KIRUNA: Reindeer Sled Ride in the Countryside

If you’re heading to the snowy landscapes of Kiruna and craving a truly authentic experience, the Reindeer Sled Ride in the Countryside offers a wonderful window into Sami culture and Arctic nature. This tour combines the thrill of steering your own reindeer-drawn sled, a visit to a Sami village, and a cozy meal around a fire — all in a setting straight out of a winter postcard.

What we love about this experience is how it balances adventure with cultural insight: you’ll get to drive your own sled through snow-dusted forests, learn about Sami traditions directly from reindeer herders, and enjoy hearty, local reindeer dishes in a traditional lavvu. Plus, the small group setting makes it intimate and personal.

One thing to keep in mind is the need for warm clothing and comfortable shoes — the weather can be quite cold and snowy. This tour is best suited for those who enjoy outdoor activities, cultural experiences, and don’t mind getting a little chilly. It’s ideal for curious travelers eager to connect with nature and indigenous traditions in a genuine way.

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Key Points

Authentic Sami Culture: Visit a Sami village and learn about reindeer herding traditions.
Scenic Snowy Landscapes: Experience the beauty of frozen forests and moors near the mountain range.
Hands-On Activities: Drive your own reindeer sled and feed reindeer by hand.
Hearty Local Food: Enjoy a delicious lunch of smoked and fried reindeer meat in a cozy lavvu.
Small Group Experience: Limited to 8 participants for a more personalized touch.
Safety & Timing: Activity runs mid-January to late March with thick, safe ice on the river.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary: What to Expect

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Pick-up and Journey to the Sami Village

The adventure begins with a pick-up from the Kiruna Tourist Office around 10 am. This transfer takes you approximately 20 km out into the countryside, where the snow-covered landscape sets the scene for your day. The drive itself offers a glimpse of the vast, pristine wilderness that surrounds Kiruna, with views that are stunning even before you step out of the vehicle.

Visiting the Sami Village and Reindeer Corral

Once at the Sami village, you’ll meet friendly reindeer herders who are passionate about sharing their culture. They’ll introduce you to the semi-domesticated reindeer, many of which are fed in a corral during winter. You’ll have the chance to walk with your reindeer before harnessing it to the sled. The guides, such as the knowledgeable Giron Reindeer team, often share personal stories and insights about Sami life, making this a very authentic encounter.

Reindeer Sled Ride Through Snowy Forests

The highlight is the reindeer sled ride, which covers roughly 4-5 km through snow-laden forests and across the frozen moors near the mountain range. You’ll learn how to drive the sled — a fun challenge even for those with no prior experience — and enjoy the rhythmic sound of reindeer hooves crunching through snow. Reviewers praise this part as “magical,” with one describing it as “a very relaxed and enchanting way to see the landscape.”

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Feeding Reindeer & Connecting with Nature

After the ride, you get to feed the reindeer by hand, an activity described as “super enjoyable” and “very intimate” in reviews. Feeding reindeer is surprisingly easy, and it’s a special moment to interact directly with these gentle animals.

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Lunch in the Lavvu

Post-ride, you’ll settle into a traditional lavvu — a Sami tent — where you can relax by the fire and enjoy a hot meal. The menu features smoked and fried reindeer meat, known as suovas, served with bread and local berries like preiselbeeren. Vegetarian and vegan options are also available, ensuring everyone can savor the hearty flavors. Reviewers frequently mention the delicious, authentic taste of the food, describing it as “super tasty” and “perfect after a snowy adventure.” The cozy atmosphere, sitting on reindeer hides around the fire, adds to the genuine feel of the experience.

Storytelling & Cultural Insights

Throughout the meal, guides share stories about Sami traditions and reindeer herding—an educational aspect that many guests find deeply enriching. This relaxed setting makes it easy to ask questions and gain a better understanding of Sami culture beyond the stereotypes.

Return Journey

The tour ends with a return transfer back to Kiruna, usually around 1 pm, giving you the rest of the day to explore more or simply relax after an active, immersive morning.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

A Truly Personal Connection with Reindeer

Unlike larger group rides, this experience emphasizes close encounters. As one guest noted, “Reindeer are fed in a corral during winter, and you can get close to them and feed them by hand,” making it more than just a tourist activity — it’s a genuine interaction.

