Horse-drawn sleigh rides at Ten Sisters in Ranua

A horse-drawn sleigh lets you experience winter at an unhurried pace. A Finnhorse pulls the sleigh through the woodland around Ranua while you sit back and take in the view. There is time to look, listen and enjoy being together.

The horse sets the pace as the woodland passes slowly by. That gentle rhythm is part of the pleasure: you do not have to master a sport or make your own way along a trail. You can simply enjoy the winter landscape together and let the day slow down a little.

Horse-drawn sleighs – a part of Finnish tradition

The horse-drawn sleigh is a traditional way of travelling through a Finnish winter. Before motor transport became widespread, horses carried people along snowy routes by sleigh. On longer journeys, travellers could stop at country inns for food, an overnight stay and a change of horse. The sleigh was closely woven into everyday travel in Finland.

Horses were important working partners too: in winter, they hauled timber out of the forest on sledges. The Finnhorse, known in Finnish as the Suomenhevonen, also worked in farming and transport. Its history tells a story of cooperation between people and animals, and of rural life in Finland.

A sleigh ride today offers a glimpse of this traditional way of getting around. The horse sets the pace, the runners glide over the snow and the landscape feels close at hand. For us, that is part of what makes the experience special: Finnish history becomes something you can connect with personally, through meeting the horse and travelling through the winter landscape.

Visit Ten Sisters

This family business in Ranua combines Finnhorse rides with a glimpse of life on the farm. Alongside the horses, the farm is home to native northern livestock breeds. If you would like to learn more about the animals, ask about a programme combining a sleigh ride and farm visit – a lovely option for a family outing.

Children may especially enjoy watching the animals up close and asking questions. A farm visit gives adults a different view of the region too, through meeting people whose everyday lives are closely connected with their animals. Ask the family which encounters are included in the programme you choose.

Winter woodland or an evening ride

Choose between sleigh rides through the winter landscape and evening outings under the night sky. When conditions are right, you may even see the Northern Lights. Discuss which ride suits your stay directly with Ten Sisters.

Plan your outing

When booking, ask about duration, the meeting point, clothing and a programme suited to your children’s ages. Warm layers help you settle in and enjoy the ride. Arrange the date, inclusions and current price directly with the farm.

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