Become a Reindeer Herder

1. If you stay at Apukka Resort:

• The meeting point is at the Adventure House, situated in the main yard of Apukka Resort.
• If you have your winter gear, please arrive 10 minutes before the start of the activity.
• In case you’re without your winter gear, kindly retrieve it beforehand.

2. If you need transportation:

• The price of the activity includes transfers to and from Apukka Resort with our shuttle bus.
• The bus stops are located at:
  • Rovaniemi city center Korkalonkatu 23. Check the location on Google Maps.
  • Santa Claus Village: The bus stop (Napapiiri I) by the main road (road E75). Check the location on Google Maps.
• Choose the pick-up point during the booking process.
• You will receive an email with the pick-up details.
• Please be at the bus stop at least 10 minutes before the given departure time.
• The transfer won’t wait, so punctuality is essential!
• If you’re late for the transfer, the tour won’t be refunded.

3. If you arrive by car:

• You can park your car in Apukka’s parking lot (Tutkijantie 28, Rovaniemi).
• Arrive at least 20 min before the activity starts.
• Pick up your winter gear from the Adventure House, located in the main yard of the resort.
• Wait at the Adventure House until the tour begins.

How are seating arrangements made in sleighs?

Our guides carefully allocate seats in the sleighs to ensure an even load for the reindeer and to guarantee everyone on the tour enjoys a comfortable experience.

Am I allowed to bring treats for the reindeer?

Regrettably, we cannot permit any external snacks to be brought for the reindeer.

Are the reindeer treated responsibly?

Our reindeer experiences are certified by Green Activities, the only sustainability program in the Nordic countries that includes criteria for ensuring the welfare of animals used in tourism.

Read more about how we and our partners approach reindeer welfare on our sustainability page and blog.

How fast are the reindeer?

Reindeer can sprint when needed, but our tours emphasize a leisurely pace, allowing you to truly relish the ride and the tranquility of the Lapland wilderness. It’s important to us that the reindeer move at a comfortable, smooth pace that suits them.

Are reindeer domesticated animals?

Reindeer in Lapland are classified as semi-wild domesticated animals. They roam the northern landscapes, grazing in the fells and forests, occasionally even meandering into people’s yards. It’s no wonder, given that there are more reindeer in Lapland than there are people! Even the reindeer at Apukka enjoy summers freely, wandering the wilderness as they always have.

Remember to treat the reindeer with respect! Even though our reindeer are gentle, always approach them without any sudden movements, etc.

What should I wear for the reindeer ride?

For sleigh rides, we provide high-quality winter gear, including warm boots, a thermal suit, mittens, and woolen socks. We recommend bringing your own warm hat, scarf, suitably warm undergarments, and a comfortable mid-layer to ensure a cozy experience during our tours.

Does Apukka Resort offer winter clothing?

During the early winter and winter seasons, we provide winter clothing for guests aged 2 and older, including thermal overalls, boots, woolen socks, mittens, and a balaclava. Guests are advised to bring their own thermal underwear, a warm mid-layer (such as fleece or wool), as well as a hat and scarf.

Do you offer an Aurora guarantee?

No, we don’t offer an Aurora guarantee. The Reindeer Sleigh Ride Across the Night is designed to be a memorable experience, even if the Northern Lights do not appear.