Rovaniemi: Apukka Reindeer Journey

Lapland gets wonderfully quiet here. The Apukka Reindeer Journey pairs a gentle 2 to 3-kilometer sleigh ride through snowy forest with time to feed and meet reindeer, hear about Finnish traditions, and warm up beside a fire. I especially like the calm pace of the ride and the chance to learn about reindeer husbandry rather than simply taking photos and leaving. The main drawback is the price: at $206 per person, it is a polished but costly two-hour outing.

I also like the practical setup. Apukka provides thermal overalls, boots, wool socks, and mittens, and transfers run from central Rovaniemi or Santa Claus Village. Still, you should expect a chilly ride, and the sleighs may be linked in a larger line, which can feel less private than the dreamy photos suggest.

Key points before you book

• The ride lasts about 40 to 50 minutes: The full activity takes two hours, but the sleigh portion is the central event.
• You can feed the reindeer: The close encounter after the ride is one of the most memorable parts for children and adults.
• A professional steers every sleigh: Seats are assigned to keep the load balanced and protect the animals.
• Winter clothing is included: You receive a thermal overall, boots, wool socks, and mittens, but bring warm base layers.
• Transfers need careful attention: Pickup is 50 minutes before departure from Rovaniemi city center and 35 minutes before departure from Santa Claus Village.
• The setting can vary: You may pass through forest and across a frozen lake, but the ride is not a fast safari or a private sleigh trip.

What the Apukka Reindeer Journey is really like

This is a quiet northern outing, not an adrenaline activity. You sit in a wooden sleigh while a reindeer pulls you along a snowy route, with a professional driver at the front. The animal moves at a steady walking pace, so you have time to look around, take pictures, and listen to the forest.

The route covers roughly 2 to 3 kilometers. Several people describe the sleigh ride as lasting around 40 to 50 minutes, though the exact feel depends on the day, the route, and how many sleighs are operating. Some rides pass through snowy woods, while others include a frozen lake. The most attractive moments come when the trail opens into a clearing or crosses a broad white stretch of ice.

This slower pace is part of the appeal. You are not being bounced around or asked to control the animal. You can simply sit, watch the reindeer ahead, and enjoy the soft rhythm of hooves on snow. If you want speed, this will feel tame. If you want a peaceful Arctic scene, it works well.

Arriving from Rovaniemi or Santa Claus Village

Apukka Resort is outside central Rovaniemi, so the included transfer is useful. You can be picked up at Korkalonkatu 32 in the city center, with pickup scheduled 50 minutes before the activity begins. From Santa Claus Village, the meeting point is the Napapiiri I bus stop on the main E75 road, with pickup 35 minutes before the start.

Apukka confirms your exact pickup time by email within 48 hours of booking. Read that message closely. Missing the pickup means no refund, and this is not the sort of outing where arriving casually a few minutes late is wise.

The transfer is part of the practical value of the tour, especially if you are staying in central Rovaniemi or near Santa Claus Village. One small issue has appeared: a vehicle can feel crowded, and one account describes having to stand during the ride. That may not happen every time, but it is worth knowing.

Once you reach Apukka Resort, the reindeer farm is a few minutes on foot from the resort buildings. Allow time to follow your guide to the starting area. One well-organized visit included a walk of about 10 minutes to the sleighs, with clear instructions along the way.

Meeting the reindeer before and after the ride

The animals are the heart of the outing. Reindeer are smaller and more varied in appearance than the snowy-white Christmas-card image many people expect. Some have antlers, some do not, and their coats are not all bright white. That is normal, and it is useful to arrive with realistic expectations.

You may have a chance to feed the reindeer and gently touch them, usually around the back. Several visitors found this close contact more personal than the sleigh ride itself. Children in particular tend to enjoy the feeding session, though very young children still need close adult supervision in the cold and around the animals.

