Lapland Reindeer Safari from Rovaniemi

If you’re looking to swap Santa’s workshop for a real-life reindeer farm with a sleigh ride through snow-dusted woods, this tour offers just that. The Lapland Reindeer Safari from Rovaniemi combines a visit to a historic reindeer farm, a traditional sleigh ride, and opportunities to learn about these iconic animals—making it an immersive experience for families, couples, or anyone craving a taste of authentic Arctic life.

One of the best parts? The guides are genuinely knowledgeable and passionate about reindeer welfare, making the experience not just fun but also educational. On the flip side, the tour’s brief duration and weather dependence mean you should be prepared for a short but memorable outing, especially if you’re after a longer adventure.

This tour is perfect if you value authentic, small-group experiences that emphasize the natural beauty of Lapland, combined with cultural insights and a touch of holiday magic. Whether you’re traveling with kids or simply want a peaceful, scenic escape into the winter wilderness, this safari is worth considering.

Key Points

• Authentic Reindeer Experience: Visit a farm with over 300 years of history where reindeer are well cared for and treated ethically.
• Beautiful Scenic Ride: Cozy up on a reindeer-pulled sleigh through snow-covered forests, with guides sharing stories about Lapland’s wilderness.
• Educational & Fun: Learn about reindeer life, handle a sled, and leave with an international reindeer driver license—a unique souvenir.
• Inclusive & Convenient: Hotel pickup and drop-off, hot berry juice, and guides make it a seamless experience.
• Family Friendly: Suitable for travelers of all ages, with a relaxed pace and engaging activities, especially for kids.
• Weather-Dependent: The route may be shortened in adverse weather, but a partial refund is available if the longer route isn’t possible.

An In-Depth Look at the Reindeer Safari Experience

We’ll start by unpacking what you actually do during the tour, how the stops are structured, and what you can expect to enjoy at each stage. Plus, we’ll weave in insights from guest reviews to bring the experience to life.

Booking & Logistics

For about $173 per person, this 2-hour experience is a solid value considering the inclusions—hotel pickup, a guided farm visit, a scenic sleigh ride, and a memorable souvenir. Most travelers book around 98 days in advance, showing this is a popular choice for those planning ahead. The tour starts at 3:00 pm, a perfect time to enjoy the winter daylight or twilight scenery.

You’ll receive a mobile ticket for easy access, and pickup is included, making the logistics straightforward. The maximum group size is 15, creating a cozy, intimate atmosphere where guides can focus on individual questions and interactions.

Stop 1: Rovaniemi & Reindeer Introduction

Your journey begins with a pickup from your hotel. The guides, like Hugo and Julia, are praised for their friendliness and professionalism. They’ll brief you about reindeer life, and you might find yourself passing a fun “exam” on reindeer riding, ending with an official-looking driver license—an amusing and memorable keepsake.

The highlight here? Sitting in a traditional reindeer sled, which immediately transports you into a winter fairy tale. It’s a peaceful yet exhilarating way to start. Guests often mention how relaxing and magical it is to glide through the snow, with the guides sharing tales about reindeer and the wilderness.

Stop 2: Visiting a Historic Reindeer Farm

Next, the tour takes you to a farm with over 300 years of history—an authentic setting, not a touristy attraction. The farm has more than 300 reindeer, and the guides are eager to answer questions about their care and lifestyle. One reviewer mentions how the farm staff are committed to the animals’ welfare, only working with reindeer once a day and releasing them back into the wild after a few months, which reassures visitors about ethical treatment.

During this visit, you’ll have ample time to ask questions, pet the reindeer, and observe their daily routines. The farm setting is described as beautiful and peaceful, a chance to connect with nature and learn about the animals that play such a vital role in Lapland’s culture.

Stop 3: The Scenic Reindeer Sleigh Ride

Post-farm visit, you’ll hop into a reindeer-drawn sleigh for a 30-minute ride through the woods. Guests consistently describe this segment as “breathtaking,” highlighting how quiet and serene the landscape feels when wrapped in white snow. Guides like Janika excel at making sure everyone is comfortable, providing blankets, and explaining how reindeer are trained for these rides—yet also emphasizing their well-being.

Guests have shared funny anecdotes about the animals—like the black truffles or the reindeer “butts”—adding a humorous touch to the peaceful scenery. The ride offers perfect photo ops and a chance to soak in the Arctic stillness.

