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The 14 Best Tours & Experiences in Rovaniemi
Rovaniemi isn’t just a place to see the Northern Lights — it’s an active playground for those craving authentic Arctic adventures. What really sets it apart are interactive experiences like husky safaris, reindeer sleigh rides, and the chance to meet Santa Claus himself. We particularly like the self-driven husky adventure because it puts you in the musher’s seat, turning a sightseeing tour into a real hands-on experience. For a more comprehensive day, the Reindeer, Huskies & Santa Claus Village tour offers a full Arctic immersion, including a visit to Santa himself and a reindeer sleigh ride. These activities showcase Rovaniemi’s unique charm and rural beauty while offering genuine, memorable moments.
Rovaniemi’s reputation for Northern Lights safaris and outdoor pursuits is well-deserved. Whether you prefer chasing the auroras in a VIP van or taking a relaxed ice float in a lake beneath the stars, there’s something tailored for every traveler. Keep reading to see which tours fit your style, budget, and schedule.
Quick Overview: What Types of Tours Make the List?
Our top picks cover a variety of experiences, from adventure-packed safaris and cultural encounters to relaxing Arctic spa days. Highlights include the 7-kilometer self-driven husky sled (Rovaniemi: 7-Kilometer Self-Driven Apukka Husky Adventure) — perfect for those wanting a unique, hands-on adventure. For those who want to combine multiple activities, the Full Day Arctic Experience (Reindeer, Huskies & Santa Claus Village) offers reindeer rides, a visit to Santa, and Arctic cuisine. Aurora-hunting is taken seriously with guaranteed sightings and VIP options (Unlimited Range Northern Lights Hunt) and private tours for a tailored chase. For a mix of cultural traditions and outdoor fun, the Sauna, Ice Swimming, and Dinner (Best Of Lapland) delivers a quintessential Finnish experience. Finally, for a relaxing yet unforgettable Arctic activity, ice floating beneath the Northern Lights (Ice Floating in Forest Lake) offers a peaceful, scenic adventure.
1. Rovaniemi: 7-Kilometer Self-Driven Apukka Husky Adventure
This self-driven husky sled takes you on a 7-kilometer safari through snowy Lapland, and it’s a rare chance to mush your own team of Alaskan Huskies. At around $247 per person, it’s a hands-on experience that ranks high for fun and authenticity. The tour includes petting and playing with adorable dogs, plus a detailed introduction to husky training and daily life. What makes this trip special is the feeling of being the driver, not just a passenger, giving you a sense of real Arctic adventure.
Guests love the friendly huskies and the beautiful winter scenery, with many saying it’s “a thrill to be the musher.” The tour’s logistics are smooth — with pickup options and a short 35-minute bus ride — making for an easy day out. The highlight? Driving your own sled through pristine landscapes. This tour is perfect for adventure lovers and families with kids who want a taste of real sledding.
Bottom Line: If you want to actively participate in a husky safari and enjoy stunning Arctic scenery, this tour offers excellent value and a memorable experience.
2. Rovaniemi: Reindeer, Huskies & Santa Claus Village
For around 6 hours of pure Arctic magic, this tour (Reindeer, Huskies & Santa Claus Village) combines the most iconic Lapland activities in one day. It’s ideal for travelers who want a comprehensive experience — meeting Santa, riding reindeer sleighs, and exploring snowy farms. The trip includes a visit to Santa’s official village, a reindeer farm with a short sleigh ride, and a hearty salmon soup lunch.
What makes it stand out is the variety: you get to meet Santa Claus himself and enjoy a sled ride on the Arctic Circle. Many reviewers praise the well-organized itinerary and friendly guides. Families especially appreciate the short reindeer sleigh and the free time to play on a frozen lake. The tour balances fun activities with cultural insights, making it suitable for all ages.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those seeking a full day of Arctic traditions, with plenty of photo opportunities and memorable moments in Santa’s hometown.
3. Rovaniemi: Husky & Reindeer Experience with Snowmobile Ride
This 6-hour adventure (Husky & Reindeer Experience with Snowmobile Ride) combines meeting reindeer and huskies with a thrilling snowmobile ride through Arctic forests. Starting with a visit to local reindeer and husky farms, you’ll enjoy sleigh rides and get close to these iconic animals. Then, hop on a snowmobile for a scenic trek, making the most of Finland’s snow-covered wilderness.
Guests rave about the friendly guides and the well-paced itinerary. The snowmobile experience is the highlight for many, offering a breathtaking tour through pristine forests. It’s a great choice for adventure seekers who want a mix of animal encounters and adrenaline-fueled riding. The tour is well-organized, with the added bonus of meeting local animals in their natural environment.
