KIRUNA: Reindeer Sled Ride in the Countryside

Discover the Charm of a Reindeer Sled Ride in Kiruna’s Winter Landscape

The KIRUNA: Reindeer Sled Ride in the Countryside offers an authentic glimpse into Sami culture combined with a unique outdoor adventure. Priced at a reasonable rate for a 3-hour experience, this tour departs from central Kiruna and takes you into the heart of Norrbotten County’s wintry terrain. Expect a hands-on experience with reindeer, a scenic ride through snowy forests and frozen moors, and a warm, traditional meal. It’s suitable for those who enjoy outdoor activities, cultural insights, and peaceful landscapes.

One notable point is the tour’s focus on interaction with the reindeer—guides teach you how to drive the sled, and you even get the chance to feed the reindeer by hand. However, it’s important to note that the activity is not suitable for children under 2 years, people with back problems, or visitors with animal allergies. The tour provides a balanced mix of adventure, cultural learning, and relaxation, making it a memorable addition to a winter trip in Kiruna.

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Key Points

• Duration: 3 hours, with flexible starting times based on availability
• Location: 20 km from Kiruna, in a Sami village setting
• Activities: Reindeer sled ride through snow-covered forests and moors, visit to a Sami village, feeding reindeer by hand
• Food: Lunch includes smoked and fried reindeer meat (suovas) and bread, with vegetarian and vegan options
• Included in the tour: Transportation, storytelling about Sami culture, reindeer sledding, and a cozy fire in a lávvu
• Group size: Limited to 8 participants for a small, intimate experience

Starting Point and Transportation Details in Kiruna

The tour begins at the Tourist Office in Kiruna around 10 am. From there, a transfer takes participants to the Sami village located 20 km away. The transportation ensures a comfortable journey from the town to the countryside, setting the tone for a relaxed exploration of Sami traditions and the snowy landscape. The tour ends back at the same meeting point, making logistics straightforward for travelers.

Visiting a Sami Village and Learning about Reindeer Herding

Once at the Sami village, visitors encounter reindeer herders who take care of the animals and share insights into the reindeer people’s way of life. Guides demonstrate how to harness and walk with the reindeer before the sled ride begins. This visit offers a genuine look at Sami culture, emphasizing the importance of reindeer herding in their community.

The village setting provides an authentic backdrop for cultural exchange, with stories and explanations about Sami traditions. It’s a chance to appreciate the semi-domesticated nature of the reindeer, which are free to graze in the mountains come April.

Reindeer Sled Ride: An Unforgettable Snowy Journey

The central feature of this tour is the reindeer sled ride, covering approximately 4-5 km through snowy forests and frozen moors near the mountain range. Guides lead participants in steering their own sleds, creating a sense of adventure and independence. The landscape during winter is described as magnificent—white, peaceful, and perfect for a scenic ride.

The reindeer are accustomed to human interaction and are gently fed in the corral. The experience is immersive, allowing travelers to feel connected to the animals and the environment. The safety considerations are that the ice on the river is thick and secure during winter months, making the sled ride safe and enjoyable.

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Enjoying a Traditional Sami Lunch around the Fire

After the sled ride, the tour offers a relaxing break inside a lávvu, a traditional Sami tent. Here, you can sit on reindeer hides and enjoy a lunch featuring smoked and fried reindeer meat (suovas), accompanied by bread. Vegetarian and vegan options are available to cater to different dietary needs.

While relaxing, visitors have the opportunity to ask questions and listen to stories about Sami culture. The atmosphere around the fire is warm and friendly, making this a perfect moment to reflect on the experience and learn more about the indigenous community.

The Practicalities of the Tour

This tour is designed to be flexible and accessible, with a duration of 3 hours, depending on the selected starting time. It is available from mid-January to the end of March, when the ice is thick and snow conditions are ideal. The tour is conducted in English and Swedish with a live guide, and the group size is limited to 8 participants for a more personal experience.

Participants should bring comfortable shoes, warm clothing, snacks, and water. The activity is not suitable for children under 2 years, people with back problems, animal allergies, or those over 300 lbs. The tour features free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing peace of mind for planning.

The Experience Provider: Giron Reindeer

The tour is organized by Giron Reindeer, a company known for authentic Sami experiences. Their focus on cultural education and outdoor adventure ensures an engaging visit for those curious about Sami traditions and reindeer herding. The availability of reserve now, pay later options allows flexible booking, which is especially helpful in winter travel planning.

Customer Feedback Highlights

The tour has received top marks—5 out of 5 from three reviews. Visitors praise the experience as a “Bonne découverte du monde Sami” and describe their day as “very relaxed and magical,” with particular appreciation for the delicious reindeer meat lunch and the informative, warm atmosphere around the fire. The positive feedback underscores the authenticity and enjoyment of the outing, especially noting the opportunity to feed reindeer by hand and learn about Sami culture.

Final Thoughts on the Kiruna Reindeer Sled Ride

This tour offers a genuine glimpse into Sami life combined with a scenic reindeer sled ride through peaceful winter landscapes. The small group size enhances intimacy, and the inclusion of a traditional lunch makes it a well-rounded cultural experience.

The focus on interaction—feeding reindeer and steering your own sled—creates a memorable, hands-on adventure. It’s particularly suited for travelers who appreciate outdoor activities and cultural encounters in a scenic setting.

While the activity has some physical limitations, its overall authenticity and warm storytelling make it a worthwhile addition to any winter itinerary in Kiruna. Whether you’re interested in Sami culture, outdoor adventure, or simply want to enjoy the quiet beauty of the snow-covered landscape, this tour offers a sincere and enjoyable experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours, with flexible starting times based on availability.

Where does the tour start?
It begins at the Tourist Office in Kiruna around 10 am and includes transportation to and from the Sami village.

Is food included?
Yes, a lunch featuring smoked and fried reindeer meat (suovas) comes with the tour, along with bread. Vegetarian and vegan options are available.

Can I feed the reindeer?
Absolutely. Visitors have the chance to get close to the reindeer and feed them by hand in the corral.

Is this activity suitable for children?
The tour is not recommended for children under 2 years, and those with back problems, animal allergies, or over 300 lbs should avoid participation.

What months is the tour available?
It is offered from mid-January to late March, when the ice on the river is thick and safe for sledding.

What should I bring?
Participants should bring comfortable shoes, warm clothing, snacks, and water for the outdoor experience.

Is the tour accessible for non-Swedish speakers?
Yes, the tour is led by English and Swedish-speaking guides.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.

Who organizes this experience?
The activity is provided by Giron Reindeer, known for authentic Sami cultural experiences.

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