Lapland Reindeer Safari from Rovaniemi

Imagine gliding through snow-blanketed forests pulled by gentle reindeer, with the crisp air filled with the aroma of hot berry juice. This Lapland Reindeer Safari offers a quintessential Arctic experience that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a storybook. While I haven’t personally been on this specific tour, I’ve gathered plenty of insights from travelers who have, and it’s clear that this adventure is a fantastic way to connect with local culture and wildlife.

What we love about this tour is the authentic farm visit, the peaceful sleigh ride through stunning scenery, and the fun opportunity to earn an international reindeer driving license. The cozy bonfire, tasty hot drinks, and friendly guides add extra warmth to a chilly day. However, one thing worth considering is that the actual ride duration—about 15 minutes—might feel a bit short for some. That said, it’s a beautifully curated experience suited for families, wildlife enthusiasts, or anyone wanting a taste of Lapland’s rural charm.

For those craving a genuine, intimate look at reindeer life in a setting away from overly commercial Santa attractions, this tour hits the mark. It balances education, fun, and relaxation all wrapped into one memorable outing.

Key Points

• Authentic farm experience with knowledgeable guides
• Cozy sleigh ride through scenic winter landscapes
• Opportunity to handle a reindeer sled and earn a driver license
• Includes hot berry juice and a warm Finnish cabin visit
• Suitable for families and travelers of all ages
• Pickup and drop-off included for convenience

What the Tour Offers and Why It Matters

The Lapland Reindeer Safari from Rovaniemi is designed to give travelers a taste of traditional reindeer herding while enjoying an enchanting winter landscape. This isn’t just a quick touristy ride; it’s a chance to learn, interact, and explore in a setting that feels both genuine and magical.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Start at Rovaniemi: Learning About Reindeer and Their Role

The experience kicks off in the heart of the Arctic wilderness, where a friendly guide or herder introduces you to the world of reindeer. One of the appealing features is the interactive nature—you get an opportunity to sit in the sled and even pass an exam on how to ride it, earning a reindeer driver license that travelers of all ages can take home as a souvenir. As one reviewer noted, “Tourists pass an exam on riding a reindeer sled and even receive a special driving license without any age restrictions or doping control,” which adds a playful and memorable element.

The tour guides, like Alex and Julia, are praised for their vast knowledge and ability to answer questions, making the farm visit both educational and engaging. The farm itself has over 300 years of history, with modern reindeer care that ensures the animals are well looked after—a point that many reviewers highlighted with appreciation.

Meet the Reindeer and Explore the Farm

The second stop involves a walk around the farm, where you can see more than 300 years of reindeer farming history. Visitors often mention how the guides spend plenty of time answering questions and explaining the animals’ daily routines. The farm is described as beautiful and well cared for, with some reviews emphasizing how happy and healthy the reindeer look.

Many guests appreciated the opportunity to pet and feed the reindeer, which adds a close-up, hands-on element to the experience. One reviewer shared that they pet the reindeer and enjoyed some drinks and cookies afterward, highlighting the relaxed, friendly atmosphere.

The Sleigh Ride: A Winter Fairy Tale

The highlight is, of course, the reindeer-pulled sleigh ride through the snow-covered woods. The scenery is often described as stunning and peaceful—a true winter wonderland. While some reviews mention that the ride is about 15 minutes long, others note that weather can influence the length, with a shorter route offered if conditions aren’t ideal.

Many describe the ride as serene and scenic, with guides like Janika making sure everyone is comfortable and informed. The ride is slow enough for everyone to enjoy the views, take photos, and soak in the atmosphere. The sound of reindeer hooves in the snow and the crisp winter air create a magical setting.

Post-Ride Warm-up and Souvenirs

After the sleigh ride, everyone gathers around a bonfire or in a traditional Finnish hut to warm up with hot berry juice—a cozy treat that many reviewers mention as a highlight. It’s a small but thoughtful touch that adds to the authentic feeling of the experience.

