Raitola Reindeer & Husky Farm — Local services in Rovaniemi sub-region

Premise 1: I was a solo traveler in Rovaniemi because my dream was to see the Northern Lights and go on a husky sledding excursion.

Premise 2: I learned that in a husky sled, there are two people: one drives, and the other is the passenger being transported. I asked the agency if it was possible to do the activity alone since I was traveling solo. They assured me that I would be paired with someone from the group, so there would be no problem. Moreover, they advised me that the best option, given my desire to try driving, was the more expensive tour, costing €189, as it guaranteed a driving swap (remember this detail).

Once I arrived at Raitola Husky Farm (Nordic’s agency provider), after a brief explanation on sled driving, I was told I’d be paired with a man. However, just before boarding, I discovered I’d actually share the sled with him and his daughter, making us three instead of two. I had a large backpack, and the setup was uncomfortable for everyone. I asked for clarification, suggesting the child stay with her family and that I be placed in a two-person sled.

The whole situation unfolded in just 1–2 minutes. Before I could even finish asking for an explanation, the sleds took off, literally leaving me behind in the snow. In shock, I asked for further clarification, and I was told: "The teams are set. If you don't want to join, you won't do the activity. Also, your group has already left, so they are gone without you, and you will no longer be able to participate." I was stunned and completely shocked, considering the tour cost over €180. I had neither the time to reschedule for another day nor the possibility of getting a refund. Panicked, I asked one of the organizers for help, who took me by snowmobile to a meeting point where I was finally forced to join the family’s sled, meaning we were again three people crammed together. At this point, I had already lost part of my experience. The sled took off abruptly, not giving me time to put on gloves or a hat. Sitting at the very front, I was at risk of falling off at every turn. Halfway through the journey, the organizer announced the moment for the driver switch: the passenger would become the driver, and the person who was driving would become the passenger. Here is where even more problems started. The other customer, who was driving, refused to switch, saying he didn’t feel safe letting me drive with him, especially with his daughter as a passenger. So he insisted that I remain at the front. Meanwhile, the sleds were preparing to leave again, and I was about to be left behind in the snow once more. A discussion ensued since I had specifically paid for the more expensive tour to switch roles. The organizer, visibly annoyed, reluctantly let me drive. At this point, something shocking happened: I had a GoPro strapped to my head, requiring no hands to operate. The other guest complained, and the organizer ripped it off my head, pocketing it while yelling at me that I couldn't record—despite no rule against it and other guests using cameras. This completely ruined the experience. I was shouted at by both the organizer and the other passenger, stripping away any joy. Upon arrival, I wasn’t allowed to take pictures with the dogs and was hurriedly pushed away by a staff member. Back at Nordic, I filed a complaint. Their response? "Not our problem"—no refund, no accountability Later, Raitola falsely claimed I had endangered passengers by not keeping my hands on the sled (impossible, as the GoPro was hands-free) and that I had been "rude"—simply for demanding what I had paid for €189 for a stressful, disappointing experience. Nordic agency and Raitola farm showed zero empathy, taking my money and leaving me stranded. Fortunately, other agencies in Rovaniemi provided much better experiences. I strongly discourage solo travelers or groups of not paired ppl from booking with these companies If you want a better experience, try the reindeer sleigh ride at Santa Claus Park cheaper, can drive alone or in couples and far...

The reindeer and husky farm was absolutely amazing. We got to spend a little while here, and this is where food was provided all included in the trip. Upon entering the reindeer farm we are given a little briefing regarding the reindeer and the sledges, the group was split up as only a certain amount can do the ride at one time. There were a few reindeer close by in which you were able to feed but not allowed to touch unless the guide said so. (One in particular wasn't so friendly and reared up at my son) there's also an enclosure with several reindeer in where you can feed through the fence. The sleigh ride itself was amazing,very special don't get me wrong you're in a sledge being pulled by a reindeer following the rest of your group and this lasted just a few minutes but was so magical. Once the entire group had their turn we were given a chat regarding reindeer inside with a warm juice and bun I found this very informative. You are also given your reindeer driving licence which I thought was rather gimmicky. Once again we returned outside till food was served. Due to sensory issues we didn't eat with the group instead my children were able to continue sledging on the snow mound outside even the adults got on in the action. (Sledges were provided)

Next we walked a short distance to the huskys. There are only 3 sledges here so once again the group was split, this took a little time as 4 to a sleigh. These dogs were raring to go I will be extremely honest but I don't want to be negative this ride was over before a minute had even passed. You do a small circuit and are back before you know it. Everyone was blown away by the speed of the dogs pulling but I was a little disappointed that we were on the off in the blink of an eye (like I say every one else was over the moon) after everyone had taken their turn we had a very short time to stroke the huskys and take photos but again this is only very short time.

Overall what an experience, we'll worth every...

OMG! To be avoided at all costs. This is certainly the least authentic experience possible in Lapland. When you arrive on site, you quickly understand that this is not a reindeer farm but a tourist farm. Busloads of tourists come here all day long. The farm is run by a couple and the large staff are under pressure to handle groups of tourists. As a result, you will have the choice between having guides on site who are either very aggressive or completely disillusioned. We booked two experiences on site: the dog sled ride and the reindeer sleigh ride on two different days. The dog sledding was clearly overbooked. As a result, as a family, we were split up on different sleds with strangers. 3 people per sled (only two can experience driving). When I pointed out to the staff that there were clearly not enough sleds, I was very aggressively told that “if I wasn’t happy, I could leave”. I quote the exact words. The sleigh ride lasts approximately 5 minutes. The rest of the time… you wait without having anything to do. So, you chat with the guide… and you understand that he himself is disappointed by the mediocrity of the experience offered to visitors. This farm is a money machine that doesn't care about the quality of the experience offered to visitors. I had the impression that the staff were treated as badly on site as the animals. I have a hard time understanding how anyone can give this establishment a 5 star review. To the owners of this farm: you need...