Rovaniemi: Reindeer & Husky Safari with Farm Visits & Pickup

Summary

Lapland’s snowy silence broken by reindeer bells and husky paws

You’ll bundle up for a snowy day near Rovaniemi, steering your own reindeer sled and earning a quirky “driver’s license.” Meet friendly huskies at their home and speed through frosty forests on a husky-drawn ride. Sip hot drinks between adventures and share laughs with local guides—leaving with memories that feel both wild and strangely comforting.

What’s the experience like?

“You ever tried steering a reindeer?” our guide grinned, holding out this little wooden ‘license’ like it was a real thing. I laughed — honestly, I was just hoping not to fall off. The air in Rovaniemi felt sharper than back home, almost fizzy in my nose, and the only sound for a minute was the soft shuffling of hooves over packed snow. It’s strange how quiet it gets out here, except for the bells on the reindeer harnesses — kind of dreamy, actually.

The reindeer farm wasn’t what I pictured; more like a family place than some tourist show. Our guide (I think her name was Sanni?) told us about how these animals are part of everyday life in Lapland — she even showed us how to say “poro” in Finnish, which I definitely mispronounced. There’s this moment when you’re sitting in that sled, wrapped up tight, and you look up at the sky — blue but sort of washed-out — and you realize you’re really far from anywhere familiar. That stuck with me.

Afterwards we met the huskies. They’re way louder than reindeer — barking like they’d been waiting all day just to run. The handlers let us pet them first (their fur is rougher than it looks) before giving us a quick safety talk. Then suddenly we were flying through the trees behind these dogs who seemed honestly happier than most people I know. The cold air stung my cheeks but I couldn’t stop grinning. Hot berry juice tasted sweeter after all that.

I still have that silly “reindeer driver’s license” tucked somewhere in my backpack. Not sure if it counts for anything outside Lapland — but every time I see it, I remember those bells fading into the woods and the way Sanni waved goodbye as we climbed back into the van. Funny how small things stick with you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Reindeer and husky safari experience

• Travel to reindeer farm
• Visit reindeer and take sledge safari
• Pass reindeer sled handling exam
• Receive reindeer sled driving license
• Visit husky home
• Learn about huskies and pet them
• Attend husky sled safety briefing
• Enjoy husky-pulled sled ride
• Return to Rovaniemi

Top questions

How long is the reindeer sleigh ride?

The reindeer-drawn sleigh ride covers about 500 meters during the tour.

Is hotel pickup included from Rovaniemi?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included from five different locations in Rovaniemi.

Do you get to drive your own reindeer sled?

You’ll have a chance to handle a reindeer sled under supervision and receive an international “driver’s license” souvenir.

How far is the husky ride?

The husky-drawn sleigh ride is approximately 2 kilometers long.

Are hot drinks provided during the safari?

Yes, hot drinks are included after both the reindeer and husky rides.

Is this tour suitable for children or infants?

Yes, infants and small children can participate; prams or strollers are allowed and specialized infant seats are available.

Can service animals join this Lapland safari?

Service animals are allowed on this activity.

What should I wear for this Lapland safari?

You should dress warmly in winter layers as temperatures can be very cold during this activity.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from central Rovaniemi locations, guided visits to both a working reindeer farm and a local husky kennel, hands-on time with each animal (plus plenty of photo chances), two sleigh rides—one pulled by reindeer (500m) and one by huskies (2km)—hot drinks at both stops to warm your hands, plus a quirky international “reindeer driver’s license” as a keepsake before heading back into town together.