Bottom Line: For a balanced Arctic experience blending wildlife and high-speed fun, this tour hits the mark.
4. Unlimited Range Northern Lights Hunt with VIP Van
If chasing the Northern Lights is your priority, this luxury 7-hour tour (Unlimited Range Northern Lights Hunt with VIP Van) offers unlimited driving to find the clearest skies. The tour, at about $207.38 per person, is led by expert guides who use real-time weather reports and professional cameras to capture the Aurora in stunning photos — delivered to you later.
What sets this tour apart is its flexibility — the van can travel over 300 km into the countryside, avoiding clouds and light pollution — and its small-group size. This means more personalized attention and better chances of catching the lights. Previous visitors praise the comfortable transport and the dedication of guides to ensuring a memorable experience.
Bottom Line: For travelers serious about seeing the Aurora, this VIP hunt maximizes your chances with expert guidance and flexible routing.
5. Rovaniemi: RoKi Hockey Ice Hockey Tickets
Experience Finland’s most popular sport with a live ice hockey match at Rovaniemi’s arena. With a 3-hour duration, the Roki Hockey Tickets (Tickets here) offer a lively, family-friendly evening. The arena is close to the city center, making it easy to attend.
Fans love the atmosphere, especially the interaction with local fans. Many mention the front-row seats and the fun, energetic environment. It’s a fantastic way to learn about Finnish culture and cheer on a local team in a spirited setting. Plus, it’s a more affordable, relaxed activity compared to outdoor adventures.
Bottom Line: For sports enthusiasts or families looking for an authentic Finnish pastime, hockey provides an engaging evening.
6. Rovaniemi: Guaranteed Aurora Hunt with Local Guides & Photos
This 8-hour tour (Guaranteed Aurora Hunt with Local Guides) guarantees Northern Lights sightings thanks to local expert guides who tailor the route and choose the best spots. It’s perfect for first-timers or anyone eager for reliable Aurora viewing. The tour includes snacks, scenic drives, and stunning Aurora photography.
Guests appreciate the personalized approach and local knowledge, with many saying it’s “the best way to catch the lights.” The small group size (max 8 people) enhances the experience, and the photos are a lovely bonus. The tour’s flexibility and focus on quality sightings make it a top choice.
Bottom Line: For a high-confidence Aurora experience with professional photos, this tour is hard to beat.
7. Best Of Lapland: Sauna, Ice Swimming, Dinner & Northern Lights
This 4-hour cultural tour (Best Of Lapland) combines traditional Finnish sauna, ice swimming, and a cozy dinner by the fire — all in the wilderness outside Rovaniemi. It’s designed for travelers interested in authentic Lappish traditions and the Northern Lights.
Guests highlight the guides’ storytelling and the atmosphere of the rustic cabins. The dinner includes smoked salmon, and participants can try ice swimming — a true rite of passage. The tour is suitable for those who want a relaxed, cultural experience with a chance to spot the Northern Lights if conditions are right.
Bottom Line: For an authentic Finnish experience that blends tradition with nature, this tour offers a cozy, cultural night out.
8. Rovaniemi: Ice Floating in Forest Lake with Aurora Borealis
For a unique, peaceful way to enjoy the Northern Lights, try floating in a frozen lake (Ice Floating in Forest Lake). This 2.5-hour experience includes high-quality insulated suits and the chance to lie back and watch the sky. It’s a serene activity designed for relaxation and awe.
Guests mention how calm and beautiful the experience is, especially under a star-lit sky with auroras shimmering above. The professional guides help with photos and safety, making it a safe yet extraordinary activity. It’s perfect for nature lovers seeking a quiet, scenic encounter with the Arctic.
Bottom Line: If you prefer a calm, scenic experience with spectacular views, floating in the icy lake is an ideal choice.
9. Rovaniemi: Private Aurora Tour with Guaranteed Sightings
This 8-hour private tour (Private Aurora Tour with Guarantee) offers tailored Aurora chasing with your own guide and vehicle. It’s designed for luxury travelers or those craving a personalized experience. The tour includes unlimited mileage and personalized route planning based on real-time weather.
Guests rave about the dedication of the guides and the quality of the photos. The money-back guarantee reassures those worried about missing the lights. It’s ideal for photographers or those who want a bespoke experience with maximum chances to see the Aurora.
Bottom Line: For those seeking a tailored, exclusive Aurora experience, this private tour delivers.
