Reindeer & Husky Tour in Summer / Autumn

Meet the iconic animals of Lapland with this summer/autumn tour! Even without snow yet, this guided excursion will offer you a memorable experience of Lapland with the visits of two authentic family-owned places. This is your chance to get closer to those lovely furry animals, take pictures and learn more about them! We offer two different options for this tour, depending on what you are willing to experience:

OPTION 1 – TWO VISITS WITH HOMEMADE LUNCH (4 hours – Departure at 10:30):  After being picked up, you will be transported to a long-established local reindeer farm located outside Rovaniemi. The herders will gladly welcome you and introduce you to their reindeer while they are fed. This is your chance to gently approach the reindeer as they are still semi-wild animals. You will also enjoy a lovely time around the fire at the farm, where herders and your guide may answer all your questions about reindeer husbandry. A delicious home-made salmon soup will be served with hot drinks (vegan option possible on request), and pancakes cooked over the open fire!

After lunch, your guide will drive you to your second stop of the day, an ethical husky kennel. Dogs and mushers will warmly welcome you there too! You will enjoy time with the dogs: they love cuddles and photos! Mushers will also be happy to answer your questions around a warming open fire.

OPTION 2 : TWO VISITS WITH DOG CART RIDE (5h30 – Departures:  at 9:00 for the reindeer program, at 13:15 / or on the following day at 10:15 for a husky program):
For this option, the tour can be organized during one day or on two different mornings and is only possible in autumn. The first morning is spent at the the reindeer farm (2 hours). Your guide will take you to visit an authentic farm, you will enjoy the feeding time with the reindeer and learn more about them with a relaxing time around the fire with the herders. Reindeer are fed once a day, always in the morning ; this is a good opportunity to approach them and get some nice pictures!

The afternoon, or the next morning, is spent at the husky kennel (3h30) where you will be introduced to your own dog team. Driving instructions will be provided by the mushers so you can learn how to safely steer the cart. Once ready, you will get the chance to drive yourself your own wheel cart for about 5-6 km (20 min) into the autumn forests of Lapland! In autumn, mushers need to train their dogs before snow arrives ; wheel cart rides are then a great opportunity to feel the thrill of leading your dog team while contributing to their training! The conditions must be fresh, so wheel cart rides are only possible in the mornings, in autumn. After the ride, you can spend time with the dogs: they love cuddles and photos! Mushers will also be happy to answer all your questions.

After each visit, your guide will drive you back to Rovaniemi. Lunches are not included in this option.

About your dog teams : most of the sledding dogs in Lapland are Alaskan huskies, a mixed breed which is very performant in racing. Those friendly well-trained dogs love running, they even need it for their well-being. They will definitely be super excited to run with you! However, please note that the big fluffy Siberian huskies are not so good runners, therefore they are not traditionally part of sledding dog teams (except in movies!).

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR ONE EXPERIENCE ONLY?
Don’t worry! We also offer simple reindeer farm visits (link here) all yea r round. We may also organise simple husky kennel visits (with or without wheelcart rides) on request – please contact us!

What’s included

• Hotel pick-up
• Transportation (counted in the duration)
• Expert outdoor guide (English / French)
• Visit of a reindeer farm
• Visit of a husky kennel
• Lunch (Option 1)
• Self-driven wheel cart ride (Option 2)
• All handling fees and taxes

Requirements

Please dress appropriately according to the weather, with warm clothes, good winter boots, gloves, hats and thick socks.

We recommend to bring with you some extra snacks or a bottle of water if you feel the need to.

Attention

We recommend to book in advance, as availability may be limited in peak seasons.

A minimum of 2 paying adult participants is required for the trip to operate. We reserve the right to cancel the trip if the group is too small or because of bad weather conditions.

If you are a solo traveler, you are very welcome to join any departing trip at the standard price or we may organise the trip just for you at some extra costs (please contact us).

Child prices apply only to children under 12 years old. Children must be accompanied by one adult. The child rate only apply if the conditions of two paying adult participant is met.

Please dress appropriately according to the weather, with warm clothes, good winter boots, gloves, hats and thick socks.

The mentioned duration of the safari is only indicative; the experience may last longer or shorter, depending on weather conditions or the animal’s good willing.

Exclusions

• Hats, gloves and warm socks
• Winter overalls and boots (can be rented for 5€/pers).