Husky Safari vs Reindeer Sledding: Which to Choose?

Two of the most popular things to do in Rovaniemi involve being pulled across the snow by animals — but a husky safari and a reindeer sled ride are very different experiences. One is fast and hands-on; the other is slow, quiet and traditional. This guide compares them head to head so you can pick the right one, or decide to book both on a combined tour.

The quick comparison

Husky safari: the adventurous choice

On a husky safari you’re not a passenger — after a short briefing on steering and braking, you take the runners of your own sled and a team of eager Alaskan huskies pulls you through frozen forest. It’s genuinely exhilarating: the dogs are fast, vocal and clearly love to run, and there’s a real sense of teamwork between you and them.

Most tours pair the ride with a visit to the kennel to meet the dogs, plus hot drinks by a campfire and stories about how the huskies live and train. The daytime husky safari is a great standalone half-day, and because it runs in daylight it pairs perfectly with an evening aurora hunt.

Choose husky if: you want speed and hands-on control, you’re comfortable balancing on a moving sled, and you don’t mind a bit of noise and excitement.

Reindeer sledding: the traditional choice

A reindeer sled ride is the opposite in tempo — calm, quiet and deeply rooted in Sami culture. The reindeer walk rather than race, and you sit back in the sled while a herder leads. It’s the gentlest snow activity in Rovaniemi, which makes it ideal for families with small children, older travelers, or anyone who wants to soak up the silence of the forest.

Reindeer rides are usually short and often come bundled with extras: a light-hearted “Reindeer Driver’s Licence,” a traditional soup lunch, and time with reindeer herders who explain what the herding lifestyle is really like today. In Rovaniemi, reindeer visits are frequently combined with huskies and a stop at Santa Claus Village — see the reindeer, huskies and Santa Claus Village day tour.

Choose reindeer if: you’re traveling with young kids, you prefer a relaxed pace, or you’re drawn to the cultural side of Lapland.

Why not do both?

You don’t actually have to choose. The most popular option in Rovaniemi is a combined tour that includes a reindeer sled ride, a husky sleigh ride, a soup lunch and free time at Santa Claus Village — all in one day. It’s the most efficient way to tick off the region’s signature animal experiences, and it works especially well for families who want variety.

Practical notes

• Ride lengths are short by design. Both the husky and reindeer portions on combined tours are introductory (often around 500 m each); if you want a longer husky run, book a dedicated husky safari.
• Dress warmly. Both are outdoor activities in sub-zero cold; tours usually provide thermal overalls and boots on top of your layers. See our what-to-wear guide.
• Snow conditions vary late season. By late March and April, trails can be icier than mid-winter powder.

Ready to Book?

Whether you want the rush of driving your own husky team, the calm of a reindeer sleigh, or both in one day, you’ll find the best-rated options on our homepage. Compare Rovaniemi husky, reindeer and combined tours, read real reviews, and book with free cancellation.