From Rovaniemi: Husky and Reindeer farm with sled ride

Traveling in Lapland offers a chance to step into a winter wonderland where reindeer and huskies roam freely, and snow blankets the landscape in a pristine white. This tour, offered by RBK Travel, combines the thrill of a husky sled ride with the charm of reindeer farm visits, all packed into a 3.5-hour experience. Whether you’re short on time or eager for a taste of Arctic life, this excursion delivers a snapshot of Lapland’s unique culture and stunning scenery.

One of the aspects we particularly like about this tour is how it balances adventure with cultural learning. You’ll get to meet the animals up close, learn about reindeer herding and Sámi traditions, and enjoy some warm drinks in a cozy setting—all while taking in the snowy landscape. On the flip side, a possible consideration is that the reindeer farm portion might feel a bit brief, especially if you’re hoping for a deeper dive into Sámi culture. Still, for those seeking an authentic, family-friendly Arctic experience, this is a solid choice.

This tour suits travelers who want a well-rounded introduction to Lapland’s wilderness, especially if they’re after a mix of activity, culture, and scenic beauty without spending a full day out in the cold. It’s ideal for families, couples, or solo travelers looking for a memorable and authentic Arctic encounter.

Key Points

• Authentic Arctic Experience: Combines husky sled rides and reindeer farm visits for a well-rounded taste of Lapland.
• Cultural Insight: Learn about Sámi traditions and reindeer herding, enriching your understanding of local life.
• Convenience: Hotel pickup and drop-off make the experience easy and hassle-free.
• Animal Encounters: Up-close cuddles and feeding at both farms create memorable photo opportunities.
• Short but Sweet: At 3.5 hours, it’s a manageable, rewarding outing, perfect for those with limited time.
• Value for Money: Includes multiple activities, hot drinks, and a reindeer driver’s license—great value overall.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour

The Itinerary: From Comfort to Arctic Wilderness

The adventure kicks off with hotel pickup in Rovaniemi, making logistics straightforward. The tour’s route takes you directly to a local husky farm, where the excitement begins. Here, you’ll meet the friendly huskies—obedient, energetic, and eager for action—and receive safety instructions before hopping onto a 1-kilometer sled ride.

During the short, scenic ride, you’ll glide through snow-covered fields and forests, all while the howling of huskies and the fresh, crisp air create an authentic Arctic atmosphere. The review from a traveler mentions that while the ride is “only 5 minutes,” it’s a “pleasant experience,” and you’ll have time afterward to cuddle and snap photos of these wonderful animals.

Meeting the Huskies

The tour includes a visit to a husky farm, where you’ll see these energetic dogs in their element. Many guests appreciate the personalized interaction, with guides like Anna or Jukka providing insights into husky life and training. Travelers have noted that the guides are respectful and helpful, making the experience both fun and educational.

Warm Up and Learn

After the sled ride, guests are invited into a warm hut, where a hot drink and a snack await. This cozy moment allows for some rest and cultural learning—an opportunity to ask questions and hear stories about the Sámi people, Lapland’s indigenous community.

Reindeer Farm Experience

Next comes a visit to a local reindeer farm, where the farm owners introduce their herd of majestic reindeer. Guests learn about the vital role these animals play in Sámi culture and reindeer herding. You may find that the feeding session is brief—roughly 10 minutes—but it’s enough to get close and interact with these gentle creatures.

One reviewer, Alicja, noted that the reindeer farm experience was “not that interesting,” describing it as mainly a feeding session and a 30-40 minute talk. She also mentioned receiving a 50% refund, implying that the reindeer farm might not be as engaging for everyone, especially if you’re expecting a lengthy or immersive visit.

Reindeer Sled Ride & Cultural Insights

The highlight for many is the traditional reindeer sled ride. Sitting on a wooden sled pulled by reindeer, you’ll travel through snowy forests and open fields, soaking in the serene beauty of Lapland. The reindeer are surprisingly sturdy and calm, providing a smooth ride that lasts as long as the guide deems appropriate—probably around 20-30 minutes.

Once back, the tour often concludes with a visit to a Lappish kota, a traditional Sámi tent, where guides share stories about reindeer herding, Sámi traditions, and Arctic life. This cultural segment adds depth to the experience, turning it into a meaningful window into local ways of life.

