Saariselkä: Northern Lights & Reindeer Sledding Tour

A reindeer sleigh ride through a dark Lapland forest is the heart of this evening tour. You sit back while the animal follows the snowy trail, with only the forest, the cold northern air, and perhaps the Aurora Borealis overhead. The ride feels calm rather than fast, which is exactly the point.

I like the warm stop in the woods, where you can feed the reindeer and drink something hot beside a fire. I also like the guides’ personal touch. Visa has shared stories about Sámi life and even carved a small wooden masterpiece by the fire, while Eemeli, Ansee, and Nilla have been praised for their humor and care.

The main consideration is that the sleigh ride may feel shorter than expected, especially if the campfire stop runs long. The Northern Lights are never guaranteed, either, so book this for the reindeer, forest, and Lapland atmosphere first, with the Aurora as a possible bonus.

Key points to know before you book

• A quiet 30-minute forest ride: The reindeer lead you through snowy woodland at an unhurried pace, making this more peaceful than thrilling.
• A real animal encounter: You can feed the friendly reindeer and spend time near animals that are central to life in Finnish Lapland.
• Campfire storytelling: Hot drinks, biscuits or local snacks, and stories about reindeer and Finnish life make the forest stop more than a simple photo break.
• Aurora viewing is possible, not promised: You may see the Northern Lights from the sleigh or on the return journey, but weather and solar conditions decide.
• Guides shape the evening: English and Finnish are offered, with guides including Visa, Ansee, Nilla, and Eemeli praised for stories, humor, and help with photos.
• Bring warmth and patience: Thermal clothing is provided, but you should still wear layers and comfortable warm shoes.

Why the reindeer sleigh is the main event

Many Lapland activities sell the idea of speed, engines, and adventure. This one takes the opposite approach. You settle into a sleigh and let a reindeer set the pace through the forest. There is no roaring motor and no need to steer. The quiet is part of the experience.

Reindeer sleigh driving is connected to the traditions of the Sámi, the only Indigenous people in Europe. This short tour cannot explain every part of Sámi culture, but it gives you a practical connection to an old way of moving through the northern woods. The reindeer are not just a backdrop for photographs. You feed them, watch how they behave, and hear about their work and daily life.

The ride is best for you if you enjoy atmosphere more than action. The reindeer are trained and know the route, so you are not signing up for a wild animal expedition. You are signing up for a slow, memorable trip into the winter night.

From Honkapolku 1 to the reindeer farm

You meet at the Lapponia Tours safari house at Honkapolku 1 in Saariselkä. Look for the gray building with a tower roof. From there, a transfer of about 15 minutes takes you to Joikun Kotakahvio and the reindeer farm.

That short drive matters in winter. You do not need to find a remote farm on your own, and the transfer gives the guide a chance to explain what will happen. Once you arrive, thermal clothing is available. Use it. Even if you feel comfortable in town, the forest can be much colder when you are sitting still in an open sleigh.

Wear warm layers under the supplied clothing, along with comfortable shoes. Your feet can become cold quickly during a long outdoor evening, especially during the stationary campfire stop. The supplied gear helps, but it is not a reason to arrive dressed lightly.

The activity is weather dependent, and the tour is not suitable for children under seven or pregnant women. It is listed as wheelchair accessible, though you should still confirm the practical arrangements when booking if you use a wheelchair.

The sleigh ride through the snowy forest

The ride lasts around 30 minutes according to one detailed account, though the full visit at the farm lasts about two and a half hours. You sit in the sleigh while the reindeer pull you through the quiet woodland. Blankets may be available, and the thermal clothing helps take the edge off the cold.

Do not expect a roller coaster. The reindeer move steadily, and the pleasure comes from the setting. Snowy trees, darkness, and the soft rhythm of the sleigh create a rare sense of stillness. If the sky is clear, this is also one of the better moments to look upward for the Aurora.

The return ride can be especially appealing. Several people have seen green lights in the sky while sitting behind the reindeer, and one evening ended with a strong Aurora display on the way back. That is luck, not a scheduled part of the route. Cloud, light, and solar activity all matter, and the operator cannot promise a sighting.

Bring your camera if you like, but switch off the flash. Sudden flashes can frighten the reindeer and create a safety problem. Flashlights are also not allowed. If you ignore the rule, the guide can take your camera or phone for the rest of the tour. This is a sensible restriction, not a minor technicality.

Feeding the reindeer and meeting the animals

The stop to feed the reindeer gives the evening a more personal feel. You are not simply watching animals pull a sleigh from a distance. You have time to stand near them and offer food, while the guide explains their lives and work in Lapland.

The animals are described as well cared for, and individual reindeer have their own character. That makes the stop worthwhile even if the weather turns cloudy and the Northern Lights stay hidden. Nilla, one of the guides, has helped with photographs near the reindeer, which can be useful when you are trying to manage a camera in thick gloves.

This is also the point where you should pay attention to the guide’s instructions. Reindeer are generally calm and trained for the route, but they remain animals. Move carefully, avoid sudden flashes, and follow directions when feeding or taking photographs.

A campfire in the middle of the forest

The campfire stop is one of the strongest parts of the tour, but it is also where expectations need adjusting. You receive a hot drink, often described as tea, coffee, or hot fruit juice, along with biscuits or local snacks. The fire gives you a chance to warm your hands and look around at the forest in complete darkness.