The guides explain how reindeer live and how people in Lapland care for and work with them. You hear about reindeer husbandry, local life, and the role these animals play in northern traditions. The best guides make this feel like a conversation rather than a lecture. Emily, Christina, Tommy, Alexi, and others have been praised for being warm, clear, and especially good with children.

One useful detail is that the reindeer are not there for you to handle freely. The staff controls the interaction, and the animals are managed carefully. That can make the photo time feel brief, but it also keeps the encounter orderly and safer for everyone.

The sleigh ride through snow and forest

The ride is the visual centerpiece. You settle into a sleigh, bundled in winter gear, while the driver guides the reindeer along the prepared route. The scenery is typically a mix of snowy forest and open areas, with some departures crossing a frozen lake.

The sound is part of the charm. There is no engine noise from your own vehicle, only the movement of the sleigh and the reindeer. On a clear day, a patch of sunlight breaking into a clearing can transform the ride. In falling snow, the mood becomes more hushed and storybook-like.

The sleighs are assigned by the guides and balanced for the reindeer. Each sleigh is steered by a professional, so you are not driving the animal yourself. This is a good safety measure, but it also means the outing is a guided ride rather than a hands-on husky-style activity.

Group size affects the mood. Some departures may have a modest group, while others can place several sleighs together. One account found seven sleighs tied in a line too much like an amusement ride. That is the clearest criticism of the format. You may still enjoy the forest, but you should not book this expecting to travel alone in a private sleigh.

There can also be occasional pauses. A reindeer may hesitate, walk toward the side, or need attention from the guide. One outing involved an animal that had not previously pulled a people-carrying sleigh in natural surroundings, causing several stops. The guide handled it calmly, but the incident shows that this is an animal-led activity, not a perfectly timed machine ride.

Fire, hot drinks, and stories in the cold

After the ride, the group gathers around a fire for a hot drink and usually biscuits or cookies. This short pause matters more than it might sound. Sitting still in Arctic weather can make your feet and fingers cold, even inside the supplied clothing, so the drink gives you a welcome chance to warm up.

The fire also creates the right setting for stories. Guides talk about reindeer, Finnish life, local customs, and the work involved in caring for the animals. This is where the activity gains cultural value. Without this part, you would have a scenic sleigh trip. With it, you get some context for why reindeer remain important in Lapland.

The food is simple. Expect a warm drink and a small biscuit rather than a meal. If you are hungry, Apukka Resort has a restaurant, and one visitor suggested eating there while visiting the property. Do not count on the fireside refreshments to replace lunch or dinner.

A few practical details can shape the finish. One departure involved waiting around after the activity, possibly while other people looked around or shopped. The total time is advertised as two hours, but the pace can include walking, organizing groups, and waiting for transfers. That is normal for a shared excursion, though less appealing if you have booked a tightly packed day.

Staying warm in temperatures below freezing

The supplied clothing is a major help. You receive a thermal overall, thermal boots, wool socks, and mittens. This reduces the need to pack a full Arctic wardrobe, and it is especially useful if you are visiting Rovaniemi from a warmer country.

Still, do not treat the clothing as a guarantee that you will feel warm. Several outings took place in very low temperatures, including around minus 20 Celsius. People still felt cold in their feet, and one account specifically wished for a blanket after sitting in the sleigh for more than 40 minutes.

Wear warm clothing underneath, as requested by the operator. Add a hat and any personal layers you rely on. Keep your feet especially well insulated, because they remain still for much of the sleigh ride. The outer gear is supplied, but your own base layers determine much of your comfort.

The cold can be harder on small children. Families with children as young as two, three, four, five, and six have enjoyed the outing, but parents should plan carefully. A child who is happy at the start may become uncomfortable once the sleigh is moving and there is little chance to walk around.

Alcoholic drinks are not allowed in the vehicle. The experience is also not suitable for wheelchair users, and the short walk from the resort to the farm should be considered when planning your day.

Is $206 a fair price?

