Top things to do in Rovaniemi

Dash through the snow with huskies for speed and excitement, or drift peacefully with reindeer on story-rich journeys rooted in Sámi tradition. Choose from quick family-friendly rides, enchanting evening tours under the Northern Lights, or full-day experiences that blend Santa Claus Village visits with snowmobile safaris. No matter the option, you’ll enjoy hassle-free transfers, snug winter gear, and the expertise of local guides who make every Arctic moment seamless.

Overview

  • On-site ride duration: 10 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes, depending on tour type
  • Cost range: €87 to €259 per person, depending on inclusions and upgrades
  • Best time to visit: December to March for peak snow and the chance to pair with Northern Lights tours
  • Meeting/drop-off point: Rovaniemi City Center, with select tours offering hotel pick-up in premium vehicles
  • Key attractions: Husky kennels, reindeer farms, Arctic forest trails, self-driven husky sleds, cultural extras like Arctic Circle certificates, reindeer licenses, and Santa visits
  • Recommended tour: Day & evening tour – Santa's pets, sledding & Aurora hunt

What to expect on a Rovaniemi sledding excursion?

Black van driving on a snowy mountain road in winter.
Reindeer being fed by a person at a snowy farm in Rovaniemi.
Reindeer pulling sled with two people in snowy Rovaniemi forest.
Husky sled team pulling a sled through snowy Lapland forest.
Warm drink being poured into a wooden cup by a fire during Northern Lights tour.
Snowmobile tour through snowy forest in Lapland.
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Travel made easy from Rovaniemi

All tours include round-trip transfers from Rovaniemi City Center, with some even offering hotel pick-up. Farms lie outside the city and can be hard to reach in deep snow, so transfers ensure a stress-free start and finish.

Meet your Arctic companions

At the kennels and reindeer farms, you’ll have time to greet the animals, learn about their lives, and feel the anticipation as huskies are harnessed for the run or reindeer are gently readied for the sleigh ride.

Two very different styles of sledding

Husky rides deliver speed and hands-on thrills, especially if you choose a self-driven sled where adults alternate steering and riding. Reindeer rides are slower and steadier, with guides leading the way while sharing stories of Sámi culture.

Scenic routes through Lapland

Short rides cover just a few minutes of forest trails, while longer safaris stretch up to 10 km through snowy woodlands, frozen lakes, and open wilderness. Each route highlights Lapland’s silence, beauty, and Arctic charm.

Warm up and recharge

After the ride, most tours include a stop by the fire for hot berry juice, tea, or cookies. Full-day trips like the highlights tour often add a hearty meal like salmon soup, with vegetarian options available.

Make it a complete Arctic day

Combo tours like the day and evening tour bundle huskies and reindeer with extras like snowmobiling, Santa Claus Village, or even Northern Lights hunting. It’s the best way to maximize your time, avoid juggling bookings, and save compared to separate tickets.

Things to know before booking your sledding tour in Rovaniemi

  • Rovaniemi offers a wide range of husky and reindeer experiences, from short family-friendly rides to longer safaris across snowy trails and evening tours under the Northern Lights. Huskies bring energy and speed, while reindeer provide a slower, more traditional way to explore the Arctic.
  • Since the farms are outside the city and not easy to reach, every tour includes round-trip transfers from the City Center. Premium tours like the day and evening tour or Meet Santa & animals tour, even include hotel pick-up in comfortable vehicles, so you don’t have to worry about arranging transport.
  • On husky tours, you can choose between steering your own team or sitting back as a guide takes the reins. Self-driving is active and adventurous, with two adults sharing a sled and switching turns, while guide-driven rides with both huskies and reindeer are calmer and better suited for families or those wanting to relax.
  • The introductory reindeer rides last just 400m to 500m, while extended farm visits extend to 2.5 km or 40 minutes on the trail. Husky options range from 800m introductions to 7–10 km safaris lasting up to 4 hours. Full-day tours like the highlights tour or snowmobile and sledding combo bundle multiple activities—huskies, reindeer, snowmobiles, and Santa Claus Village—in one trip, so you cover more in one day while saving time and money compared to booking separately.
  • Cultural immersion is a highlight of both experiences. Husky tours often include kennel visits where you can meet the dogs, take photos, and hear stories about Lapland’s sledding traditions. Reindeer tours bring you to authentic family-run farms, where you’ll feed the animals and learn about Sámi herding culture. Premium tours also include extras like an official Arctic Circle Certificate, a Reindeer driver’s license, or even a Santa meet-and-greet to make the experience more memorable.
  • Options like the Northern Lights husky ride or Northern Lights reindeer tour let you pair an Arctic adventure with the magic of the night sky. While sightings can’t be guaranteed, expert local guides know the best wilderness spots and times to maximize your chances of witnessing the Aurora Borealis.
  • Most tours include hot drinks and snacks to keep you warm after your ride, while longer experiences often add traditional meals such as salmon soup, with vegetarian options available. These touches ensure you stay fueled and comfortable throughout your Arctic adventure.
  • Small-group sizes, typically capped at around 8 participants, ensure a personal and intimate atmosphere, giving you plenty of time to interact with the animals, guides, and local culture without feeling rushed.
  • All tours offer winter clothing, such as thermal overalls, boots, gloves, helmets, and balaclavas, meaning you don’t have to worry about packing specialist gear; everything is provided to keep you safe and warm in Arctic conditions.

