Everything you need to know about Lapland’s iconic animals

Reindeer are one of the most iconic symbols of Lapland. Whether you’re visiting in winter or around Christmas time, meeting these gentle animals is a memorable experience for families and couples alike. In Lapland, reindeer are not just part of holiday stories, they are a real part of everyday life and local culture.

From traditional reindeer safaris to feeding and learning about their care, there are many ways to get close to these Arctic animals during your Lapland holiday.

Meet the reindeer

In Finnish Lapland, reindeer live in harmony with nature all year round. These semi-wild animals roam free in the forests and fells for much of the year, cared for by locals following centuries-old traditions. In spring, the reindeer head off on their own, what locals jokingly call their “summer holidays” and can often be spotted wandering freely in the wild landscapes of Lapland.

When the snow begins to cover the ground, the reindeer return home. Unlike in many other parts of the world, reindeer in Lapland are not kept in pens or zoos, they are truly a part of the natural landscape and the daily life of the region.

During your stay in Lapland, you can meet and interact with reindeer in a respectful, natural way:

• Join a guided visit to a reindeer farm
• Take a beautiful photos with the reindeer
• Learn about Sámi reindeer herding traditions
• Take part in feeding sessions
• Enjoy a peaceful sleigh ride through snowy landscapes

Reindeer are gentle and curious, making them perfect for visitors of all ages.

Reindeer feeding experiences

Come feed the reindeer and listen to enchanting Arctic tales in their company. This experience offers a peaceful, family-friendly way to get close to these gentle animals in an authentic Lapland setting. This activity takes place in our own yard.

What to expect

Your experience begins with a warm welcome from your English-speaking guide, who will introduce you to the reindeer and share fascinating stories about their lives, role in Lapland’s culture, and how they survive in Arctic conditions. You’ll learn why reindeer are so important to local Sámi traditions and why they’re still part of everyday life today.

After this introduction, it’s time for the highlight of the visit: feeding the reindeer yourself. You’ll get to hand-feed them their favorite snacks, like soft lichen, while enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of the forest. There’s plenty of time to take photos with the reindeer during feeding.

Once the feeding is over, the experience continues in the kota, a traditional Finnish hut. Inside, you’ll enjoy a warm drink and a savory snack by the open fire, creating the perfect end to a cozy and memorable visit.

This relaxed and personal experience is suitable for both children and adults, a perfect way to slow down, connect with nature, and learn about Lapland’s most iconic animals.

• English-speaking guide
• Stories about Lapland’s culture and reindeer
• Feeding the reindeer
• Taking photos
• Warm drink and snack

Reindeer safari in Lapland

Experience the beauty of Lapland’s wilderness in the most traditional way: on a reindeer safari. Traveling with reindeer has been a traditional mode of transport in Lapland for centuries. Long before modern snowmobiles and cars, people here used reindeer to move through snowy forests and across frozen landscapes. 

Today, these peaceful sleigh rides let you experience this old Arctic tradition, gliding through silent forests, wrapped in warm blankets, listening only to the gentle sound of hooves in the snow.

Nearby, you’ll find two local family-run reindeer farms, where traditional herders welcome visitors to experience authentic reindeer safaris. These small, family-operated farms offer a personal and genuine way to meet Lapland’s most iconic animals and learn about local life.

• Tatuka reindeer farm (about 15 minutes from here)
• Vuolo’s reindeer farm (about 10minutes from here)

What to expect?

• A calm, family-friendly activity suitable for all ages
• Learn about reindeer and Sámi culture from local guides
• Stop for photos and feed the reindeer during the tour
• Experience Lapland’s nature at a slower, traditional pace

Unlike faster activities like snowmobiling or husky sledding, a reindeer safari allows you to truly slow down and take in the silent beauty of Arctic nature. It’s a peaceful, authentic way to explore Lapland.