Rovaniemi: Meet and Feed Reindeer

Planning a trip to Lapland? If you’re looking for a uniquely Finnish experience rooted in tradition, a reindeer feeding tour in Rovaniemi offers a delightful glimpse into the region’s age-old livelihood. While many visitors come for the Northern Lights or Santa Claus, this tour focuses on the gentle creatures that inspire festive tales and Sami culture alike.

We love the opportunity to get up close with reindeer, learn about their role in local life, and enjoy the cozy warmth of a hot drink afterward. The experience’s intimate setting makes it accessible for families, solo travelers, or anyone curious about reindeer husbandry. A possible consideration? The tour is relatively short—just an hour—so if you’re after a more extensive adventure, you might want to combine it with other activities. Still, for authentic charm and educational value, this trip hits the mark, especially for those who appreciate a slower, more personal encounter with nature.

This tour suits those eager to connect with Lapland’s cultural roots or families wanting a gentle, memorable encounter with friendly animals. It’s perfect for travelers who want a meaningful experience outside the usual tourist spots, with an emphasis on understanding local traditions.

Good To Know

• Authentic Reindeer Interaction: Pet, feed, and learn about reindeer husbandry in a relaxed setting.
• Cultural Insight: Stories from reindeer herders reveal the importance of these animals in Sami life.
• All-Inclusive Comfort: Winter clothing and hot drinks are provided, ensuring comfort in Arctic weather.
• Flexible Booking: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, with the option to reserve now and pay later.
• Convenient Transfers: Pickup from Rovaniemi City Center or Santa Claus Village makes logistics simple.
• Short but Sweet: The hour-long experience packs plenty of charm without overcommitting your day.

If you’re visiting Rovaniemi and want a taste of authentic Lapland life, the Meet and Feed Reindeer tour is a charming choice. This guided experience takes you beyond the Santa attractions and into the heart of Sami culture, where reindeer are central to livelihoods and traditions. It offers a personal, hands-on encounter with these iconic animals, perfect for animal lovers and curious travelers alike.

What makes this experience appealing? First, the opportunity to pet and feed reindeer provides a memorable and tactile connection that’s hard to match. Second, the stories about reindeer husbandry deepen your understanding of how these animals are cared for and their significance to Sami communities. Lastly, the inclusion of winter gear and warm beverages ensures that you can fully enjoy the crisp Arctic environment without worry about the cold.

One common consideration is the tour’s brevity—it’s only about an hour. While that’s plenty of time for a relaxing, educational session, it may leave some longing for a longer interaction. Still, the simplicity and focus on genuine animal encounters make it an excellent choice for those new to Lapland or families with young children.

This experience is especially suited for anyone interested in culture or looking for a gentle, authentic activity that’s accessible regardless of physical ability (though not suitable for wheelchair users). It’s ideal if you want an intimate, educational outing that leaves you with lasting memories of Lapland’s reindeer herds.

Arrival and Transportation

Your day begins with a pickup from either Rovaniemi City Center or Santa Claus Village. The pickup times are scheduled about 30–40 minutes before the activity starts, giving you a relaxed start without rushing. Transfers are included in the booking fee, simplifying logistics—no need to worry about finding your way to the farm yourself.

The reindeer farm is just a few minutes’ walk from the main resort area, making it easily accessible. Keep in mind, if you miss your pickup, refunds aren’t available, so punctuality is key. The short transfer ensures you arrive refreshed and ready for your Arctic encounter.

Dressing for the Cold

The tour provider supplies thermal overall suits, thermal boots, woolen socks, mittens, and a balaclava if needed. This kit helps keep you comfortable during your time outdoors in the chilly Lapland air, so you can focus on the experience rather than shivering. Bringing your own outdoor clothing, such as waterproof jackets or layered thermal wear, is also recommended if you’re extra sensitive to cold.

Meeting the Reindeer

Once at the farm, the setting is relaxed and friendly. The reindeer are accustomed to humans, and the guides emphasize gentle approaches—always approach slowly to avoid startling the animals. Reviewers mention that the reindeer are very friendly, with one noting, “Our reindeer was so calm and curious, making it easy to pet and feed.”