The Experience for You

What’s Included and What’s Not

This tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off, which simplifies logistics. A guide—likely fluent in English—will lead you through each step, ensuring you’re well-informed and comfortable. The package includes snacks, hot drinks, visits to both farms, sled rides, and a reindeer driver’s license—a fun souvenir that confirms your participation.

However, lunch is not included, so if you’re hungry after the tour, plan for a meal on your own. The tour’s duration of 3.5 hours makes it a compact but satisfying Arctic outing—perfect if you’re short on time but still want an authentic experience.

Practicalities and Tips

Guests are advised to dress warmly, as you’ll be outside for a significant part of the tour. Think layers, thermal underwear, and waterproof boots. Since sleigh rides are available from mid-November to mid-April, check availability based on your travel dates.

The tour is designed for small to medium groups, enhancing the intimacy and allowing for more interaction with guides and animals. The pickup process is straightforward—just wait outside your accommodation 5 minutes before the scheduled time.

The Value Proposition

At $250 per person, the tour offers a solid value considering the multiple activities, animal interactions, and cultural insights included. When compared with some longer or less comprehensive options, this experience provides a good balance of adventure and education without a hefty time investment.

The Authentic Touch: What Travelers Are Saying

While most reviews are positive, some travelers note the brief reindeer farm visit and the husky ride that’s only about 5 minutes long. One reviewer shared that the reindeer farm “wasn’t that interesting,” but appreciated the 50% refund they received, indicating that the experience might not meet everyone’s expectations for depth.

Conversely, others appreciated the friendly guides and the opportunity to cuddle huskies and feed reindeer, describing it as a fun, memorable, and “worthwhile” Arctic adventure. The overall rating of 4.3 suggests that most find the experience enjoyable and valuable, especially for those eager to tick off the quintessential Lapland activities.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This tour is ideal for families with children, couples, or solo travelers who want a manageable, authentic taste of Arctic life. If you’re after a short but meaningful experience that combines outdoor fun with cultural learning, this tour fits that bill. It’s perfect for those who appreciate animal encounters and want a snapshot of Sámi traditions without committing to a full-day expedition.

Note: Due to the outdoor nature, it’s best for travelers prepared for cold weather. If you’re expecting a deep immersion into Sámi culture or lengthy reindeer herding demonstrations, you might find this tour somewhat limited, but for most, the value and authenticity outweigh that.

The Sum Up

This combined husky and reindeer sled tour from Rovaniemi provides a charming introduction to Lapland’s winter charm. With animal interactions, scenic rides, and cultural insights, it offers a well-rounded Arctic experience that’s both fun and educational. The convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off, along with the included snacks and souvenirs, makes it a practical choice for travelers short on time.

While the reindeer farm visit might feel brief for some, the overall package delivers good value, especially for those eager to enjoy the snow-covered landscape and learn about Sámi traditions in a relaxed setting. It’s best suited for families or individuals wanting a taste of Arctic life with manageable time commitment and authentic encounters.

If you’re after an accessible, authentic, and scenic Arctic adventure that captures the spirit of Lapland, this tour is worth considering.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making it easy to join without additional hassle.

How long does the tour last?
The experience lasts approximately 3.5 hours, including all activities, transfers, and cultural visits.

What activities are included?
Guests enjoy a husky farm visit, a 1 km sled ride with huskies, a reindeer farm visit, a reindeer sled ride, and time in a Sami kota with storytelling.

Is the reindeer farm visit long?
No, the reindeer farm visit includes about 10 minutes of reindeer feeding and a 30-40 minute talk, which some travelers find a bit brief.

Are meals included?
No, lunch is not included. However, hot drinks and snacks are provided during the tour.

What should I bring?
Warm clothing and sturdy shoes are essential, as you’ll be outdoors in cold weather for extended periods.

When is the sleigh ride available?
Reindeer sleigh rides are available from mid-November to mid-April, depending on snow conditions.

Is this experience suitable for children?
Yes, it’s family-friendly, especially for children who enjoy animals and outdoor adventures.

How is the guide?
Guests describe the guides as respectful, helpful, and engaging, adding a personal touch to the experience.

In summary, this tour offers a fun, authentic taste of Lapland’s winter culture with scenic rides, animal encounters, and cultural stories. It’s a practical choice for those wanting a memorable Arctic day trip that balances activity and cultural insight, all while being easy to fit into a busy travel schedule.