From Rovaniemi: Husky and Reindeer farm with sled ride

Traveling to Lapland and craving a taste of its legendary winter wonderland? This tour, offered by RBK Travel, promises a hands-on experience with huskies, reindeer, and Sami culture—all packed into just over three hours. Whether you’re visiting Rovaniemi for a quick escape or want to add a memorable Arctic activity to your trip, this tour aims to deliver a genuine taste of Lapland’s snowy wilderness.

What we like: The chance to drive a dog sled and interact with reindeer are genuine highlights, making this more than just a sightseeing bus tour. Plus, the inclusion of local stories and cultural insights enriches the experience beyond the snow-covered scenery.

But, a possible drawback is the short duration—some travelers find the reindeer farm visit a bit brief, and if you’re expecting a lengthy or in-depth culture, it might leave you wanting more. Still, for those seeking a fun, family-friendly Arctic adventure that offers good value, this tour hits many of the right notes.

This experience is perfect for travelers on a tight schedule, families with kids eager for a snowy adventure, or anyone curious about Sami culture and reindeer herding. If you’re looking for a well-organized, authentic introduction to Lapland’s snowy life, read on for all the details.

Key Points

• Authentic Arctic Experience: Combines husky sledding, reindeer feeding, and cultural insights.
• Short but Sweet: 3.5 hours, ideal for fitting into a busy itinerary.
• Value for Money: Includes transportation, guide, activities, snacks, and a reindeer driver’s license.
• Limited Duration at Reindeer Farm: Some reviews note the reindeer experience is brief.
• Family Friendly: Suitable for all ages, especially those interested in animals and Sami culture.
• Weather Dependence: Sled rides run from mid-November to mid-April, so plan accordingly.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary: What to Expect

This tour begins with hotel pickup in Rovaniemi, making it a hassle-free start. Once you’re onboard, the journey takes you into the heart of Lapland’s winter landscape. The first stop is a husky farm, where you’re greeted by eager, furry sled dogs and their owners. After a brief safety briefing, you’ll hop onto a sled pulled by a team of huskies for a 1 km ride through snow-covered forests and open fields. Think of it as a quick, exhilarating dash through a postcard-perfect winter scene. The ride lasts about 5 minutes, but the adrenaline and smiles last much longer.

Following the sled ride, you’ll have time to cuddle the huskies and snap photos—these dogs are friendly and eager to be petted. The guides often share stories about their life working with these animals, which helps you appreciate the effort behind every mile of sledding.

Next, you’ll gather inside a warm hut for hot drinks and snacks, while learning about the Sámi people, the indigenous culture of Lapland. This part adds depth to the experience, shedding light on local traditions, reindeer herding, and Sami life—an aspect many travelers find fascinating.

Then, it’s off to a reindeer farm—a short 10-minute drive away. Here, the farm owners introduce you to their reindeer herd. You’ll learn about why reindeer are vital to Sámi culture, their role in everyday life, and get a chance to feed these gentle animals. Many travelers describe this as a sweet, interactive experience, though some note it’s brief—about 10 minutes of reindeer feeding plus a 30-40 minute talk.

Finally, you’ll climb onto a traditional reindeer sled, pulled by a reindeer. This is often the highlight: gliding peacefully through snow-laden forests, surrounded by silence except for the rhythmic sound of reindeer hooves and the soft crunch of snow. Some guides invite you into a Lappish kota (a traditional tent) afterward, where stories about Sami culture and reindeer herding are shared, giving you a more personal connection to the land and its people.

The Value of This Tour

At a cost of $250 per person, this tour offers a comprehensive snapshot of Arctic life in just over three hours. It includes hotel transportation, a guide, all activities, snacks, and hot drinks, which enhances the value. The fact that you get to drive a husky sled, feed reindeer, and learn about Sami culture makes it a worthwhile experience for those wanting more than just sightseeing.

While the reindeer farm component is relatively brief, it does give a genuine look at reindeer herding, which is a central aspect of Sámi life. Many reviews praise the well-organized nature of the tour and the friendly guides, which help create a relaxed, engaging atmosphere.

The Experience: Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Authentic activities: Sledding with huskies, feeding reindeer, Sami storytelling.
• Cultural insight: The inclusion of Sami traditions enriches the experience.
• Good value: All activities, snacks, and transportation included.
• Scenic views: The snow-covered landscape is breathtaking and perfect for photos.
• Family friendly: Suitable for children and adults alike.

Cons:

• Duration at reindeer farm could feel a little rushed for some travelers.
• Weather dependence: Sled rides are only available mid-November to mid-April, depending on snow conditions.
• Short experience for reindeer: If you’re hoping for an extensive reindeer adventure, this may not satisfy.

What Travelers Are Saying

The feedback is largely positive, with a 4.3/5 rating based on three reviews. One traveler praised the “respectful and helpful” guide and enjoyed the “fun” of the husky sled ride. Another noted that the reindeer farm wasn’t particularly interesting for them, describing a brief visit with a partial refund. This highlights that while the activities are enjoyable, some may find the reindeer part a bit limited.

This experience is especially well-suited for those seeking a quick, authentic taste of Arctic life without the need for extensive time or deep culture. Families with children, first-time visitors, or anyone curious about sledding with dogs and reindeer will find this rewarding. It’s ideal if you want a balanced mix of adventure, culture, and scenic beauty.

However, if you’re a seasoned reindeer herder or want a longer reindeer experience, you might want to look for more in-depth options. Still, for value-conscious travelers, this tour offers a memorable, well-organized introduction to Lapland’s snow-dusted wilderness.

This tour provides a well-rounded, authentic introduction to Lapland’s winter life, emphasizing dog sledding, reindeer interaction, and Sami culture. It’s perfect for travelers wanting a fun, family-friendly activity with excellent value for money. The short duration makes it manageable for those with limited time, yet it covers enough ground to leave you with lasting memories of Arctic life.

While the reindeer farm visit might feel a little brief for some, the overall experience balances adventure and culture in a way that few other tours do in such a short span. It’s a practical choice for those looking to add a touch of authentic Lapland magic to their journey.

If you’re after a friendly, scenic, and culturally enriching Arctic adventure, this tour is definitely worth considering.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off from your Rovaniemi accommodation, making the start and finish very convenient.

How long does the whole experience last?
The entire tour lasts about 3.5 hours, giving you a well-paced taste of huskies, reindeer, and Sami culture without taking up the whole day.

What is the cost?
The price is $250 per person, which covers all activities, snacks, hot drinks, transportation, and a reindeer driver’s license.

Can I participate if I don’t have much outdoor gear?
It’s recommended to bring warm clothing and shoes since you’ll be outside in snowy conditions. The tour doesn’t specify gear rental, so dressing appropriately is your best bet.

What is the reindeer farm experience like?
It’s a brief visit—approximately 10 minutes of feeding and a 30-40 minute talk—focused on reindeer herding and Sami culture. Some reviews mention it’s not very long, but still worthwhile.

Is there an age limit?
The tour is suitable for all ages, especially families and children interested in animals and Arctic traditions.

When is the sled ride available?
From mid-November to mid-April, depending on snow conditions, so plan accordingly.

What should I bring?
Warm clothing and shoes are essential. No alcohol or drugs are allowed during the tour for safety reasons.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change.

This tour offers a friendly, engaging, and affordable way to experience the heart of Lapland’s winter. Whether it’s your first Arctic adventure or a highlight of your trip, it’s designed to leave you with warm memories and plenty of stories to tell.

You can check availability for your dates here: