Rovaniemi: Husky and reindeer farm visit with sleigh rides

Exploring Lapland’s snowy wilderness through a husky and reindeer farm tour offers a unique glimpse into Arctic life. This four-hour experience, priced at $284 per person, combines animal encounters, sledge rides, and cultural insights. It’s an accessible, family-friendly way to connect with Finland’s legendary winter wildlife — ideal for those eager to experience authentic Lapland traditions without long trips or overly commercialized tours.

What makes this experience stand out is the chance to learn about the animals from knowledgeable guides and to enjoy genuine sledge rides through snowy landscapes. However, it’s worth noting that before December 1st, the tour only includes visits to the farms, with sledge rides available for an extra fee — something to keep in mind if you’re eager for the full experience.

This tour is best suited for families, animal lovers, and anyone wanting a balanced mix of education and adventure in the Arctic. If you’re after a hassle-free, well-organized excursion that offers a taste of Lapland’s traditional life, this could be a perfect fit.

Key Points

• Authentic animal encounters with reindeer and huskies, led by experienced guides.
• Includes scenic sledge rides — a highlight for many travelers.
• Family-friendly activity suitable for all ages.
• Flexible options for sledge rides, with additional costs if booked on-site before December.
• Comfortable transportation with hotel pickup and drop-off included.
• Opportunity to learn about Arctic animals and their role in Lapland culture.

What to Expect on This Arctic Adventure

This trip is designed to give you a genuine taste of Lapland’s iconic animals and winter traditions. Once you’re picked up from your hotel within Rovaniemi, the journey starts with a guided visit to a husky park. Here, a professional guide shares insights into the lives of Siberian huskies — their routines, personalities, and role in Arctic travel. You’ll get to see these energetic dogs in action, although, based on reviews, direct contact is limited, and the experience remains quite structured.

The Husky Farm Experience

Your guide, often someone like Léo (as mentioned in reviews), makes the tour both informative and personable. We loved the way guides share knowledge without overwhelming — they’re passionate and eager to answer questions. You’ll see the huskies in their kennels, but the tour is more about observing than cuddling, which some travelers might find a bit underwhelming if they expected closer interaction.

The highlight here is the 1 km sledge ride pulled by the huskies — a true adventure and a favorite among visitors. The dogs are friendly and eager to run, making the ride exhilarating and fun. The scenic snow-covered landscape adds to the experience, giving you fantastic photo opportunities and a real sense of Arctic wilderness.

The Reindeer Farm Visit

Next, you’ll visit a reindeer farm, a peaceful and charming setting. The guide explains reindeer habits and their importance to Lapland’s culture. You’ll have a chance to feed these gentle creatures, which adds a lovely, tactile element to the experience.

A 400-meter reindeer sledge ride provides a relaxed, scenic journey through the snowy terrain. Travelers from reviews mention that the reindeer generally stay on the farm during winter, and the visit offers a good insight into their lives, although some found the experience to be somewhat brief or circular.

Additional Costs and Flexibility

Before December 1st, the tour does not include sledge rides — they’re optional extras paid on the spot. The husky sledge ride costs around 45 euros for 1 km, and the reindeer sledge ride is about 20 euros for 400 meters. This flexibility allows you to customize your experience depending on your interests and budget.

Practical Details

The tour lasts about four hours, making it a manageable half-day activity. Pickup and drop-off from hotels within five kilometers of Rovaniemi’s center are included, which saves the hassle of arranging transport. The group size is typically small, with a professional English-speaking guide providing personalized attention.

You will be served hot drinks and snacks during the tour, perfect for warming up after outdoor activities. However, you’ll need to bring your own overalls or warm clothing — the tour does not include overalls, and water isn’t provided, so dress accordingly.

Authenticity and Value

This experience offers a balanced blend of education and fun. While it’s well-organized and convenient, it’s important to note some travelers’ comments about the experience feeling somewhat “commercial” — especially with the limited interaction with the dogs and the brief nature of the reindeer ride.

However, most visitors find the scenic beauty, knowledgeable guides, and authentic animal encounters outweigh these minor drawbacks. The fact that you can see genuine Arctic animals in their winter environment, learn about their significance, and enjoy a traditional sledge ride makes the value quite reasonable for the price.

What We Like

• The expert guides who share insights and keep the experience engaging.
• The opportunity to see and feed real reindeer and huskies.
• The stunning snow-covered scenery that makes every photo Instagram-worthy.
• The scenic sledge rides, offering a taste of traditional Arctic transport.

What Could Be Better

• Limited direct contact with the huskies, which some travelers might expect.
• The brief duration of reindeer rides and farm visits, though this is typical for such tours.
• The additional costs for rides if booked on-site, which can add to the total expense.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is ideal for families with children, outdoor enthusiasts, and those wanting a gentle introduction to Arctic wildlife. It’s suitable for travelers who appreciate well-organized excursions with knowledgeable guides, but who don’t mind paying a little extra for optional activities like sledge rides.

It’s also great for visitors who want to capture stunning photos and learn about Lapland’s traditional animals without feeling rushed. If you’re after a more interactive or in-depth dog experience, you might prefer a different tour, but for a balanced, scenic, and informative experience, this one hits the mark.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

This husky and reindeer farm visit provides a solid, family-friendly way to enjoy Lapland’s iconic animals and scenery. For $284, you get a well-organized, 4-hour experience with professional guides, scenic sledge rides, and cultural insights. While some may find the interaction limited or feel the experience leans slightly commercial, most will appreciate the authentic glimpses into Arctic life.

It’s a tour that offers value through convenience and education, making it a worthwhile choice for those who want a balanced introduction to Lapland’s wildlife and traditions without overextending their budget or time.

For travelers seeking a relaxing, scenic, and informative Arctic adventure, this tour is hard to beat—especially if you’re keen to see huskies and reindeer in their natural winter environment.

FAQ

Do I need to book the sledge rides separately?
Yes, before December 1st, the sledge rides are optional extras you can pay for on the spot, costing around 45 euros for the husky ride and 20 euros for reindeer. After December 1st, they are included in the tour.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup and drop-off are provided for hotels within 5 km of Rovaniemi’s city center. Be ready in the hotel lobby about 10 minutes before your scheduled time.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately four hours, making it an easy half-day activity suitable for most schedules.

Are the animals kept in small kennels?
According to some reviews, the huskies are kept in small kennels with three dogs at a time. There is no indication of direct contact with the dogs, but guides share information about their lives.

Is the experience suitable for children?
Absolutely. The tour is family-friendly and includes gentle sled rides suitable for most ages. Kids will especially enjoy feeding reindeer and watching the huskies in action.

What should I wear?
While overalls aren’t provided, dressing warmly in layered winter clothes, waterproof boots, and gloves is essential for comfort during outdoor activities in Lapland’s cold climate.

This tour offers a delightful combination of Arctic culture, animal encounters, and scenic rides, making it a memorable way to experience Lapland’s winter magic without overcomplicating things. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast or simply looking for a scenic adventure, this experience delivers it with warmth and professionalism.