Saariselkä: Northern Lights & Reindeer Sledding Tour

A reindeer sleigh carries you into the dark forest, where the only sounds may be the runners on snow and the steady steps of the animal ahead. This is the heart of the experience: a quiet look at Lapland, not a noisy motor-safari substitute. I especially like the campfire stop with hot drinks and cookies, plus the chance to feed reindeer and hear local stories from guides such as Visa, Nilla, Ansee, and Eemeli.

I also like that thermal clothing and blankets are provided, a real help on a cold Saariselkä evening. The main thing to consider is that the Northern Lights are never guaranteed, and one recent account found the campfire lasted longer than expected while the sleigh ride felt shorter than hoped.

Key points at a glance

• Quiet forest sleigh ride: Let a reindeer lead you through snowy Lapland rather than racing through it by machine.
• Campfire in the woods: Stop for a hot drink, cookies, local stories, songs, and a little warmth.
• Friendly reindeer encounter: Feed the animals and learn about their daily lives and work in Lapland.
• Aurora possibility, not a promise: The dark setting gives you a chance to see the Northern Lights, weather permitting.
• Warm gear supplied: Thermal clothing and blankets help take the edge off the cold.
• Best for older children and adults: The activity is not suitable for children under seven or pregnant women.

A gentle ride into Lapland’s winter darkness

This tour begins at the Lapponia Tours safari house at Honkapolku 1, a gray building with a tower roof in Saariselkä. From there, you travel about 15 minutes by minivan to Joikun Kotakahvio and the reindeer farm.

The transfer is short, but it matters. You leave the resort area behind and reach a quieter setting where the forest and sky become the main attractions. The activity is scheduled for 2.5 hours, with the 15-minute transfer each way added around it, so allow roughly three hours from meeting point to return.

At the farm, you receive thermal clothing before heading out. Bring warm layers anyway, along with comfortable shoes. Lapland cold can feel sharp when you sit still, and a sleigh ride is far less active than walking or skiing.

The ride itself is deliberately calm. You sit in the sleigh while the reindeer leads the way through the forest. That pace is the point. You have time to look at the snow, the trees, and the sky without the engine noise and sudden speed that come with many winter excursions.

What makes the reindeer ride special

Reindeer are not simply photo props here. The experience introduces a working animal closely connected with life in northern Finland and with Sámi tradition, the culture of Europe’s only Indigenous people.

The guides explain how reindeer are cared for and used, and you have time to feed them during the stop. Each animal has its own character, and the close encounter adds warmth to what could otherwise be a short ride through the cold.

Some guides bring extra personality to the evening. Visa has entertained groups with stories and even carved a small wooden figure beside the fire. Nilla has helped with photographs and shared information about reindeer. Ansee has been praised for explaining the evening clearly and talking about Finnish life, while Eemeli has added songs and humor to the ride.

These details are important because the sleigh ride alone may not fill every minute with action. The quality of the guide shapes the evening. A good guide turns pauses into part of the experience instead of dead time.

The campfire stop in the middle of the forest

The campfire is more than a quick drink break. You stop in the dark forest, gather around the flames, and receive a hot drink, with cookies or local snacks included. Tea, coffee, and hot fruit juice have all been served on different outings.

This is when the tour becomes social. Guides talk about reindeer, life in Lapland, Finnish customs, and the area around Saariselkä. Some have sung songs, told fairy tales, shared personal stories, or made something by hand from a stick.

I like this part because it gives the evening a human center. The ride lets you observe nature, while the campfire gives you a way to understand the place. If you are hoping for a nonstop sleigh trip, though, keep your expectations in check. One account found the fire stop longer than expected and the time in the sleigh shorter than hoped.

The cold also feels different when you are standing still. Thermal clothing helps, but dress in layers and wear warm footwear. The supplied clothing is a useful safety net, not a reason to arrive in light indoor clothes.

Looking for the Aurora Borealis

The tour is timed for an evening under the northern sky, and the forest setting gives you a good chance to look for the Aurora Borealis. Several outings have included striking displays, with the lights appearing during the return journey or while people were still sitting behind the reindeer.

That timing can create a memorable moment. You are not watching from a bright town street. You may be seated in a sleigh, surrounded by snow and trees, with the green glow appearing overhead.

Still, no honest operator can promise the Northern Lights. Clear skies, darkness, and solar activity all need to cooperate. Clouds can block the view, and some evenings simply produce no aurora. The tour goes ahead as a reindeer experience even when the sky stays dark.

This is why I would not book it as an Aurora-only outing. Book it for the sleigh ride, the reindeer, and the campfire. Treat the lights as a possible bonus. That approach gives you a good evening even if the sky does not perform.

A closer look at the timing and transfers

The listed meeting point is the Lapponia Tours safari house at Honkapolku 1. Look for the gray building with the tower roof. A minivan then takes you to the farm in about 15 minutes.

At the farm, the schedule generally follows this pattern:

• Put on thermal clothing and prepare for the ride.
• Travel through the forest in a reindeer sleigh.
• Stop to feed the reindeer.
• Gather around a campfire for a hot drink and snacks.
• Listen to stories about reindeer, Finnish life, Sámi tradition, and the area.
• Return by sleigh and minivan to Saariselkä.

The activity listing gives 2.5 hours for the main experience, while the transfers are separate 15-minute journeys. Check the available starting time when booking, since exact departure times depend on availability and the season.

