Levi Reindeer Safari – Long or Quick – with Sledge Ride

If you’re browsing for a way to experience the Arctic magic around Levi, Finland, the Levi Reindeer Safari might catch your eye. This two-hour tour offers a chance to glide through snowy forests on a reindeer-led sledge, learn about Lapland’s traditional culture, and even feed the animals. It’s a popular choice, rated 3.5 out of 5 based on reviews, and with a decent price point of just over $112 per person, it feels like a fair offer for many travelers.

What we really like about this tour is how it balances the slow, peaceful sled ride with opportunities to connect with reindeer and learn about local customs. Plus, the included hotel pickup and drop-off make it a hassle-free option – no need to worry about arranging transport in the snow. However, a couple of factors are worth considering before booking, especially if you’re craving a longer, more adventurous ride or expect a high-energy experience.

This tour is best suited for those who want a gentle, scenic encounter with reindeer, appreciate cultural insights, and prefer smaller group settings where personalized attention is possible. If you’re traveling with children or just want a relaxed way to enjoy Lapland’s winter landscape, this could be a good fit. But if you’re after a longer, more adrenaline-fueled ride, you might look elsewhere.

Key Points

• Comfortable, small-group experience with a maximum of 15 travelers, ensuring personal attention
• Includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making logistics easier in the cold weather
• Shorter rides (around 1 km)—good for a gentle glide, but possibly too brief for some
• Beautiful snow-covered scenery and reindeer interactions are highlights
• Mixed reviews suggest it can be a hit or miss depending on expectations and weather conditions
• Limited snow conditions before mid-November restricts the activity to farm visits only

What the Tour Offers

The Levi Reindeer Safari is designed as a cozy, culturally immersive experience that emphasizes gentle contact with Lapland’s iconic animals. It’s not a high-octane adventure but rather a slow-paced exploration that lets you soak in the winter wonderland.

Itinerary Breakdown

Stop 1: Reindeer Farm Visit
Your tour begins with a visit to a local reindeer farm. Here, you get a chance to meet the animals and see their living conditions. Reviewers mention that it’s a chance to learn about these semi-wild creatures, with one noting that after the farm visit, you’ll have the chance to feed the reindeer, which many find charming. However, some reviews point out that the farm visit can feel rushed or unprepared, with one traveler feeling they wandered aimlessly afterward.

Stop 2: Reindeer Sledge Ride
The main event, a reindeer-led sled ride lasting about 1 km, is the centerpiece. As your guide drives the sleds through snowy forests, you’ll enjoy views that many describe as almost fairytale-like. The ride’s length is generally around 15-20 minutes, which some review comments suggest is a bit short for the price paid. Multiple reviews praise the peaceful, scenic ride with one noting the “amazing nature and breathtaking views.”

Stop 3: Reindeer Feeding & Hot Drink
After the ride, there’s a chance to feed the reindeer and warm up with a hot drink, often tea or coffee. Many travelers love this part, feeling it adds a personal and cozy touch to the experience. One reviewer described it as “a magic ride in a sleigh,” where they also enjoyed warming by a fire afterward.

What’s Included & What’s Not

The package features guide service, hotel pickup and drop-off, the actual reindeer safari (if not just the farm visit), and a hot drink. Food and other drinks are not included, so plan accordingly if you’re hungry or want more than just a hot beverage.

Weather & Animal Considerations

A notable point is that the tour’s accessibility depends heavily on snow conditions. Until November 15th, only the farm visit is available, which means snow rides aren’t possible without snow cover. Also, some reviews mention that warm weather (above -5°C) can affect the reindeers’ willingness to work, potentially limiting the experience or animals’ activity. The reindeer are semi-wild, trained animals, but their behavior can be unpredictable, and they don’t like to pull sleds in warmer weather.

Authentic Traveler Insights

The reviews paint a mixed picture. On the positive side, many describe the view as breathtaking and praise the friendly, passionate guides. One reviewer stated, “The place is out of this world, like a fairytale,” emphasizing the scenic beauty. Feeding the reindeer and the relaxed pace seem to be crowd favorites, with comments like “A lot of fun and discovering reindeer are like donkeys,” highlighting the charming, approachable nature of the animals.

However, some travelers found the experience underwhelming. One called the ride “boring,” and others felt it was too short for the price, with one saying the 15-minute ride felt “not worth the money.” Concerns about animal welfare were also raised, especially regarding the short ride duration and the reindeer’s treatment, though the tour providers emphasize animal welfare and safety instructions.

Group Size & Personal Experience

Being capped at 15 people, the tour offers a more intimate atmosphere, which many find appealing. Guides are generally praised for their helpfulness, sharing their passion for nature and animals. Many reviews mention guides taking photos or being accommodating, which enhances the overall experience.

Price & Value

At $112.23, the tour sits in a reasonable price bracket considering the included transfers, guide, and authentic experience. But the short duration and the fact that actual sled rides are limited to around 1 km can make some travelers feel it’s not quite enough for the cost—especially for those expecting a longer or more vigorous ride.

Is It Worth It?

This tour is best for travelers who want a relaxed, scenic experience with reindeer, especially if they’re curious about Lapland’s culture and animals. If you’re after an adrenaline rush or a lengthy sled ride, this might not satisfy. The small-group setting and inclusion of hotel transfers make it comfortable and convenient.

For families with children, the gentle pace and opportunity to feed reindeer could be a highlight. But keep in mind that the experience relies on weather and animal behavior, which can vary.

Final Thoughts

The Levi Reindeer Safari offers a gentle, picturesque peek into Lapland’s iconic wildlife and culture. It’s perfect for those who want a peaceful experience with the chance to connect with reindeer and enjoy stunning winter scenery without too much fuss. The small group size and hotel pickup make it more personal, but the short sled ride may leave some wishing for a bit more adventure.

If you’re looking for a very scenic, authentic, and cozy activity to round out your Levi trip, this tour fits the bill. If, however, you crave a longer, more energetic, or more interactive experience, you might want to explore other options like longer rides or combined adventures.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children? Many travelers with children enjoyed the experience, especially the feeding and gentle ride. However, children must be accompanied by an adult, and the ride’s short duration makes it more suitable for younger kids or those looking for a relaxed outing.

What do I need to wear? Dress warmly for this activity, as it takes place outdoors in winter conditions. Layers, waterproof jackets, and sturdy footwear are highly recommended.

How long does the sled ride last? The actual reindeer sledge ride is approximately 1 km long, which generally takes about 15-20 minutes. The entire tour lasts around 2 hours, including farm visits and warm-up breaks.

Are animals well-treated? The tour emphasizes animal welfare, and the reindeer are trained for the activity, but their behavior can be unpredictable, especially in warmer weather. The providers remind participants to follow safety instructions.

What happens if the weather is poor? The tour is weather-dependent. If conditions are unsuitable, the activity might be canceled, or only farm visits will be offered. You’ll be offered a different date or a full refund if canceled due to weather.

Can I customize the experience? The tour is fixed in structure, but the small group size allows guides to be attentive. For longer rides or different options, you might need to look into other tours.

This Levi Reindeer Safari offers a wonderful, if somewhat brief, peek at Lapland’s winter charm. For anyone seeking a peaceful, cultural outing with beautiful sights and cozy moments, it’s worth considering—just keep expectations aligned with the short ride and seasonal conditions.