Rovaniemi: Northern Lights Sledge Ride

If you’re heading to Lapland in winter, chances are you’re dreaming of catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights. For many, that’s the main reason to come. This 3-hour sledge ride from Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi offers a chance to see the lights while experiencing the quiet beauty of Arctic Forests. Guided by friendly experts, you’ll glide through snow-covered woods pulled by snowmobiles, with warm gear provided to keep you comfortable in the cold — a thoughtful touch we appreciated.

What we love most about this tour is how it combines adventure and comfort. The guides’ knowledge about the Northern Lights and their dedication to maximizing your chances of seeing them are clear highlights. Plus, the snowmobile-pulled sledge gives a real sense of how locals experience winter, making it feel more authentic.

One potential drawback is the weather dependency—seeing the Aurora is never guaranteed, and cloudy skies can put a damper on the experience. Still, even if the lights don’t appear, the ride itself is a charming way to enjoy Lapland’s wintry landscape. This tour suits travelers who want a combination of scenic adventure and culture, especially those who enjoy being outdoors and are prepared for cold weather.

Key Points

• Authentic Arctic Experience: Glide through snowy forests pulled by snowmobiles, with guides who know the best spots.
• Expert Guidance: Guides are friendly and well-informed, increasing your chances of seeing the Aurora Borealis.
• Warm Clothing Included: Overalls, boots, gloves, and safety gear ensure you stay warm during the ride.
• Flexible Booking Options: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and pay later options make planning easier.
• Weather-Dependent Sightings: The natural phenomenon is never guaranteed, but guided efforts increase your odds.
• Family Friendly: Suitable for older children and adults, but not for very young children or pregnant women.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Tour Experience

Meeting and Transport

The tour begins with a pickup in Rovaniemi, either at the Santa Claus Village or the city center. This is a thoughtful inclusion for travelers, saving you the hassle of arranging separate transport. Guides, like Maximilien and others, are known for their friendly and professional demeanor, making the start of the night welcoming.

The transportation takes about 15-30 minutes, leading you out into the Lapland wilderness. The journey itself gives early glimpses of the snow-covered landscape, setting the mood for an Arctic adventure.

The Sledge Ride Through Arctic Forests

Once at the starting point, you’ll be fitted with winter clothes and safety equipment. The included overalls, boots, gloves, helmets, and balaclavas mean you won’t need to worry about the cold — a relief given the sub-zero temperatures. The guides carefully ensure everyone is dressed properly, which many reviews praise as making the experience more enjoyable.

The snowmobile-pulled sledges are a highlight. You will be sitting comfortably, bundled up, as you glide through the silent woods. The twinkling starry skies and the crisp winter air make this a truly atmospheric experience. Expect to spend approximately 2 hours on the sleds, with several stops along the way to take in the scenery and hunt for the Northern Lights.

Searching for the Northern Lights

The guides are highly committed to helping guests see the Aurora. They’ll drive you to the best spots, often far from light pollution, where the sky is clear. Some reviews mention going to multiple locations—sometimes three or more—if the Aurora isn’t visible initially, which shows their dedication.

However, since Auroras are a natural phenomenon, sightings depend heavily on weather conditions and solar activity. If clouds roll in or the sky remains overcast, the lights might stay hidden. As one reviewer put it, “the guides tried their very best at multiple locations,” which is a testament to their effort.

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The End of the Tour

The tour typically lasts around three hours, starting in the evening. After the ride and Aurora hunting, you’ll be transported back to Rovaniemi. Many reviews mention the warmth and friendliness of the guides, making the journey back just as pleasant as the ride out.

What’s Not Included

• Photography services are not part of this tour, so if you want to capture the Northern Lights, you’ll need to bring your own camera and be prepared to set it up yourself. The guides are friendly but don’t offer professional photos.

