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Guide · Sleigh ride
Reindeer sledding in Rovaniemi: how the ride feels
A reindeer pulls you quietly through the snowy forest, you sit under a blanket and watch: here you learn how long the rides are and which tour suits you.
Check availabilityfrom $217 · free cancellation
Editorial team rentierfarmrovaniemi.deUpdated on October 3, 20267 min read7 sources
In short
- 01Routes
- From 400 m to 2 to 3 km, depending on the tour.1
- 02Long ride
- The tour to the Apukka farm lasts 3.5 hours and starts from $219.
- 03Budget
- A farm visit with sled ride from $101 for 2.5 hours
- 04Drive yourself
- No, the reindeer follows the trail; you sit back and enjoy the ride.
- 05Time of year
- Snow is usually there from November, sometimes already in October.2
How a reindeer sled ride works
A reindeer sled ride in Rovaniemi is the opposite of a wild husky ride. The animal walks at its own pace, the sled glides almost silently along the track, and you hear only the crunch of the snow and now and then the snorting in front of you. You usually sit on a wide wooden sled with reindeer fur or a blanket, your legs stretched out in front. Often a handler goes along in front or leads the first animal on a leash.
Before the ride, the guide explains how to get on and where to hold on. You do not steer yourself; the reindeer follows the track or the animal in front. When there are several sleds, the group usually rides in a single line one behind the other, like a small caravan through the forest. Keep your hands to yourself, do not lean too far out of the sled, and stand up only when the animal has come to a complete stop.
After the ride you have time to photograph the reindeer that pulled you. At some farms there is a fire, a warm drink, and pastries afterward. Visit Rovaniemi describes such a visit with drinks and cookies by the fire following the ride.1 The day tour with reindeer, huskies, and the Santa Claus Village includes a short reindeer sled ride as part of the farm visit, along with huskies, salmon soup, and the Santa Claus Village.
How it works
Your reindeer sleigh ride
-
Pickup
By bus to the farm
For the tour to Apukka Farm, pickup is included.
-
Arrival
Getting to know the animals
The guide introduces the reindeer and explains the rules.
-
Get in
Seat in the sleigh
Sit down, cover your legs, and hold on tight.
-
The ride
Through the forest
On this tour, the route covers 2 to 3 km.
-
Later
Photos and questions
Time for photos with the reindeer and questions for the handler.
Short round or long route
The most important question when booking is the length of the ride. It ranges from a short round to several kilometers. Visit Rovaniemi presents a gentle ride of 400 m.1 That sounds little, but is enough to experience the feeling, and for small children it is often just right. If you want more, look for a route length in the tour name.
One tour takes you 2 km through the forest and lasts 3 hours in total. Guests rate it 4.79 out of 274 reviews. Even longer is the ride on the tour to the farm from Apukka Resort Adventures, which carries 2 to 3 km in its name. With routes like these you have time to arrive on the sled, forget the cold, and simply gaze into the forest.
Bear in mind that the total tour duration is not the time spent on the sled. The hours include pickup, greeting, explanation, photos, and often a pause by the fire. Therefore, read in reviews how long the actual ride lasted. Guests of the day tour with huskies and Santa Claus Village write that the rides with reindeer and huskies were rather short, but the day offers a lot.
Duration
How long do the sleigh tours last
Hours
Compare
Reindeer sleigh ride from Rovaniemi
| Tour | Duration | Time | Rating | From price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Farm with sleigh ride | 2.5 hours | Day | 4,25 | from $101 |
| Daytime sleigh ride | 2 hrs | Day | 4,46 | from $149 |
| Long forest drive | 3 hrs | Day | 4,79 | from $184 |
| Apukka drive | 3.5 hrs | Day | 4,53 | from $219 |
| Evening tour at Apukka | 4.5 hrs | Evening | 4,29 | from $225 |
| With drink and cookies | 2.5 hours | Day | 4,60 | from $231 |
Based on GetYourGuide offers; prices are per person starting prices.
Decision helper
Find the right sleigh ride
Choose what matters to you on the ride.
Farm with Sleigh Ride
2.5 hours from $101, including pickup.
Apukka drive
A trail of 2 to 3 km through the forest.
Evening ride
4.5 hours in the evening at Apukka.
With drink and cookies
2.5 hours with hot drinks and cookies.
Day tour with huskies
6 hours with salmon soup and the Arctic Circle.
The Apukka farm tour in detail
The tour that fits this guide promises a sustainable reindeer ride over 2 to 3 km. It lasts 3.5 hours, pickup is included, and the guide speaks English. A bus takes you from one of 2 meeting points to the farm of Apukka Resort Adventures and back. So you do not have to worry about anything and can approach the ride completely relaxed.
Guests rate the tour 4.53 out of 1,020 reviews. The guide scores 4.7 points, the transport 4.5, and the value for money 4.1. The slightly lower mark on value for money shows that the tour is not cheap: it starts from $219. Those who mainly want to sit in the sled for a long time get one of the longest routes in comparison.
Book first, pay later and cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the date. This is practical if you do not yet know your weather window or are waiting for snow. Still book early if you travel during Christmas, because then there is a lot going on in Rovaniemi and popular dates sell out fast.
Checklist
For the sleigh ride
01
Dress Up
- Long underwear made of wool
- Furred, windproof trousers
- Mittens instead of finger gloves
- Scarf or buff in front of your face
02
In the sleigh
- Keep your hands to yourself
- Only get up when the animal stands still
- Photos without flash
Video
Reindeer sleigh ride in Finnish Lapland
The video loads only after you tap Play.
