KIRUNA: Reindeer Sled Ride in the Countryside

If you’re after an authentic taste of Lapland’s winter magic, a trip to Kiruna offering a reindeer sled ride combined with Sami culture could be just what you need. This experience takes you into the snowy wilderness where reindeer pull your sled through forests and across frozen moors, all while learning about the indigenous Sami people. It’s not just a ride — it’s an immersion into a world that feels both timeless and breathtaking.

What stands out most for many visitors is the chance to drive your own reindeer and get close enough to feed them by hand, which makes the experience uniquely personal. Plus, the opportunity to sit around a fire in a traditional lavvu (Sami tent), sharing stories and enjoying local delicacies, elevates the experience beyond just a winter activity.

One thing to keep in mind is that the tour is season-dependent, only available from mid-January to late March, when the ice is thick enough and snow covers the landscape. If you’re not into cold-weather gear or have mobility issues, some parts of the experience might require extra planning, but overall, it’s well suited for those eager to embrace Sami traditions and nature.

This tour suits travelers who love outdoor adventures, cultural encounters, and hearty local food. It’s perfect for those wanting an authentic, less commercialized glimpse of Sami life in the Arctic. Families with children over the age of two, or anyone comfortable with winter gear, will find it especially rewarding.

Key Points

• Authentic Sami experience with cultural insights and storytelling
• Hands-on reindeer interaction, including feeding and walking with reindeer
• Scenic sled ride through snow-covered forests and moors
• Delicious local lunch featuring smoked and fried reindeer meat
• Small group sizes limit to eight participants for a more personal experience
• Seasonally limited, only operating from mid-January to late March

An In-Depth Look at the Reindeer Sled Adventure

The Journey Begins: Transportation and Pickup

The experience kicks off with a convenient pickup from the Tourist Office in Kiruna around 10am, which means you’ll start your day with a scenic drive approximately 20 km to the Sami village. This transportation is included, making logistics straightforward for travelers staying in central Kiruna.

The drive itself offers a chance to get a first glimpse of the snowy landscape and hear some background stories from your guide, who speaks both English and Swedish. The small group size—capped at eight—ensures a more intimate setting where you can ask plenty of questions and really connect with the guides and reindeer herders.

Visiting the Sami Village

Once arrived, you’ll step into a Sami village that feels like stepping back in time. The Sami people are semi-nomadic reindeer herders, and their way of life remains central to the experience. The guides share stories about Sami traditions, their connection to the land, and their reindeer herds.

This part of the tour is especially valued by travelers like Bernard, who called it a “bonne découverte du monde Sami.” It offers a genuine peek into Sami culture that’s both respectful and informative.

Reindeer Handling and Walk

Before hopping onto your sled, you’ll have the chance to walk alongside your assigned reindeer, learn how they are harnessed, and maybe even feed them by hand. Several reviewers, including Tordis, highlight how feeding the reindeer in their corral is both charming and memorable—”feeding them was a highlight,” she notes, adding that it feels quite personal and up-close.

The reindeer are semi-domesticated and used to human interaction, making the feeding experience safe and heartwarming. Expect to be gently guided on how to handle the animals, and enjoy their curious, friendly nature.

The Reindeer Sled Ride

The core of this experience — the reindeer sled ride — typically lasts about 4-5 km through pristine, snow-laden forests and across the thick ice of nearby rivers. The ride is a tranquil, almost meditative journey, where you get to steer your own reindeer with guidance from the herders.

Many guests describe it as “magical” and “unforgettable,” with Tordis emphasizing how peaceful and enchanting it was to glide through the snow-covered wilderness. The landscape is stunning, with the mountains looming in the distance, and the quiet of the snow enhances the sense of connection to nature.

Lunch Around the Fire

After the sled ride, you’ll settle into a traditional lavvu — a Sami tent — to enjoy a hearty lunch. The menu features smoked and fried reindeer meat (suovas), served with bread, alongside vegetarian and vegan options, which shows the tour’s attentiveness to dietary needs.

Sitting on reindeer hides in the warm, cozy tent, you’ll listen as guides share Sami stories and answer questions. Guests consistently mention how delicious the reindeer meat is, describing it as tender and flavorful, complemented by the simple pleasure of sitting around an open fire in the Arctic.

