Herders will meet you at their farm located in the middle of Lapland forests, far away from Rovaniemi city. They have been herding reindeer for generations, and will gladly share with you a bit of their lifestyle during this tour. You will for example start the visit by learning how to catch a reindeer with a lasso. If you want, you can even practice yourself with a wooden target!
Then, you will be introduced to your own reindeer. You will harness it yourself and prepare your sleigh for a long romantic ride. Reindeer sledding was traditionally a way of transportation for loads and passengers in Lapland. Nowadays, certain skillful herders continue training the best elements of their herds to perpetuate this tradition.
Once ready, you will go for a long sleigh adventure into the white forests, following a 7 kilometer trail (around 2 hours!). This safari is the longest safari in all Rovaniemi areas and Southern Lapland. If the snow conditions permit it, you will steer and drive yourself along the trail. You are always two participants per sleigh, and you can alternate between steering and enjoying the ride as a passenger.
Halfway, you will stop and have a break around the fire to enjoy some typical Finnish barbecue snacks. Reindeer also can have a treat; you will feed them with some delicious lichen, which is like chocolate to them!
After this warming break, you will ride back to the farm by another route if possible. You can stay a bit longer at the farm if you want to take more pictures, buy some souvenirs, or just enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the place. Your guide will then drive you back to your accommodation in Rovaniemi.
What’s included
- Hotel pick-up
- Transportation (counted in the duration)
- Expert outdoor guide
- Visit and safaris as mentioned
- Snacks around the fire
- Entrance fees
- All handling fees and taxes
Requirements
Please dress appropriately according to the weather, with warm clothes, good winter boots, gloves, hats and thick socks. Note that temperature may feel even colder when on the lake due to the wind. You may rent professional winter overalls and winter boots for an extra cost of 5€/set.
In case of any questions, you may find your answers in our FAQ (Click here)..
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 note that children under 8 years old must be declared before booking and their participation is subject to our approval because of safety reasons : indeed, for families with young children, we offer reindeer experiences that are more adapted to the conditions of children.
The mentioned duration of the safari is only indicative; the experience may last longer or shorter, depending on snow conditions or the animal's good willing.
Meeting Time & Pick up : Note that the pick up time is for information purpose; thus, the exact pick up time will be communicated to you via email the day before the experience.
We offer the pick up and drop off service in a 8km range from the city center which includes for example Ounasvaara and Santa Claus Village. For ecological and logistical reasons don't do pick up and drop off service for accomodations located less than 500 meters from our office in the city center (Jaakonkatu 4-6, 96200 Rovaniemi). Airport transfers or transfers from more than 8km from the city center may be arranged upon request at extra cost.
Preparation before the tour: We recommend that you eat well before the experience, and dress properly according to the weather conditions. In case of any questions, you might find your answer in our FAQ (Click here).
Exclusions
- Winter overalls and boots (can be rented for only 5€/set)
- Gratuities
Meeting point : Arctic City Hotel
Pickup is offered in following places
- Apukka Resort (20km) – Extra costs may apply
- Arctic City Hotel
- Arctic Light Hotel
- Arctic Resort Delight
- Arctic Snow Hotel & Glass Igloos (35km – extra transfer fees may apply)
- Arctic TreeHouse Hotel
- Glass Resort
- GuestHouse Arctic Heart
- Guesthouse Borealis
- Guesthouse Outa
- Haawe Boutique Apart Hotel
- Hostel Café Koti
- Hostel Ibedcity
- Hostel Tikka
- Hotelli Aakenus
- Lapland Hotels Ounasvaara Chalets
- Lapland Hotels Sky Ounasvaara
- Lomavekarit Apartments
- Lumimaa – Snowland
- Motelli Rovaniemi (10km) – Extra costs may apply
- Nordic Odyssey Office
- Nova Skyland Hotel
- Ollero Eco Lodge
- Original Sokos Hotel Vaakuna
- Ounasvaara Lakituvat
- Ounasvaara Sport Cottages
- Saarituvat Cottages
- Santa Claus Holiday Village
- Santa’s Holiday Homes
- Santa’s Hotel Rudolf
- Santa’s Hotel Santa Claus (City Center)
- Santa’s Igloos Arctic Circle
- Santasport Hotel
- Scandic Pohjanhovi
- Scandic Polar
- Scandic Rovaniemi City
- Snowman World
- Wherever Hostel
Contact information
96200 Rovaniemi