Rovaniemi: Meet Santa’s Most Trusted Husky Dogs

If you’re exploring Rovaniemi and want an authentic taste of Lapland’s winter magic, a husky farm visit might just be the highlight of your trip. We haven’t personally tried this tour, but based on reviews and detailed info, it looks like a warm, engaging experience that brings you face-to-face with some of Santa’s most trusted furry helpers.

What really draws us in? First, the chance to spend time with friendly, well-trained huskies and learn about their personalities from guides who clearly love what they do. Second, the exciting 3 km sled ride driven by a musher offers a rush of adrenaline—not to mention some stunning snowy scenery.

A potential consideration? The short duration of the sled ride might leave some folks wanting more—though, for many, it’s a perfect snapshot of husky life. This tour seems especially suited for those who enjoy nature, animals, and a touch of festive spirit without overly long commitments.

If you’re after a straightforward, family-friendly adventure that highlights Lapland’s iconic huskies and offers some memorable photo moments, this experience could be just right. Now, let’s explore what you can expect step by step.

Key Points

• Guided by Santa’s Elves: Friendly guides add a festive, authentic touch to the experience.
• Close encounters: You get to pet and learn about the huskies, making it more than just a ride.
• Thrilling sled ride: A 3 km ride driven by a professional musher offers real excitement.
• Family-friendly: Suitable for all ages, with optional elf costumes for kids.
• Photo opportunities: Capture enchanting moments with elves and huskies in a winter landscape.
• Weather considerations: The activity takes place outdoors, so dress warmly to enjoy every moment.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Journey to the Husky Farm

The tour begins at the Santa Claus Safaris Elf Adventure Center, conveniently located at Pukinpolku 9. From there, you hop onto a minibus that takes you on a short 10-minute drive through the snowy scenery to the husky farm. Even this transfer adds a little anticipation—Lapland’s winter landscapes whizzing past, helping you get in the mood for the adventure ahead.

Once you arrive, the guide—usually a Santa’s elf—welcomes you with warmth and stories. This is where the experience truly starts to feel special. They’ll introduce you to the remarkable huskies, sharing fascinating stories about their personalities, roles, and training. It’s clear these dogs are well-loved and carefully looked after, which makes the petting and close interaction all the more enjoyable.

Exploring the Husky Farm

The main part of the tour involves spending about 20 minutes wandering around the huskies’ kennels. The guides are informative, sharing snippets about each dog’s character—some are playful, others calm, but all are clearly cherished. Many reviews highlight how much visitors appreciated the opportunity to pet and interact with the dogs, with one reviewer noting, “the dogs are wonderful.”

This close contact really enhances the experience, especially for animal lovers. You get a genuine sense of how these dogs are trained, their habits, and their importance in Santa’s winter operations. The guides often share amusing stories or interesting facts, like how huskies work as a team or what makes them particularly suited for Arctic conditions.

This segment is also a good chance for photos—whether you want a candid shot of a husky’s fluffy face or a family picture in the snowy landscape. The setting, with snow-frosted trees and a cozy farm vibe, makes for memorable pictures.

The 3 km Husky Sled Ride

After getting to know the huskies, the real thrill begins. For an additional fee, you and your family can hop into a sleigh pulled by the huskies for a 3 km ride. This is driven by a skilled musher who expertly handles the dogs and the sled.

Many visitors describe this as a “super experience,” with the guides like Cookie and Popey receiving particular praise for their friendliness and knowledge. One reviewer explicitly states, “the sled ride was an experience I highly recommend,” noting the scenic trail through the snow-covered woods which added to the magic.

However, some comments from other travelers mention the short duration of the ride, with one saying it felt like “a maximum of 5 minutes,” and expressing a wish for a longer adventure. If you’re expecting a lengthy wilderness trek, this might feel brief, but for most, it’s a delightful taste of husky sledding—enough to get a thrill and a good sense of how the dogs work as a team.

The ride is quite safe and suitable for children, as long as you’re prepared for outdoor winter conditions. The sledding part is definitely one of the tour’s highlights, especially for kids who love animals and adventure.

