Driving Reindeer – Important Information
Each of our reindeer has been lovingly trained over several years. They are more than just animals to us—they are like family. During the winter season, we spend more time with our reindeer than with our own families. Please treat them with kindness and respect—they will return your care with gentle cooperation and unforgettable moments.
Safety Notice – Please Read Carefully
Reindeer sledding is a safe and peaceful activity, and serious injuries are extremely rare—virtually unheard of. However, as with any outdoor experience, there are some risks. A sled may tip over, and in very rare cases, injuries such as a broken hand or leg could occur.
This is why it’s essential to follow all safety instructions carefully.
For our guests, medical help is available. If needed, we can take you to a hospital and broken bones can be treated.
But for our reindeer, it’s different. A serious injury, such as a broken leg, often means the reindeer cannot be saved.In most cases, a severely injured animal must be put down.
We share this not to scare you, but to emphasize the importance of respecting our animals, following the rules, and helping us keep this a safe experience for everyone—both humans and reindeer.
Respecting the Reindeer
Remember, reindeer are not machines—they are living, sensitive creatures, and ultimately prey animals. Sudden movements or loud noises can startle them. A scared reindeer will lift its tail (similar to a dog), but unlike dogs, this means they are frightened, not excited.
How Reindeer Sledding Works
Our sledding is done in a traditional “reindeer train” formation:
– One reindeer pulls each sled.
– The sleds follow one another in a line, like a train.
Some reindeer are specially trained to lead the train and understand voice commands like left, right, stop, and go. Others may not be leaders, but each has their own personality—some are laid-back and gentle, while others are full of energy and ready to run like a Ferrari!
Backpacks & Loose Items
For safety reasons, backpacks and loose items are not allowed in the sleds. Please ensure that nothing is brought into the sled that could fall off during the ride.
Falling objects can startle the reindeer, potentially causing them to become frightened. To ensure a safe and smooth experience for both guests and animals, we ask that all bags be left behind or securely stored before the ride.
Driving Instructions for Reindeer Sledding
You can find videos about reindeer sledding in our instagram.
Driving your own reindeer sled is a unique and memorable experience. However, for safety reasons, this is only allowed when snow and weather conditions are suitable.
If conditions allow and you are given the opportunity to drive, please follow these important rules:
❄️ Sledding Safety Rules
- Stay seated at all times.
Always keep your hands and feet inside the sled. Never stand up or get out of the sled unless a guide gives you clear permission. An empty sled with a loose reindeer is extremely dangerous. - Using the reins:
You’ll be given two reins (ropes) to control your reindeer’s speed and direction.- To steer left, pull gently to the left.
- To steer right, pull gently to the right.
- To move forward, lightly tap both sides of the reindeer with the reins. Once the reindeer starts moving, stop tapping—there’s no need to rush them. Some reindeer are slower, and that’s perfectly okay.
- Stopping the sled:
Our lead guide controls the entire group and will stop the tour if needed. We can also take control of any sled at any time by connecting it to the guide’s sled if something goes wrong.
🚨 Emergency Situations
In a true emergency, such as a serious safety threat (if someone is in danger of serious harm), you can stop the reindeer by:
– Pulling one rein as hard as possible to one side. This will turn the reindeer’s head sharply, causing it to stop—but it may also lead the reindeer off the track, possibly into the forest.
– This maneuver is only for real emergencies—we say only for a “someone is dying” situation.
Examples of what is not an emergency:
– Dropped hat or phone
– Tangled rope
– Equipment malfunctions that do not pose immediate danger
In non-emergency cases:
– Raise your hand
– Call out to a guide
– Or wait until after the ride—our team will retrieve lost items for you
Always stay seated in emergency situations and wait for instructions from your guide. Once everything is under control, we’ll continue the tour.
Your safety—and the wellbeing of our reindeer—is our highest priority. Thank you for helping us ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.