Day or in the dark
A daytime ride shows you the forest in all its breadth: snow-covered spruce trees, tracks in the snow, the reindeer in front of you in clear light. A daytime sleigh ride lasts 2 hours and starts from $149. In deep winter, daylight is scarce though. In mid-December, the sun in Rovaniemi stands above the horizon for an average of only 2.3 hours.3
Who wants to feel the silence even more strongly rides in the dark. An evening reindeer sled ride at Apukka lasts 4.5 hours and starts from $225. With luck the northern lights then glow over the forest, but this is never promised. You can find more on this in the reindeer guide under Northern Lights, which presents this evening ride in more detail.
Daytime is easier for photos, nighttime for atmosphere. With children, a ride in daylight is usually more relaxed, because they can see the animals better and do not have to go to bed so late. In late winter the balance shifts: in mid-March, the sun in Rovaniemi is already up for 11.4 hours.3 Then you get long bright days and still enough winter atmosphere in the forest.
Stay warm when sitting still in the sled
On the sled you move hardly at all, and that is exactly what makes the cold so noticeable. In winter the temperatures in Rovaniemi average between -10 and -20 °C.4 The wind from riding is low because a reindeer walks at a leisurely pace, but after just a few minutes you feel every gap in your clothing. Therefore plan as if you were waiting for a long time at a bus stop.
Visit Rovaniemi recommends several layers of winter clothing.5 For the sled ride this means: long underwear made of wool, a warm mid-layer, wind- and snowproof trousers, and a jacket that reaches over the hips. Sleds often have furs or blankets on them, but do not rely on them. Insulated trousers are more important than the thickest jacket.
Hands and feet freeze first on the sled. Wear mittens instead of finger gloves and tuck your hands under the blanket when you are not taking photos. Thick wool socks in boots with a bit of room keep feet warm, tight shoes restrict blood flow and make toes cold. A scarf or buff over mouth and nose protects your face when the air burns while breathing.
Reindeer sledding with children and older people
Reindeer sleigh rides are quieter than almost any other snow activity and are therefore also suitable for families and older travelers. There are no curves at high speed and no device you have to operate. Children usually sit with an adult in the same sleigh. Ask beforehand whether babies or toddlers are allowed to ride, as each farm sets its own rules.
For older guests, getting on and off is especially important. The sleighs are low, and standing up from a seated position on snowy ground can be tiring. Do not hesitate to ask for help; the guides are prepared for this. If you have back or knee problems, ask about the length of the ride and whether there are sleighs with a backrest before booking.
Small children lose patience in the cold more quickly than adults. A short ride followed by a break by the fire is often more enjoyable for them than a long distance. For families who would rather just experience the reindeer, there is the farm visit with sleigh ride of 2.5 hours from $101. A dedicated guide for families gives you further tips on this.
How to recognize a good sleigh ride
A good ride is not recognized by its length alone, but by how the animals are treated. The reindeer should appear calm, stand well in their coats, and get breaks between rounds. A handler who calls the animals by name, knows their quirks, and explains why a particular animal is not running today is a good sign. Hurry, pulling on the harness, or driving too loudly are not.
Also pay attention to how much time the farm gives you besides the ride. A ride after which you immediately sit back on the bus rarely stays with you for long. It is nicer if you can stand by the gate afterward, watch the feeding, and ask questions. Those who want to know how reindeer survive the winter can learn there, for example, that they dig for lichens under the snow and also eat twigs, hay, and reindeer moss.6
And remember that every animal belongs to a handler, even if you see it free in the forest.7 The ride is part of the family's work with the animals that welcomes you. A friendly word, interest in their daily life, and respect for their rules make the visit more pleasant for both sides. And an honest thank-you when you say goodbye always goes down well.
Book the tour
Reindeer, huskies, and the Arctic Circle in one day.
Book now, pay later, and cancellation remains free of charge up to 24 hours before.
You ask,we answer.
How long is a reindeer sleigh ride?
From 400 m to 2 to 3 km. Visit Rovaniemi names a ride of 400 m; the tour to Apukka Farm carries 2 to 3 km in its name.1
Do I have to steer the reindeer myself?
No. The animal follows the track or the sleigh in front of it. You sit, hold on, and enjoy the ride through the forest.
How much does a reindeer sleigh ride cost?
From $101 in the comparison. This is the price for a farm visit with sleigh ride; the long ride at Apukka starts from $219.
Are there rides in the dark?
Yes. An evening reindeer sleigh ride at Apukka lasts 4.5 hours.
From when is there enough snow?
Mostly from November. The first snow can come as early as October or not until December.2
Will I get a refund if the tour is cancelled?
Yes, up to 24 hours before departure This applies to the tour to Apukka Farm; you can also pay later.
Is pickup included?
Yes, for the Apukka tour. A bus picks you up at one of 2 meeting points and brings you back.
Sources
Where the information comes from
- 1Visit RovaniemiReindeer Sleigh Rides And Farm Visits↩
- 2Visit RovaniemiDiscover The 8 Seasons Of Rovaniemi, On The Arctic Circle↩
- 3↩
- 4Visit FinlandWeather and climate in Finland↩
- 5Visit Rovaniemi8 Safety Instructions For Winter Travellers↩
- 6Reindeer Herders' AssociationSnow and Digging - the Winter of the Reindeer↩
- 7Visit FinlandWhere can I see a reindeer in Finland?↩
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