Visit the Herd – Meet Free-Ranging Reindeer in Their Natural Habitat

Indulge in an exclusive Arctic escape - journey by sleigh to a private reindeer herd, savor gourmet treats by an open fire, and immerse yourself in the timeless luxury of authentic Lapland reindeer herding.

Visit the Herd – Meet Free-Ranging Reindeer in Their Natural Habitat

Step into the real world of reindeer herding and experience one of the most authentic wildlife encounters in Finnish Lapland.

We'll meet at our reindeer farm (Tolosentie 2202, Meltaus). From there, we'll travel by snowmobile-pulled sleigh through peaceful Arctic forests to the winter feeding grounds of our free-ranging reindeer herd.

As the forest opens up, you'll find yourself surrounded by hundreds of semi-wild reindeer, most of them female reindeer living freely in their natural environment. This is not a tourist attraction or a fenced reindeer park, it's a genuine working reindeer herd and a rare opportunity to witness everyday reindeer herding as it really is.

While the reindeer gather around us, we'll light an open fire and invite you to sample a selection of traditional Lappish treats. Enjoy warm bilberry juice, freshly baked cinnamon buns, traditional paakeli (Finnish forest flatbread), Lappish squeaky cheese (leipäjuusto), cold-smoked reindeer wraps (rieska), reindeer sausage with mustard and a tasting of dried reindeer meat. These light refreshments offer an authentic taste of local food culture while we relax around the fire.

Throughout the experience, your guide (a local reindeer herder) will share stories about reindeer, reindeer husbandry, animal welfare and everyday life in the Arctic. Reindeer herding has been part of our family's way of life for hundreds of years, and we're happy to share that heritage with you.

This is a private experience for your group only, allowing plenty of time to observe the herd, ask questions and enjoy the silence of Arctic nature at your own pace.

Please note

Dress code

Important Information – Please Read Before Booking

Your safety and comfort are our highest priorities. Throughout the experience, you'll be accompanied by experienced local guides who know both the reindeer and the Arctic environment.

What to Expect

The tour begins at our reindeer farm. From there, you'll travel 1–5 km by snowmobile-pulled sleigh through peaceful forest trails to the reindeer feeding grounds. At the site, there is a short walk in the snow while we spend time with the herd. Walking a little also helps you stay warm during the experience.

Please note that the journey to the herd takes place in a traditional low sleigh (not on a bench seat) over uneven forest trails.

Clothing

This tour takes place entirely outdoors in Arctic winter conditions. Proper winter clothing is essential.

Please wear:

Warm overall or insulated winter jacket and winter trousers
Warm winter boots
Warm mittens (gloves are not sufficient in Arctic temperatures)
A proper winter hat that fully covers your ears (ear warmers or ear muffs alone are not sufficient)

Being properly dressed will ensure that you stay warm and comfortable throughout the experience.

For safety reasons, we cannot take guests into the wilderness without suitable winter clothing.

Suitability

This experience is not suitable for small children, guests with reduced mobility or anyone suffering from back problems. The ride in the traditional sleigh and the uneven terrain may be physically demanding for some participants.

If you are unsure whether this experience is suitable for you, please contact us before booking. We'll be happy to help you choose the most appropriate experience.

Weather

Our tours operate in temperatures down to −30°C (−22°F). If the temperature falls below this limit, the tour will be cancelled for safety reasons and you will receive a full refund.

If you have any questions about clothing, transportation or the tour itself, please don't hesitate to contact us before your visit. We're always happy to help you prepare for your Arctic adventure.