Saariselkä: Northern Lights & Reindeer Sledding Tour

A reindeer sleigh ride through a dark Lapland forest is the heart of this evening, not a quick photo stop with animals. You sit back while the reindeer follow their route, then pause beside a fire for a hot drink, local stories, and a chance to feed them. The quiet pace makes this feel very different from a fast snowmobile outing.

I especially like the campfire time and the guides’ personal touch. Eemeli has added songs and stories about life in Lapland, while Visa has entertained groups with reindeer facts and even wood carving. The setting also gives you a genuine chance to see the aurora from the sleigh, but the Northern Lights are never guaranteed. The main drawback is that some departures may spend longer by the fire than expected and less time riding.

Key points to know before booking

• The sleigh ride lasts roughly 30 minutes: The full activity takes 2.5 hours, but part of that time includes transfers, dressing, feeding the reindeer, and the campfire stop.
• Campfire stories are a major part of the evening: Guides may talk about Finnish life, reindeer, local customs, and Sámi culture, with hot drinks and biscuits or snacks.
• Thermal clothing is supplied: Still bring warm layers, comfortable shoes, gloves, and a hat for the cold forest.
• Aurora sightings are a bonus, not a promise: Clouds, weather, and solar conditions decide what you see.
• Flash photography is forbidden: Reindeer can react badly to sudden flashes, and guides may hold your camera or phone until the tour ends if you ignore the rule.
• The official age limit is seven: The activity is also listed as unsuitable for pregnant women.

A gentle Lapland evening, not a high-speed safari

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

That short ride matters. You do not need to find a remote farm on your own, and the evening has a clear beginning and end in central Saariselkä. The transfer is included from the stated meeting point, but you must arrange your own way into Saariselkä if you are staying in Kiilopää, Kakslauttanen, Muotka, Inari, or the Ivalo area.

Once you reach the farm, you put on the provided thermal clothing before heading outside. This is more than a nice extra. Lapland evenings can be bitterly cold, particularly when you are sitting still in an open sleigh. Wear your own warm layers underneath, and take the advice to bring comfortable shoes seriously. Warm feet will do more for your enjoyment than fancy winter gear.

The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible, though the supplied information does not explain the exact sleigh or farm arrangements. If you need a particular type of access support, confirm the details with Lapponia Tours before booking.

The reindeer sleigh ride through the forest

The sleigh is pulled by reindeer through quiet woodland under the northern sky. You are not driving a team yourself. Instead, you sit back and let the animals lead the way while a guide handles the activity.

That slower pace is the point. A reindeer sleigh does not give you the speed or control of a snowmobile, but it lets you notice the soft movement of the sleigh, the dark trees, and the stillness around you. For many people, this will be their first close encounter with a traditional form of transport connected with Lapland and Sámi life.

The wording around Sámi tradition deserves a little care. Reindeer herding is closely linked with Sámi culture, the culture of Europe’s only Indigenous people, but a short tourist activity cannot represent the whole of that culture. I would treat the ride as a brief introduction, then listen closely when the guide explains local life and the role of reindeer.

The ride itself is not the entire 2.5-hour program. One detailed account described roughly 30 minutes of sleigh travel before the group stopped for the fire. Another account felt the sleigh portion was shorter than expected because the campfire lasted longer. If your main goal is a long ride, keep that balance in mind. This is best understood as a cultural evening with a sleigh ride, not a two-hour sled journey.

Feeding the reindeer and meeting the animals

During the stop, you have time to feed the reindeer. This gives the evening a more personal feel than simply passing animals from a distance. Guides can explain how the reindeer live and work in Lapland, and the animals each have their own character.

Follow the guide’s instructions when approaching and feeding them. Reindeer are friendly in this setting, but they are still animals, not photo props. Keep your movements calm, and do not crowd them for a picture.

This is also the best time to take photos, provided you follow the rules. You may bring your own camera or phone, but flash photography and flashlights are strictly prohibited. Sudden light can startle the reindeer and create a safety problem. If you ignore the rule, the guide has the right to remove your camera or phone until the tour ends.

That may sound strict, but it is a sensible rule. You are in a dark forest with animals pulling a sleigh. A bright flash is not worth spoiling the ride or putting people and reindeer on edge.

The campfire is where the evening comes alive

The fire stop is one of the strongest parts of this tour. You can warm up with coffee, tea, or another hot drink, along with local snacks such as biscuits. In the darkness, the fire creates a small circle of warmth while the forest remains quiet beyond it.

The guides add much of the character here. Eemeli has shared stories about life in Lapland and sung songs. Ansee has explained how the evening works and talked about Finnish life. Nilla has helped with reindeer information and photos. Visa has mixed reindeer lore with humor, storytelling, and wood carving. These details matter because a campfire can feel rather ordinary if nobody gives it shape.

You might hear facts about the animals, stories from the area, or personal observations about northern life. One guide has even turned a simple stick into a carved piece while the group watched. Another evening included fairytales, singing, and dancing. These extras are not guaranteed, but they show how much the guide can influence the experience.

I would not book this solely for the chance of a theatrical guide, since the named guides may vary. Still, the repeated praise for the staff suggests that the human side of the tour is a real strength. You should expect English or Finnish guiding, with the exact guide depending on the departure.