Additional Festive Touches

During the tour, there’s an optional opportunity for younger guests to wear an elf costume for a small extra fee. This adds a fun, festive element, perfect for holiday photos and making the experience even more memorable for children.

Some participants have also enjoyed the “hot drink and cookies” offered at the farm, which helps warm everyone up after being in the chilly outdoors. These small touches add comfort, especially for little ones.

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Practical Info & Tips

• Duration: The entire experience lasts about 1.5 hours, which is a good length to enjoy without feeling rushed.
• Location & Meeting: Meet at the Santa Claus Safaris Elf Adventure Center; arriving 15 minutes early helps you settle in.
• Transportation: The minibus ride is quick and comfortable, and the tour is conducted outdoors, so dressing warmly is essential.
• Weather: Keep in mind, Lapland winters can be very cold, especially with wind chill. Dress in layers, wear waterproof gear, and don warm boots.
• Booking & Cancellation: You can reserve your spot with the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance. Payment is flexible—you pay later, which is handy if your plans aren’t set in stone.
• Not Suitable For: Pregnant women and those with animal allergies should consider this activity carefully.

What the Reviews Say

The overall ratings are high, with 4.6 out of 5 from 22 reviews, and most guests praise the friendly guides, the healthy, well-cared-for huskies, and the photo opportunities. Many reviewers highlighted how engaging the guides were, with one mentioning “Popey the Elf” as particularly fun and informative.

Some comments, like from a French guest, point out that the sled ride is quite short—a common complaint—but even these travelers still valued the experience and would recommend it for a taste of husky sledding and farm life.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for families, animal lovers, and anyone wanting a relaxed yet authentic taste of Lapland’s winter activities. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate close animal encounters, scenic outdoor settings, and festive environments. If you’re traveling with children, the elf costumes and gentle sled ride make it a memorable choice—they’ll love the fun atmosphere and the chance to meet the dogs up close.

For travelers looking for a longer or more intense sledding adventure, this might feel a bit brief, but for most, it offers a perfect snapshot of husky life in Lapland.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a meaningful, family-friendly experience that combines the magic of Santa with the charm of Arctic dogs, this tour hits many marks. It’s well-organized, with friendly guides and a clear focus on interaction and fun. The short sled ride is a definite highlight, providing an exhilarating glimpse into husky teamwork.

While the activity doesn’t last all day, it delivers a warm, engaging taste of Lapland’s snowy wilderness. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned winter traveler, it’s a lovely way to connect with the animals that embody this region’s winter spirit.

If you’re traveling with children or simply love animals and winter landscapes, this tour could be a memorable addition to your Arctic adventure. Just remember to bundle up, arrive early, and prepare for a fun, festive experience that’ll leave you with plenty of stories—and maybe some new furry friends.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children? Yes, the tour is described as family-friendly and suitable for all ages, especially with options to wear elf costumes for kids for added fun.

How long does the sled ride last? The sled ride covers about 3 km, but some reviews mention it may feel quite short—around 5 minutes or so. It’s a fun, quick thrill rather than a lengthy trek.

Can I pet the huskies? Absolutely. The guide will share stories and let you pet the dogs, making for a memorable, close-up experience with these energetic animals.

What should I wear? Since the tour takes place outdoors, dress warmly in layers, including waterproof gear and sturdy boots, to stay comfortable in the cold.

Is the activity weather-dependent? Yes, it takes place outside in winter conditions. If the weather is extremely severe, check with the provider beforehand.

What’s included in the tour? You get transportation, guided storytelling, and the chance to pet the huskies. The sled ride is an extra fee but highly recommended.

Can I cancel if my plans change? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Booking is flexible, with the option to reserve now and pay later.

Is the experience good for photo opportunities? Definitely. The snowy scenery, playful huskies, and festive elves make for fantastic pictures.

Are there any restrictions? Pregnant women and those allergic to animals should consider whether this activity is suitable for them.

If you’re dreaming of meeting Santa’s husky dogs and experiencing a bit of Arctic adventure, this tour sounds like a cozy, joyful choice. Just remember to bundle up and enjoy the magic of Lapland’s winter wonderland!

You can check availability for your dates here: