Reindeer Farm: Tours and Guided Visits

Reindeer are a classic symbol of Christmas, known for transporting Santa Claus around the world at an alarming pace. Originating in the Arctic Circle, an abundance of reindeer can be found scattering the countryside surrounding Rovaniemi.

While these beings don’t fly or talk without Santa Claus’ magic dust, a day trip to a reindeer farm from Rovaniemi is an enchanting experience nonetheless.

Ride through the snowy paradise of Lapland pulled along by your own team or reindeer and feel your festive spirit soar, whether you’re 4 or 94.

Here's all you need to know about Reindeer Farm, one of the most exciting options for sightseeing tours from Rovaniemi.

How to get to a reindeer farm from Rovaniemi?

There are several reindeer farms within the 20 kilometers surrounding Rovaniemi. They are all easy to reach by car or guided excursion.

From Rovaniemi to a reindeer farm by car

It is a straightforward jaunt to any reindeer farm outside of Rovaniemi by car. Many are within a 10-minute drive of the town, while others can be found less than an hour away.

Rovaniemi has just a few main roads, meaning that whichever reindeer farm you choose to visit, you’ll find navigating there simple.

Guided tour to a reindeer farm from Rovaniemi

Alternatively, make the journey to a reindeer farm via a guided excursion. These day trips include a complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off service, and last between 2 and 7 hours, depending on the activities you choose.

You can select from a range of start times and return to the town several hours later.

What is the typical itinerary?

After a convenient hotel pickup, you’ll make the short journey out of the hustle and bustle of Rovaniemi to a reindeer farm, located in the serene countryside.

Here, you’ll spend some time making friends with the mammals and learning about their history. Once you’ve become acquainted with these creatures, you’ll enjoy a sleigh ride through the snowy landscape of Lapland.

You’ll have plenty of time to take pictures of the charming scenery and soak in the unique experience before returning to the farm.

While some reindeer farm day trips end here, many go on to visit other destinations, such as Santa Claus Village. Here, you’ll be able to maximize your festive spirit as you see the home of Santa Claus through a childlike lens.

Alternatively, you can select a more active reindeer farm day tour that includes canoeing and will enable you to see plenty of the region outside of Rovaniemi.

What kinds of tours are available to go to a reindeer farm?

There are several different types of reindeer farm day trips for you to choose from. Whether you want to participate in a sleigh ride, see Santa Claus or explore the countryside, you’ll find an excursion that caters to you.

Guided tour to a reindeer farm from Rovaniemi

On this reindeer farm day trip, you’ll travel out of the center of Rovaniemi and into the snow-dusted countryside of Lapland. Reaching a local farm, you’ll meet the friendly reindeer who will accompany you on your journey through the snow.

Be led through the towering forests and vast expanses of the region by these strong, and placid creatures.

Take a break to enjoy warming refreshments as you brush shoulders with traditional Sami reindeer herders and learn about this historic mode of transportation, which dates back to the 17th century.

Day trip to a reindeer farm plus a husky farm and Santa Claus Village from Rovaniemi

If you’re seeking a traditional Lappish experience, look no further than this combined reindeer farm day tour. Hop on a snowmobile and make your way through the winter wonderland of the area surrounding Rovaniemi to a reindeer farm.

Feel like Santa Claus as you participate in a sleigh ride with Rudolph and friends, before continuing on to a husky farm.

Cuddle these energetic dogs close and then head to Santa Claus Village, where you can meet the big man himself while exploring the many festivities of the park.

Day tour to a reindeer farm plus canoeing from Rovaniemi

Alternatively, immerse yourself in the glorious nature of Lapland on this canoeing experience. First, you’ll visit a local reindeer farm, where you can feed and pet the affectionate animals while discovering their historical ties to the Arctic Circle.

Then, hop into a canoe and paddle across one of Lapland’s tranquil lakes admiring the towering forests that surround you.

These reindeer farm day trips happen during the summer months when the snow has cleared and the ice has melted from the bodies of water surrounding Rovaniemi.

How much does a day trip to a reindeer farm from Rovaniemi cost?

Reindeer farm day tours cost between €80 and €90 each, and include refreshments during the excursion.

You’ll pay between €110 and €140 per person for a tour that includes canoeing. These take place in groups of varying sizes, and if you wish to have a more personal experience, you can pay a premium for a small-group tour.

These trips include no more than 8 guests.

If you wish to participate in a combined excursion that includes a reindeer farm, husky farm and Santa Claus Village, you can expect to pay between €180, and €230 per person. Those on the higher end of this range include a local lunch.

What will you see and do?

Reindeer originated in the Arctic Circle of North Eurasia and have been domesticated by the local Sami people for over 2,000 years.

They have helped the locals carry heavy loads through the harsh environment of winter in Lapland, and have historically provided sustenance through their hide, and meat.

These mammals measure up to 2 meters long and can weigh over 240 kilograms. While females are generally smaller than their male counterparts, both sexes grow antlers — the only deer species in the world to do so.

In the wild, reindeer travel in herds of up to 500,000, while on reindeer farms they co-exist in much smaller packs. There are more reindeer in Lapland than there are people, totaling around 220,000 versus 180,000 human inhabitants in the region.

On a reindeer farm day tour, you’ll be able to get extremely close to these beings, as they are notoriously gentle and sociable. You’ll be able to stroke and feed them, as well as see how they communicate with each other.

These farms typically have been herding reindeer for generations and care for these animals with as much love as they do their own family.

Reindeer safaris are also popular activities on any of these farms, where you’ll board a sleigh and be transported across the countryside in the traditional Lappish way.

You can usually visit reindeer farms year-round, however, you will not be able to participate in a sleigh ride during the summertime.

What are the opening times?

There are several different reindeer farms around the town of Rovaniemi. Each has its own opening hours, which you should check before planning your day trip.

When is the best time to visit a reindeer farm?

The best time to plan your reindeer farm day trip is in the lead-up to Christmas, when Rovaniemi comes to life with festive cheer. At this time of year, the town is covered in plenty of snow, which will add to the magic of the experience.

There is usually snow in Rovaniemi between November and April, and you’ll be able to participate in a reindeer sleigh ride during these months.

If you’d rather enjoy canoeing around Rovaniemi, you should plan your trip between June and August when the ground is free from snow.

Travel tips

• Ensure you pre-book your reindeer farm trip as some venues do not welcome walk-in customers.
• Wrap up warm for your excursion as daytime temperatures range from -8 to 0 degrees Celsius during the winter months.
• While reindeer are gentle creatures, you should always listen to your guide’s advice before touching or playing with them.
• If you want to increase the magic factor of your reindeer farm excursion, book a combined trip that includes other destinations, such as Santa Claus Village and a husky farm.