Chasing the Northern Lights without false promises

The tour is timed for a chance to see the Aurora Borealis, and the dark forest gives you a better setting than a brightly lit town center. Sitting in a sleigh or standing beside a campfire while the sky changes can be a memorable combination.

But an aurora tour cannot control the sky. Clouds, weather, and natural activity all matter. The operator does not guarantee a sighting, so you should value the reindeer ride and campfire on their own.

Several departures have had spectacular displays, while another enjoyable evening had no Northern Lights at all. That is the right way to think about this activity. If the aurora appears, it becomes an unforgettable bonus. If it does not, you still have an evening with reindeer, a forest ride, food and drink by the fire, and a guide who can bring the setting to life.

For photography, prepare for difficult conditions. The tour information only says that flash is forbidden, not that photography instruction or camera support is provided. Bring a camera you know how to use in darkness, and do not let picture-taking distract you from the ride or violate the safety rules.

What the $222 price really buys you

At $222 per person, this is not a cheap way to fill an evening. The value depends on what you want from Lapland.

The fee includes thermal clothing, English or Finnish guiding, the minivan transfer from the Saariselkä meeting point to the farm and back, the sleigh ride, a campfire drink, snacks, and the chance to feed the reindeer. It also gives you a structured way to experience the forest at night without arranging separate transport or equipment.

That package makes more sense for a first visit to Lapland, especially if you want several elements in one outing. You receive an animal encounter, a traditional sleigh ride, local interpretation, warm clothing, and an aurora opportunity. Booking separate activities could cost more, though the information provided does not give comparison prices.

The value is weaker if you want a long ride or a guaranteed Northern Lights display. The ride may feel brief, particularly if the fire stop runs long. You are paying for the complete evening, not for a fixed number of minutes behind the reindeer.

The flexible booking terms help. You can reserve now and pay later, and cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. That is useful when your weather plans are still shifting, though it does not solve the basic uncertainty of aurora viewing.

Who will enjoy this most

I would recommend the tour to couples, families with older children, and first-time visitors who want a calm introduction to Lapland. It is also a good fit if you prefer stories, animals, and atmosphere over speed and adrenaline.

Children must be at least seven according to the stated conditions. One published account included children aged 10 and 6, but that does not override the official restriction, so families should follow the stated minimum age when booking. The activity is listed as unsuitable for pregnant women.

You should also consider the cold. Thermal clothing is provided, but you still need to dress properly in layers. Bring warm clothing, comfortable shoes, and the patience to sit outside at night. If you dislike cold-weather stops or animal-based activities, this may not be your best choice.

The tour suits people who enjoy a shared group setting. You will be with a guide and other participants around the fire, and the social side can be part of the fun. If you want a private, silent evening, ask about that option before booking, since no private arrangement is specified here.

Practical details that can make the night better

Arrive at the gray Lapponia Tours building with the tower roof at Honkapolku 1. Allow enough time to find the safari house and prepare for the transfer. The activity lasts 2.5 hours, including the journey to the farm and the return to Saariselkä.

Dress in layers even though thermal clothing is supplied. Add a warm hat, gloves, and shoes suitable for snow or cold ground. Avoid alcohol and drugs, and do not smoke during the activity.

Keep your phone or camera ready without using the flash. A flashlight is also forbidden, so do not plan to light the forest yourself. The guides need darkness for the atmosphere and safety around the reindeer.

Finally, keep your expectations flexible. Weather can affect the activity, the ride may feel shorter than expected, and the aurora may not appear. The strongest reason to go is the full combination of reindeer, forest, fire, stories, and northern darkness.

Should you book the Saariselkä reindeer tour?

Book it if you want a gentle, well-organized evening that brings together several classic Lapland experiences. The strongest features are the peaceful sleigh ride, the chance to feed well-cared-for reindeer, and the campfire setting where guides such as Visa, Eemeli, Nilla, and Ansee have added humor, music, stories, and local knowledge.

Skip it if your priority is a long sleigh journey, a private outing, or a guaranteed aurora. At $222, the price asks you to value the complete atmosphere rather than a single attraction. For the right visitor, that is a fair trade: you get a warm, memorable introduction to Lapland, and perhaps the Northern Lights overhead.

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 full experience lasts 2.5 hours, including the transfers to and from the reindeer farm.

Is transportation included?

A roughly 15-minute transfer from the Saariselkä meeting point to the farm and a return transfer are included. Transport from Kiilopää, Kakslauttanen, Muotka, Inari, or the Ivalo area is not included.

Are thermal clothes provided?

Yes. Thermal clothing is included, but you should still bring warm clothing in layers and comfortable shoes.

Are the Northern Lights guaranteed?

No. The tour offers a chance to see the Aurora Borealis, but sightings depend on weather and natural conditions and cannot be guaranteed.

Can I take photos during the tour?

Yes, you can bring your own camera or phone. Flash photography and flashlights are strictly forbidden because sudden light can disturb the reindeer. A guide may hold your camera or phone until the end if you ignore the rule.

Is the tour suitable for children?

The stated conditions say the activity is not suitable for children under seven. It is also listed as unsuitable for pregnant women.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying immediately.