Two of Lapland’s most iconic experiences are pulled by very different animals. So which is right for you — the fast, exhilarating husky sled or the calm, traditional reindeer sleigh? Here’s an honest comparison.
The quick answer
- Want speed and adventure, and maybe to drive yourself? → Huskies.
- Want something gentle, peaceful and cultural, ideal for young kids or grandparents? → Reindeer.
- Can’t decide? → Do both — many tours combine them (often with a Santa visit) in one day.
Speed and thrill
Huskies are athletes. A team of eager dogs pulls the sled at a genuine pace, and on a self-drive safari you stand on the runners and steer it yourself. It’s active and exhilarating.
Reindeer are the opposite: a reindeer sleigh moves at a slow, serene walk through the forest. There’s no driving to do — you simply sit back under a blanket and soak up the silence. It’s arguably the more “authentic” Lapland scene, and the calmest.
Who each suits
| Huskies | Reindeer | |
|---|---|---|
| Thrill level | High | Low / gentle |
| Best for | Active travellers, teens, self-drivers | Young children, older visitors, couples |
| Noise | Excited barking at the start | Quiet and peaceful |
| Drive yourself? | Yes (self-drive options) | No — you’re driven |
Price
Both start affordably and scale with distance. A short husky ride with kennel visit starts around €99–€120; longer self-drive safaris run €160+. Reindeer sleigh rides tend to start a little lower, from around €79–€95, with longer safaris and “driving licence” experiences around €130–€155.
Is it ethical?
A fair question for both:
- Huskies are working sled dogs bred to run — a well-run kennel is a happy, high-energy place. Choose operators who keep dogs in good condition, rotate the teams and don’t overload sleds.
- Reindeer have been semi-domesticated and herded by the Sami people for centuries, so farm visits directly support a living culture. Look for farms that keep animals calm and well-fed and use traditional sleighs.
We only point you to established Rovaniemi operators with a genuine focus on animal welfare.
Why not both?
Honestly, this is what most visitors do. The classic Rovaniemi combo tour bundles a husky ride, a reindeer sleigh and a Santa Claus Village visit into a single, well-priced day — see the Santa Claus Village + Husky & Reindeer tour. It’s the most efficient way to tick off the big three.
The verdict
There’s no wrong answer — they’re different experiences, not competitors. If you only have time for one and want adrenaline, choose huskies; if you want peace, tradition and something the whole family can share, choose reindeer. And if you can, do both.
Start with our husky sledding tours or reindeer tours in Rovaniemi.
