Saariselka Northern Lights Reindeer Sled Tour: A Candid Review

So, you’re thinking about booking a reindeer sledding tour to glimpse the Northern Lights in Saariselka? It is something that sounds pretty magical, is that right? The idea of gliding through the snowy Finnish wilderness, pulled by reindeer, with the aurora possibly dancing overhead… very, very captivating. However, before you get completely swept away by those enchanting images, let’s talk about what the experience is *actually* like. That is because sometimes, the reality can be different than what you anticipate. This review is all about giving you an honest look at the Saariselka Northern Lights reindeer sled experience, that’s a big goal.

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What To Think About Before You Book That Sleigh Ride

First thing’s first, that feeling that you will have guaranteed Northern Lights viewing is not quite correct. Sadly, there aren’t guarantees with nature, so keep that in mind. The Northern Lights are very elusive, very temperamental and depend on weather conditions and solar activity, right? Tours operate regardless, so, you may end up seeing only snow and trees, that is, assuming the conditions aren’t optimum. Is that journey still appealing even if the aurora stays hidden? Basically, that’s an important question you need to consider. Reindeer are very sweet creatures, so too it’s almost certain the time with them will still be memorable.

Then, you need to ask yourself if you’re okay with the cold. That Lapland winter isn’t messing around, is that right? Even with layers and layers of clothing, temperatures can drop really low, quite low indeed, especially at night. These tours usually last a few hours, sometimes longer, so, that chill seeps in. You will need to be prepared. Warm socks, sturdy boots, thermal underwear, a hat, and good gloves are crucial to making sure you are comfortable.

It is vital to choose a respected tour operator. So do a bit of searching and look at reviews before handing over your cash. A solid tour operator usually provides warm outerwear, that would be nice, plus they also tend to have experienced guides who are skilled at handling the reindeer and spotting the Northern Lights (if they appear, of course).

Our Night with the Reindeer: What *Really* Happened

We, so, that would be my family and me, chose a tour that promised a “magical night” with reindeer and the chance to see the Northern Lights. The start of the evening had a scene that would definitely set the mood. We were given thick snowsuits and boots, which, basically, were a lifesaver because it was a cold one that night. That is so important for enjoying the experience.

After we had dressed warmly, we were introduced to the reindeer. These animals were gentle, so calm, and really, a joy to be around. Before starting the sledding part, we learned a little about them and the Sami culture from our guide. In that way it was very fascinating and informative.

Riding through the silent forest was beautiful, you know? The only sounds were the soft jingle of the reindeer’s bells and the crunch of snow under the sled. Still, the ride itself was rather slow, not in any way an exhilarating experience. That meant, really, it was perfect for quietly taking in the serene surroundings, alright? The darkness felt complete, apart from the faint glow of the moon reflecting off the snow, that created a very peaceful scene.

Sadly, that night the Northern Lights decided not to show themselves. Still, the guide did his best, pointing out stars and telling stories about the constellations. What he said gave the night some extra sparkle even without the aurora.

The Sami Culture and Reindeer Herding

One aspect of the tour that made a big impact was how it incorporated elements of Sami culture. Reindeer herding is, like your told, a vital part of the Sami people’s heritage, isn’t it? So, learning about their traditional way of life really gave depth to the whole experience. That Sami connection to the land and the reindeer has history.

Basically, our guide shared stories about the close bond between the Sami and these animals. He also taught us some traditional Sami ways. Very touching, very fascinating. This addition raised the experience far above a simple tourist attraction, basically it became more like a cultural experience, arguably it was.

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Comfort and Practical Matters

Think a bit about comfort levels. The sleds usually have blankets, and sometimes even reindeer hides. However, it can get very bumpy along the trails, still. It might be worth taking something like a small cushion with you for extra comfort.

Facilities, you know, bathrooms, can be a bit scarce. These tours usually happen in remote areas, is that right? So it is very advisable to use the facilities before leaving and to maybe take some toilet paper and hand sanitizer with you, as a just in case kind of thing.

Photographing the Northern Lights (or Trying To)

Okay, so you are one of the lucky people, so, that could be very possible. What happens if the Northern Lights do come out? Trying to photograph them is something you’ll likely want to do, naturally. Now it gets a bit tricky though. So just using your phone likely won’t cut it. Ideally, what you would have is a good camera with manual settings and a tripod. This is to get those super long exposures.

You are dealing with photographing in very darkness, and needing a longer exposure to capture the faint light. The good news, very many guides are used to tourists who want to take pictures. Most of the time, the guides can give you advice on settings and even point out where you can set up your tripod. Be aware. Trying to fiddle with camera settings when it’s cold and dark is really hard. That will slow you down considerably.

Snacks, Warm Drinks and Storytelling Around the Campfire

Quite a few tours finish around a campfire. This could be to heat up with a warm drink, and often hear Sami stories, of course. The atmosphere around that fire made it something kind of special. That moment is great, chatting with other travelers and just appreciating the quiet beauty of Lapland. Often that part can be even better than chasing the lights themselves.

Regarding snacks, that really depends on the tour you pick. Most will offer hot drinks, such as coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. However, you may wish to check in advance whether snacks are available and what kind of dietary requirements they can cater for. Is that right? Bringing your own snacks could be good idea just to make certain you have something you like.

Was It Worth The Cost?

The big question is whether the Northern Lights reindeer sled tour is actually worth it, is that correct? Moneywise, these excursions aren’t cheap. That means you have to consider whether it fits into your budget. Basically, if your only focus is to view the Northern Lights, this tour carries considerable risk. It isn’t only costly but also there is just a high likelihood that you might not see them. Instead what it turns into, is it becomes more about that overall experience?

In that particular case, gently gliding through snowy forests on a reindeer-pulled sled has a definite charm all of its own. Stroking a reindeer, and learning about the Sami culture adds significant extra layers. In particular families or couples looking for a distinctive and gentler activity may still feel satisfied even in the absence of the aurora.

In The End: Memories That Remain

The Northern Lights may or may not show, still, the memories that you’ll take with you are guaranteed to stay. So do you want something memorable from Lapland, that is more than just snapping some fleeting photos? If yes, a reindeer sled tour will be something that gets under your skin in ways you never anticipated. That is one thing, very very sure.