Rovaniemi: Apukka Reindeer Journey

The best part of the Apukka Reindeer Journey is its quiet pace. You sit low in a sleigh, glide behind a reindeer through snow-covered forest, and hear little more than hooves and runners on the snow. I especially like the close contact with the animals and the chance to feed them after the ride. The fire, hot drink, and biscuits give the outing a welcome finish.

I also like that the guide explains reindeer husbandry and Finnish life, rather than treating the ride as a simple photo stop. Guides such as Emily, Christina, Tommy, and Alexi have been singled out for warm, clear explanations. The main drawback is value: at $206 per person, this is an expensive two-hour activity, and the ride may feel short if you want speed or a long route.

Key points to know before booking

• Expect about 45 minutes in the sleigh: The full activity lasts two hours, but the actual ride is usually around 40 to 50 minutes.
• You can feed the reindeer: The animal encounter continues after the sleigh ride, with time to pet and feed them.
• The ride is slow and calm: This is a scenic tradition-based outing, not a fast safari.
• Warm clothing is supplied: You receive a thermal overall, boots, wool socks, and mittens, but bring warm layers of your own.
• Transfers are included: Pickup is available from central Rovaniemi and Santa Claus Village, with exact times confirmed by Apukka.
• The experience suits families: Children as young as two have taken part, though the cold can be tough for small children.

A quiet start at Apukka Resort

The journey begins with a transfer to Apukka Resort, outside central Rovaniemi. From the city center, pickup is scheduled at Korkalonkatu 32, about 50 minutes before the activity begins. From Santa Claus Village, you meet the vehicle at the Napapiiri I bus stop beside the E75, about 35 minutes before departure.

The resort is not the reindeer farm itself. After arrival, you walk a few minutes to the farm and sleigh departure area. Allow a little patience here, since the resort setting and transfer are part of the overall timing. One past departure included spare time at Apukka before the guide led the group onward, while another involved waiting after the activity. The total two-hour schedule is therefore best viewed as an outing from resort arrival to departure, not two full hours with reindeer.

Take pickup seriously. Apukka confirms your exact time by email within 48 hours of booking, and missing the vehicle means no refund. I would save the email and arrive early, especially if you are coming from a hotel in central Rovaniemi.

Getting ready for the Arctic cold

Apukka supplies a thermal overall, thermal boots, woolen socks, and mittens. That is a major help in Rovaniemi, where several outings took place around minus 20 degrees Celsius. Still, you should wear warm base layers and bring any extra hat, scarf, or gloves you rely on.

The sleigh is open to the cold. You are seated rather than walking for much of the ride, so your feet and legs can lose heat faster than expected. Some people stayed comfortable in the supplied clothing, while others still felt cold, especially in their feet. A cashmere sweater alone is not enough protection for a long sit in winter air.

I would eat something before leaving and keep your phone close to your body so its battery does not fade in the cold. The instructions specifically ask you to bring warm clothing. Alcohol is not allowed in the vehicle, which is sensible given the transfer and winter conditions.

Meeting the reindeer before the sleigh ride

The reindeer are the heart of this outing. They are calm, attractive animals, but do not arrive expecting every one to look like a white Christmas-card reindeer. Most are ordinary working reindeer, some are smaller, and some do not have antlers. That is part of seeing real animals rather than a polished holiday image.

You may have time to look at the reindeer, take photographs, and feed them. Feeding is a favorite part for many families because it gives you a reason to slow down and watch their behavior. Some animals are eager eaters, and one particularly enthusiastic reindeer was described as trying to pass the sleigh ahead.

You may also touch the reindeer gently, usually at the back and under the guide’s direction. Follow those instructions closely. The animals are working, and the team has to balance close contact with their comfort and safety.

The farm is only a short walk from the resort, but that walk still matters in winter. Make sure your boots are properly fastened before leaving the warm building. The route may feel easy at the start and colder on the way back.

The 2 to 3 kilometer sleigh ride

Once the group is ready, you take a seat in a wooden sleigh pulled by a reindeer. The ride covers about 2 to 3 kilometers and commonly lasts around 45 minutes, though some outings have lasted closer to 40 or 50 minutes. The pace is gentle. You move through snowy forest trails, and some departures cross a frozen lake.

This is a good ride for looking around rather than doing anything. Snow hangs on the trees, the trail feels hushed, and the reindeer’s steady movement gives the outing a slow rhythm. On a clear day, sunlight can break through in a forest clearing. In falling snow, the scene can feel even more like a winter story, though visibility and scenery depend on the day.

A professional handles the sleigh for safety. The staff allocate seats so the weight is balanced across the sleighs, which means you may not choose exactly where you sit. It also means you should not expect to steer or control the animal yourself.

Group arrangements can shape the mood. Some departures have a line of several sleighs traveling together, with one report describing seven linked sleighs. That keeps the operation orderly, but it can make the ride feel more like a shared attraction than a private forest trip. Smaller groups can feel quieter and more personal, but you cannot count on having the trail to yourself.

The reindeer may stop, slow down, or need a little handling. One departure involved an inexperienced animal that had been used to people in a playground but was not yet fully tested in open-country sleigh work. The guide stayed calm, and the situation ended safely. This is a reminder that a reindeer is a living working animal, not a machine following a fixed track.

Stories about reindeer and Lapland life

The ride becomes more worthwhile when the guide explains what you are seeing. You hear about reindeer care, their daily life, local traditions, and the place of reindeer husbandry in Lapland. The guides speak English and generally make time for questions.

