Reindeer Safaris Finnish Lapland
Finnish Lapland is home to centuries-old reindeer herding traditions, offering travellers a unique opportunity to engage with this integral aspect of Arctic culture. Beyond commercial tour operators, several family-run reindeer farms invite guests to experience the serene beauty of the north through authentic safaris and farm visits. These experiences provide a deeper connection to the land, its people, and the reindeer itself. Here you’ll learn about a range of reindeer safari experiences available across Finnish Lapland for your adventure.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please see our full disclosure for further information.
Page Contents
Reindeer farms in Lapland
If you’re after a quieter, more genuine connection to Lapland’s culture, visiting a family-run reindeer farm is a great choice. These farms, often located in smaller towns, offer personal experiences where you can meet the herders, learn about reindeer life and enjoy peaceful sleigh rides away from the crowds.
They’re ideal if you have a hire car, want to explore beyond the main tourist centres, or prefer authentic, culturally rich encounters over packaged tours. Below are some of the best authentic reindeer farms to visit across Lapland.
Sieriporo Safaris – Rovaniemi
Located by the tranquil Sierijärvi Lake, just 15 km from Rovaniemi, Sieriporo Safaris is a family-operated reindeer farm with a history dating back to the 1800s. Visitors can partake in various activities, including winter sleigh rides, summer and autumn farm visits, ice fishing and Northern Lights safaris. The farm also offers traditional Lappish meals in its cosy restaurant, providing a comprehensive cultural experience.
Reindeer Lake Resort – Pello
Approximately 75 km west of Rovaniemi, Reindeer Lake Resort provides an intimate setting by Lake Puolamajärvi. Visitors can feed and photograph reindeer, learn about their annual life cycle and enjoy the scenic drive along the Lake-Lapland route. The farm operates eight months a year, providing insights into reindeer herding across different seasons.
Santa Claus Reindeer – Rovaniemi
Located within Santa Claus Village, the SCV Reindeer farm offers both short and extended reindeer sleigh rides, including a 3-hour wilderness safari and Northern Lights excursions. Visitors can also participate in the Arctic Circle Crossing Ceremony and meet Mrs. Santa Claus at her Christmas Cottage, enhancing the festive experience.
Porovaara Hill Reindeer Farm – Rovaniemi
Set in a private nature area about 20 km south of Rovaniemi, Porovaara Hill can provide their guests unique experiences like spending the night in a traditional reindeer herder’s wooden lean-to and electric snowmobile safaris. Guests can also feed reindeer and watch the Northern Lights by a campfire, providing a tranquil retreat into nature.
Valkean Peuran Valtakunta (White Deer Kingdom) – Posio
Nestled in the peaceful landscapes of Posio, White Deer Kingdom is a family-run reindeer farm led by Seppo, a dedicated reindeer herder known for his storytelling and deep connection to the land. Guests can enjoy traditional sleigh rides through the forest, visit the reindeer paddock, try dry floating in a frozen lake, or experience winter fishing. The farm’s experiences are designed to connect visitors with the soul of Lapland through its reindeer, silence and snow.
Ounaskievari Reindeer Farm – Levi
Located just 8 km from Levi Ski Resort, Ounaskievari is a small family farm that opens its doors to visitors between December and April. The farm offers short reindeer sleigh rides through snow-covered pine forests, the chance to feed the reindeer and warm-up breaks inside a cosy kota (traditional Lappish hut). Perfect for families and small groups, this farm prides itself on intimate and educational experiences that honour Sámi reindeer herding heritage.
Saariselkä Reindeer Farm – Saariselkä
Conveniently located near the centre of Saariselkä village, Saariselkä Reindeer Farm offers a peaceful setting for traditional sleigh rides in the forest. Visitors can learn about Sámi traditions and the importance of reindeer to the northern lifestyle. The experience includes hot berry juice by the fire and storytelling from experienced local herders, serving a meaningful connection to Lapland’s Arctic roots.
Angeli Reindeer Farm – Inari
A hidden gem in Inari, Angeli Reindeer Farm is run by a Sámi family who warmly welcomes visitors to their peaceful corner of Lapland. The experience includes guided walks through the forest to meet the reindeer, feeding them and learning about the reindeer’s lifecycle and care. The family shares traditional knowledge and stories passed down through generations, making this a deeply authentic and personal experience.
