Opens in a new tab
Taava Reindeer Farm3 hours

In Search of the Northern Lights – Reindeer Sleigh Ride Under the Arctic Sky

Basic information

Difficulty level:
Easy
Minimum age:
0
Duration:
3 hours
Price:
From 169 €

Aurora Hunting by Reindeer Sleigh

Experience the magic of Lapland on an unforgettable Northern Lights reindeer safari. Travel through snowy forests in a traditional reindeer-drawn sleigh at our atmospheric Taava Reindeer Farm. Wrapped in warm reindeer hides, glide silently under the Arctic sky, far from city lights and modern distractions.

Your journey begins at Taava Reindeer Farm, a local, family-run farm in Finnish Lapland. Meet local reindeer guides, learn about local traditions and hand-feed the friendly reindeer—a truly authentic experience.

As evening falls, settle into the pristine wilderness—one of the best places in Lapland to witness the Aurora Borealis. If conditions are right, you'll see the sky light up with Northern Lights in waves of green, violet and pink. This reindeer safari offers an unforgettable blend of nature, culture and Arctic wonder.

After the sleigh ride, we gather in Taava's atmospheric log kota to warm up and enjoy a taste of Finnish traditions. Savor a delicious selection of local treats, including:

– Traditional Karelian Pie – A classic Finnish pastry with a hearty rye crust and creamy rice porridge filling.
– Glögi – A warm, spiced berry drink, similar to mulled wine but non-alcoholic, perfect for cold Arctic nights.
– Gingerbread Cookies – Crispy, sweet, and full of festive spice.

This immersive Arctic evening offers more than just a Northern Lights tour—it’s a chance to experience authentic Lapland culture, connect with nature, and create lasting memories in local reindeer farm under the northern sky.

Tour Highlights:

  • A peaceful sleigh ride through the snowy Lapland wilderness
  • Up-close encounters with reindeer and insights into reindeer herding
  • An ideal setting for Aurora Borealis viewing—no light pollution
  • Delicious Finnish snacks by a warm fire
  • A truly unique Arctic experience suitable for all ages, recommended for families

Pickup Transfers:

  • Transfers are available through the following pickup and drop-off schedule
  • Kindly be at your pick-up point min. 5-10 minutes before the pickup time, and kindly be patient as we make our rounds to collect all participants. Your magical adventure begins shortly!

Availability:

This unforgettable Lapland Northern Lights safari is available during the heart of the Arctic winter season:

December, January, February, and until March 2027. 

What’s Included?

  • Round-trip transportation from selected pick-up points
  • Professional English-speaking reindeer guide
  • Approx. 25-minute reindeer sleigh ride under the Arctic night sky
  • Visit to the reindeer fence with the opportunity to meet the reindeer
  • Warm drinks and local snacks by the fire in a traditional kota

Not included

  • Winter overalls and thermal clothing
  • Personal travel insurance
  • Additional food and beverages beyond the included refreshments
  • Private experience – unless separately arranged
  • Guaranteed Northern Lights sighting – the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon and visibility depends on weather and solar activity

What the Evening Looks Like

The evening begins with included transfers from selected pick-up points in Rovaniemi to Taava Reindeer Farm. From the softly lit farmyard, the 1.5-kilometre reindeer sleigh ride leads into the dark forest, where there are no artificial lights along the trail.

The reindeer move through the snowy forest at their natural, calm pace. Reindeer hides keep guests warm in the sleigh while the sounds of the Arctic night become part of the experience: hooves clicking, sleigh runners moving over the snow and the quiet of the forest around you. On a clear night, the moon and stars may be visible above the trees — and sometimes the Northern Lights appear too.

After the ride, guests feed lichen to the driving reindeer. Whenever the situation allows and it can be done safely, guests can also take part in simple tasks such as helping our reindeer guides remove the harnesses.

Then it is time to warm up inside Taava’s cosy log kota. Guests leave their outdoor shoes at the door, put on slippers and settle around the open fire in the centre of the kota. Karjalanpiirakka, gingerbread cookies and warm glögi are served while there is time to sit, talk with our reindeer guides and enjoy the atmosphere.

The evening continues at the reindeer fence. Guests can meet and feed the reindeer, observe them up close and ask questions about their behaviour, care and life at Taava. Our reindeer guides share their knowledge and give guests time to learn more about the animals.