10. Rovaniemi: Reindeer Experience with Sleigh Ride
This 2.5-hour outdoor activity (Reindeer Experience with Sleigh Ride) provides an authentic reindeer encounter, including transportation from the city. You’ll hear stories from local herders and enjoy a short 500-meter reindeer sleigh ride. The experience ends with hot juice and biscuits by the fire, making it a cozy, cultural activity.
Reviewers mention how well looked after the reindeer are and love the educational aspect. The short ride is perfect for families or travelers wanting a taste of reindeer herding without a full-day commitment.
Bottom Line: For a short, authentic reindeer experience, this tour offers a welcoming and educational outing.
11. Hike to Frozen Waterfalls of Korouoma Including BBQ Lunch from Rovaniemi
This full-day hike (Frozen Waterfalls of Korouoma) takes you through spectacular icy canyons and massive frozen waterfalls. Led by an expert guide, you’ll hike on winding Nordic trails with hot lunch and blueberry tea included. The tour is ideal for active travelers who want to see raw Arctic landscape up close.
Guests praise the stunning scenery and the knowledgeable guides like Alex and Julia. The hike involves some steep and icy sections, so it’s suited for those in good shape. The fire pit lunch adds a warm, convivial end to the day.
Bottom Line: If you’re up for a challenging, scenic trek with a taste of Arctic wilderness, this tour offers unmatched views.
12. Rovaniemi: Snowman World Entrance Ticket
For a fun, family-friendly outing, Snowman World (Entry Ticket) in Santa Claus Village is a great choice. For $49, you get access to ice sculptures, ice skating, and the ice bar. The ice slide and snow art make it a playful visit, especially for kids.
Reviewers appreciate how much fun they had, especially in the ice bar where everything is made of ice and drinks are served in ice glasses. It’s a lively, playful experience that’s perfect if you want a lighthearted day in the snow.
Bottom Line: Ideal for families or anyone wanting to enjoy snow activities in a magical environment.
13. Rovaniemi: Aurora Hunt with Photograph & Money Back Guarantee
This 8-hour guided tour (Aurora Hunt with Photos & Guarantee) offers unlimited Aurora chasing with professional photography included. The money-back guarantee ensures you won’t be disappointed. Led by experienced guides, the tour uses scientific data to find the best Aurora spots.
Guests say it’s “the best Aurora tour,” citing dedication and great photos. It’s suitable for serious Aurora seekers and those who want a stress-free experience with a high chance of seeing the lights.
Bottom Line: For peace of mind and professional photos, this tour is one of the best options.
14. Frozen Waterfalls in Korouoma Canyon adventure
Finally, for wilderness lovers, this 7-hour hike (Frozen Waterfalls in Korouoma Canyon) takes you past impressive frozen waterfalls and rugged gorges. Led by guides like Marcus, you’ll see magnificent icy landscapes and take photos from a spectacular canyon view. The trail involves considerable physical effort, making it suited for fit hikers.
Reviewers mention excellent guides and beautiful scenery. The fire and BBQ lunch adds a hearty finish. It’s a perfect choice if you want an active outdoor day with authentic Arctic scenery.
Bottom Line: For seasoned hikers wanting a challenging, scenic trek, this tour delivers awe-inspiring views.
How to Choose the Right Tour
When deciding which Rovaniemi experience suits you best, consider your budget, fitness level, and interests. Active travelers might prefer the husky or snowmobile tours, while culture seekers will love visiting Santa and trying a Finnish sauna. If your goal is to see the Aurora reliably, the guaranteed or private Aurora hunts are your best bets.
Think about whether you want a full day of outdoor activities or a relaxing, scenic experience like ice floating. For families, options like the Snowman World or the reindeer sleigh rides are excellent choices. Remember, booking early is recommended, especially in peak winter months, to ensure availability for your preferred dates.
Final Thoughts
Rovaniemi offers a wide variety of memorable experiences that cater to different interests and activity levels. For adventure lovers, the self-driven husky safari and snowmobile rides deliver adrenaline and authentic Arctic landscapes. For culture fans, the Santa Village tour and reindeer experiences provide a glimpse into traditional Lappish life. And for those eager to witness the Northern Lights, options like the VIP hunt or the guaranteed Aurora tour maximize your chances.
No matter what you choose, early booking and clear expectations help ensure a smooth trip. Whether you’re after an active outdoor adventure, a quiet moment under the Aurora, or a family-friendly outing, Rovaniemi has something that will make your Arctic trip unforgettable.