Apukka Resort · Apukka Resort, Rovaniemi
There is no sleigh on this tour. You walk 2 km into the woods at Apukka Resort with a reindeer beside you and a local herder telling stories, then warm up with black-pot coffee. Pick it for more time close to the animals, and for a reindeer experience that does not depend on snow.
Every other reindeer tour on this site puts you in a sleigh. This one puts you on your feet: a 2 km walk through the forest with the reindeer, led by an expert local herder. You start at the enclosure, where a curious herd comes to meet you, then step through the gates into the woods. It has 4.8 stars from 26 reviews and costs from $122 per person in 2026. You can cancel free up to 24 hours before.
On the way the guide tells you about the reindeer and the history of herding. Guests say a few reindeer walk with the group and people take turns. One guest describes 2 reindeer for 6 people, swapping along the way. Another says the guide pointed out bark on the trees where the reindeer scrape their antlers. The tour ends with traditional black-pot coffee, a Lappish favourite, and guests mention a stop by a fire in a hut.
Apukka says all its reindeer experiences hold the Green Activities certificate, a Nordic sustainability label with audited animal welfare rules. Transfers run from Rovaniemi city centre or Santa Claus Village if you need them, and a missed pickup is not refunded. Because no sleigh is involved, this is the reindeer tour to book in autumn, before the snow settles. A solo traveller says it was easy to join alone.
If you need it, the transfer collects you in Rovaniemi city centre or at Santa Claus Village.
A herd of curious reindeer comes to greet you. Move slowly and keep calm.
Step through the gates and walk the forest path with the reindeer and the herder.
The guide tells you about the reindeer and the history of herding as you walk.
Warm up with traditional black-pot coffee before the transfer back.
★★★★★I loved this activity. It was my favourite thing I did in Lapland! [...] The reindeer guide was very knowledgeable and I learnt a lot about reindeer and reindeer herding. She pointed out bark on the trees where the reindeer scrape the hair off their antlers. We stopped halfway at a cute hut and had coffee or hot chocolate by the fire. I feel like by doing the walk with reindeer rather than a visit, you got to spend a lot more time with them and there were better photo opportunities! [...]
★★★★★The walk was really fun. We were out with 2 reindeer for 6 people. You could swap along the way and take a break in between. And it was a blast, and we'd do it again in a heartbeat. The lady on site told us a lot and took a lot of time for our questions.
★★★★★An activity that gets you up close and personal with the reindeer, which is a change from simply feeding them at the farm. We really enjoyed this short walk in the forest with the reindeer. At first, it's quite impressive to be so close to them (and especially to their antlers), but you quickly get used to it and enjoy these magnificent animals. [...]
★★★★★Sonja was a great host and introduced us to the world of reindeer. We were allowed to take a long walk with Porsche, during which we gained many new impressions. Afterwards, we visited the other reindeer in their enclosure and were greeted with curiosity. It really was an extraordinary experience.
Read next:
No. You walk 2 km through the forest with the reindeer and a herder. There is no sleigh.
Yes. The walk with reindeer at Apukka needs no snow, so it works in autumn when sleigh rides cannot run.
The walk is 2 km, and the whole tour lasts 3 hours with coffee and transfers.
Yes, if you need them, from Rovaniemi city centre or Santa Claus Village to Apukka Resort and back.
Ready to book
Lead a reindeer on a 2 km forest walk, then black-pot coffee and herding stories.
Reindeer Farm Visit with a PhotographerClose time with the herd and professional photos, plus a 400-metre sleigh ride when there is snow.★ 4.9 · 3 to 3.5 hours · from $140
2 km Reindeer Sleigh Ride Through the ForestAbout 40 minutes in the sleigh through a snowy forest, then hot drinks by the fire and reindeer to feed.★ 4.7 · 3 hours · from $200
Self-Drive Husky Safari with a Reindeer Farm VisitDrive your own husky team 5 km to a reindeer farm, have soup for lunch, then drive 2 km back.★ 4.9 · 4 hours 30 minutes · from $319