Rovaniemi Reindeer Farm Visit: Honest Review & Tips
Thinking about a visit to a reindeer farm close to Rovaniemi? You, like your fellow travellers, might have come to Finnish Lapland with dreams that feature snow-covered landscapes, the stunning Northern Lights, and maybe too it’s the chance to meet Santa Claus himself. But a truly memorable Lapland experience should, anyway, also include getting close to the local culture, and one of the very better ways to do this is by visiting a reindeer farm. So, in case you’re thinking of adding the Rovaniemi Saami Reindeer Farm Visit with Sleigh Ride to your travel plans, this honest review should give you all the info you might want to know.
The Appeal of a Reindeer Farm Experience
What is it, specifically, that makes visiting a reindeer farm such an attractive option? More or less, it’s a mixture of different things. You get to see these incredible animals up close, these iconic symbols of Lapland, plus you gain some genuine insight into the Saami culture, too it’s almost like a really unique glimpse into how people have lived in harmony with this tougher environment for hundreds of years. The farms, they tend to be outside Rovaniemi, provide a welcome break from the regular tourist trails, offering a feeling of peace, serenity and being surrounded by all this stark natural beauty.
For loads of visitors, especially ones with kids, the chance to actually ride in a reindeer-pulled sleigh is really very appealing. There’s something utterly magical about gliding across the snowy landscape, all wrapped up warm, just hearing the gentle jingle of bells. Plus, of course, these tours usually have information about the reindeer herding lifestyle. What’s interesting is you start to understand the sheer importance of these animals to the Saami people, historically and today.
What to Expect on the Rovaniemi Saami Reindeer Farm Visit
Okay, so you’re thinking, “What happens?” Typically, anyway, your visit will start with a transfer from your Rovaniemi accommodation to the reindeer farm. The drive is actually scenic. Expect crisp air and views of these snow-laden forests.
As you get to the farm, you’re normally greeted by the herders, and they’ll give you some context about the reindeer and about their way of life. You’ll learn stuff such as the annual cycles of herding, what the reindeer eat, how they are cared for. Usually, just a little of that everyday life of someone who lives this traditional existence.
And the sleigh ride? That’s really the high point for many people. You’re snugly tucked into a sleigh, the reindeer sets off, and you are transported on a circuit, in general through forests or open snowfields. You are almost gliding. The only sounds are the soft padding of hooves plus the bells on the reindeer’s harness – so pretty wonderful. Depending on the farm, a normal ride is about, give or take, 30-45 minutes. Some experiences can offer you longer rides too, that depends.
Often, too, there’s a warming-up element involved! Post-ride, most farms invite visitors into a traditional kota (a kind of Lappish hut) in order to have some hot drinks and snacks. Maybe grilling some sausages over an open fire. These sorts of occasions could give you a nice chance to speak a bit with the herders in a more informal way, hear more about their stories and daily routine.
What Makes This Experience Special? The Saami Connection
When talking about Rovaniemi reindeer farms, it’s really rather crucial to keep in your head the culture which it all revolves around: the Saami. The Saami are indigenous people of Lapland. Their culture and way of living is absolutely entwined with reindeer herding, a tradition which spans back literally centuries.
These farm visits give you the chance to show some appreciation for that legacy. The people who tend these farms have ancestors that lived this life, likely very similar to the way they are now, and you can appreciate how attuned they are to the environment. They live totally in accordance with the seasons, understand animal behavior so well. You, like many visitors, would likely gain a ton of respect for the heritage, their capacity to make do and continue as custodians of the north. The economic importance to the Saami communities cannot be overstated.
Review: A Personal Reflection on the Experience
Having actually done the Rovaniemi Saami Reindeer Farm visit myself, there are loads of little things I remember really strongly. That stillness which is the arctic landscape for starters! Being surrounded by these calming snowscapes. A break, maybe from the faster tempo of everyday life.
The sensation of that sleigh ride shouldn’t be missed! And it’s true when people say you might feel as though you have stepped inside a winter wonderland. All snug beneath blankets, pulled on that ride. That gentle sway is quite hypnotic, and listening to the tinkling reindeer bells is really memorable. And I also enjoyed the cozy gathering after, warming up with a hot drink by that open fire, getting some real stories.
The best advice might be not to expect an adrenaline rush. What this really does offer is much more mellow. It is really cultural, peaceful. A time to switch off, enjoy natural settings, appreciate a traditional culture.
Practical Information: Planning Your Visit
Okay, so you want to actually go. Firstly, you may want to think in advance! Reindeer farms in the Rovaniemi space tend to be in demand, in particular over the peak tourist season. You will want to check openings with time, so to get the day, or tour duration, which works just right for you. Secondly, very often hotels or local tourist businesses can arrange all that with ease. Or you can speak direct.