Interacting with Reindeer and Cultural Insights

Later, you’ll have the chance to feed the reindeer again and learn more about their role in Sami life. This close contact creates a sense of respect and understanding for these hardy animals, which are essential to the Sami way of life. Reviewers like Bernard appreciated this intimacy, calling it a “beautiful discovery.”

Practical Details

The entire tour lasts about three hours, and transportation is arranged from central Kiruna, making it easy to add on to any Arctic itinerary. The experience is tailored for small groups, which means more personalized attention, and the guides are knowledgeable and friendly.

The tour operates only during the winter months when the ice is thick and safe — from mid-January to late March. This timing ensures safe crossings of frozen rivers and optimal snow cover for sledding.

What Travelers Should Prepare

Comfortable winter shoes, warm clothing, snacks, and water are recommended. The tour also discourages smoking, alcohol, and drugs during the activity for safety reasons. It’s suitable for children over 2 years old and those in good health, but less so for people with back problems, animal allergies, or those over 136 kg (300 lbs).

Authenticity and Value

This tour really shines in its authenticity. Unlike more commercialized options, it offers a genuine Sami cultural encounter paired with a peaceful, scenic ride. The delicious lunch—especially the reindeer meat—is frequently praised, offering excellent value considering the culture, scenic experience, and food included.

While the cost might seem high compared to just riding a snowmobile or dog sled, the personal touches, cultural insights, and the chance to handle reindeer make it a unique and worthwhile experience. Plus, the small group size ensures a more intimate, memorable journey.

The Reviews That Matter

Tordis’ comment about the “wonderful, relaxed, and magical” atmosphere captures the essence of what many find here. She also emphasizes how the fire and food make the experience feel cozy and familial, which is a rare find in winter tourism.

Bernard appreciated the cultural discovery aspect, and the fact that guides were informative and friendly added to the overall value. These insights show how this experience resonates with travelers seeking genuine connections and meaningful cultural exchanges.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for adventurers who love outdoor activities and want a break from typical sightseeing. It’s especially well-suited for those curious about Sami culture, or anyone wanting a peaceful, scenic day in the Arctic wilderness.

It’s ideal for families with children over two, couples, or solo travelers eager to learn and experience something authentic. If you’re not comfortable with cold weather or have mobility concerns, you might want to prepare accordingly, but the effort is well rewarded.

Final Thoughts

The Kiruna Reindeer Sled Ride in the Countryside offers a genuine, culturally rich Arctic adventure. It combines the thrill of driving a reindeer-drawn sleigh through snow-blanketed forests with meaningful interactions with Sami people and their reindeer herds. The included lunch, featuring reindeer meat, adds a hearty, authentic touch, making it feel warm and satisfying despite the cold surroundings.

This experience excels at providing a serene, immersive perspective on Sami traditions and life in Lapland, far from the crowds. Its small group nature and knowledgeable guides create an environment where you can truly connect with nature and culture.

If you’re after a peaceful, memorable Arctic adventure that balances scenery, culture, and delicious local food, this tour is a superb choice. It’s especially suitable for those looking to deepen their understanding of indigenous Sami life while enjoying nature’s winter wonderland.

FAQ

• What is included in the tour?
  The tour includes a reindeer sled ride, visit to a Sami village, lunch with smoked and fried reindeer meat, feeding reindeer, and stories about Sami culture.

• How long does the tour last?
  It lasts approximately three hours, with transportation from central Kiruna included.

• When is this tour available?
  From mid-January to the end of March, when the ice is thick and snow covers the landscape.

• Is the tour suitable for children?
  Yes, children over 2 years old can participate, but equipment and supervision are provided for safety.

• What should I wear?
  Comfortable shoes and warm clothing are recommended to stay cozy during outdoor activities.

• Can I feed the reindeer?
  Yes, you’ll have the opportunity to feed the reindeer by hand and walk with them before the ride.

• Is the reindeer sled ride safe?
  Absolutely, guided by Sami herders who ensure safety, and during the winter months, the ice on the river is safe.

• Are vegetarian or vegan options available?
  Yes, the lunch includes vegetarian and vegan options alongside the traditional reindeer meat.

• What is the group size?
  Limited to 8 participants for a more personal experience.

• How do I book?
  You can reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the tour.