The guides use this pause to talk about reindeer, Finnish life, and the local area. Visa has told stories about the Sámi people and reindeer, while Ansee has explained how the evening works and offered insight into life in Finland. Some guides add songs, fairy tales, humor, or a hands-on bit of carving.

That personal style can make the difference between a pleasant excursion and a night you remember. On one particularly lively evening, the group sang and danced around the fire. You should not assume every departure will become a theatrical show, but the guide’s personality clearly shapes the mood.

One practical warning: the campfire may last longer than you expect. If you are mainly booking for sleigh time, this may disappoint you. If you enjoy stories, hot drinks, and a shared moment in the forest, the pause is a good part of the value.

How much does $222 represent in value?

At $222 per person, this is not a cheap short outing. The cost covers a 2.5-hour experience, a return transfer from the Saariselkä meeting point, thermal clothing, an English or Finnish-speaking guide, the sleigh ride, a hot drink, and the chance to feed the reindeer.

You are paying for more than transport around a farm. The evening combines an animal encounter, a traditional form of travel, outdoor time, guide-led cultural context, and a campfire. That is a fair package if you want a slower, more focused Lapland experience rather than trying to fit several activities into one rushed night.

The value drops if you judge the tour only by the length of the sleigh ride or if you require a guaranteed Aurora. Neither is promised. Think of the Northern Lights as an extra. The dependable parts are the reindeer, the forest, the fire, and the guide.

You also need to arrange your own transport if you are staying in Kiilopää, Kakslauttanen, Muotka, Inari, or the Ivalo area. The included transfer is tied to the Saariselkä meeting point, so check your accommodation before paying.

The guides are part of the experience

The supplied guide is more than a person who points out the sleigh. The strongest evenings seem to come from guides who tell stories and keep the group comfortable in difficult weather.

Visa has been singled out for his humor, local stories, reindeer knowledge, and carving by the fire. Ansee has been praised for careful organization, clear explanations, and sharing details about Finnish life. Eemeli has brought a friendly, lively tone, while Nilla has helped with photographs and spoken about reindeer.

Names can change from one departure to another, so do not book expecting a particular guide. Still, these examples show what the tour can offer when the person leading it takes an active role. The atmosphere is not created by the sleigh alone.

The tour is available in English and Finnish. If you want cultural context, listen during the campfire stop. That is where the reindeer ride becomes more than a scenic loop in the snow.

Staying warm and following the rules

Lapland nights can be very cold, even when the sky looks clear and inviting. Dress in layers, wear warm comfortable shoes, and make use of the thermal clothing provided. The supplied gear has helped people stay comfortable during cold forest rides, but gloves, socks, and base layers still matter.

Smoking, alcohol, and drugs are not allowed. Flash photography and flashlights are also prohibited. The flash rule is especially important because a startled reindeer could cause an accident.

The tour is not designed for children under seven, and pregnant women should not take part. The activity is weather dependent, so conditions may affect the experience. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now while paying later, which helps if your winter plans are still shifting.

Who will enjoy this tour most?

I would choose this for couples, families with older children, and anyone who wants a gentle introduction to Lapland. It suits you if you like animals, quiet scenery, local stories, and a warm drink beside a fire more than high-speed outdoor sport.

It is also a good choice for photographers, provided you are happy to work without a flash. The dark forest and possible Aurora can create striking pictures, but you will need to manage a camera in cold conditions and respect the reindeer’s safety.

I would hesitate if you want a long sleigh journey, a guaranteed Northern Lights display, or a packed schedule with constant activity. The ride is deliberately slow, and the campfire can take a large share of the evening.

Should you book the Saariselkä reindeer tour?

Book it if you want the reindeer experience itself. The animal encounter, quiet sleigh ride, campfire, hot drink, and stories give you a solid evening even when clouds hide the sky.

Do not book it as a guaranteed Aurora hunt. The Northern Lights have appeared spectacularly for some departures, but that is a gift from the weather and the sun, not something Lapponia Tours can control.

At $222, the tour makes the most sense when you value atmosphere and cultural context. Wear serious winter clothing, arrive ready for a slow ride, and treat the Aurora as a bonus. With that mindset, this is a warm, memorable way to spend a cold Lapland night.

FAQ

Where does the tour meet?

You meet at the Lapponia Tours safari house at Honkapolku 1 in Saariselkä. It is a gray building with a tower roof.

How long does the experience last?

The full activity lasts about 2.5 hours. The transfer to the reindeer farm takes about 15 minutes each way.

Is transportation included?

A transfer from the Saariselkä meeting point to the reindeer farm and back is included. You must arrange your own transfer if you are staying in Kiilopää, Kakslauttanen, Muotka, Inari, or the Ivalo area.

What languages are available?

Guiding is available in English and Finnish.

Are the Northern Lights guaranteed?

No. The Aurora Borealis is possible if conditions are right, but sightings are not guaranteed.

Can I feed the reindeer?

Yes. Feeding the friendly reindeer is included in the experience.

Is a hot drink included?

Yes. You receive a hot drink by the campfire. Local snacks, biscuits, or similar light refreshments may also be served.

Is thermal clothing provided?

Yes. Thermal clothing is included, but you should still dress warmly in layers and wear comfortable shoes.

Can I bring a camera?

Yes, you may bring your own camera. Flash photography and flashlights are strictly prohibited because sudden light can frighten the reindeer.

Who should not take part?

The activity is not suitable for children under seven or pregnant women. It is weather dependent and listed as wheelchair accessible.