Reindeer sleigh ride Rovaniemi: 2-hour Arctic journey

Glide through snowy woods then warm up with tales by an open fire

A two-hour reindeer sleigh ride through snowy forest near Rovaniemi, with a live English-speaking guide, hot drink, and transfer from the city center or Santa Claus Village included. You travel 2–3 km on the sleigh, then gather around an open fire to hear about traditional reindeer herding and life in the Arctic North. Winter clothing is provided.

The Experience

Two hours is the shape of this day: the first part happens on the sleigh itself, moving through silent winter forest at the pace the reindeer set. The ride covers 2–3 km, which is the distance that lets you feel the rhythm of the animals and the landscape without rushing through it. The sleigh is drawn by reindeer, not huskies or snowmobiles, which changes what you hear and how the forest feels around you.

After the ride, you gather around an open fire at Apukka Resort. That is where the second part unfolds—warming up with a hot drink while your guide shares stories about reindeer herding and how people have lived in the North for generations. The guide speaks English and knows the traditions well enough to answer questions about the animals and the work itself.

Transfers are arranged from Rovaniemi city center or Santa Claus Village to the resort and back, so you don't need to arrange transport. Winter clothing—thermal overalls, thermal boots, woolen socks, mittens—is provided, which means you show up in regular clothes and leave warm. The whole experience is built around staying comfortable in the cold while moving slowly enough to notice where you are.

What’s included

• Reindeer sleigh ride through snowy forest (2–3 km).
• hot drink by an open fire.
• stories and guidance about traditional reindeer herding.
• winter clothing (thermal overalls, thermal boots, woolen socks, mittens).
• transfers from Rovaniemi city center or Santa Claus Village to Apukka Resort and back.

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Apukka Adventures

Is this one for you?Book this for a morning or afternoon when you want to slow down and be in nature without planning logistics—the sleigh pace, the fire, and the stories are built for a quiet, grounded few hours, not a rushed highlight.

Traveler reviews

3.90★★★★★★★★★★

30 verified traveler reviews

5 ★19

4 ★3

3 ★0

2 ★2

1 ★6

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

How far do you actually travel on the reindeer sleigh?

The sleigh covers 2–3 km through the snowy forest, a distance designed to let you experience the rhythm of the animals and the quiet of the landscape without the ride feeling rushed.

What happens after the sleigh ride ends?

You gather around an open fire at Apukka Resort, where your guide shares stories about traditional reindeer herding and life in the Arctic North while you warm up with a hot drink.

Is winter clothing provided, or do I need to bring my own?

Winter clothing is included: thermal overalls, thermal boots, woolen socks, and mittens are provided, so you can dress normally and change into Arctic gear at the resort.

Does the price include getting to and from Rovaniemi?

Yes, transfers are included from Rovaniemi city center or Santa Claus Village to Apukka Resort and back, so transport is arranged for you.

Is the guide English-speaking?

Yes, a live guide leads the experience in English and shares knowledge about reindeer husbandry and traditional life in the North.