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Reindeer experience in Lapland
Meet our own reindeer in a peaceful, small-scale setting in Finnish Lapland, approximately one hour from Rovaniemi.
The reindeer live beside our small reception building at Napapiirin Järvilomat when they are home from their summer grazing grounds. You are welcome to stop and watch them independently from outside the enclosure, or book a guided experience where you can meet and feed them safely.
Our guided reindeer experiences are available to both accommodation guests and other visitors.
BOOK A REINDEER EXPERIENCE
Meet our own reindeer
The reindeer you meet here are Elias’s own reindeer. They are cared for daily by Elias, one of the owners of Napapiirin Järvilomat, who is also our managing director and is present here every day looking after them.
This means that the experience is not separate from everyday life here. The reindeer are part of the place, and we can tell you about their behaviour, seasonal rhythm and care from our own experience.
The setting is intentionally small and peaceful. Instead of moving through a crowded attraction, you can spend time observing the animals and learning about reindeer life in Lapland at a slower pace.
Visit independently or book a guided experience
There are two ways to see the reindeer when they are home.
See the reindeer independently
Visitors may stop by the reception area and watch the reindeer from outside their enclosure.
Please remember:
- Do not enter the reindeer enclosure.
- Do not feed the reindeer independently.
- Approach the area calmly.
- Avoid sudden movements and loud noises.
- Children must remain under adult supervision.
These guidelines protect both the animals and visitors. Reindeer should only be fed during a guided experience using food provided by us.
Book a guided feeding experience
During a guided visit, you can meet the reindeer more closely, feed them under our supervision and hear about their lives in Lapland.
We will tell you about:
- how reindeer live throughout the year
- what they eat
- their behaviour and individual characteristics
- why they leave in spring
- how they return home in autumn
- how the animals are cared for
- the role reindeer have in life in northern Finland
There is also time to take photographs while respecting the animals and their space. Guidance is provided in English, and the maximum group size is 15 people.
Reindeer feeding and snacks in a traditional kota
Some guided experiences also include time in our traditional kota after meeting the reindeer.
After spending time outdoors, you can gather by the fire and enjoy a warm drink and a snack in a calm, welcoming setting.
Different reindeer experiences are available. Please check our booking page for current options, durations, availability and prices.
When can you see the reindeer?
Our reindeer follow a natural seasonal rhythm.
In spring, they are released to spend the warmer months roaming freely. We sometimes describe this as their summer holiday. During this period, the reindeer are not available to visit at the reception area.
They usually return home in autumn when the weather becomes colder and the first snow begins to arrive. Because the exact timing follows nature and seasonal conditions, there is no fixed annual return date.
Please check current availability before planning a guided reindeer experience.
A respectful way to meet reindeer in Lapland
The wellbeing of the animals comes first.
Our reindeer are accustomed to people, but they are still animals with their own space and natural behaviour. Visitors must remain outside the enclosure unless taking part in a guided experience, and feeding is only permitted under our supervision.
Keeping the experience calm and controlled helps ensure that meeting visitors remains safe and comfortable for the reindeer.
This approach also reflects the kind of Lapland experience we want to offer: small-scale, respectful and closely connected to nature.
Reindeer in Finnish Lapland
Reindeer are a real part of life in northern Finland. They are owned animals, but many spend part of the year roaming freely across forests and natural grazing areas.
Their lives change with the seasons. During the warmer months, they move through nature and find much of their food outdoors. When winter approaches, their care and feeding become more closely connected to their owners.
For visitors, meeting reindeer can provide a glimpse into this seasonal way of life. They are not only symbols of Christmas or characters in stories, but living animals with distinct behaviour, needs and personalities.
Does the experience include a reindeer sleigh ride?
Our reindeer are not currently trained to pull a sleigh. For this reason, our own experiences focus on meeting, observing and feeding the animals rather than reindeer sleigh rides.
Sleigh experiences may be available through other local providers. Contact us if you would like help finding a suitable option.
Frequently asked questions
Can I see the reindeer without booking?
Yes. When the reindeer are home, you may visit the reception area and watch them independently from outside their enclosure. Please do not enter the enclosure or feed the animals.
Can I feed the reindeer independently?
No. Feeding is only allowed as part of a guided experience. This ensures that the reindeer receive suitable food in appropriate amounts and that the experience is safe for everyone.
Can people who are not staying at Napapiirin Järvilomat book the experience?
Yes. Guided reindeer experiences are available to both our accommodation guests and other visitors.
When are the reindeer available?
The reindeer are usually available after returning from their summer grazing grounds in autumn. They leave again in spring. Exact dates depend on seasonal and natural conditions.
What language is the guided experience offered in?
Guidance is provided in English.
How many people can join?
The maximum group size is 15 people.
Does the experience include food?
Available options vary. Some experiences focus on meeting and feeding the reindeer, while others also include a warm drink and snack in our traditional kota. Check the booking page for the current options.
Can children participate?
Yes. The experience is suitable for families. Children must remain under adult supervision and follow the guide’s instructions around the animals.
Do your reindeer offer sleigh rides?
No. Our reindeer are not currently trained as sleigh reindeer. Our experiences focus on meeting, observing and feeding them.
Where does the experience take place?
The experience takes place beside our reception building at Napapiirin Järvilomat in Raanujärvi, Finnish Lapland, approximately one hour from Rovaniemi.
Ready to meet the reindeer?
Choose a guided feeding experience and spend a peaceful moment with our own reindeer in Finnish Lapland.
Current options, availability and prices can be found on our booking page.
BOOK A REINDEER EXPERIENCE