An experience that brings together the thrill of snowmobiling and the charm of a reindeer farm, the Lapland Safaris tour is a quintessential Arctic adventure. Situated in the heart of the snowy wilderness of Finnish Lapland, this unique experience promises an exhilarating journey through picturesque landscapes, paired with a glimpse into the enchanting world of reindeer herding.
So, was it any good? Read on to find out what we thought.
Journey Preparation
From the get-go, the team at Lapland Safaris proved to be experienced, professional, and attentive, ensuring all participants felt safe and comfortable. There was an initial (and very thorough) safety briefing. Soon after, we found ourselves donning the necessary snowsuit, helmet, gloves and boots, ready to mount the snowmobiles.
All of the gear is absolutely necessary – It’s absolutely freezing outside. We’re talking temperatures of around minus 20 Celsius. You leave your other clothes and footwear in their office to collect on return.
Get Your Motor Running
After a comprehensive introduction and safety briefing about how to operate the snowmobiles, we all set off in a single-file group.
The snowmobile experience was an absolute thrill. Racing through the pristine Lappish wilderness, surrounded by snow-laden trees and frozen lakes, was a sensory overload of the best kind.
The snowmobiles were modern, well-maintained, and surprisingly easy to handle even for a beginner, and the guides were watchful, pacing the tour to cater to all participants.
Fortunately, they were also speed limited to about 40 km per hour so there was no real chance to get out of control.
The journey to the reindeer farm was probably a good 40 minutes and we loved every minute of it! You can have a passenger on the back, so one person can drive there and the other one back.
Arrival at the Reindeer Farm
From the snowmobile, the transition to the serene setting of the reindeer farm was really something quite magical. The farm provided an intimate look into Sami culture and their centuries-old practice of reindeer herding.
The staff at the farm were welcoming and knowledgeable, eager to share their passion for their culture and way of life.
Interacting with the reindeer was a heartwarming experience. These gentle creatures, central to Sami livelihood, were a delight to feed and observe.
Taking a reindeer sleigh ride, while not quite as adrenaline-pumping as the snowmobile ride, was nonetheless a charming and peaceful experience, as we were pulled along well-worn paths through the snowy forest.
Break Time & Return Journey
No tour in Lapland would be complete without a warm drink by the fire, and this tour was no exception. Gathered in a hall with ample seating, we warmed ourselves up, sipping on hot berry juice and listening to stories of Sami folklore and reindeer herding.
After sufficient rest time, including the opportunity for a comfort break, it was time to take to the snowmobiles again and head back to the office of Lapland Safaris. The ride back felt even more comfortable due to now being familiar with the tracks and limitations of the snowmobiles.
After getting back and changed, we all agreed that the whole experience was exhilarating.
Was the Tour Worth It?
We felt that the Lapland Safaris Snowmobile and Reindeer Farm Tour was a fantastic balance of adventure, culture, and serenity. It provided not only a chance to immerse oneself in the breathtaking beauty of the Arctic wilderness but also a unique opportunity to learn about and engage with Sami culture.
This tour is a testament to the magic of Finnish Lapland, weaving together the thrill of snowmobiling with the charm and tranquillity of the reindeer farm. It really was an experience of a lifetime that will never be forgotten.
Highly recommended.