledgeable guides—Giuseppe, for example, was praised for his kindness and storytelling, making the visit both educational and fun.

Many visitors appreciate the generous amount of time spent at the zoo—about two hours—allowing for a relaxed walk and plenty of photo opportunities. The zoo’s layout and the animals’ visible enclosures make for a memorable visit, even in the cold weather.

Arctic Forest Walk & Return

After the zoo visit, you’ll have some free time to walk inside the Arctic forest, soaking in the stark beauty of Lapland’s winter landscape. The guides often talk about the importance of respecting nature and the animals, which adds an educational layer to the walk.

By around 5 p.m., the group heads back to Rovaniemi, ending the day where it started. The entire experience is planned to maximize enjoyment while balancing travel time, so you get a comprehensive taste of Arctic wildlife and culture in one day.

What We Think About the Price

At roughly $285.45 per person, this tour offers quite a lot for your money. You’re covering farm visits, rides, a zoo lunch, and a wildlife park—all with guides and transportation included. It’s a good value considering the logistics and the number of activities packed into just over seven hours.

While it’s not a cheap day out, the experience is immersive enough to justify the cost for many travelers. The small-group setting makes the experience more personal, and the inclusion of winter clothing means you don’t need to worry about bringing your own gear—another nice touch.

The Reviews Say It All

Multiple reviews highlight how well-organized and enjoyable the day was. Commenters mention how friendly and attentive guides like David, Lea, and Giuseppe made a big difference, sharing interesting facts and stories that made the experience more engaging. Reviewers also note how the scenic views and wildlife sightings left a lasting impression.

Consistent Praise & Minor Drawbacks

Most feedback is glowing. However, some might find the schedule a bit packed, especially if they prefer a slower pace. Also, since the tour operates in winter, dressing warmly is essential—something most reviews emphasize. The outdoor activities depend heavily on weather conditions, which can sometimes mean delays or changes, but that’s part of Arctic adventures.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

In general, this experience is fantastic for adventure lovers wanting a hands-on Arctic experience. It’s perfect if you enjoy animals, want to learn about local culture, and are comfortable in cold weather. The activities are engaging enough for older children and teenagers, making it family-friendly for those traveling with kids.

If you’re seeking a comprehensive, well-organized day that combines wildlife, outdoor fun, and cultural insights, this tour delivers. It’s also ideal for travelers who prefer small, intimate groups, as the maximum of 8 participants ensures personal attention from guides.

FAQ

Is pickup offered for this tour?
Yes, hotel or accommodation pickup is included, making it easy to start your day without worry.

What is the duration of the tour?
It lasts approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes, from 9:00 a.m. to around 5 p.m.

Are winter clothes provided?
Yes, winter clothing is included, so you’ll stay warm during outdoor activities.

What’s included in the lunch?
You’ll enjoy a buffet lunch at the Ranua Wildlife Park, with a variety of local dishes.

How many people are in each vehicle?
A maximum of 8 participants per vehicle ensures a comfortable and personalized experience.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the activities and small group size suggest it’s friendly for families, especially those with kids interested in animals and outdoor adventures.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.

What are the main attractions of the tour?
Reindeer and husky rides, Arctic wildlife at Ranua Zoo, and walking in the Arctic forest are the key highlights.

How cold does it get?
Temperatures can be around -20°C, so dressing warmly is essential.

Who operates this tour?
Northern Future OY is the experience provider, with a reputation for well-organized Arctic excursions.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a day that combines animal encounters, cultural insights, and Arctic scenery, this tour hits the sweet spot. The small-group format, knowledgeable guides, and variety of activities make it a solid choice for those wanting a deep, authentic taste of Lapland’s wildlife and traditions. While it’s a packed day, many reviews highlight how much fun and how memorable the experience is, especially thanks to the friendly guides and stunning scenery.

This experience is best for thrill-seekers, animal lovers, or anyone eager to explore Finnish Lapland’s natural beauty in a well-organized, engaging way. Just remember to bundle up and bring your camera—there are plenty of photo opportunities along the way.

Happy planning, and enjoy your Arctic adventure!