Reindeer Safari Review: 200 Year Old Farm & Long Sled Ride
Visiting Lapland and taking part in a reindeer safari? Pretty cool, isn’t it? Very much one of those quintessential Arctic experiences, is that, and you know, I wanted to share my adventure to provide you, like your, a sense of what you might expect if you’re considering booking a similar outing. We are talking about a journey to a farm that has existed for a rather amazing two centuries. I got to ride in a sled pulled by reindeer. Think of it, such as, like your, Santa’s practice runs, although obviously, this experience is really special.
Booking and Preparation
The booking procedure, I suppose, turned out to be relatively straightforward, might be. I did some research, actually, comparing various operators that provide such adventures. I paid close attention, clearly, to customer feedback. The descriptions of the packages were something else! The key element of choice, like your, ended up as this: finding one that would strike the proper balance between providing a real cultural experience. And then it was finding one that focused on responsible animal treatment, actually. Securing everything way in advance can be rather beneficial. So, that way, you often find better prices and there’s some extra assurance that you’ll get a spot during the high season.
Oh, about preparing? Just a little layering is absolutely paramount. Lapland’s weather, in some respects, could prove wonderfully… changeable, sort of. Thermal wear is very helpful, you know, like under layers, that kept me pretty comfy. And then add warmer coats, plus snow trousers, as I was saying. Accessories, pretty much, deserve some thought, I’d suggest, wouldn’t you? Insulated boots, very warm mittens or gloves, like your, and a hat, literally, that covers your ears are also seriously beneficial. Many operators, kind of, supply some outerwear. Checking in advance may prove smart enough. I took it on myself, like your, to add an additional neck warmer and face mask as a precaution, basically.
Arrival at the Farm: A Step Back in Time
Pulling up to the 200-year-old farm was such an experience, and so. It almost felt a bit like walking straight backward into some kind of a history book, actually. The structures showed, kind of, signs of a long and very eventful life. They showed lots of character and very interesting stories. Our guide, pretty much, met us and welcomed everyone enthusiastically, that is that. After a quick, seriously beneficial introductory briefing regarding the farm itself and, you know, about the traditions that surrounded reindeer herding, might be, it’s now time for, well, the reindeer.
Getting up so very close and personal with these creatures? Arguably, this was an eye-opening encounter for many reasons. The farm appeared deeply committed to caring well, so, for their animals. Plus, like your, there were these reindeer, right?, all looking robust and healthy, seemingly, with shining coats. You see them relaxed in their settings. The handlers understand these reindeer animals. So they all demonstrated this obvious regard in how they interacted gently and quietly, you know, when handling them.
The Long Sled Ride
Then we got underway with the sled ride itself, right? Seated nice and securely in these classic wooden sleds, often lined by the way with warm furs. With our reindeer all in front, everything suddenly seemed quiet. As it does in these parts, might be. With just the rhythmic sound produced by our reindeer’s hooves softly padding in this snowy setting, in a way, and, very much their occasional snorts punctuating that atmosphere, in some respects, of tranquil nature.
That trails that go through snowy landscapes, actually, felt nearly dreamlike in terms of sheer magic, seemingly. Snowy trees are heavily draped in blankets all white and very silent. Like silent guards watching your progress. The air felt refreshingly crisp. Also the light: low sunlight paints all this surrounding environment and you’ll see delicate hues associated with soft pastels everywhere. At times I literally forgot how cold it really was, so. Just being engrossed with watching this quiet grace that is, like your, displayed constantly by reindeer felt pretty special. I wasn’t just a traveler or a visitor: I was kind of allowed temporarily to almost connect more deeply by taking part in such a tradition.
Post-Ride Reflections and Sami Culture
Post-ride? Also as enriching as experience behind the sled! After that wonderful time behind the reindeer it was time for something warmer. In this very toasty traditional Kota setting: the perfect sort of atmosphere to thaw your insides while engaging with other visitors. So the stories told by hosts around a cozy open fireplace included several pieces, clearly, regarding Sami history plus also details on current lifestyles within Finnish Lapland nowadays, very.
These interactive portions, as a matter of fact, felt fascinating because you were really adding richness and meaning. To think you’d otherwise have had this isolated journey! By getting direct access with locals or residents one then heard tales or anecdotes providing better appreciation or context in relation just how they related back to wider cultural viewpoints.
Refreshments served proved delightfully simple! Like some typically local cuisine featuring simple options like some grilled sausages and heartwarming beverages did really complement well. Warm blueberry juice specifically felt pretty good after facing up so valiantly throughout whatever snowy adventures earlier!
Ethical and Sustainable Tourism
From all observable points the organizers really make efforts that should see you supporting responsible wildlife tourism, actually. That means seeing all reindeer well managed while having spaces meeting most physical / biological criteria in nature.
Operators also seem invested into preservation efforts, you know. All which preserve this culture itself via hiring residents and teaching newcomers, right, via education activities? You see also most visits are conducted mindfully for limiting potential ecological disruptions which demonstrates just they value sustainable conduct very highly.
What to Bring on Your Reindeer Safari
Preparing suitable attire gets essential, I’m talking basically warm, breathable fabrics, seriously. This would add just some good underlayers below waterproof exterior coatings plus hardy insulated walking boots. Think also on safeguarding sensitive exterior aspects plus some effective frost bite treatments particularly.
Beyond garments then? So it goes almost without saying, I suspect, that one requires excellent quality cameras too with just several supplementary batteries in hopes all is documentable right until eternity (almost.) Lastly maybe bring something that reminds about where from from and then add personal comforts because those can turn every place into anything so warm that anyone may just take pleasure as we go alongside something familiar near something truly unexpected all around them both effectively and simply actually…
The Verdict: Is It Worth It?
As something someone suggests wholeheartedly and positively yes very sincerely (that’s my impression almost.) One sees here this perfect meeting somewhere there amidst entertainment coupled in sensitive awareness plus respect regarding not culture almost just but living critters inhabiting area plus.
These Safaris don’t really provide merely thrill journeys! It’s basically also something one does invest time just when gaining knowledge coupled when celebrating practices coupled if just honoring planet along also which provides opportunity just simply learn anew appreciation while valuing history around where ever something takes flight through.
- Authenticity: The 200-year-old farm offers a unique cultural encounter.
- Animal Welfare: Reindeer are very well cared for.
- Scenery: Winter wonderland is gorgeous with so much pristine powder snow which reflects the skies and environment!
- Cultural Immersion: Experience all historic local custom straight away throughout engaging chat times afterwards after you are complete behind everything by walking boots upon softest fields near ever there possibly possibly may exist elsewhere further throughout someplace
#ReindeerSafari #Lapland #Finland #TravelReview #AnimalAdventure #CulturalExperience #WinterWonderland