The quality of the guide matters here. Christina was praised for working well with both adults and children. Tommy gave clear explanations about reindeer, Rovaniemi, and Lapland. Emily has led groups through the animal stories and local culture, while Alexi helped one group understand the animals before feeding a reindeer named Loukki.

I like this part because it gives the ride context. Without it, you would simply be pulled through a snowy forest for photographs. With it, you learn why the animals are handled in a particular way, why seats are assigned, and how a traditional activity fits into modern tourism.

Do not expect a long cultural lecture or a specialist course in Sámi history. The supplied information focuses on reindeer husbandry and Finnish life. The experience is introductory and accessible, which is a good fit for families and first-time visitors.

The fire, hot drink, and final animal encounter

After the sleigh ride, you gather around a fire for a hot drink and biscuits. This is more than a pleasant extra. After 40 or 45 minutes sitting in cold air, even a simple warm drink feels useful.

The fire also gives the guide a relaxed place to finish the story. You can ask questions, warm your hands, and take in the surroundings without being rushed from one photo opportunity to the next. Some people especially enjoyed the balance of riding, walking, and sitting by the fire.

The order of activities can vary. In some departures, feeding and light touching took place after the drink. In others, the guide introduced the animals more directly around the ride. Either way, the close encounter is an important part of the value. If you only want a sleigh ride, you may find the overall price hard to justify. If you want the ride plus animal contact and cultural explanation, the package makes more sense.

Is $206 a fair price?

At $206 per person, this is not a budget activity. You are paying for the transfer, winter equipment, guide, resort operation, reindeer handling, hot drink, and the roughly 45-minute sleigh ride. The convenience is real, especially if you do not have a rental car or your own Arctic clothing.

The price is easier to accept when every part runs on time and you use the supplied clothing. Apukka is a large, organized operation, so you get a clear meeting system and a managed experience. Families may find that valuable because the staff handle the practical work while you focus on the scenery and animals.

The weak point is the ride length. Two hours is the total activity time, not two hours in the sleigh. If your main goal is a long journey through remote forest, 2 to 3 kilometers may disappoint. The slow speed also means you are paying for atmosphere and tradition, not distance or action.

I would book it for a special Lapland day, particularly if this is your first visit and you want an easy introduction to reindeer culture. I would compare alternatives if you are traveling on a tight budget or already have several expensive Arctic activities planned.

Who will enjoy this most?

This works well for families, couples, and anyone who prefers a peaceful winter outing. Children have taken part at ages two, three, four, five, and six, but the cold can be difficult for young ones. Bring extra layers and keep your expectations realistic: a toddler may enjoy the reindeer but struggle with the long period outdoors.

Couples may like the quiet pace and fireside stop. It is also a good contrast to more active outings such as husky rides or snowmobile trips. You do not need to be athletic, and the activity is mostly seated or gently walking.

You may want to skip it if you use a wheelchair, since the activity is not suitable for wheelchair users. You should also think twice if you dislike organized group outings, because several sleighs may travel together and seating is assigned by the team.

Practical details that affect the day

The experience is conducted in English with a live guide. Transfers are available from Rovaniemi city center and Santa Claus Village, but you need to use the exact pickup point and time confirmed by Apukka.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the activity, and you can reserve now and pay later. That flexibility helps when your Rovaniemi plans depend on weather, flights, or other winter activities.

Plan for the ride to last about 45 minutes within a two-hour visit. The advertised sleigh route is 2 to 3 kilometers. The reindeer farm is a few minutes’ walk from the resort, and a professional drives each sleigh.

Should you book the Apukka Reindeer Journey?

I would book this if you want a calm, well-organized introduction to Lapland, with a real animal encounter and enough explanation to make the ride meaningful. The strongest points are the gentle forest route, the chance to feed the reindeer, the warm fire stop, and guides who make the experience personal.

I would not book it expecting speed, solitude, or a long wilderness expedition. The price is high for a short sleigh route, and some groups may feel crowded when several sleighs travel together. For a first visit to Rovaniemi, though, it delivers the classic Arctic combination of snow, reindeer, forest, and fire in a manageable two-hour package.

FAQ

How long does the Apukka Reindeer Journey last?

The full activity lasts two hours. The reindeer sleigh ride itself usually takes around 40 to 50 minutes.

How far does the reindeer sleigh travel?

The sleigh ride covers approximately 2 to 3 kilometers.

Is pickup included?

Yes. Transfers are included from Rovaniemi city center or Santa Claus Village to Apukka Resort and back.

Where is the pickup point in Rovaniemi city center?

The city center pickup point is Korkalonkatu 32. Pickup is scheduled about 50 minutes before the activity starts.

Where is the Santa Claus Village pickup point?

Pickup is at the Napapiiri I bus stop beside the main E75 road. The scheduled pickup is about 35 minutes before the activity begins.

What clothing is provided?

Apukka provides a thermal overall, thermal boots, woolen socks, and mittens.

Should I bring extra warm clothing?

Yes. You should bring warm clothing because the sleigh is outdoors and the Arctic cold can be severe, especially around your feet.

Is the activity conducted in English?

Yes. The activity includes a live English-speaking guide.

Can I feed or touch the reindeer?

You can feed the reindeer, and the program may allow gentle touching under the guide’s instructions.

Is the activity suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.

What happens if I miss the pickup?

Missing the pickup does not qualify for a refund, so you should arrive early at the confirmed meeting point.

Can I cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.