Kujala Reindeer Farm – Ruka-Kuusamo
Founded in 1860, Kujala Reindeer Farm is one of the oldest and largest working reindeer farms in the region. Located near Ruka Ski Resort, this multi-generational family farm offers scenic sleigh rides through snowy forests, guided farm tours and a charming farm shop selling handmade reindeer hides, antlers and Sámi handicrafts. Visitors gain hands-on knowledge about herding life and the modern-day realities of raising reindeer in Lapland.
Palosaari Reindeer and Fishing Farm – Kuusamo/Ruka
Palosaari Reindeer Farm is a peaceful family-owned reindeer and fishing farm, set in the wilderness of Kuusamo. Open year-round, it offers authentic reindeer sleigh rides, up-close encounters where guests can feed the reindeer and have a chance to relax by the fire with warm drinks. The farm also offers guided fishing excursions in summer and winter. Palosaari provides a perfect blend of outdoor adventure and traditional culture.
Unique Reindeer Farm – Kemijärvi
Unique Reindeer Farm offers a serene escape just outside Kemijärvi, with guided reindeer experiences that give guests a deeper understanding of the animals’ importance to the Arctic lifestyle. Visitors can meet and feed the reindeer, go for a short sleigh ride and learn about the seasonal rhythms of herding life. The experience is ideal for those seeking authenticity and quiet connection in a lesser-known part of Lapland.
Vaara Reindeer Farm (Vaaran Porotila) – Ranua
A fifth-generation reindeer farm, Vaara Reindeer Farm offers hands-on farm visits and short sleigh rides in a traditional setting. Guests can feed the reindeer, hear stories about life as a herder and warm up with a hot drink in a rustic hut. The farm operates year-round and also offers accommodation in winter cabins, allowing guests to experience true Lapland hospitality surrounded by forest and snow.
Reindeer Safari Tour Companies in Lapland
If you’re short on time, prefer everything organised in advance, or want to combine multiple activities into one day, booking through a local tour company in Lapland can be a convenient and stress-free option. These companies often provide hotel pick-ups, winter clothing and multi-activity packages that make it easy to experience reindeer safaris alongside other Arctic adventures like husky rides, snowmobiling and Northern Lights tours. I’ve shared a list of reputable tour companies below that offer reindeer safaris across Finnish Lapland.
Wild About Lapland – Rovaniemi
Specialises in small-group, eco-conscious tours including authentic reindeer farm visits, sleigh rides and winter photography tours.
Nordic Unique Travels – Rovaniemi
One of the largest providers in Rovaniemi, offering reindeer safaris, glass igloo stays, snowmobile rides and full holiday packages.
Safartica – Rovaniemi & Levi
Popular with families and first-time visitors, Safartica offers combo tours with reindeer, huskies and Northern Lights activities.
Scandinavian Travel Group – Levi & Rovaniemi
Highly rated for its wide selection of packages, including VIP aurora safaris, reindeer experiences and visits to small local farms.
Wild Nordic Finland – Rovaniemi
A well-known adventure company offering reindeer sleigh rides in beautiful forest settings, plus snowmobile and husky safaris.
Lapland Safaris – Multiple locations (Rovaniemi, Levi, Ylläs, Saariselkä)
One of the largest tour operators in Lapland, offering reindeer rides, cultural encounters, full-day adventures and gear rentals.
Aurora Holidays – Utsjoki (Northernmost Lapland)
Offers reindeer safaris led by Sámi herders in a remote Arctic setting, ideal for travellers seeking authentic and uncrowded experiences.
Arctic Circle Snowmobile Park – Rovaniemi
Based near Santa Claus Village, this company offers shorter reindeer rides combined with snowmobile and Santa-themed packages.
Lapland Welcome – Rovaniemi & Kemi
A versatile operator offering everything from reindeer safaris and aurora tours to icebreaker cruises and Arctic survival excursions.
Bearhill Husky – Rovaniemi
Primarily a husky farm, but collaborates with local reindeer herders to offer combination experiences near Rovaniemi.
Erin Parker is a Finnish Lapland specialist, women’s adventure host and founder of Lapland Lowdown & Travel Her Way. She has travelled six continents and brings first-hand experience to every destination she writes about – from the Arctic wilderness of Finnish Lapland to the high Andes of Peru. Based in Melbourne, Australia, Erin helps long-haul travellers plan extraordinary Finnish Lapland adventures and leads small group trips for women who are ready to explore the world boldly.