The Value of This Tour

At $87 per person, this experience offers considerable value. It includes transportation, warm clothing, and a guided sled ride, which are often additional expenses if you try to organize them separately. The personal touch of knowledgeable guides, combined with the chance to see one of nature’s most spectacular displays, makes it worth the price — especially considering how much effort is made to optimize your chances.

Many travelers have commented that even if they didn’t see the Aurora, they still found the ride to be fun and memorable. One even said, “We didn’t see the Northern Lights but it was so fun,” highlighting how the journey itself is rewarding.

What the Reviews Say

Guests consistently point out the expertise and friendliness of guides, with some describing them as “very helpful,” “knowledgeable,” and “dedicated.” Many reviews noted the scenic beauty of the woods and the peaceful atmosphere of the Arctic night.

Sightings of the Aurora are described as magical when they happen and are often considered a bonus rather than a guarantee. As one reviewer noted, “We saw it from the frozen lake, which was truly magical,” emphasizing the importance of luck but also the effort guides put into hunting for the lights.

Even with unpredictable weather, travelers appreciated the effort and professionalism of the team, with many stating they would recommend the experience regardless of Aurora sightings. The warm gear and well-organized stops are frequently praised.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for adventurous travelers who want to combine scenic outdoor activities with the chance to see the Northern Lights. It’s perfect if you’re comfortable in cold weather and enjoy off-road winter landscapes. Families with children over age 3, couples, or solo travelers looking for a memorable Arctic experience will find this appealing.

However, if your primary goal is guaranteed Aurora viewing, keep in mind that this is a natural phenomenon, and sightings are not guaranteed. The weather and solar activity play a role, so flexibility and patience are key.

Final Thoughts

The Rovaniemi Northern Lights Sledge Ride offers a beautiful blend of adventure, cultural authenticity, and natural wonder. Guided by friendly experts, you’ll travel through silent forests, feeling the cold but also the thrill of this unique experience. For the cost, you receive warm clothing, transportation, and a chance—if luck favors you—to witness the dancing Aurora.

Even when the lights stay hidden, the peaceful snow-covered landscape and the company of knowledgeable guides make this a worthwhile addition to your Arctic itinerary. It’s a great way to spend a winter evening in Lapland, especially if you’re eager for a hands-on, authentic experience that goes beyond just sitting and waiting.

FAQ

Do I need to bring my own warm clothes?
No, warm overalls, boots, gloves, and safety gear are included in the tour, so you’ll stay warm during your ride.

Can children join this tour?
Children over the age of 3 can participate, but younger children or pregnant women are not recommended for safety reasons.

What if I don’t see the Northern Lights?
That’s always a possibility, as Aurora Borealis is a natural event. Guides try their best to find clear skies and good viewing spots, but sightings depend on weather and solar activity.

How long is the actual sled ride?
The ride lasts approximately 2 hours, with stops along the way to enjoy the scenery and hunt for the Aurora.

Is transportation included?
Yes, pickup is provided from Rovaniemi’s city center or Santa Claus Village, making it convenient to start your Arctic adventure.

What should I bring with me?
Bring your passport or ID, and dress warmly — even though gear is provided, layering is always wise for extra comfort.

Are photography services available?
No, guides do not offer professional photography. You should bring your own camera if capturing the Aurora is important to you.

How do I know if the tour is right for me?
If you like outdoor winter activities, want a guided experience, and are eager to see the Northern Lights, this tour suits you well.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour runs rain or shine, but cloudy skies might obscure the Aurora. Guides will do their best to find clear spots, but weather can always be unpredictable.

How far in advance should I book?
It’s advisable to reserve your spot early, especially in peak Northern Lights season, but flexible booking options like “reserve now, pay later” are available.

This Northern Lights sledge ride in Rovaniemi combines the thrill of Arctic adventure with the serenity of Lapland’s landscape. Whether you’re lucky enough to see the Aurora or simply enjoy the ride, it promises a genuine taste of northern wilderness that’s hard to match anywhere else.

You can check availability for your dates here: