Rovaniemi: Northern Lights Tour with Finnhorses Sleigh Ride

Key Points

• Duration: Approximate 3-hour experience including a 40-minute sleigh ride
• Location: Starts from Aurora Horses Napapiiri, near Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi
• Activities: Enjoy a Finnhorse sleigh ride through snowy forests, search for the Northern Lights, and warm up by a campfire
• Highlights: See traditional harnessing for Finnhorses, hear their story, and experience Lapland’s tranquil silence
• Limitations: No guarantee of Northern Lights appearance; the actual ride lasts about 40 minutes, not the full 3 hours

You can check availability for your dates here:

Discovering the Rovaniemi Northern Lights Tour with Finnhorses

This 3-hour tour in Lapland offers a unique chance to glide through the snow-covered forests aboard a Finnhorse sleigh. The experience begins at Aurora Horses Napapiiri, located just outside Santa Claus Village—a convenient spot for visitors. The tour promises a 40-minute sleigh ride, during which you can search the night sky for the elusive Northern Lights while cozy under a warm blanket.

A key feature of this tour is the interaction with Finnhorses, which are known for their strength and calm demeanor. Guests get to see traditional harnessing used for work horses and hear stories about the Finnhorse breed. After the ride, everyone has the chance to warm up by a campfire, enjoy Finnish sausages, and soak in the peaceful ambiance of the forest.

This experience is best suited for those eager to combine outdoor adventure with the chance to witness nature’s aurora borealis, all in a small, intimate group setting. While the tour lasts about 3 hours, it’s important to keep in mind that Northern Lights sightings depend on natural conditions and are not guaranteed.

Starting Point and Meeting Details in Santa Claus Village

The tour begins at Aurora Horses Napapiiri, situated at the north end of Joulumaantie. The official road ends about 200 meters before the stables, so following guide signs makes it easy to find. From the Santa Claus Village area, just walk along Joulumaantie, passing Husky Park with the yellow Forest Mansion on your right, then turn left and continue straight until you reach the location.

The coordinates are 66.5453872680664, 25.86239242553711, offering precise guidance for visitors arriving by car or walking. The convenient location makes it simple to include this tour as part of a day visiting Santa Claus Village and the surrounding attractions.

What to Expect During the Snowy Forest Sleigh Ride

Once at the meeting point, guests are equipped with warm clothing, gloves, and sturdy shoes. The 40-minute sleigh ride takes you through Lapland’s enchanting forests, where the silence and snow-covered trees create a peaceful atmosphere. During the ride, you may encounter native wildlife such as deer, reindeer, moose, hares, or foxes, some of which may cross your path silently and leave only traces in the snow.

The Finnhorse leads the sleigh, and the guides share stories about their history and traditional uses. As the sky darkens, the chance to see the Northern Lights appears, although it’s important to remember that this is a natural phenomenon with no certainty of appearance.

The Cultural Significance of Finnhorses

A notable aspect of this tour is the focus on the Finnhorse breed, which has a longstanding connection to Lapland’s working horse culture. Guests get to observe the harnessing process, used for traditional work harnesses, and learn about the breed’s calm temperament and versatility. The guides enhance the experience with stories about the Finnhorse’s history, making it more than just a sleigh ride.

This connection to local traditions adds depth to the experience, giving insight into Lapland’s equestrian heritage and the historical importance of Finnhorses in rural life.

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Enjoying the Campfire and Finnish Sausages

After the sleigh ride, the tour continues with a relaxing campfire experience. Guests can warm up and enjoy Finnish sausages roasting over the fire, a cozy way to conclude the outdoor adventure. The fire provides a perfect setting for quiet reflection and appreciating the natural sounds of the forest.

The campfire scene is an ideal moment for gathering friends or family, sharing stories, and truly soaking in the peaceful atmosphere of Lapland. The warmth of the fire and the taste of Finnish sausages are memorable highlights, especially as the night sky possibly reveals the Northern Lights.

Practical Details and Group Size

This small-group tour limits participants to 8 people, ensuring a personalized experience. The tour operates with live guides in English and Finnish, making communication clear and engaging.

Guests should dress warmly, bringing additional layers, gloves, and suitable footwear. The tour does not include alcohol or drugs, and littering is not permitted, maintaining the pristine environment.

The option to reserve and pay later offers flexibility, with full refunds available up to 24 hours before departure.

Limitations and Important Considerations

While the tour promises a magical experience, it’s crucial to understand that Northern Lights are a natural occurrence. Their visibility depends on weather conditions and solar activity, so no guarantee exists for sightings. The actual sleigh ride lasts about 40 minutes, which might be shorter than some expect given the 3-hour overall duration.

Guests should be prepared for outdoor conditions, staying dressed appropriately and understanding that wildlife may be encountered silently in the forest. The tour is not suitable for individuals with mobility impairments or animal allergies.

Comparing This Tour with Similar Rovaniemi Experiences

This Finnhorse sleigh ride offers a more authentic and relaxed alternative to other outdoor activities in Rovaniemi, such as snowmobiling or reindeer sled rides. Its emphasis on local culture, tranquil forest scenery, and Northern Lights searching makes it stand out.

Similar experiences include reindeer safaris, snowmobile rides, and husky sledding available nearby. However, this tour’s small group size and focus on Finnhorse heritage provide a distinctive, intimate atmosphere for those interested in Lapland’s equestrian traditions.

Final Thoughts on the Rovaniemi Finnhorse Northern Lights Tour

This 3-hour experience combines Finnhorse sleigh riding, cultural storytelling, and nature appreciation in a small group setting. The 40-minute sleigh ride offers a peaceful journey through snowy forests, with the potential to spot the Northern Lights, though it is not guaranteed.

Guests seeking a relaxing outdoor activity with authentic Lapland traditions will value the chance to see the harnessing, warm up by the campfire, and enjoy the silent beauty of the forest. The tour’s personalized size and local guides enhance the overall experience.

While the duration of the outdoor activities might be shorter than some expect, the intimate atmosphere and cultural insights make this tour a worthwhile addition to any winter trip in Rovaniemi. It suits visitors looking for a peaceful, nature-focused adventure with a touch of local heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the sleigh ride?
The sleigh ride lasts approximately 40 minutes within the 3-hour tour.

Can I guarantee seeing the Northern Lights?
No, the appearance of Northern Lights depends on natural weather conditions and solar activity; sightings are not guaranteed.

Where does the tour start?
The tour begins at Aurora Horses Napapiiri, located at the north end of Joulumaantie near Santa Claus Village.

What should I bring?
Guests should dress warmly, bringing gloves, warm shoes, and additional layers for outdoor comfort.

Is the tour suitable for children or those with mobility issues?
The experience is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or animal allergies.

What is included after the sleigh ride?
Participants can warm up by a campfire and roast Finnish sausages, enjoying the peaceful forest setting.

How many people are in each group?
The small group size is limited to 8 participants, ensuring a personalized experience.

Is there an option to cancel or reschedule?
Yes, full refunds are available if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides operate in English and Finnish, providing clear explanations and storytelling.

What makes this tour different from other Lapland winter activities?
The focus on Finnhorse traditions, small group size, and the opportunity to combine nature, culture, and Northern Lights hunting set this experience apart.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby