Rovaniemi: Apukka Reindeer Journey

A reindeer sleigh ride through a silent Lapland forest is the heart of this experience. You sit low in the snow while a professional steers the sleigh, and the reindeer set a gentle pace through the trees. It feels far calmer than a husky safari, with time to notice the snow, the cold air, and the animals doing their work.

I like the chance to feed and gently meet the reindeer after the ride, and I like the fireside drink with stories about reindeer husbandry. Guides such as Emily, Christina, Tommy, and Alexi have been praised for making the history and animal care easy to understand. The main drawback is value: at $206 per person, the ride may feel expensive if you expect speed, a long route, or a private sleigh.

Key points at a glance

• A 45-minute sleigh ride: The actual ride usually lasts about 40 to 50 minutes, within a two-hour visit.
• Quiet forest scenery: The route passes through snowy woodland and may include a frozen lake, depending on conditions.
• Reindeer contact: You can feed the animals and, when permitted, gently touch them.
• Warm-up by the fire: Hot drinks and biscuits help take the edge off the cold.
• Winter gear supplied: Thermal overalls, boots, wool socks, and mittens are provided, though extra layers still matter.
• Organized transfers: Shuttle pickup is available from central Rovaniemi and Santa Claus Village, but missing the confirmed pickup means no refund.

What the Apukka reindeer journey is really like

This is a slow, scenic activity rather than an adrenaline ride. At Apukka Resort, the reindeer farm is a short walk from the resort buildings. You’ll be guided to the starting area, receive instructions, and then be placed in a sleigh according to the weight balance needed for the animals.

Each sleigh is steered by a professional. That matters because you are not driving the reindeer yourself, and the guides control the pace and direction for safety. Several sleighs may travel together, so you should expect an organized group outing rather than a private trip into the woods.

The full activity lasts two hours, but the sleigh portion is usually around 40 to 50 minutes. The rest of the time includes walking, meeting the reindeer, hearing explanations, and stopping for a hot drink. Some departures have included a fireside snack and time to look around the resort before the return transfer.

The sleigh ride through snow and forest

The ride begins quietly. You settle into the sleigh, wrap up against the cold, and follow the reindeer along prepared routes through the snow. The animals walk at a steady pace, so the experience is more about stillness than speed.

That gentle rhythm is one of the best reasons to book this activity. You can watch the reindeer ahead, listen to the runners moving over the snow, and take photos when the group pauses or reaches a more open section. In clear weather, a sunny clearing can brighten the whole ride. Some routes have also crossed a frozen lake, adding a wide, open stretch to the forest setting.

The usual riding time is long enough to feel like a real outing, but not so long that you are stranded in the cold for hours. Still, do not underestimate the temperature. Several departures took place around minus 20 degrees Celsius, and even the supplied thermal clothing did not prevent every visitor from feeling cold. Your feet and hands are the first places likely to suffer.

The route is not designed for speed. One person who expected a longer and faster journey found the distance modest. Another felt that several linked sleighs made the ride resemble an amusement attraction rather than a private wilderness trip. That is useful to know before you pay. You are buying a traditional, peaceful sleigh ride, not a fast safari.

Meeting and feeding the reindeer

The animal encounter gives the activity more substance than a simple ride. After or around the sleigh trip, you can spend time near the reindeer, offer them food, and take photographs. Some guides allow gentle touching at the back of the animal, following their instructions.

The reindeer are calm, attractive animals, but do not arrive expecting every one to look like a white Christmas-card deer. They vary in size and appearance. Some have antlers, some do not, and most are ordinary shades of brown and gray. That is part of seeing real working animals rather than a staged holiday image.

The animals are used to the setting, but they are still animals. One departure had a reindeer that was not yet fully tested for pulling sledges in open conditions, which caused several stops. The guide handled the situation calmly, but it shows why the professional driver and assigned seating matter.

I also like the chance to see the relationship between the guides and the reindeer. Some animals clearly respond to particular handlers and stay close to them. The guides explain how the animals are cared for and why the sleighs are loaded evenly. Those details help you understand the work behind the picture-perfect ride.

Stories about reindeer husbandry and Finnish life

The talking portion is more useful than a few quick facts about Santa Claus. Your English-speaking guide explains reindeer husbandry, the animals’ daily life, and northern traditions. Guides including Christina, Tommy, Emily, and Alexi have been singled out for clear explanations and a friendly manner, although your guide will depend on the departure.

The best part is the connection between the animal and the region. Reindeer are not simply decorative symbols for Lapland. They are part of local work and culture, and the guide gives you a better sense of how people care for and manage them. You can ask questions about the animals, Rovaniemi, and Finnish life in general.

For families, this talk can turn the ride into a learning experience. Children can feed the reindeer and see them up close, while adults get more context than they would from a quick photo stop. The activity has worked well for mixed-age groups, including children as young as two and three, but very young children may feel the cold more sharply.

The fireside drink and the short walk

After the outdoor portion, you can warm up with a hot drink and biscuits near a crackling fire. This is a small feature, but it changes the mood of the visit. Sitting down after nearly an hour in the cold gives you time to listen, ask questions, and enjoy the setting without trying to hold a camera in frozen fingers.

