Levi Polar Lights Tours: Reindeer and Husky Taster

The fun here is the contrast: active huskies pull you at speed, then calm reindeer carry you quietly through the snow. In about 90 minutes, you get two classic Lapland experiences without giving up half a day.

I like the easy pickup at Levi Center and the warm drink and snack afterward. I also like that the husky sled is driven by a guide, so you can focus on the dogs and the scenery instead of learning to steer. The main drawback is simple: both rides are short, and an afternoon outing may take place in darkness.

Key points at a glance

• About 1 km by husky sled: The active dogs give you a quick, lively introduction to sledding.
• A slower reindeer ride follows: The second half is quiet and gentle, with time to enjoy the snowy setting.
• Pickup is central in Levi: Meet at Hissitie 11, across from the parking lot and beside Kotipizza.
• The whole outing lasts 1.5 hours: This works well when your schedule is tight or the cold is severe.
• Warm juice and a snack are included: A small but welcome finish after time outdoors.
• Cold and darkness matter: Some departures may offer limited views, especially in winter afternoons.

Two Arctic rides in one compact outing

At $153 per person, the Levi Polar Lights Tours Reindeer and Husky Taster is priced as a short activity, not a full safari. You are paying for transport from central Levi, a husky ride, a reindeer sleigh ride, guides, and refreshments in a tightly arranged package.

That makes the experience easiest to understand as an introduction. You do not get a long sled journey or a slow afternoon beside the animals. Instead, you get a taste of two very different forms of transport in the Arctic: the energy of a working husky team and the steady pace of a reindeer sleigh.

I think this format makes sense for a first visit to Finnish Lapland. You can try both activities before deciding if you want to book a longer husky safari or a more detailed reindeer experience later. It also suits families and anyone who wants outdoor activity without committing to several hours in severe cold.

The rating is 3.8 out of 5 from 168 ratings, which fits the experience well. The strongest points are the friendly staff, simple transport, and the appealing mix of speed and quiet. The weaker points are the short rides, waiting between activities, and poor visibility when the outing takes place after dark.

Meeting at Hissitie 11 in central Levi

Your day begins at Levi Center, Hissitie 11, across from the parking lot and next to the Kotipizza restaurant. Look for the bus marked Polar Lights Tours.

This is a useful meeting point because you do not need hotel transportation to reach it. The tour includes pickup and drop-off in Levi Center, but hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. Plan to arrive with enough time to find the bus rather than relying on a last-second dash from your accommodation.

The short bus ride to the activity site takes about 15 minutes. That keeps the outing efficient, though the overall schedule is fairly tight. The same bus returns you to Hissitie 11 at the end.

The language options are English and Finnish. The activity is also listed as wheelchair accessible. If you need specific assistance with boarding or the sleds, it is sensible to confirm those details before booking, since the available information does not explain how each part of the ride is adapted.

The safety briefing comes before the sleds

After the transfer, allow about 10 minutes for a safety briefing. This is not wasted time. Even as a passenger, you need to understand how to sit, when to keep your hands and feet clear, and how to behave around working animals.

The husky ride is guide-driven, so you are not expected to operate the sled. That is a real benefit on a short visit. You can watch the dogs and take in the motion without trying to learn a new skill in freezing weather.

The guides are one of the better parts of the experience. Several comments praise the staff for being welcoming, careful, and friendly. Salla, one of the husky guides, receives particular praise for being thoughtful and attentive. That personal touch matters when the activity depends on clear instructions and close contact with animals.

The husky ride gives you a quick burst of speed

The husky section is the lively part of the outing. A team of active dogs pulls you in a large sled driven by your guide for about 1 kilometre.

Do not expect a long wilderness journey. This is a sample, and the distance is short. Still, 1 kilometre is enough to feel the dogs accelerate and understand why husky sledding is such a popular Lapland activity. The emphasis is on the sensation of movement and the power of the team, not on a full day of travel through the forest.

The dogs are described as friendly and well trained, which should help if you are excited but slightly nervous around a large team. The ride is passive from your point of view, making it accessible to people who want the experience without steering or balancing a sled themselves.

Dress for wind and speed. One person found the husky ride especially cold, with temperatures possibly reaching -20 degrees Celsius. Cold air hits your face more sharply when the sled is moving, so a warm hat, insulated shoes, and clothing that covers your face are important. The supplied advice specifically calls for warm clothing, a hat, and warm shoes. I would treat those as essential, not optional.

The dogs may not match the image you have in mind from films or photographs. One person expected a particular type of husky and found the dogs different. That is a reminder to come for the sled ride itself, not for a precise breed display or a long animal encounter.

The reindeer sleigh slows everything down

After the huskies, the experience changes pace. You settle into a reindeer sleigh and move gently through the snowy Lappish scenery.

This is the peaceful half of the outing. Instead of noise, speed, and cold air on your face, you get a slower ride and a chance to look around. The reindeer are described as docile and calm, which suits the quiet nature of the activity.

The contrast between the two rides is the best reason to book this particular package. A husky ride alone gives you excitement. A reindeer ride alone gives you stillness. Together, they show two different sides of winter life in Lapland.

