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. For distances, months and the ride itself, see our guide to husky sledding in Lapland.
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 at Santa Claus Village starts from about €63; longer self-drive safaris run €160+. Reindeer sleigh rides on a farm start 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.