You’ll have plenty of chances to pet the reindeer, stroke their soft fur, and feed them lichen—the favorite treat. The feeding process is straightforward and designed to be interactive, especially for kids who will love offering the reindeer their treats.

Learning from the Guides

Throughout the experience, a knowledgeable live guide shares stories about reindeer husbandry and the importance of these animals in Sami culture. Expect to hear about the daily life of a reindeer herder, how reindeer are cared for, and their role in traditional livelihoods. Reviewers appreciate the clarity and enthusiasm of guides like Marko, who is praised for making the stories engaging and informative.

Photography and Memorable Moments

The natural setting, combined with the friendly reindeer, offers excellent photo opportunities. Many guests have commented on how they captured adorable pictures—perfect for social media or family albums. Remember to bring your camera or smartphone fully charged, as the snowy backdrop makes for stunning images.

Warmth and Refreshments

After your hands-on time, you’ll be offered a hot drink—a steaming coffee or tea—to warm up. This simple gesture enhances the cozy feeling after being outdoors, especially in the winter chill. The combination of the refreshing outdoor air and warm beverage creates a satisfying contrast, leaving you with lasting comfort.

The price of this experience reflects its intimate, educational nature rather than quantity of activities. It’s a well-priced option for those seeking a meaningful cultural connection, especially considering that transfers and gear are included. The small group size ensures personalized attention, making it ideal for families wanting a relaxed, hands-on animal encounter.

While the tour itself is brief, many reviewers felt that the quality of interaction and storytelling compensated fully. For an authentic and gentle introduction to Lapland’s reindeer traditions, this activity offers excellent value.

Duration and Timing: The experience lasts about one hour. Check availability for specific start times, as seasonal schedules may vary.

Accessibility and Suitability: Not suitable for wheelchair users, but generally welcoming for families and individuals interested in cultural stories and animal encounters.

Booking and Cancellation: You can reserve your spot now and pay later, offering flexibility. Cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance, making it less stressful to plan your trip.

What to Bring: Dress warmly in outdoor clothing, particularly waterproof or thermal layers. No external snacks are permitted for reindeer feeding, emphasizing the need to respect the animals.

FAQ

• Is transportation included? Yes, transfers from Rovaniemi City Center or Santa Claus Village are included, making logistics simple.

• What should I wear? The tour provides thermal overall and boots, but bringing extra warm clothing like waterproof jackets can enhance comfort.

• Can I take photos? Absolutely. The friendly reindeer and scenic snowy backdrop make for great pictures.

• Is the experience suitable for children? Yes, most children enjoy petting and feeding the reindeer, and the guides tailor stories to keep kids engaged.

• How long does the tour last? About 1 hour, including transportation, interaction, and refreshments.

• What if I miss my pickup? Refunds are not available if you miss your scheduled transfer, so punctuality is important.

• Are there any restrictions? Not suitable for wheelchair users. No alcohol or drugs are allowed.

• Can I cancel? Yes, up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

This Meet and Feed Reindeer tour in Rovaniemi offers a beautifully simple way to connect with Lapland’s cultural roots and its iconic animals. Its focus on personal interaction, storytelling, and cozy comforts makes it ideal for travelers looking for an authentic but accessible Arctic experience. The inclusion of winter gear and warm drinks ensures comfort, while the guided stories deepen your appreciation of reindeer’s role in Sami culture.

While it’s not a lengthy or high-adrenaline outing, the authenticity and intimacy make this tour stand out. It’s especially suited for families, cultural seekers, or anyone wanting a peaceful, heartfelt encounter with Lapland’s most famous creatures.

If you want a genuine taste of the local way of life, combined with the joy of petting reindeer and learning from knowledgeable guides, this experience is likely to leave a warm impression—even in the coldest season.

Note: For those who want to extend their reindeer adventures, similar experiences like reindeer sleigh rides or longer safaris are available, but this tour offers a perfect introduction without overwhelming time commitments.