Rovaniemi Reindeer Farm: Sleigh Ride with Guide & Snacks

Summary

Ride a reindeer sleigh in Lapland’s forests from Rovaniemi

You’ll meet gentle reindeer at a local farm near Rovaniemi, ride through snowy Lapland forests on a traditional sleigh, and share warm blueberry juice with your guide by the fire. Includes pickup, English-speaking guide (other languages available), snacks, and even a fun “reindeer driver license”—the kind of memory that sticks long after you leave Finland.

What’s the experience like?

“You ever hear what a reindeer snort sounds like?” That’s how our guide, Sanni, started things as we shuffled off the minibus outside the reindeer farm just outside Rovaniemi. The air was sharp—like it pinched your nose—and the snow squeaked under my boots. I didn’t expect the farm to smell so… woody? Kind of like fresh hay mixed with cold air. The reindeer themselves are quieter than I thought, except for this one who kept nudging my glove (probably hoping for more lichen).

Sanni explained how her family’s been raising reindeer for generations—she even showed us the old wooden sleds they used before tourists came around. We got these little “reindeer driver licenses” (I laughed at mine; my photo is terrible) and then climbed into the sleighs. The ride itself—honestly, it’s not fast or wild. It’s slow, almost silent except for the runners gliding over snow and the occasional jingle from their harnesses. There was this moment where everything went quiet except for that sound, and I just watched the light filtering through the trees. I still think about that view.

Afterwards, we warmed up by a fire inside a wooden hut—Sanni poured us hot blueberry juice (it stains your tongue blue) and passed around some Finnish pastries. She told us about how every reindeer has its own personality; apparently mine was “the lazy one,” which felt about right. Someone tried to say thank you in Finnish—Li laughed when I tried to repeat it and probably butchered it worse.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Reindeer Farm and Sleigh Ride

• Visit reindeer farm
• Reindeer sleigh ride through snowy forest

Top questions

How long is the reindeer sleigh ride from Rovaniemi?

The sleigh ride is short but part of a longer visit to the farm; total tour time varies depending on pickup time.

Is pickup included from my hotel in Rovaniemi?

Yes, hotel pickup is included—check your confirmation email for exact timing.

Are snacks provided during the tour?

Yes, Finnish snacks and hot blueberry juice are included after the sleigh ride.

Is this experience suitable for children?

Yes, children under 12 can join but must be accompanied by an adult paying full price.

What languages does the guide speak?

The main guide speaks English; French, Italian, Spanish, and Chinese are available on request.

Do I need to bring anything special?

No special equipment needed; dress warmly for winter weather in Lapland.

Will I get to interact with the reindeer?

Yes, you’ll meet and feed reindeer at the farm before your sleigh ride.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from Rovaniemi, entry to a local reindeer farm with time to meet and feed the animals, a guided short sleigh ride through snowy forest trails, Finnish snacks and hot blueberry juice by an open fire, plus your own playful “reindeer driver license” before heading back to town.