At $206 per person, this is expensive for a two-hour activity. The actual sleigh ride usually lasts under an hour, and the route is not especially long. If you measure value only by minutes on the sleigh, the price will feel hard to justify.

You are paying for more than the ride itself. The fee includes transfers from two popular pickup areas, professional guides, winter clothing, the animal encounter, cultural explanations, the hot drink, and the organization of a remote resort activity. Apukka is clearly built to handle visitors efficiently, and several outings ran on time with clear instructions.

The price also buys convenience. You do not need to arrange transport to the resort, rent Arctic clothing, or work out how to find a reindeer farm outside town. For a first visit to Lapland, that can be worth a great deal, particularly during a short holiday.

Still, cost-conscious visitors should compare this with other reindeer rides in the Rovaniemi area. One person found the activity more expensive than similar choices, while another felt the short ride did not fully match the price. I would book it for ease, comfort, and organization, not because it is the cheapest way to sit behind a reindeer.

Who will enjoy this most?

I would recommend the Apukka journey to families, couples, and first-time visitors who want a gentle introduction to Lapland. It is calm, photogenic, and easy to understand. Children can meet and feed the reindeer, while adults get a taste of local traditions and a quiet ride through the snow.

It also suits anyone who prefers observation to action. You do not need to steer, run, or operate equipment. The guides handle the animals and explain what is happening, leaving you free to enjoy the setting.

Couples may find the fireside stop and slow sleigh ride particularly pleasant. One couple described it as a romantic moment, and that makes sense when the weather is calm and the forest is covered in snow.

I would hesitate if you want a private, fast, or highly active outing. You may share the route with several sleighs, and the reindeer walk rather than race. I would also think twice if $206 feels like a stretch, since the ride itself is relatively short.

Booking details that matter

The activity is conducted in English with a live guide. Pickup times are confirmed by Apukka Resort by email after booking, so check your inbox and make note of the exact meeting instructions.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund, and you can reserve now while paying later. That flexibility is useful in Rovaniemi, where weather and family energy can change quickly.

Arrive at the stated pickup point early. From the city center, that means being ready 50 minutes before the activity start. From Santa Claus Village, be ready 35 minutes before. If you miss the vehicle, a refund is not available.

FAQ

How long does the Apukka Reindeer Journey last?

The full activity lasts two hours. The reindeer sleigh ride covers about 2 to 3 kilometers and is commonly described as lasting around 40 to 50 minutes.

What is included in the price?

The price includes the reindeer sleigh ride, an English-speaking guide, stories about reindeer husbandry, a hot drink, winter clothing, and transfers when needed from Rovaniemi city center or Santa Claus Village.

Can I feed the reindeer?

Yes. The activity includes an opportunity to feed the reindeer, and you may also be able to gently touch them under the guide’s direction.

Who drives the sleigh?

A professional steers each sleigh. The guides assign seats to keep the load balanced for the reindeer.

Where is pickup available?

Pickup is available from Korkalonkatu 32 in Rovaniemi city center and from the Napapiiri I bus stop by the E75 main road at Santa Claus Village.

What should I wear?

Bring warm clothing for use under the supplied thermal overall. Apukka provides a thermal overall, thermal boots, wool socks, and mittens, but very cold weather can still make your feet and hands uncomfortable.

Can wheelchair users join the activity?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users. The reindeer farm is also a few minutes’ walk from the resort.

Should you book the Apukka Reindeer Journey?

Book it if you want a well-organized, family-friendly introduction to reindeer traditions, with transport and winter clothing taken care of. The strongest parts are the gentle ride, the close contact with the animals, and the guides who explain Finnish life in a friendly way.

Skip it if you want speed, solitude, or the lowest possible price. Seven sleighs linked together can feel more like a group attraction than a private Arctic adventure, and the ride may feel short for $206.

For most first-time visitors to Rovaniemi, I see this as a worthwhile splurge when you value comfort and atmosphere. Just dress warmly, read the pickup email, and expect a calm sleigh ride rather than a thrilling one.