Rovaniemi: Reindeer Safari and Northern Lights Tour

If you’re considering a winter escape to Lapland, a reindeer safari combined with a hunt for the Northern Lights can be a truly memorable highlight. While this particular tour has garnered mixed reviews, it offers a taste of Arctic life, cultural insight, and the chance to witness one of nature’s most awe-inspiring phenomena. We’ll take you through what to expect, what works well, and what might give you pause, so you can decide if this experience fits your Arctic adventure plans.

What we love about this tour is the authentic reindeer experience—it’s not just a touristy ride but an immersion into traditional Sami culture, complete with stories around a fire. Plus, the chance to see the Northern Lights, if luck is on your side, adds that magical touch that makes Lapland vacations truly special.

A possible drawback is that the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon and sightings cannot be guaranteed, so it’s a gamble for those hoping for a guaranteed show. Also, at 2.5 hours, some might find the experience a bit on the short side, especially if weather conditions aren’t ideal.

This tour tends to suit travelers who are after a genuine, culturally rich experience rather than a high-adrenaline adventure. It’s especially fitting for families, nature lovers, and anyone eager to learn about reindeer husbandry while enjoying the Arctic night sky.

Key Points

• Authentic cultural experience: Learn about reindeer husbandry and Sami traditions around a cozy fire.
• Scenic sleigh ride: Glide through silent, snow-covered forests on a traditional reindeer sledge.
• Northern Lights opportunity: Stand under the Arctic sky, searching for the auroras—weather permitting.
• Comfortable setting: Warm drinks and a Finnish pastry inside a rustic cottage create a welcoming atmosphere.
• Small group intimacy: With groups limited to nine, you get a more personal experience.
• Flexible cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance offers peace of mind.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Practical Look at the Tour Itinerary

From the outset, this tour promises a blend of culture and natural beauty. It begins with hotel pickup, which is a significant advantage, especially in Rovaniemi where public transport options for nighttime Arctic tours are limited. Once on the reindeer farm, the group—often limited to just nine participants—gathers around the fire for a warm welcome, a feature that adds to the intimate feel.

The highlight is, of course, the reindeer sleigh ride. We loved the way the reindeer are harnessed and guided, with gentle steps that make the experience peaceful rather than hurried. The ride itself is described as slow-paced, which is perfect if you’re after a relaxed, scenic glide through the snow-laden woods.

During the ride, the silence is profound—aside from the soft crunching of snow and the gentle steps of reindeer—and this setting offers a canvas for potential Northern Lights displays. It’s worth noting that, as one reviewer said, “at night you might not see much,” so patience and a bit of luck are your best friends here.

After the sleigh ride, guests are offered hot drinks and a traditional Finnish pastry inside a cozy Kammi Cottage. Here, the atmosphere shifts to warmth and storytelling. The host will share insights into Lappish reindeer husbandry and Sami culture, making it more than just a scenic excursion. This part of the tour was appreciated for its authenticity and relaxed vibe, as one visitor noted, “The atmosphere is relaxed, not hectic.”

What’s Included and What Isn’t

For $210 per person, the tour covers hotel pickup and drop-off, the reindeer sleigh ride, hot drinks, and a traditional Finnish pastry. These inclusions are quite reasonable given the experience, especially considering the small group size, which enhances the personal touch.

However, it’s essential to note that meals are not included beyond the pastry and hot drinks, so if you’re planning a full evening meal afterward, plan accordingly. The tour length of 2.5 hours makes it a nice addition to a day of sightseeing but not a full night adventure.

The tour guarantees live guides speaking English, Spanish, and French, making it accessible for many travelers. Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance adds flexibility—helpful if weather conditions threaten to spoil the experience.

The Experience on the Ground

When you arrive at the reindeer farm, you’ll likely find a peaceful, rustic setting. The farm’s beautiful environment was praised in a review, with Virginia remarking, “The farm is beautiful, the people super friendly, and the atmosphere is relaxed.” The staff’s friendliness and the relaxed environment seem to be key ingredients for an enjoyable visit.

The sleigh ride itself typically lasts around 30 minutes, a duration that feels just right for most visitors. Some reviews suggest that this length is suitable especially if you’re bringing children, who may find longer rides tiring. The guides provide explanations about the reindeer and their role in Sami culture, which adds educational value to the trip.

The fire and storytelling part is where many guests find genuine value. Sharing stories about reindeer herding and Sami traditions helps transform this from a simple ride into an authentic cultural experience. The cozy cottage environment enhances this feeling—there’s something special about sitting around a fire under the Arctic sky, even if the Northern Lights don’t make an appearance.

The Northern Lights: A Matter of Luck

The main draw of this tour is the chance to see the Northern Lights, but as the experience provider notes, sightings are not guaranteed. Conditions like cloud cover, solar activity, and weather play a big role. Many travelers find that patience is necessary, and some mention that nighttime in Lapland can be quite cold and unpredictable.

While the tour offers the opportunity to witness this natural spectacle, it’s wise to keep expectations realistic. The auroras are a bonus rather than a certainty, but the overall ambiance of the snow-covered forest and the quiet night sky makes the experience worthwhile regardless.

More Great Tours Nearby

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for families, cultural enthusiasts, and those seeking a peaceful, scenic outing. It’s ideal for travelers interested in authentic Sami traditions and who enjoy a relaxed pace rather than high-energy activities.

If you’re looking for a quick, scenic, and culturally rich way to spend an evening in Lapland, this tour offers a gentle but meaningful slice of Arctic life. It’s also suitable for those who appreciate small groups and personalized interaction, given the limited number of participants.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

At $210, this tour offers a good value for those wanting an authentic reindeer experience combined with a cultural story and the chance to see the Northern Lights. The cozy cottage setting, friendly guides, and scenic sleigh ride make it an enjoyable and memorable part of any Lapland itinerary.

However, travelers should manage expectations about aurora sightings and be prepared for cold weather. The experience’s strength lies in its authenticity and intimacy, making it appealing for families and culture lovers alike.

If you’re after a relaxed, scenic, and culturally engaging activity that offers a taste of traditional Lapland and the chance to witness the northern sky, this tour can be a delightful choice.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, which is convenient and helps maximize your time in the Arctic.

How long is the reindeer sleigh ride?
The sleigh ride lasts about 30 minutes, offering a slow, peaceful glide through the snowy woods.

What should I wear?
Dress warmly in layers, including boots, hats, gloves, and thermal clothing, as you’ll be outside in cold weather.

Can I see the Northern Lights on this tour?
While the tour provides the opportunity, sightings depend on weather, solar activity, and cloud cover, so it’s not guaranteed.

What’s included in the price?
Your fee covers hotel transportation, the reindeer sleigh ride, hot drinks, and a traditional Finnish pastry.

Is the group size large?
No, the group is limited to 9 participants, which encourages a more personal and relaxed experience.

Are meals included?
No, only hot drinks and a pastry are included; plan for additional meals if needed.

Is this experience suitable for children?
Yes, especially since some reviews mention that the 30-minute ride is especially good with kids due to its slow pace.

What language are guides available in?
Guides speak English, Spanish, and French, making the experience accessible for many travelers.

In the end, this reindeer and Northern Lights tour from Rovaniemi offers an authentic taste of Lapland’s culture and scenery. Its relaxed pace and small-group setting make it a charming, family-friendly addition to your Arctic adventure—weather permitting, of course.

You can check availability for your dates here: