Reindeer Farm Experience in Lapland: What to Expect

If you’re planning a trip to Lapland and wondering whether a reindeer farm experience is worth adding to your itinerary, the short answer is yes. Absolutely, unequivocally yes. Whether you’re visiting Rovaniemi for the first time or returning for more of Arctic Finland’s magic, spending a morning at a working reindeer farm is a very unique and once in a lifetime experience.

I went into it not knowing quite what to expect. I came out genuinely moved and with a whole lot more respect for reindeer, the Sami people, and the culture that has shaped this extraordinary corner of the world for thousands of years.

Here is everything you need to know about the reindeer farm experience in Lapland, from booking to the ride home.

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How to book a reindeer farm experience in Lapland

We booked our tour through Viator before leaving home, which made the whole process seamless. Viator aggregates vetted local operators, so you can compare tours by price, group size, reviews, and inclusions before committing. There are also great options on GetYourGuide, which often has slightly different operators and competitive pricing. We were staying at the Arctic Lights Hotel in downtown Rovaniemi. Our tour was scheduled for a 9:30 AM start, with hotel pickup at 8:45 AM. No need to find your own way to the farm.

BEFORE YOU BOOK: QUICK TIPS: Book at least 2 to 4 weeks in advance in peak winter season (December through March), as tours sell out fast. Look for tours with hotel pickup included, as it is much easier than finding your own way. Small group tours (under 8 people) give a far more personal, authentic experience than large coach tours. Check the inclusions: warm clothes, snacks, and hot drinks are usually provided, but confirm before you go. Read the review dates and look for reviews from this winter, not three seasons ago.

The pickup and drive to the farm

Our guide arrived at 8:45 AM on the dot. He came inside the hotel lobby to find us, a small but thoughtful touch that set a warm tone for the whole morning. We stepped out into the crisp Arctic air and climbed into a comfortable conversion van, which fit our group easily: three seats across the back row, two middle seats with a table, and a front passenger seat beside the driver.

We were a small group that day, just our party and one other couple, who we collected from their hotel on the way. After that, it was roughly a 20-minute drive through a snow-draped Finnish forest landscape. The scenery alone was worth the early start.

Arriving at the reindeer farm

When we pulled up to the farm, our tour guide introduced us to the farm staff, who took over from there. There were other groups visiting too, each at a slightly different point in their tour, which gave the place a lively but relaxed atmosphere. Most importantly: every single member of the farm team spoke excellent English, making the whole experience feel easy and natural for international visitors.

What happens during the reindeer farm experience in Lapland

The experience unfolds in a natural, unhurried sequence. Here is the full breakdown of everything that happened during our visit:

STOP 1: WATCHING THE REINDEER HERD

We started by observing the reindeer in their large enclosed areas behind fencing. One of the farmhands then demonstrated feeding time by attaching a load of food to a snowmobile and driving slowly through the enclosure, dropping feed in rows. The reindeer lined up behind it in an almost choreographed procession, calm, instinctive, and somehow deeply satisfying to watch.

STOP 2: HAND-FEEDING AND PETTING

We were then invited to feed some of the farm’s reindeer ourselves, including a few of their pet reindeer, which were calm enough to pet. Feeding a reindeer from your hand while it looks at you with those enormous dark eyes is something you don’t forget quickly. The pet reindeer were entirely unfazed by the attention.

STOP 3: THE REINDEER SLED RIDE

Each of us took a short sled ride pulled by a single reindeer around a loop of the farm. The reindeer knew the route by heart, but we each held a rope attached to the rein just in case we needed to slow things down. We went in groups of 2, both sitting on the sled. We did not need to give the reindeer much direction, just a little encouragement!

STOP 4: FREE TIME WITH THE REINDEER

After the sled ride, we had unstructured time to wander the farm, take photos, and interact with the animals at our own pace.

STOP 5: INSIDE THE LAVVU

The final part of the visit took place inside a Lavvu, a traditional Sami portable shelter that is conical in shape, with a fire burning in its center that warmed the entire space beautifully. Warm drinks and cookies were served while a farm team member gave a fascinating talk about the history of the farm and the culture of reindeer herding.

Inside the Lavvu: the cultural heart of the experience

If you’ve never heard of a Lavvu, it is a traditional Sami dwelling. It is a portable, conical shelter with a central fire hole, similar in structure to a tipi but with distinct roots in the indigenous Sami culture of northern Scandinavia and Finland. Sitting inside one with snow falling outside and a fire crackling at the centre is an atmosphere you simply cannot manufacture.

Our host covered a remarkable amount of ground during the session inside the Lavvu. We learned about how the farm’s rhythms shift dramatically between seasons, from the reindeer’s movements in summer to the managed herding of winter, the timing of calving season, and how the farm decides which animals serve which purpose. She also explained how reindeer shed their antlers, the natural predators they face in the wild, and how herders manage those risks.

The most moving part, for me, was learning how reindeer herding in Finland is deeply family-oriented and generational, passed from parent to child over centuries. She also spoke with evident pride about the Sami people, their traditional knowledge, and how their strategies and philosophy continue to shape reindeer herding practices across Lapland today. The Lavvu itself is a living expression of that heritage.