Transfers from Kiilopää, Kakslauttanen, Muotka, Inari, or the Ivalo area are not included. You must arrange your own way to Saariselkä and the meeting point. This is an important cost and planning detail if you are staying outside the resort.

Is $222 a fair price?

At $222 per person, this is not a bargain-basement Lapland outing. It is also more than a simple short animal visit. The price includes thermal clothing, an English or Finnish-speaking guide, the reindeer sleigh ride, the campfire drink, the chance to feed the animals, and the possibility of seeing the Aurora.

I see the value in the combination. You are paying for transport to the farm, winter equipment, animal handling, guiding, a forest setting, and an evening program that brings several Lapland traditions together. The guide also matters more here than on a basic transfer or self-guided visit.

The price makes less sense if your only aim is to see the Northern Lights. There is no guarantee, and the aurora can be viewed on some nights without booking an organized activity. It makes more sense if you want a planned cultural experience with reindeer and do not want to arrange clothing, transport, and a farm visit separately.

Families with children old enough for the activity may find the package worthwhile, especially when a guide adds songs, stories, and humor. Just remember that children under seven are not allowed, and pregnant women should not join.

What to wear and what not to bring

Wear warm clothing in layers, even though thermal clothing is supplied. Comfortable, insulated shoes are important because you may stand around the campfire and walk near the reindeer.

You can bring a camera, but flash photography is strictly forbidden. Reindeer are sensitive to sudden flashes, and the rule is about safety, not just courtesy. Do not use a phone flash, camera flash, or flashlight during the tour.

If someone ignores the rule, the guide may take the camera or phone until the end of the activity. It is a firm policy, so set your camera before the ride and use only natural light or permitted settings.

Smoking, alcohol, and drugs are not allowed. The tour is also weather dependent, so conditions may affect the operation.

Who will enjoy this tour most?

I would recommend this for someone who wants a slower and more traditional Lapland evening. You should enjoy sitting quietly, listening to a guide, and spending time outdoors in winter conditions.

It suits couples looking for a peaceful night, families with children aged seven and older, and first-time visitors who want several classic Lapland experiences in one booking. The campfire and animal encounter give the tour enough variety to keep it from being only a sleigh ride.

It may not suit you if you want a long, fast ride or a guaranteed Aurora hunt. The sleigh section can feel brief to someone focused on riding time, and the campfire may take up more of the evening than expected.

The tour is listed as wheelchair accessible, which is useful for travelers who need that feature. Confirm the details for your own mobility needs before booking, since the experience includes transfers, a farm visit, a sleigh, and time outdoors.

The guides shape the evening

The strongest part of this experience is often the guide. A clear guide explains the sequence, helps with clothing, talks about reindeer, and keeps the group comfortable in the cold.

Visa has been described as funny and skilled at sharing stories about Sámi people, reindeer, and local life. His campfire carving added an unexpected personal touch. Ansee has offered practical explanations and stories about Finnish life. Eemeli has brought a playful mood, songs, and helpful direction. Nilla has been friendly and willing to help with photographs.

You cannot choose your guide in advance from the information provided, but the range of guide styles is worth noting. This is not a silent transport service. The guide is part host, part storyteller, and part winter-safety manager.

Practical booking advice

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Lapland plans are still shifting.

Check that your accommodation is in Saariselkä or arrange transport there yourself. The meeting point is not a general pickup promise for all nearby areas.

Bring a camera without relying on flash, wear layers, and keep your expectations realistic about the Aurora. Most of all, leave room for the evening to be quiet. The best moments may be the small ones: feeding a reindeer, hearing a story beside the fire, or looking up from the sleigh and finding the sky suddenly glowing.

Should you book the reindeer sleigh tour?

Yes, if you want a calm, well-organized introduction to reindeer culture, snowy forest travel, and a Finnish campfire evening. The tour has enough structure to feel easy, while the stories, songs, and animal encounter give it personality.

Book it with the Aurora as a bonus, not the main reason. If you want a long sleigh ride or a dedicated Northern Lights chase, compare it with other options first. If you want to sit back, stay warm, meet reindeer, and experience Lapland at a gentle pace, this $222 outing is a solid choice.

FAQ

Where does the tour meet?

The meeting point is the Lapponia Tours safari house at Honkapolku 1 in Saariselkä. It is described as a gray building with a tower roof.

How long does the activity last?

The main activity lasts 2.5 hours. There is also a transfer of about 15 minutes each way between the meeting point and the reindeer farm.

Is transportation included?

Transportation from the Lapponia Tours safari house to the reindeer farm and back is included. Transfers from Kiilopää, Kakslauttanen, Muotka, Inari, or the Ivalo area are not included.

Are thermal clothes provided?

Yes. Thermal clothing is included, and blankets may also be available during the ride. You should still bring warm layers and comfortable shoes.

Will I definitely see the Northern Lights?

No. Aurora sightings depend on the weather and conditions, so they cannot be guaranteed.

Can I bring a camera?

Yes, you can bring your own camera. Flash photography and flashlight use are strictly prohibited because reindeer are sensitive to sudden flashes.

Can children join the tour?

Children under seven cannot join. The activity is suitable only for children aged seven and older.

Is the tour suitable for pregnant women?

No. Pregnant women are listed as not suitable for this activity.

What languages are available?

The live tour guide service is available in English and Finnish.