After the experience, the included transfer takes guests back to the selected drop-off points in Rovaniemi.

We Love Reindeer

Every reindeer is an individual. At Taava Reindeer Farm, working days are planned according to each animal’s age, needs and rhythm, with regular breaks and rest days.

On the forest trail, our reindeer guides trust the animals and know their characters well. The reindeer move calmly at their own pace, while our guides remain responsible for the safety and smooth running of the experience.

Taava’s reindeer are gentle, friendly and used to being around people. Guests have time to meet and feed them and learn more about their care and individual differences.

For us, We Love Reindeer means knowing the animals well, respecting what each one needs and helping our guests understand them better too.

Know before you go

  • Northern Lights sightings cannot be guaranteed, as they depend on weather conditions and solar activity.
  • Dress warmly for Arctic winter conditions. Thermal overalls are not included, so appropriate winter clothing is essential.
  • The experience takes place outdoors and in natural winter conditions, and the programme may be adjusted when necessary due to weather, snow conditions or reindeer welfare.
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult and should be dressed especially warmly for the sleigh ride.
  • Please be ready at your designated pick-up point at the confirmed time. 
  • Reindeer are living animals, and their welfare and safety always come first. The pace and exact duration of the sleigh ride may therefore vary slightly.

What do I need to bring?

To stay comfortable during the Northern Lights reindeer sleigh ride in Rovaniemi, travellers should come prepared for Arctic winter conditions.

  • Warm winter clothing – thermal base layers, insulated winter jacket and trousers
  • Warm winter boots suitable for snow and freezing temperatures
  • Hat, scarf or neck warmer, and insulated gloves or mittens
  • Extra layers for children, as guests remain outdoors during the reindeer sleigh ride
  • Camera or smartphone for photographing the reindeer, snowy Lapland scenery and, with some luck, the Northern Lights

We strongly recommend dressing in several warm layers, as thermal overalls are not included in the experience.

Meeting Points & Transfers

The In Search of the Northern Lights Reindeer Safari includes pick-up and return transfers from selected locations in Rovaniemi.

Guests are collected before the experience and brought to Taava Reindeer Farm. After the evening, the return transfer takes guests back to the selected drop-off points.

Pick-up locations and times are confirmed with the booking.

How to Get There

Taava Reindeer Farm is at Rautiosaari, about 20 minutes from Rovaniemi city centre. Because transfers are included in this experience, most guests are collected from a selected pick-up point in Rovaniemi rather than travelling to the farm independently.

Your meeting point and pick-up time are confirmed with your booking. See meeting points and transfer information on our Info page.

Santa Claus Reindeer

More of your choice

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Will I definitely see the Northern Lights?

    The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, and their visibility depends on weather and aurora conditions. Taava Reindeer Farm is surrounded by dark Arctic nature away from the city lights, providing a good setting for watching the northern sky. The reindeer sleigh ride, time in Taava’s log kota and meeting the reindeer are all part of the evening, whatever appears in the sky.

  • Can children take part?

    Yes. The experience is family-friendly, and we welcome many families with children to Taava. Children can join at their parents’ discretion.

    The safari takes place in the evening and includes time outdoors in Arctic winter conditions. For younger children, parents may want to consider their usual bedtime, the length of the evening and how comfortable they are in cold weather. A warm break in Taava’s log kota is part of the experience.

  • What should I wear?

    Dress warmly in layers suitable for Arctic winter conditions, including warm winter boots, mittens or gloves and a hat. Reindeer hides are provided in the sleigh for extra warmth.

  • Are transfers included?

    Yes. Pick-up and return transfers from selected locations in Rovaniemi are included in the experience. Your meeting point and pick-up time are confirmed with your booking.

  • How long does the whole evening take?

    The experience lasts around 2.5 hours at Taava Reindeer Farm, plus transfer time to and from the selected pick-up points in Rovaniemi.

  • How is this different from the reindeer experiences in Santa Claus Village?

    This experience takes place at Taava Reindeer Farm in the peaceful nature outside central Rovaniemi. It offers a longer evening with a 1.5-kilometre reindeer sleigh ride through the dark forest, a warm kota break and time to meet and feed the reindeer with our reindeer guides.

    In Santa Claus Village, reindeer rides and fence visits are easy-access, family-friendly experiences at the Arctic Circle and are available during the daytime as part of a visit to the village.