We were encouraged to ask questions throughout, and the conversation flowed naturally. Nobody was watching the clock.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN INSIDE THE LAVVU

• Seasonal routines: how life on the farm changes from winter through summer
• Calving season: when to expect it and how newborns are cared for
• Antler shedding: the cycle, the purpose, and what happens to shed antlers
• Natural predators: wolves, wolverines, and how herders protect the herd
• How herders decide which reindeer are used for which purpose
• The generational, family-based culture of Finnish reindeer herding
• The Sami people: their heritage, philosophy, and connection to the Lavvu

How long does the experience last?

Our time at the farm itself was approximately two hours. Add the 20-minute drive each way from central Rovaniemi and picking up anyone else on your tour, you are looking at a roughly 3 to 3.5 hour total commitment, which is perfect for a winter morning. That leaves the afternoon free for other Lapland adventures like a husky safari, snowmobiling, or hunting the Northern Lights.

What to wear to a reindeer farm in Lapland

Dressing correctly is non-negotiable. Even a relatively mild Lapland winter day can feel ferociously cold when you are standing still in a snowy field waiting for a reindeer to eat from your hand. Many tours provide thermal overalls and boots on arrival, but your base layers are always your responsibility.

PACKING LIST FOR A REINDEER FARM VISIT

• Thermal base layers, top and bottom (merino wool is ideal)
• Mid-layer fleece or down vest
• Waterproof, insulated outer jacket
• Waterproof trousers or salopettes
• Thick wool socks, at least two pairs
• Insulated, waterproof boots (rated to at least -20C)
• Warm hat covering the ears
• Liner gloves and outer waterproof mittens
• A buff or neck gaiter
• Hand warmers (they weigh nothing and earn their place every time)

Where to stay in Rovaniemi

We stayed at the Arctic Lights Hotel in downtown Rovaniemi, which was centrally located, comfortable, and ideal for tour pickups. If you’re planning a longer Lapland trip, Rovaniemi is an excellent base: compact enough to walk everywhere, but with enough tour operators, restaurants, and activities to fill a week. After a few days we moved from Arctic Lights Hotel to Santa’s Igloos Arctic Circle to try to catch some views of the Northern Lights from our room.

Is a reindeer farm experience in Lapland worth it?

Without a single hesitation: yes. A reindeer farm experience in Lapland ticks every box. It is educational, visually spectacular, hands-on, emotionally resonant, and deeply connected to one of the world’s most remarkable living cultures. The farm team were knowledgeable and clearly passionate about what they do. The small group format made it feel personal rather than touristy. And the sled ride was interesting and a once in a lifetime experience!

Whether you’re visiting Lapland as a family, as a couple, or solo, put this near the top of your list. You will not regret it. For additional ideas on what to do in Lapland, check out The Complete Travel Guide to Lapland & Rovaniemi, Finland.

Frequently asked questions about Visiting a Reindeer Farm in Lapland, Finland

What is a reindeer farm experience in Lapland like?

A reindeer farm experience typically includes hotel pickup, a short drive to a working farm, observing and feeding the reindeer, a short sled ride pulled by a reindeer, and time inside a traditional Sami Lavvu with warm drinks and a cultural talk from the farm team. Most experiences last around two hours at the farm itself.

How long does a reindeer farm tour in Lapland take?

Most tours near Rovaniemi spend about two hours at the farm itself. With the drive from and back to your hotel, the total experience runs roughly 3 to 3.5 hours, making it a comfortable half-day activity.

How do I book a reindeer farm experience in Lapland?

The easiest way is through Viator or GetYourGuide, which list vetted operators with reviews, group size information, and free cancellation policies. Book at least 2 to 4 weeks in advance in peak winter season (December to March), as tours sell out quickly.

What is a Lavvu?

A Lavvu is a traditional Sami portable shelter that is conical in shape, similar to a tipi, with a central fire hole. The Sami are the indigenous people of northern Scandinavia and Finland, and the Lavvu has been central to their nomadic herding lifestyle for centuries.

What should I wear to a reindeer farm in Lapland?

Thermal base layers, a heavy insulated outer jacket, waterproof pants, thick wool socks, insulated waterproof boots rated to at least -20C, a warm hat, gloves, and a neck gaiter. Many tours provide overalls and boots, but your base layers are always your own responsibility.

Is a reindeer farm experience in Lapland suitable for children?

Absolutely. The reindeer are gentle and calm around people, the sled ride is slow and guided, and the Lavvu story session is engaging for all ages. Children tend to be particularly delighted by feeding the reindeer by hand. Just be sure to dress younger children in proper Arctic-rated clothing.

Wrapping Things Up: Visiting a Reindeer Farm in Lapland, Finland

A reindeer farm experience has real animals, real culture and real people who have dedicated their lives to something ancient and worth preserving.

I went in curious and came out genuinely grateful for the quiet of the farm, for the warmth of the Lavvu, for a guide who answered every question like it was the most interesting one she’d heard all day. That’s not something you manufacture with a bigger budget or a fancier itinerary. It’s just what happens when you go to an experience like this.

If you’re heading to Rovaniemi or Lapland for the first time, put the reindeer farm on your list. It sets a tone for the whole trip and is a reminder that the best parts of travel are usually the ones that feel the most human.

Any questions about booking or planning your Lapland trip? Look at our complete Lapland and Rovaniemi travel guide has everything you need to plan the full trip!

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