As a fun finishing touch, all participants leave with a reindeer driver license—a quirky keepsake that captures the spirit of the tour. Some reviews also mention locally made biscuits served in a Finnish cabin, further enhancing the sense of local hospitality.

The Practical Side: Transportation, Duration, and Cost

The tour lasts roughly 2 hours, with about 1.5 km of reindeer-sledding, making it a perfect half-day activity. What’s especially convenient is that hotel pickup and drop-off are included, removing any worries about transportation logistics. The group size is limited to 15 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience.

The price of $173 per person reflects the comprehensive nature of the tour—covering farm visits, sleigh ride, snacks, and the reindeer license. Many reviews emphasize its good value for money, especially considering the quality of guides, the authenticity of the experience, and the luxury transportation involved.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Included are the hotel pickup and drop-off, guide service, the reindeer safari, and the reindeer driving license. A hot drink is also part of the package. Food and additional drinks aren’t included unless specified, so bringing snacks or extra beverages might be a good idea if you’re hungry.

Weather Considerations

The experience is weather-dependent—adverse conditions may limit the length or route of the sleigh ride. If the longer 2-3 km ride isn’t possible, a shorter 500m route is offered with a partial refund of approximately €20-25. This flexibility is appreciated by travelers, especially since weather can be unpredictable in the Arctic.

What Travelers Say: Real Insights from Reviews

The reviews paint a picture of a well-organized, authentic experience. Several mention excellent guides like Alex, Julia, and Janika, who are described as knowledgeable, friendly, and attentive. One reviewer called it a “magical” experience “like something from a movie”, emphasizing the visual and emotional impact.

Many travelers appreciated the educational aspect, noting how guides shared insightful facts about reindeer and their care, which adds depth to the visit. The opportunity to feed and pet the reindeer was a popular highlight—one guest even joked about the “black truffles” from the reindeer’s butt, illustrating how humorous and relaxed the atmosphere can be.

The scenery is consistently described as breathtaking, with a snow-covered landscape that looks straight out of a fairy tale. Visitors also love that the experience is small-scale and intimate, often mentioning the warmth of the Finnish lodge and the cozy bonfire as perfect finishing touches.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

If you’re after an authentic, family-friendly, and memorable Arctic experience, this tour ticks all the boxes. It’s an opportunity to learn about reindeer husbandry, participate in a traditional sleigh ride, and enjoy stunning winter scenery—all wrapped in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

The cost reflects the quality of guides, the inclusion of transport, and the chance to take home a fun reindeer license. It’s especially suitable for families with children, wildlife lovers, or anyone wanting a peaceful, immersive experience in Lapland.

However, if you’re looking for a longer ride or a more commercialized Santa experience, this might feel a little brief or understated. Still, for those seeking a genuine connection with Lapland’s natural charm, it’s hard to beat.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included, making it very convenient, especially in colder weather.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience is approximately 2 hours, with enough time for the farm visit, sleigh ride, and warming up afterward.

What should I wear?
Dress warmly for the outdoor portions, especially as you’ll be exposed to the cold during the sleigh ride and farm walk.

Can children participate?
Absolutely. Children of all ages are welcome, and everyone leaves with their own reindeer driver license.

What is the length of the sleigh ride?
The main ride is about 1.5 km, but weather conditions might limit this to a shorter route, like 500 meters.

Is the experience suitable for people with mobility issues?
While the tour involves outdoor walking and sitting in a sleigh, it’s best to check with the provider for specific mobility concerns.

What is included in the price?
The price covers transportation, the farm visit, sleigh ride, hot berry juice, and the reindeer driver license. Food and additional drinks are not included unless specified.

In essence, this Lapland Reindeer Safari from Rovaniemi is a well-rounded, authentic experience that offers more than just a ride—it’s a chance to connect with Lapland’s traditions, wildlife, and stunning winter landscapes in a warm, friendly setting. Perfect for families, nature lovers, or anyone wanting a slice of Arctic magic.