Your sledding experience tickets explained

Husky dog sledding through snowy forest in Lapland.

Husky sledding

Race across snowy forests and frozen lakes as energetic Alaskan huskies pull your sled with unstoppable enthusiasm. Meet the dogs at their kennels, get hands-on with their training routines, and immerse yourself in the centuries-old art of mushing that still thrives in Lapland today.

Rovaniemi husky tours
Reindeer pulling a sled through snowy forest in Lapland.

Reindeer sledding

Glide peacefully through winter trails behind gentle reindeer, experiencing Lapland at a slower, more magical pace. Feed the herd at a reindeer farm, hear captivating stories of Sámi herding traditions, and even earn your own Reindeer Driver’s License as part of this cultural journey.

Rovaniemi reindeer rides
Travel responsibly in Lapland

All tours follow sustainable practices where huskies and reindeer rest between rides, live in natural herding systems, and are cared for with respect.

Key highlights of Arctic sledding in Lapland

Husky being petted in snowy Lapland.

Meet your Arctic companions

Spend time at husky kennels and reindeer farms, where guides share stories of the animals’ lives, traditions, and role in Lapland culture before you set off.

Husky sled team pulling tourists through snowy Lapland landscape.

Two ways to ride the trails

Choose the thrill of steering your own husky team across snowy forests or the calm pace of reindeer rides steeped in Sámi heritage, each offering a unique perspective on Lapland’s wilderness.

Northern lights over snowy forest in Rovaniemi during guided tour.

Daylight adventures and evening magic

Take in frozen landscapes under the winter sun or join an evening departure to chase the Northern Lights, combining sledding with one of nature’s most extraordinary shows.

Aerial view of husky sledding through snowy forest in Lapland.

Lapland’s winter scenery all around

Marvel at endless snow-covered forests, frozen rivers, and Arctic skies that make every moment on the trail feel like a scene from a winter fairytale.

Plan your sledding experience

Reindeer at a farm in Rovaniemi with visitors in winter clothing.
  • Reindeer farm & sledding experience: 9am
  • From Rovaniemi: Husky sledding experience: 10:30am
  • Northern Lights husky sled ride: 6pm
  • Northern Lights & reindeer sledding: 7pm
  • Snowmobile & animal sledding: 10am
  • The highlights tour: Santa Claus Village, husky & reindeer sledding: 8:45am
  • Day & evening tour – Santa's pets, sledding & Aurora hunt: 9:30am
Santa’s Village central plaza with people walking near a decorated Christmas tree.
  • December kicks off the season with fresh snow and a festive Christmas atmosphere in Rovaniemi. Expect short daylight hours but plenty of magic, with tours filling quickly during the holiday period.
  • January is the coldest month, with deep snow and long nights that make it ideal for pairing sledding with Northern Lights tours. Fewer holiday crowds mean a slightly calmer pace.
  • February and March offer longer days, more daylight for sightseeing, and slightly milder temperatures. This is peak season for variety, with the widest choice of husky and reindeer tours available, though tours can sell out quickly.
  • Late November and early April sometimes offer sledding if snow conditions allow. Availability is more limited, so it’s best to check in advance if you’re traveling on the edges of the season.

Most husky and reindeer tours depart from Rovaniemi City Center, which is the main meeting and drop-off point. Select tours, such as the day and evening tour, also offer hotel pick-up in premium vehicles for added convenience.

