Once-in-a-lifetime Arctic experiences along the Pohjola route

Meet reindeer and huskies, warm up in a sauna, and keep an eye on the sky for the Northern Lights. Along the Pohjola Route, Arctic moments come easy — and unforgettable memories follow.

Meet the reindeer of the North

Reindeer are at the heart of northern life – and along the Pohjola Route, meeting them is a relaxed, family-friendly way to experience the North.

In Yli-Ii, Oulu, Jussilan Reindeer Farm offers an engaging and hands-on farm visit where visitors can learn about reindeer and their semi-wild way of life. Guests can feed and touch the reindeer, take photos, hear fascinating facts and stories, and—depending on the season—enjoy a sleigh ride or a forest walk with the animals. The experience also includes a short introduction to throwing a traditional suopunki, and time to relax by an open fire with hot drinks and snacks available by order.

Less than an hour from Oulu, Poro-Panuma Reindeer Farm in Pudasjärvi welcomes visitors to a traditional, family-run farm where reindeer live semi-wild lives. Most of the year they roam freely in the forests, returning to the farm for winter. A visit here is calm, educational, and perfect for all ages.

In the Syöte area, Pytky Ranch combines reindeer encounters with outdoor fun. Set by Lake Naamankajärvi and close to Syöte National Park, it’s easy to reach in any season. Meet reindeer in winter, enjoy nature year-round, and warm up by the fireplace at Pytky Café with coffee and pastries.

For an effortless reindeer experience right in the city, Nallikari Safaris in Oulu offers visits to a local reindeer farm, sleigh rides, feeding the herd, and cozy moments by the fire – an easy win for families and first-time Arctic explorers alike.

Husky safaris in the Arctic wilderness

In the Syöte area, Syötteen Eräpalvelut offers husky safaris of varying lengths, suitable for both first-timers and adventure seekers. After learning how to handle a husky sled, guests set off into the quiet winter landscape, gliding through forests and over frozen terrain. Short safaris provide a taste of mushing, while longer routes and full-day tours offer deeper immersion into the wilderness. Each experience includes time to learn about the huskies’ lives and enjoy warm drinks by the fire after the ride.

Further south in Pudasjärvi, Amarok Sport Adventure welcomes visitors with its team of 64 huskies for authentic dog sledding experiences in pristine northern nature.

Traditional sleigh rides with Finnhorses

Step back in time on a sleigh ride pulled by a Finnish horse. Wrapped in warm blankets, you can relax and listen to the rhythmic sound of hooves and sleigh bells—just as people did centuries ago, when horses were the primary means of transport in the North.

In Ranua, Finnhorse sleigh rides and Northern Lights safaris offer a calm and atmospheric way to experience winter. During mid-winter, visitors may also witness the magical “Blue Moment,” when the snowy landscape is bathed in soft blue light.

Wildlife encounters: Polar bears in Ranua

At Ranua Wildlife Park, visitors can meet Arctic animals living in spacious, natural enclosures. The park is especially famous for its polar bears, offering a rare chance to see these magnificent animals up close while learning about Arctic wildlife and conservation.

Northern lights experiences

The Pohjola Route offers exceptional opportunities to witness the Northern Lights, with its dark skies, wide-open landscapes, and effortless access to unspoiled nature.

In Oulu, photographers and travelers alike can join Aurora photo tours with Salamapaja, focusing on capturing the Northern Lights against coastal and winter scenery.
For guided Aurora hunting on foot or snowshoes, several local operators offer expert-led tours, including Majakka Outdoors, Lappis, Nallikari Safaris, Go Arctic, and e-Coach. These tours take guests away from city lights to maximize the chances of seeing the aurora while enjoying peaceful nighttime nature.

At Hotel Iso-Syöte, Northern Lights safaris take place in the serene fell landscapes far from light pollution. Guests can choose between snowshoe hikes, walking tours during snow-free seasons, or adventurous snowmobile safaris through forests and open bogs. All tours are led by experienced local guides, with warm winter clothing and equipment included.

In Ranua Resort, Aurora experiences combine adventure and comfort. Join a snowmobile safari through snowy forests and across frozen lakes while scanning the Arctic sky for the Northern Lights. During snowless periods, Aurora hunting is done by car. Guided snowshoe tours offer a slower-paced alternative, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the stillness of the Arctic night.

Sauna the Finnish way

In Finland, there are more saunas than cars — about 3.3 million of them for a population of 5.6 million! That says a lot about how deeply sauna culture runs here. It’s not just a place to wash; it’s where life slows down, thoughts untangle, and quiet moments become sacred.

In Oulu, sauna culture meets creativity and nature. Visitors can enjoy unique experiences such as floating sauna rafts, where the gentle movement of the river and peaceful surroundings add an extra layer of calm to the traditional sauna ritual. Read more about sauna experiences in Oulu here.

Along the Pohjola Route, sauna relaxation is never far away. Many hotels along the route offer sauna-equipped rooms or separate sauna facilities, making it easy for travelers to unwind after a day on the road. Whether it’s a private evening sauna or a shared moment of warmth, the journey through northern Finland is always complemented by this essential part of Finnish life.

Sauna experiences along the Pohjola route

For thrill seekers: Downhill skiing on the Pohjola Route

Ruskotunturi is the closest ski resort to Oulu, located just a few kilometres from the city centre. Designed for everyday skiing, it’s easy to reach without long planning or travel. The resort welcomes skiers and snowboarders of all ages and skill levels, offering slopes, snow parks, a children’s area and family-friendly winter fun.

For bigger slopes and fell scenery, head to Syöte, home to Iso-Syöte and Pikku-Syöte ski resorts. Located less than two hours from Oulu, Syöte offers varied runs, scenic landscapes and a wide range of winter experiences for skiers of all levels.

Once-in-a-lifetime adventure: Arctic cruise and ice floating

Step into a true Arctic adventure with the legendary Icebreaker Sampo — an experience you simply can’t have anywhere else in the world. Cruising across the frozen sea in Kemi, Finland, this iconic icebreaker offers a once-in-a-lifetime journey into the heart of the Arctic.

Operating from 19 December 2025 to 6 April 2026, the Sampo Icebreaker Cruise lets you walk on the frozen sea, explore the massive vessel on a guided tour, and take part in the unforgettable ice floating experience. Wearing a specially designed survival suit, you’ll float safely in icy waters while surrounded by drifting ice — a moment that truly defines Arctic travel. The 3.5-hour morning cruise includes ice floating, walking on ice, a welcome drink, a diploma, and access to the SnowCastle exhibitions. The 4-hour afternoon cruise also features a lunch buffet on board, making the experience even more complete.