Scenic Winter Landscape

Driving a reindeer sled through snow-covered forests and across frozen rivers offers a unique perspective on the Arctic wilderness. Reviewers mention the “magnificent landscape” and describe the ride as “special and very relaxing,” highlighting how the scenery becomes part of the magic.

Authentic Sami Cultural Experience

Visiting a Sami village and hearing stories around the fire gives travelers a deeper appreciation for indigenous traditions. Guides are often local Sami or reindeer herders, which lends authenticity and insight you won’t find in generic tours.

Quality of Food

The lunch is consistently praised for being hearty, local, and delicious. The use of traditional ingredients like smoked and fried reindeer meat makes it stand out from typical cold-weather meals. The cozy setting in the lavvu enhances the overall experience, making it feel like a genuine Arctic feast.

Small Group Comfort

Limited to 8 participants, the tour feels intimate and personalized. Guests often mention how this makes the experience more engaging, with more opportunities to ask questions and connect with guides.

Practical Details & Tips

Duration & Availability

The tour lasts around 3 hours, with start times depending on availability. It runs from mid-January through late March, aligning with the period when the ice is thick and safe for crossing rivers.

Transportation & Meeting Points

The tour includes pickup and drop-off from central Kiruna, making logistics simple. The meeting point is the Tourist Office, with transportation provided to the Sami village.

What to Bring

Dress warmly in layers — the cold can be biting, especially when sitting still during the sled ride. Comfortable, waterproof shoes are recommended. Don’t forget snacks and water for energy, as the experience is quite active.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

It’s perfect for those seeking an authentic Arctic adventure, cultural learning, and a chance to interact with reindeer. It’s suitable for most travelers, but not recommended for children under 2, those with back problems, animal allergies, or anyone over 300 lbs.

The Value of the Experience

While the price might seem modest considering the inclusion of a reindeer sled ride, a Sami village visit, and a hearty traditional meal, the real value lies in the quality and authenticity of the experience. You’re not just riding a sled — you’re connecting with the land, its indigenous people, and their animals in a meaningful way.

The fact that guides are often local Sami or reindeer herders means you gain genuine insights that you won’t get from a scripted tour. The delicious, locally-sourced food adds a satisfying ending to your Arctic adventure, making the whole outing well worth the price for travelers eager to deepen their understanding of northern Scandinavia.

The Sum Up

This reindeer sled tour near Kiruna offers a well-rounded, genuine glimpse into Sami culture and Arctic wilderness. It’s a great choice for travelers looking for hands-on activities, scenic beauty, and authentic food in a small-group setting. The presence of storytelling, cultural insights, and personal interactions creates an experience that’s both fun and educational.

If you’re after an adventure that balances nature, culture, and delicious local cuisine, this tour is hard to beat. It’s especially suited for those who value meaningful connections and want to see the landscape from a different perspective — sitting comfortably in a reindeer-drawn sled.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, but children should be over 2 years old, and parents should consider their child’s comfort with cold weather and outdoor activities.

What should I wear on the tour?
Wear warm, layered clothing suitable for winter. Waterproof shoes and gloves are recommended to stay comfortable during the sled ride and while feeding reindeer.

Can I feed the reindeer?
Absolutely. During the tour, you’ll have the opportunity to feed reindeer by hand, which many guests find to be a memorable part of the experience.

Is the sled ride safe?
Yes, the river ice is thick and safe during winter, and guides will give instructions on how to drive the sled. The small group size ensures attentive supervision.

What is included in the meal?
You’ll enjoy smoked and fried reindeer meat (suovas) with bread and berries. Vegetarian and vegan options are available if requested.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 3 hours, from pick-up to drop-off.

What language are the guides speaking?
Guides speak English and Swedish, ensuring clear communication throughout the tour.

Can I book this experience last-minute?
Yes, you can reserve your spot with the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility for your trip planning.

This tour offers a remarkable chance to see the Arctic through the eyes of its traditional inhabitants while enjoying the stunning winter scenery. Whether you’re a culture enthusiast or simply seeking a unique winter adventure, it’s a memorable way to spend a few hours near Kiruna.