Bear in your head the climate, too. Layer up! Even in case you go for a shorter tour, you might be outside for quite some time, in quite cold conditions, so take it really serious. Warm and waterproof gear would include layers of thermal underwear, with loads of outer warm jackets and ski pants, really decent snow boots, a thick hat, as well as those vital waterproof gloves. Don’t underestimate how brisk the conditions out there can get!
Think a bit what is incorporated within your visit too. Are transfers supplied? Are the snacks/ drinks incorporated, or do you have to fund these? Is the guiding to be supplied in your language of choice?
Keep your camera fully charged. Such lovely moments out there will tempt you to take quite a few pictures! And make sure your telephone is completely charged, just in case.
Different Tour Options Available
It seems as though there are multiple tours obtainable. These differ based on things such as duration, farm visited, whether other stuff gets incorporated such as ice fishing or snowshoe hiking. Tours often are crafted as short experiences. A couple of hours could offer you the highlights. But more extensive experiences will enable deeper involvement and even more knowledge, of how things are.
Consider a tour which provides something distinct, as an alternative to standard tourist alternatives. Maybe, in fact, that it stresses interactions with herders, opportunities to feed reindeers, chances to be told conventional Saami stories etcetera, by guides who’re prepared to do so.
Bear in your head if some tours happen to be better when it comes to small kids or some people that need extra assistance. Contact your operators specifically when you have any questions as to facilities as well as availability for folks using reduced movability. Or young families.
Maximizing Your Reindeer Farm Visit
To definitely make your visit great, keep a couple of these additional ideas in mind. Approach the trip through the sense of being receptive and respectful, so that you can fully understand that Saami culture that underpins reindeer farming and everything surrounding it. Speak, as an illustration, towards the herders regarding their lifestyle, their culture. Bear in mind that they truly are pleased to share! Look closely at all the finer details. Like, watch the ways these reindeers respond with each other. The delicate noises these people produce. Those differences concerning coat colours.
And please really don’t be reluctant when it comes to taking images, however usually, without disturbing those reindeers nor going into individual space. It’s really worthwhile capturing those incredible encounters however always having respect intended for wildlife together with folks close to you.
Ultimately, stay within the minute. Those panoramas. Clean air. The overall feel. Make an effort to fully disconnect and remain present as this truly helps take advantage of encounters such as these.
These places help help preserve Lapland lifestyle along with traditions and the tourist which comes about from these truly help continue these conventional practices with regard to upcoming age groups to maintain appreciating!
Photography Tips for Capturing the Magic
Wish to be sure those images definitely mirror ones Rovaniemi Reindeer tour wonderfully? Focus on these easy picture taking tricks for greatest outcomes. Those golden hrs – quickly afterwards daybreak just before sundown –usually offers milder illumination making more appealing snapshots that time. Take advantage any kind of and all gentle, specially throughout skies filled with clouds! Soft sun light typically minimizes tough shadows enhancing those shades whilst in images generally. Don’t be reluctant altering composition plus try capturing numerous viewpoints, too that’s often excellent approaches finding exclusive creative perspectives and also completely different features connected with topics inside those pictures one takes.
Give awareness when it comes to developing fascinating compositions! Lead some attention by making lines together with utilizing policies thirds can potentially turn photos to truly life and appealing visually simultaneously. Plus bear in mind those elements associated to background while shooting subjects particularly inside amazing environments too this normally could increase depth overall photos that anyone catches.
Try catching frank instances and folks linking that Reindeer usually makes real engaging content whenever feasible whilst getting pictures that tells particular tale regarding location itself.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it ethical to visit a reindeer farm?
Usually, yes, provided farms handle the reindeers humanely while prioritising ones nicely getting.
What do I wear for a reindeer sleigh ride?
Layers made with warm plus weatherproof attire often works extremely! That often may include hat plus jacket, waterproof gloves coupled that great pair associated winterized hiking footwear to take care of ones nicely just for temperature reduction as an illustration while upon trip
Can I feed the reindeers?
Depending in farm combined a programs given, individuals probably could very feed ones too yet usually that must take place with appropriate guidance supplied with trained experts generally to be sure both safely while with interactions
These farm excursions undoubtedly present exceptional solutions and people’s adventures from Rovaniemi typically together which in results lets most vacationers connect regarding breathtaking nature but to immerse to a deep appreciation to regional indigenous Lappish culture while in Lapland, Europe . Those activities in most cases undoubtedly will stays as highly precious instances from anyone to their lifetime vacation getaways. Just plan early so that to ensure it will definitely to stay as unforgettable travels and memories just.
Key takeaways:
- A reindeer farm trip gets people to experience and show respect for Saami customs, a part of old Lapland.
- You’ll appreciate soothing sleigh rides over snowy scenes together plus snug, toasty moments by glowing fireplaces just too which will make travels better regarding individuals generally !
- Keep layers on as clothing as well as reserving earlier which could possibly truly optimize trip satisfaction degrees whilst getting available generally when one gets here fully just for it.