Horse Sleigh Ride Under Night Sky, Rovaniemi: Aurora Chance

A horse-drawn sleigh crosses a frozen lake under the Arctic night, and the aurora might appear overhead.

A horse sleigh ride through Rovaniemi's snowy forests under the night sky, with transfers, winter gear, guiding and a campfire stop. You glide through frost-covered terrain wrapped in blankets, watch for the northern lights, and warm up by a fire with hot drinks and sausages while hearing stories of Lapland and its horses.

The experience

If you've arrived in Rovaniemi with a free evening or an afternoon to spare, a horse sleigh ride under the Arctic night is the kind of thing that justifies the trip north. The ride covers 3 km across frozen landscape in a horse-drawn sleigh, and the timing, after dark, is what makes the northern lights possible. You'll be wrapped in warm blankets for the journey, dressed in thermal gear provided by the resort. The horses are Finn horses, bred for this terrain and this cold, and the guide shares their history and the myths of the North as you move through the darkness.

At the edge of the forest, a campfire is prepared. You stop there to warm up with hot drinks and sausages, still under the open sky. The aurora is never guaranteed (it depends on solar activity and cloud cover), but the night itself, the silence of the frozen landscape, and the fire are what you get regardless. The whole experience runs about three hours from pickup to return.

Transfers are included if you need them, whether you're staying in Rovaniemi city center or at Santa Claus Village. The guide speaks English and leads the whole outing. Children from age one are welcome, though infants sit on an adult's lap during the sleigh ride.

What’s included

• Transfers from Rovaniemi city center or Santa Claus Village to Apukka Resort and back.
• 3 km horse sleigh ride through frozen forests.
• thermal overall, thermal boots, woolen socks and mittens.
• English-speaking guide with stories about the aurora and Finn horses.
• hot drink and sausages at the campfire stop.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday, Wednesday and FridayDeparts at 20:30Last departure this season: 1 Jan 2027

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (15 and older) · Child (4 to 14 years) · Infant (1 to 3 years): free

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 4 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Apukka Adventures

Is this one for you?Small groups and families travel together on the sleigh, so you're not alone in the dark: the guide and other guests share the experience. This suits anyone with a free evening who wants to see the Arctic night without needing to arrange their own transport or gear.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 14 years); Infant (1 to 3 years): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What are Finn horses and why are they used for sleigh rides in Lapland?

Finn horses are a breed native to Finland and built for Arctic conditions, with strength and sure footing on ice and snow. The guide shares their history and role in Lapland during the ride.

Is the northern aurora guaranteed on this sleigh ride?

The aurora is not guaranteed. It depends on solar activity, cloud cover and other atmospheric conditions. The ride happens regardless of whether the lights appear, and the guide will explain what conditions favor them.

What happens if I'm staying at Santa Claus Village instead of the city center?

Transfers from Santa Claus Village to Apukka Resort and back are included, so you can book from either location without arranging separate transport.

How cold is it during the sleigh ride, and will the clothing provided keep me warm?

Rovaniemi's winter nights are well below freezing. The resort provides thermal overalls, thermal boots, woolen socks and mittens. You'll also be wrapped in warm blankets during the ride and can warm up by the campfire, so the setup is built for the cold.

Can I bring my infant on the sleigh ride?

Children from age one are welcome. Infants sit on an adult's lap during the sleigh ride itself, and you'll have blankets and winter gear for them as well.