Rovaniemi Reindeer Safari Tours

Journey through the snowy ancient forests of Lapland on a traditional sleigh pulled by Santa's trusted companions

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2 to 7 hours
1 Languages
Small groups and private options available
Free Cancellation
Everything You Need to Know

Complete Experience Guide

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The Authentic Lappish Reindeer Experience

Immerse yourself in the enchanting culture of Lapland with a traditional reindeer safari in Rovaniemi. As the official hometown of Santa Claus, this Arctic wonderland offers the unique opportunity to meet local herders and learn about the centuries-old bond between the Sámi people and their semi-wild herds. Whether you choose a short, family-friendly sleigh ride through the snowy forest or a longer expedition hunting for the Northern Lights, these tours provide a peaceful and magical connection to nature. You'll glide silently across frozen landscapes, wrapped in warm hides, before warming up with hot berry juice and stories around an open fire in a traditional kota.

4.8/5
Average Rating
50+
Tour Options
Daily
Departures
Nov-Apr
Season

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1.5 km reindeer sled ride
Snowy forest landscapes
Traditional Lappish culture talk
Hot drinks by the fire
Panoramic countryside views

Essential Information

Know Before You Go

What to Expect
Sub-zero temperatures
Short daylight hours in winter
Peaceful slow-paced ride
Tour Logistics
Pickup from city center hotels
Thermal suits usually provided
English-speaking guides
Health & Safety
Not suitable for pregnant women (bumpy sleds)
Dress in layers
Moderate walking ability needed
Weather Conditions
Operates in snow/cold
Routes may vary by snow depth
Aurora not guaranteed

Not Allowed

Large bags or luggage
Pets (except service animals)
Food and drinks
Essential Information

Booking Tips

  • Book at least 2-3 months in advance for December dates
  • Choose a midday tour in Jan-Feb for best lighting conditions
  • Compare the sled ride distance, not just total tour duration
  • Look for combo tours with huskies to save time and money

What to Bring

  • Camera
  • Personal medication
  • Sunglasses (snow glare)
  • Lip balm
  • Hand warmers

Best Seasons to Visit

Winter (November to April) is the only season for sled rides. Summer visits to farms are possible but without the sleigh experience.

What to Wear

Thermal base layer (merino wool)|Insulating mid-layer (fleece)|Waterproof and windproof winter jacket|Thermal trousers|Woolen socks (2 pairs)|Warm hat covering ears|Neck warmer or scarf|Heavy duty mittens

Planning

Historical Context

Reindeer have been herded in Lapland for centuries. Originally used for transport and hauling goods before snowmobiles, they remain a cultural icon and essential food source.

Photography Tips

  • Bring spare batteries (cold kills them fast)
  • Use exposure compensation (+0.7 to +1.0) to keep snow white
  • Capture the steam from the reindeer's breath
  • Use a fast shutter speed for moving sleighs

Insider Tips

  • Bring hand warmers for your gloves
  • Keep your phone close to your body to save battery in the cold
  • Don't clap loud near the reindeer, it startles them
  • Ask the guide to take your photo, they know the best angles

Our Partners

  • Bookings processed securely via Viator
  • Tours operated by certified local providers like Lapland Safaris and Christmas House Safaris

Fun Facts

  • Reindeer eyes change color from gold in summer to blue in winter to see better in the dark
  • Reindeer are the only deer species where both males and females grow antlers
  • A reindeer can run up to 80 km/h
  • There are more reindeer than people in Lapland

Cancellation Policy

Most tours offer a full refund if canceled at least 24 hours before the start time. Check the specific policy for your chosen activity upon booking.

Social Media

Share your experience: #Rovaniemi #Lapland #ReindeerSafari #VisitFinland #ArcticAdventure #SantaClausVillage #WinterWonderland

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Customer Reviews

What Our Guests Say

Real experiences from real travelers

S
Sarah Jenkins
UK • 2024-01-15

Magical Christmas Experience

We booked the 3-hour safari for our family of four. It was absolutely magical! The reindeer were beautiful and the ride through the silent snowy forest was like a fairytale. The kids loved feeding the reindeer afterwards. Highly recommend booking in advance!

H
Hiroshi Tanaka
Japan • 2024-02-02

Beautiful and Peaceful

A wonderful way to see the Lapland nature. The guide was very knowledgeable about the reindeer herding lifestyle. It was very cold (-20C) but the thermal suits they provided kept us warm. The hot berry juice by the fire was a perfect ending.

E
Elena Rossi
Italy • 2023-12-10

Great but cold

The experience was fantastic, seeing the reindeer up close. The ride was a bit shorter than I expected but very scenic. Make sure to wear double wool socks! The farm visit was very educational.

M
Markus Weber
Germany • 2024-01-20

Highlight of our trip

We did the combo husky and reindeer tour. It was well organized. The reindeer ride is slow and relaxing, perfect for taking photos. The guides were friendly and spoke good English. A must-do in Rovaniemi.

C
Chloe Dubois
France • 2023-12-28

Simply enchanting

Riding a sleigh at night hoping for Auroras was a dream. We didn't see the lights but the starry sky and the silence of the forest were enough. The reindeer are so gentle. Loved the traditional Lappish lunch included.

D
David Smith
USA • 2024-03-05

Fun for the kids

Great activity for families. The sled ride is gentle. My 5-year-old loved it. The farm is authentic, not too touristy. We got to take lots of photos with the animals.

A
Ana Silva
Brazil • 2024-01-08

Once in a lifetime

Coming from a tropical country, this was a shock but in a good way! The landscape is breathtaking. The reindeer are well cared for. The organization was flawless from pickup to drop off.

L
Lars Hansen
Norway • 2024-02-14

Authentic experience

Even for a Scandinavian, this was special. The farm we visited has been in the same family for 200 years. You can feel the history. The reindeer stew served for lunch was delicious.

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