Imagine gliding through a snow-blanketed landscape on a traditional reindeer sleigh, surrounded by a tranquil winter wonderland. That’s exactly what this Kuusamo Reindeer Farm experience promises—and delivers. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on 73 reviews, it’s clear that many visitors find this tour a genuinely memorable way to connect with nature and Finnish culture.
What makes this experience stand out? First, the authentic 1.5 km reindeer sleigh ride transports you into the heart of rural Finland. Second, the chance to meet hundreds of reindeer up close, learn about herding traditions, and feed them with lichen creates a personal touch few other tours can match. Lastly, the informative farm visit and shop provide a deeper understanding of reindeer life, along with opportunities to buy handcrafted products.
A potential consideration? The tour’s duration is just 1.5 hours, which is perfect for a quick immersion but might leave some craving more time to explore the farm or feed the reindeer at leisure. This tour is ideal for travelers seeking an authentic, family-friendly outdoor activity that combines cultural insight with scenic beauty. If you’re after a peaceful, hands-on experience in a stunning winter setting, this is likely a great fit.
Good To Know
- Authentic Reindeer Experience: A 1.5 km sleigh ride through winter scenery offers a genuine taste of Sami and Finnish reindeer herding traditions.
- Close Encounters: Meet hundreds of reindeer, learn about their care, and feed them with lichen—an engaging, personal connection.
- Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides, like Arthur (mentioned in reviews), add personality and insight to the experience.
- Flexible & Practical: Book now, pay later, and cancel up to 24 hours in advance, making planning easier.
- Value for Money: For $94, you get a scenic ride, farm tour, reindeer encounters, and shopping—creating a well-rounded experience.
- Photo Opportunities: Bring your camera for stunning winter landscape shots and memorable reindeer photos.
A Deep Dive into the Tour Experience
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How the Tour Begins: Meeting the Reindeer on the Farm
Once you arrive at Kujala Reindeer Farm, you’re greeted by friendly, knowledgeable staff—like Andru, who guides guests on the sleigh ride. From reviews, it’s clear that the staff’s warmth and expertise elevate the experience. Guests appreciate the clear explanations about reindeer herding and farm life, making it more than just a fun ride—it’s an educational journey.
The farm itself exudes authenticity; it’s a traditional operation that has been around long enough to foster a genuine connection with visitors. You’ll see the ancient corral, where hundreds of reindeer are kept, and get to understand their role in Sami culture. The farm’s facilities are described as easy to find, with visitors noting the well-maintained, welcoming environment that makes the experience seamless from start to finish.
The Sleigh Ride: A Scenic Journey
The star of the show, the 1.5 km reindeer sleigh ride, takes you along the riverside to the old farm forest. Our sources and reviews highlight how relaxing and scenic this ride is—“enjoying the fresh breath of air underneath warm reindeer hides,” as one guest describes. The sleigh glides smoothly over snow-covered trails, with the gentle, rhythmic motion adding a calming effect as you pass through winter scenes that look like they’re straight out of a Christmas card.
Guests consistently praise the friendly reindeer, which happily pull the sleigh. The ride itself lasts just long enough to soak in the views without feeling hurried, providing a peaceful moment in nature. It’s especially suited for families or anyone seeking a gentle, scenic activity that combines tradition with tranquility.
Meeting and Feeding Reindeer
After the ride, you’re invited into the ancient corral to meet the reindeer up close. Here, you can feed them with lichen, which many describe as a highlight—an experience to feed and photograph the semi-wild animals, some of whom are described as “very friendly.” Guests like Matteo mention that they would have brought home a reindeer if they could, emphasizing the strong personal connection many develop with these gentle creatures.
The guides share stories about reindeer herding, shedding light on the daily farm life and the importance of reindeer in Finnish and Sami culture. One review mentions how the staff, including guides like Arthur, made the experience magical with their friendly demeanor and detailed knowledge.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyShopping and Additional Activities
The farm shop offers a selection of reindeer products and handicrafts, providing an authentic souvenir or gift opportunity. Many visitors appreciate the chance to purchase locally made items—adding a tangible memory to their visit. It’s a good place to find unique gifts, from reindeer pelts to handcrafted jewelry, supporting local artisans and farm sustainability.
Practical Details & Tips for Visitors
- Duration: The entire experience lasts around 1.5 hours, making it easy to fit into a busy travel schedule.
- Cost: At $94 per person, the price includes the sleigh ride, farm visit, reindeer encounters, and shopping opportunities. Many reviews mention that it offers good value, especially given the quality of the experience.
- Booking & Cancellation: It’s possible to reserve your spot with a “Reserve now, pay later” option, and cancel up to 24 hours beforehand for a full refund—perfect for flexible planning.
- What to Bring: A camera is a must to capture the snowy scenery and adorable reindeer moments.
- Languages: The tour is guided in Finnish and English, ensuring clarity for international visitors.
What Visitors Love Most
According to reviews, visitors particularly appreciated knowledgeable guides like Arthur, who made the experience magical and informative. Many mention how friendly and helpful the staff were, creating a welcoming atmosphere. Guests also rave about the stunning views and the chance to feed the reindeer up close—something that truly feels special and personal.
Potential Drawbacks or Considerations
The main point to consider is the timing—the 1.5-hour duration might feel brief for those wishing to spend more time interacting with the animals or exploring the farm at leisure. If you’re craving a more in-depth farm experience, you might find this tour slightly limited in scope. However, for a quick, authentic taste of reindeer life, it hits the mark perfectly.
Who Will Love This Tour?
This experience is best suited for families, couples, or solo travelers who value authentic outdoor adventures. It’s ideal for those interested in cultural traditions, wildlife encounters, or simply seeking a peaceful, scenic winter activity. The educational aspect combined with the beautiful scenery** makes it perfect for travelers wanting a well-rounded introduction to Finnish reindeer herding.
The Sum Up
The Kuusamo Reindeer Sleigh Ride and Farm Visit offers a truly authentic glimpse into reindeer culture and Finnish winter scenery. At a reasonable price, guests can enjoy a scenic sleigh ride, meet the reindeer up close, and learn about traditional farm life—all guided by friendly, knowledgeable staff. The experience’s mix of tranquility, cultural insight, and personal interaction makes it stand out among winter activities in Finland.
It’s especially suitable for travelers who want a relaxed, family-friendly adventure with plenty of photo opportunities and meaningful interactions with reindeer. If you’re looking for a genuine, scenic, and educational experience that celebrates Finnish traditions, this tour delivers.
In short, it’s a memorable, well-priced way to connect with the natural and cultural landscape of northern Finland—an activity that leaves many visitors smiling long after the snow melts.
FAQ
How long does the tour last?
Approximately 1.5 hours, including the sleigh ride, farm visit, and shopping time.
What is included in the price?
The price covers a 1.5 km reindeer sleigh ride, a visit to hundreds of reindeer, access to the farm shop, and a guided tour.
Can I cancel the booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Is there an age limit?
While not explicitly specified, the gentle nature of reindeer and the family-friendly design suggest it’s suitable for most ages.
What should I bring?
Bring a camera to capture the snowy landscapes and adorable reindeer.
Is the tour guided in English?
Yes, the guides speak both Finnish and English.
Is this experience good value for money?
Given the scenic ride, personal reindeer encounters, and cultural insights, many visitors feel it offers excellent value.
Where is it located?
The tour takes place at Kujala Reindeer Farm in Northern Ostrobothnia, Kuusamo.
What if I want to buy souvenirs?
The farm shop offers reindeer products and handicrafts that make authentic keepsakes or gifts.
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