Rovaniemi: Husky, Reindeer & Snowmobile Tour with Pickup

Summary

Ride snowmobiles meet reindeer and huskies near Rovaniemi

You’ll drive a snowmobile through Arctic forests near Rovaniemi, meet reindeer herders and try steering your own sledge (license included!), then feel the rush of an Alaskan husky sleigh ride. With warm gear provided and hot berry juice by the fire, it’s an Arctic day you’ll remember long after you leave Finland.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the sound — that weird mix of engines warming up and dogs barking somewhere behind the trees. We were still fumbling with zippers on the winter suits (they’re thick, but honestly, you need them), when our guide, Sanni, grinned at us and asked if we’d ever driven a snowmobile before. I hadn’t. The cold felt sharp on my cheeks but not in a bad way — more like it woke me up for real. After a quick rundown (don’t worry, they check your license), we paired up and took off into the forest. The snowmobile ride was about an hour, but time got strange out there — all white branches and that low sun making everything look gold for a minute or two. My hands went numb at one point; Sanni just laughed and told me to wiggle my fingers inside the gloves.

Afterwards, we ended up at this reindeer farm where the air smelled like woodsmoke and something sweet — maybe hay? The reindeer were quieter than I expected, just kind of blinking at us while we tried to figure out how to sit on the sledge without looking ridiculous (I failed). My friend got a “reindeer sledge driver’s license” which made her way too proud for someone who almost slid off. There was hot juice waiting inside a little hut afterwards — tasted like berries and warmed my hands right away. One of the herders told us about growing up here; he said sometimes he still gets lost in the woods even after all these years. That stuck with me.

The huskies were next — louder than the reindeer by a mile. They bounced around until it was time for our 800-meter sleigh ride. I tried to say “good dog” in Finnish; Li (one of the handlers) laughed so hard she nearly dropped her glove. The dogs ran fast enough that my eyes watered from the wind, but honestly? That part felt pure joy. By then I’d stopped caring about how clumsy I looked getting in and out of sledges or whether my scarf matched anything at all.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arctic Snowmobile and Sledge Rides

• Snowmobile safari
• Reindeer sledge ride
• Learn reindeer herding lifestyle
• Husky sledge ride

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Rovaniemi tour?

No, but transfer from Rovaniemi city center is included.

How long is the snowmobile ride?

The snowmobile safari lasts about one hour through Arctic forests.

Do I need a driver’s license to drive a snowmobile?

Yes, you need a valid class B driver’s license in English to drive.

Can children join this husky & reindeer experience?

Yes, children can join by sitting in sledges behind guides or parents.

What is included in the tour price?

The tour includes transfers from city center, winter clothes, equipment, rides with huskies and reindeer, hot juice and biscuits.

How far are the sleigh rides?

The reindeer sleigh ride is 500 meters; husky sleigh ride is 800 meters.

Is lunch provided during this activity?

No full lunch is provided; hot juice and biscuits are included as snacks.

Can two adults share one snowmobile?

Yes, two adults share one snowmobile by default unless single driving is purchased as a supplement.

What’s included

Your day includes transfer from Rovaniemi city center to the starting point, full winter clothing and snowmobile equipment for comfort in Arctic weather, an hour-long guided snowmobile safari through snowy forests, visits to both a local reindeer farm (with a 500-meter sledge ride plus your own “driver’s license”) and an Alaskan husky kennel for an 800-meter shared sleigh ride—plus hot berry juice and biscuits to warm up along the way before heading back into town.