The drink is usually accompanied by biscuits or cookies. Do not think of it as a full meal. If you plan to eat at Apukka Resort, the resort restaurant may be an option during your time there, but the included refreshment is simply a warm snack.

The farm is a few minutes’ walk from the resort, so the activity is not entirely seated. You walk between the resort and the reindeer area, stand outdoors, and move around the animals. That is easy for most people who can walk independently, but the experience is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Clothing, comfort, and staying warm

Winter clothing is included: a thermal overall, thermal boots, woolen socks, and mittens. This is a major help if you are visiting Rovaniemi without a full Arctic wardrobe. The clothing is designed to go over your own layers, so wear warm clothing underneath rather than relying on the supplied suit alone.

Bring your own warm base layers, hat, scarf, and additional socks. The supplied gear has worked well for many people, but several still felt cold, especially around the feet. One useful approach is to leave enough room in the boots for thick socks. Tight footwear can make your feet colder.

Your clothing also affects the quality of the ride. If you are shivering, it is difficult to enjoy the forest or take steady photographs. Dress for standing still, not for walking quickly. The sleigh moves slowly, and the wind can feel sharper when you are seated.

The transfer vehicle does not allow alcoholic drinks. Keep your bags practical and bring only what you need for the cold-weather outing. A small phone or camera is useful, but protect batteries from the cold because they can lose power quickly.

Transfers from Rovaniemi and Santa Claus Village

Transfers are included when needed from two pickup points. From central Rovaniemi, pickup is at Korkalonkatu 32, about 50 minutes before the activity begins. From Santa Claus Village, use the Napapiiri I bus stop on the main road, E75, about 35 minutes before the start.

Apukka Resort confirms your exact pickup time by email within 48 hours of booking. Read that message carefully. This is not a detail to leave until the last minute, because missing the pickup means you do not receive a refund.

The transfer service has generally run on schedule, which makes the outing easy to fit into a busy Rovaniemi day. One practical complaint involved standing in the bus on a short transfer, so do not assume every ride will provide a seat. Once you arrive, expect a short walk from the resort to the reindeer farm.

Is $206 a fair price?

At $206 per person, this is a premium activity. The price includes the transport, winter clothing, guide, sleigh ride, animal encounter, stories, and hot drink. For a first visit to Lapland, that all-in arrangement can be worth paying for, especially if you do not own suitable cold-weather clothing or a rental car.

The value is strongest if you want a polished, family-friendly experience with several elements in one booking. You receive more than a quick sleigh photo: there is a ride, time with the animals, cultural explanation, and a warm-up stop. The smooth scheduling and supplied equipment also reduce the planning work.

The price is harder to justify if your main goal is a long ride or speed. The sleigh journey covers only 2 to 3 km and usually lasts about 45 minutes. A large group can also make the experience feel less personal, with several sleighs moving together.

I would compare the price with your whole Lapland budget. If this is your one major animal activity, it can be a good choice. If you are already booking huskies, snowmobiles, northern lights trips, and other expensive outings, the slower ride may feel like a costly extra.

Who will enjoy this most?

I would choose this for families, couples, and first-time visitors who want a quiet introduction to Lapland. The combination of animals, forest, warm drinks, and simple cultural background works well for a wide age range. Couples may especially like the peaceful ride and fireside setting.

It also suits anyone who prefers scenery and conversation to speed. You do not need to steer, navigate, or manage equipment. The professional driver lets you focus on the view and the animals.

I would hesitate if you want a small private group, a long route, or a thrilling activity. The sleighs may run together, and the ride is intentionally gentle. I would also think carefully about booking for someone who struggles with extreme cold or cannot walk independently from the resort to the farm.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the activity, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those options help if your weather plans are still changing, but they do not protect you from missing the pickup.

Should you book the Apukka reindeer journey?

Book it if you want a well-organized, traditional Lapland outing with a real chance to feed the reindeer and learn how they are cared for. The ride is peaceful, the guides add useful context, and the hot drink gives the cold-weather visit a pleasant finish.

Skip it if $206 feels too high for roughly 45 minutes in the sleigh, or if you expect fast travel and a private route. My advice is to treat this as a gentle cultural and nature experience, not an amusement ride. Dress more warmly than you think necessary, arrive early for the shuttle, and you are likely to get the calm, snowy taste of Lapland that this activity promises.

FAQ

How long does the Apukka reindeer journey last?

The complete activity lasts two hours. The reindeer sleigh ride usually covers 2 to 3 km and takes about 40 to 50 minutes, depending on the departure and conditions.

Where does the activity take place?

It takes place at Apukka Resort near Rovaniemi, Finland. The reindeer farm is a few minutes’ walk from the resort.

Is transportation included from Rovaniemi?

Yes. Pickup is available from Korkalonkatu 32 in Rovaniemi city center and from the Napapiiri I bus stop at Santa Claus Village. The confirmed pickup time is sent by Apukka Resort after booking.

What clothing is provided?

The activity provides a thermal overall, thermal boots, woolen socks, and mittens. You should still bring and wear warm clothing underneath.

Can I feed the reindeer?

Yes. The activity includes an opportunity to feed the reindeer, and you may be able to gently touch them when the guides permit it.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users, partly because the reindeer farm is reached by a short walk from the resort.

What language does the guide speak?

The live guiding is in English.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later. If you miss the confirmed pickup, a refund is not available.