Husky Safari and Reindeer Farm in Rovaniemi: Types, Prices and How to Choose

Quick answer: For a husky safari in Rovaniemi, the best value for most people is a 5 km self-drive in a small group, which takes about three to four hours with transfers. For reindeer, choose a farm visit with a sleigh ride. A short 500 m ride at Santa Claus Village is a fine taste of either. Book December early, make sure the operator has animal welfare credentials, and remember the rides need snow.

Self-drive means you steer and brake while the dogs do the pulling. On some tours you can switch drivers and on others you can’t, so check before you book. Husky safaris can be physically demanding. Operators don’t recommend them in pregnancy or with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health. Infants sit on an adult’s lap, and sleds aren’t wheelchair accessible.

Prices vary with distance, group size, season and whether transfers are included.

Combined days with reindeer and Santa Claus Village cost more, and prices vary by operator. These figures are indicative and change by operator and date, so confirm before you book.

Not all husky farms are equal. Finnish law sets minimum standards, but a report on Lapland’s husky industry found problems at some operators, including small kennels and dogs left untreated when ill. Many companies also subcontract their tours, so you may not know where your dogs live.

If you’re not satisfied with the answers, don’t book. There are enough operators in Rovaniemi that you can choose on welfare, not just price. I’d pay more for a certified operator and a smaller group than for the cheapest seat.

Reindeer are semi-domesticated. Every reindeer in Finland is privately owned, and herding is organised through local herding cooperatives. Herding has been practised for centuries, and Finland has about 200,000 reindeer. Many farms around Rovaniemi are Finnish rather than Sámi-owned, which is worth checking if that matters to you. If you want a Sámi-owned experience, choose an operator that says so explicitly.

Sleigh rides only run when there’s enough snow. Otherwise you’ll feed the reindeer and spend time with the herder.

If you only have time for one, I’d pick the husky safari for the thrill and the reindeer visit for a calmer day with young children.

Several operators sell a day that links a short husky ride, a short reindeer ride and time in Santa Claus Village, usually with hotel pickup. It’s the easiest way to see all three in one go, though each ride is short. See our Santa Claus Village guide for what’s free and what costs extra.

For December, book your safari 2 to 3 months ahead. Husky rides in particular can sell out, so last-minute bookings may not be available. In January to March you have more flexibility. See our Rovaniemi in winter guide for how the season works and when to book.

Operators usually lend thermal overalls and boots. Wear your own base and middle layers underneath, plus a hat, mittens and warm socks, and avoid cotton. See our what to wear in Lapland guide.

1. Booking the cheapest tour without checking welfare. Price tells you little about how the dogs live.
2. Expecting 20 minutes of driving. The tour time includes transfers and kitting up.
3. Assuming there’s always snow. In autumn, huskies pull carts and reindeer rides may not run.
4. Booking late for December. Husky rides can sell out.
5. Not checking the small print on driving. Some tours don’t let you switch drivers.
6. Ignoring the health notes. Pregnancy, spinal injuries and heart conditions are all reasons to skip a husky ride.
7. Assuming a reindeer ride is guaranteed. It depends on snow.

• Rovaniemi in Winter: Christmas, Snow and Booking Guide→
• Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi: What’s Free and What Costs Extra→
• Where to Stay in Rovaniemi: Your Area-by-Area Guide→
• Northern Lights in Rovaniemi: When to Go, Where to Watch and How to Book→
• What to Wear in Lapland in Winter: A Layer-by-Layer Guide→