The reindeer section is also useful for visitors who are unsure how much physical activity they want. You can enjoy a traditional sleigh ride without needing to drive or walk far through the snow. The ride itself is short, though, so do not expect a long cultural program or a detailed reindeer-farming visit.

Local stories, photographs, and a warm drink

The main guided visit at Polar Lights Tours lasts about 30 minutes. This is the part where you learn about the local area and its traditions while moving between the activities.

The exact depth of the talk can vary with the group and the schedule, but the format gives the visit more purpose than a simple ride-and-leave stop. You get some context for why reindeer and sled dogs matter in northern Finland, rather than treating the animals as scenery.

There is also about 10 minutes set aside for photographs. That is enough for a few pictures with the animals and snowy surroundings, but it is not an unlimited photo session. Keep your camera or phone ready, especially if the light is fading.

A 15-minute stop for hot juice and a snack follows. I like this practical touch. A warm drink is useful after the husky ride, and the pause gives you time to warm your hands before boarding the bus. It also provides a natural point to ask the guides questions.

Do not expect a full meal. The snack is a small refreshment, not a substitute for lunch or dinner. If you are booking around mealtimes, plan food separately.

Daylight can change the feel of the experience

The time of day matters more here than the duration suggests. Some winter afternoon departures take place after sunset, and one outing was described as dark enough to limit views of the setting.

That does not make the activity worthless. The husky ride can feel more dramatic in darkness, and the short duration is welcome when the temperature drops sharply. Still, if you want to see the trees, snow, and surrounding scenery clearly, check the available starting times and choose the earliest practical departure.

Light also affects photographs. A dark outing will give you fewer clear pictures and less visual detail during both rides. If scenery is your main reason for booking, timing deserves as much attention as price.

Cold is the other major factor. The short rides are a benefit in very low temperatures, but you may still feel chilled while waiting between the husky and reindeer activities. One person specifically advised watching your feet during the pause. Wear proper winter boots and keep moving rather than standing still for long periods.

What the $153 price buys you

The price is not low for a 90-minute activity, so value depends on what you want from it. You are not buying distance. You are buying convenience, two animal rides, a guide-led visit, central transport, and a small refreshment stop.

For someone who wants a full husky adventure, the value will feel limited. The husky section covers only about 1 kilometre, and the reindeer ride is also short. A longer dedicated safari may offer more time with the animals and a greater sense of being out in the Arctic countryside.

For a first-timer, the calculation is different. You can sample both activities in one booking, avoid arranging separate transport, and return to Levi quickly. That is useful if you also have an aurora excursion, a meal reservation, or another winter activity planned.

The package also reduces the risk of spending several hours outdoors only to discover that one activity is not for you. I see it as a sampler with a fairly high per-minute price, but a sensible choice for a busy schedule or a first taste of Lapland.

Who will enjoy this best

I would recommend this experience to:

• First-time visitors who want to try both husky and reindeer rides
• Families seeking a short, structured outdoor activity
• People with limited time in Levi
• Anyone who prefers a guide-driven sled rather than operating one
• Visitors who want a gentle introduction before booking a longer safari
• People who find several hours in subzero weather too demanding

It is less suitable if you want a long husky run, extensive time with the animals, or a quiet trip far from organized activity sites. It may also disappoint you if you expect bright scenery but can only book a dark departure.

The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible, which makes it worth considering for visitors with mobility needs. Still, confirm the practical arrangements for the bus, sleigh, and boarding before you pay, since those details are not provided.

Simple preparation makes a big difference

Bring warm clothing, a hat, and warm shoes. Add a face covering if you have one, since the moving sled creates extra wind on the husky ride.

Choose your starting time with care. Earlier light can make the snowy setting easier to see, while a later departure may feel more atmospheric but offer fewer views. Also remember that the cold can make waiting feel worse than riding, so keep your feet warm and avoid thin city footwear.

You do not need to bring food for the short outing because hot juice and a snack are included. You do need to arrange your own route to Hissitie 11 if you are staying outside central Levi.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your winter schedule is still changing.

Should you book the Reindeer and Husky Taster?

Book it if you want a compact first taste of Lapland, especially if both animal rides are on your wish list. The central pickup, friendly guides, hot drink, and short outdoor exposure make it practical and easy to fit into a busy Levi stay.

Skip it if $153 feels too high for short rides or if your main goal is a serious husky expedition. In that case, put the money toward a longer safari. For everyone else, this is a neat introduction: one quick rush behind the huskies, one quiet glide with the reindeer, and just enough time to sample Arctic winter without giving your whole day to it.

FAQ

Where does the activity start?

It starts at Levi Center, Hissitie 11, across from the parking lot and next to the Kotipizza restaurant. Look for the Polar Lights Tours bus.

Where does the activity finish?

The activity ends back at the same meeting point at Hissitie 11.

How long does the experience last?

The experience lasts 1.5 hours. Starting times vary, so check availability when booking.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Pickup and drop-off are included from Levi Center, but hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

How long is the husky ride?

The huskies pull you in a large sled driven by a guide for about 1 kilometre.

What languages are available?

The live guides speak English and Finnish.

What should I bring?

Bring warm clothing, a hat, and warm shoes. This is especially important because the activity takes place outdoors in Arctic winter conditions.