If you are staying outside the center, the meeting point is well-connected:

  • From Rovaniemi Airport: A short 15–20 minute taxi or shuttle ride takes you directly to the City Center.
  • From Rovaniemi Train Station: The station is only about 2km from the center, reachable in 5 minutes by taxi or 20 minutes on foot.
  • From Santa Claus Village: Local buses and taxis connect the village to the City Center in around 15 minutes.

Once you arrive at the meeting point, guides ensure a smooth check-in and transfers to the farms, so you can focus on enjoying your Arctic adventure without worrying about logistics.

Snowmobile riders preparing gear at Arctic Circle Snowmobile Park, Lapland.
  • Round-trip transfers from Rovaniemi City Center, with hotel pick-up on select tours
  • Thermal overalls, boots, gloves, and winter clothing provided where needed
  • Helmets and balaclavas supplied for snowmobile combos
  • Professional English-speaking guides, with other languages available on request
  • Hot drinks like berry juice, blueberry tea, or coffee served during or after the ride
  • Snacks or traditional meals, such as salmon soup, included on certain full-day tours

Family-friendly facilities

  • Baby seats available on select tours for young children
  • Short introductory husky and reindeer rides designed for families with kids
  • Mini snowmobile experiences included in full-day tours for children under 150 cm
  • Guide-driven sled rides for a safer and more relaxed option with little ones

Visitor tips & guidelines

  • Dress in layers rather than relying only on the provided overalls, as temperatures can shift quickly between standing still at the farms and riding through open snowy landscapes.
  • Sunglasses or goggles are helpful on bright days, since the low Arctic sun reflecting off snow during husky rides can be surprisingly intense.
  • Reindeer rides are usually slower than husky rides, which means you have more time to take photos and enjoy the silence of Lapland’s forests; bring a camera with good low-light settings if joining an evening tour.
  • Gloves with touchscreen tips are practical, letting you capture photos without exposing your hands to the cold during stops on the trail.
  • Avoid using heavy perfumes or strongly scented lotions before visiting, as both huskies and reindeer are highly sensitive to smells.
  • For Northern Lights combo tours, bring a tripod or a phone stabilizer; long exposure shots work best while the animals are resting.
  • If you are joining a self-driven husky ride, practice leaning your weight slightly into turns and keeping your knees bent; small adjustments make the sled smoother and easier to control.
  • Afternoon husky rides can be slightly warmer and less busy than early mornings, making them a good choice for families with younger children.
  • Snacks like Fazer chocolate or hot berry juice are often provided, but carrying a small water bottle ensures you stay hydrated during longer safaris.

Frequently asked questions about sledding tours in Rovaniemi

How do husky and reindeer sledding experiences differ?

Husky rides are fast-paced and adventurous, while reindeer rides are calmer and more traditional; you can book bundled combos like the highlights tour to enjoy both.

How far will I travel on the sled?

Reindeer rides range from short 400–500 meter loops to extended 2.5 kilometer trails and even 40-minute journeys, while husky rides vary from 800 meters to 7–10 kilometer safaris lasting up to 75 minutes.

Do I need to be physically fit to join these tours?

Guide-driven husky and all reindeer rides require little effort, but self-driven husky sledding involves steering and braking, so participants should be comfortable standing and balancing for part of the ride.

Can I book husky and reindeer rides together in one tour?

Yes, the day and evening tour includes both experiences in a single day, saving you time while ensuring transfers, guides, and activities are seamlessly coordinated.

Are these tours suitable for young children?

Yes, children can safely join reindeer rides and guide-driven husky tours, and some family-friendly packages even offer mini snowmobile rides or baby seats on request.

What is included in the price of the tour?

Most sledding tours cover transfers, winter clothing, the sled ride itself, and hot drinks, while full-day experiences add meals, certificates, and cultural activities such as farm visits or Santa meet-and-greets.

What if there is no snow or poor weather?

Both husky and reindeer sledding require snowy conditions, so in rare cases of insufficient snow, tours may be rescheduled or adapted, while Northern Lights hunts are always weather-dependent.

Will I get to meet the animals up close?

Yes, tours often include time at husky kennels or reindeer farms, giving you the chance to meet, feed, and photograph the animals while learning about their traditions and training.

How many people will be on the tour with me?

Group sizes are usually small, often capped at around 8 guests, which makes the experience more personal and gives you more interaction with the animals and guides.

Do the tours provide food and drinks?

Hot berry juice, tea, or coffee is often served after rides, and premium tours include traditional meals such as salmon soup with vegetarian options.

Top Things to do in Rovaniemi
Rovaniemi Tours
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