All Aboard: The Sleigh Ride - A Slow TV Christmas Special

In a slow TV Christmas special, a traditional reindeer sleigh is rigged with cameras for a magical journey across the frozen wilderness of the Arctic.

Following the path of an ancient postal route, the ride captures the traditional world of the Sami people who are indigenous to northern Scandinavia and for whom reindeer herding remains a way of life.

Filmed in Karasjok, Norway - 200 miles north of the Arctic Circle - this journey takes us through breathtaking scenery not normally glimpsed by anyone other than the Sami. Deliberately unhurried, the rhythmic pace of the reindeer guides us along an epic two-hour trip that takes us over undulating snowy hills, through birch forests, across a frozen lake and past traditional Sami settlements.

Facts about the reindeer, natural history, Sami culture and the Arctic climate are delivered by graphics and archive stills embedded into the passing landscape. With no commentary, music or presenter - just the crunching of snow and the soft tinkle of a reindeer bell - this hypnotic sleigh ride is an enchanting experience to put everyone in the Christmas spirit.

[andrewkirk]

So happy this Is still available on YouTube watched it on the BBC4 during Christmas time a few years back and enjoyed it so much thank you

[derpleyew]

I have been wanting to see this again. It is such a brilliant idea, completely immersive. We watched this with my father during his last years living with Alzheimer’s. It was something that he would be completely fixated on and a great way to keep things calm for him. I wish I could go back to those moments of quiet fascination we shared whilst watching this, his illness just faded away when we could sit and enjoy this together.

[johnnymac]

I have watched this wonderful journey every Christmas since it first appeared. I don't care if the girls live in proper houses and have mobile phones. I just enjoy the experience and the feelings of peace it brings.

[tyler]

This feels like a lucid dream. It is entrancing. I feel nature, earth, God, beauty and peace. I would love to meet the people who envisioned and made this. More should be done in this direction.

[rich-ard-style]

I wish and hope for Sami Culture and so many other Nomade and indigenous people in the world that they thrive and not die and neither their culture. I love them too. They must be a part of humanity, because they can teach us important things too. Keep going Sami's of this world and Natives in this world everywhere. We need you!

[Plexigon]

This is great. It's become our Xmas Eve tradition that we stick this on in the evening once the kids have gone to bed. Mesmerising to watch but also great to have in the background, have a Xmas drink and a natter...

[joydelglyn]

Thank-you YouTube for hosting this. I don't have a TV, so watch on my mobile phone when the world (or, rather, the people) get too much for me. So calming and mesmerising! Thank-you, for the Sami. 😊

[ashscar]

This is a perfect mixture of just enough happening to not be boring and a few facts for interest. Really like it

[wudip]

Every year on Christmas day. I love this.. my great grandma was Sami and came to Canada. One day I will get to Sapmi!

[신재철-xf]

Maybe it was daily life to her. 😄
But, I couldn't take my eyes off for a moment. Every moments is beautiful.😯
Besides nowdays, I sleep listening step sound on snow road. 😴
Please dont delete.😂
Thank you for sharing this video.

[HamCubes]

I have been looking for this since it aired a few years ago. Thank you ever so much for uploading this magical scene! 🥰🙏🥰

[StreetRaverBoy]

It's a seasonal ASMR video to help with sleep for me and this is without knowing it and it also gets you in the holiday mood as well.

Plus it's loaded with little facts to learn about reindeer.

So its masterfully made and not much talking either in the video.

It's an ASMR for me, because you're sat being pulled along at times and it's like your viewing the ride yourself.

But it's cosmically magical at this time of year at the Yule season.

[celticskye]

I found this wonderful journey about a year ago, maybe longer. It has been on my mind since and I have recommended it to others. I have now bookmarked it so that in quiet pandemic times I can watch again and marvel at the land, the place, the people and the whole panthestic feel. Thank you for posting. Wonderful!

[LivingWalks]

We have been so inspired by such slow tv channels that we now make natural sound 4k walk through's of cities. Channels such as yours are a really important antidote to the muzak filled, fast pace of most travel video's on youtube, so thank you, we will certainly be back for more.

[carolroberts]

So glad to find this, I missed it on tv last year.A lovely quiet two hours .The only way I will see the northern lights too.Thanks for putting this on.

[powertothemidgs]

WOW this is breathtaking...36:00 - 44:00 so cool to see people meet in the midst of the snow for tea!

[maurice]

1:02:46 Particularly relieved to know they had post in an olden time.

[dawn]

I absolutely L❤VED watching this & just wish there were more programmes like it 😊

[robinchwan]

all i can say is.... take care of the animals because they take care of us!

[martinjcamp]

Really wonderful! That Scene at 59:00 is really a nice touch. Thank You.
I'd just love to go back to Norway before I die - Many magical things, and people too.