Additional Highlights & Guest Favorites

• Handling a sled: Many guests enjoy trying their hand at steering a reindeer sled, which adds a fun, interactive element.
• Warming up: After the ride, everyone gathers around a bonfire in a traditional Lapp hut, sipping hot berry juice and nibbling on local biscuits—guest reviews rave about the cozy ambiance and tasty treats.
• Souvenir reindeer driver license: A quirky but appreciated keepsake, this international license makes for a fun story to tell friends back home.

What Reviewers Love Most

Guests consistently praise the guides for their depth of knowledge and friendliness. Alexandra mentions that her driver Alex was “great, knowledgeable about Rovaniemi,” and the farm guide was “wonderful, giving us plenty of time to ask questions.” Several reviews highlight the ethical treatment of reindeer, which adds peace of mind when interacting with the animals.

The scenery is another standout. The snowy woods, often described as “a winter fairy tale,” make the experience feel truly authentic. Plus, many appreciate the small-group format, which fosters a more personal, relaxed environment.

Potential Drawbacks & Considerations

While the experience generally receives high praise, a few guests note that the tour’s duration is short—around two hours—and the ride, about 1.5 km, might feel brief for those expecting a longer adventure. The weather can impact the route; if conditions are poor, the ride may be shortened to 500 meters, but a partial refund is offered.

It’s worth noting that the tour is weather-dependent, so if heavy storms or snowstorms hit, the experience could be compromised. Dressing warmly is essential, as it can get quite cold, especially when seated in the sleigh or standing outside in the winter air.

Additional Practical Info

• Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, guide service, reindeer safari, a hot drink, and the international reindeer driver license.
• Not included: Food and drinks unless specified, but you can enjoy hot berry juice and biscuits during the experience.
• Group size: Max 15 travelers, fostering a more intimate experience.
• Availability: Most travelers find the tour highly booked in advance, so planning ahead is advisable.
• Accessibility: Suitable for all ages, including children, with most travelers confirming that kids especially love the interaction with reindeer and the snowy scenery.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This reindeer safari is a fantastic choice for families, especially those with young children who love animals and storybook settings. It’s also a great experience for couples seeking a romantic winter outing or solo travelers eager to connect with Lapland’s authentic culture. The small group size and emphasis on ethical treatment make it ideal for those craving a genuine, personal encounter with reindeer and the Arctic landscape.

If you’re after a quick, scenic, and meaningful experience that combines tradition, nature, and fun, this tour ticks all those boxes. Keep in mind, it’s best suited for travelers who don’t mind bundled-up outdoor activities and short, scenic rides.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup and drop-off are included, making the experience hassle-free and convenient.

How long is the reindeer sled ride?
The main sleigh ride lasts about 30 minutes, with the possibility of a shorter route in bad weather.

Can children participate?
Absolutely. This tour is suitable for all ages, and children often enjoy handling the reindeer and riding in the sleigh.

What should I wear?
Dress warmly in layers, including thermal clothing, hats, gloves, and waterproof boots, as it can be quite cold.

Will I get a chance to feed the reindeer?
Yes, guests love feeding the reindeer, which is included in the farm visit. Many reviews mention this as a highlight.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The route may be shortened to 500 meters, but a partial refund is offered if the longer ride isn’t possible.

Is the experience ethical?
Yes, reviews emphasize the staff’s dedication to reindeer welfare, with reindeer only working for a limited time and then being released into the wild.

How long in advance should I book?
Most travelers book about 98 days ahead, as it’s a popular activity during the winter season.

Final Thoughts

The Lapland Reindeer Safari from Rovaniemi offers an authentic glimpse into Arctic life, blending cultural tradition with scenic beauty. You’ll love the peaceful sleigh ride, the chance to meet and feed reindeer, and the warm, welcoming guides who know their stuff. It’s a charming, meaningful experience that’s especially perfect for families or anyone eager to experience genuine Lapland hospitality and wildlife.

While the tour’s brevity and weather dependence are something to consider, the overall value and memorable moments it provides make it a worthwhile investment. If you’re looking for a gentle, scenic, and culturally immersive activity that captures the spirit of Lapland, this safari will leave you with stories—and a reindeer driver’s license—to share for years.

Experience the magic of Lapland in a way that’s genuine, ethical, and truly special. This reindeer safari is a small-group adventure that offers big memories in the snowy wilderness.