Reindeer Yoga in Kuusamo: A Chilled-Out Review
Picture this, you are in Finland. Not just any part, the very serene, snow-dusted lands around Kuusamo. Okay, and now add a handful of very gentle reindeer, some yoga poses, and a big dash of arctic serenity. Sounds like something out of a fairy tale, too, but it is also a real thing, so that would be Reindeer Yoga. And honestly, it is quite the memorable experience, so you get a chance to zen out in nature while hanging out with these furry friends.
What’s the Big Deal With Reindeer Yoga?
Reindeer yoga is a mashup of regular yoga and a reindeer hangout sesh, that might sound a little out there. I mean, you might ask why reindeer? Very good question. Well, these reindeer aren’t there to give poses or judge your downward dog, of course, they’re really there to give you a connection to nature and an additional sense of peace to your practice. Also, these animals, particularly in Finland, are sort of a big deal, so that is an experience that goes beyond a standard yoga class. And I found the whole experience just so much calming and fun. It really made all the poses feel just a little extra special, too, you know?
There’s also this feeling of connecting with Finnish culture. You probably didn’t know this, but reindeer husbandry is pretty old up here. So, very often, interacting with reindeer can bring you in contact with traditions that have been around for generations. I think that is very remarkable about this kind of tourism. I mean, that kind of thing is very grounding and peaceful in a manner you probably wouldn’t expect, so that makes yoga feel much better, too, maybe even enlightened, if I am to say. Plus, you’re like, in Finland. Very gorgeous.
My Time Getting My Zen On With Reindeer
I traveled to Kuusamo and the whole adventure started, you know, arriving at a very cute little farm. And that place was cute! Surrounded by forests just packed with snow and with these little wooden buildings, and a big pasture area that was sort of where the magic was happening. It was pretty magical, actually, at first meeting the reindeer, because I knew a few things from nature documentaries, but it is way different to actually stand next to one. They are surprisingly gentle, kind of curious, too. After an intro on what you should and shouldn’t do near the reindeer, it was time to get the session on.
The yoga area was just a part of that same snowy field. And that can give off such a serene kind of vibe, so that even breathing was easy there. Our teacher walked us through all these basic poses. I guess they weren’t that complex, but with a gorgeous landscape, and those curious faces of the reindeer poking around, well, it created a very special kind of moment. And also the setting had just a pinch of surrealness. It felt great just to be able to take that big breath right then. The air there? Absolutely pure.
What stood out? Those brief moments where a reindeer would wander over. I remember one very adorable little fellow kind of nuzzled my yoga mat as I was just attempting tree pose, I think. We all were cracking up a little. Yet, that also was an excellent lesson to, very likely, laugh at yourself, accept being imperfect, which is also very key to doing good yoga.
Is Reindeer Yoga For You? Things To Consider
Alright, so who will enjoy stretching with the reindeer the most? In general, probably animal lovers are one good place to start. You want to make sure, honestly, you’ll want to respect, too it’s almost important, these gentle beings, too it’s almost like you want to embrace being with nature instead of just going to a generic studio. I would say, really.
Yet you shouldn’t have to be a yogi master. Reindeer yoga versions tend to be created so anyone at every level has opportunities for relaxing. What really matters is having your spirit open to the odd, the strange, as well as some unique travel memories.
There is the aspect of weather, so, too it’s almost like, remember Kuusamo often can have snow, or coolish weather conditions, very obviously it is usually outside, very outdoorsy people or travelers with very warm clothing are likely to appreciate just how unique the background ambiance may actually feel.
Tips for A Great Reindeer Yoga Experience
Ok, here’s what I know! And what, in a way, I wish someone had, too it’s almost like, made certain that I understood way before that tree pose tryout.
- Clothing Layers Are Crucial: Prepare by wearing all those moisture wicking clothes. It has the potential to turn chilly, so that thermal underwear may actually be helpful, just like that favorite winter coat too.
- Do Listen To Your Guide: Guidelines are present, just in place, which has, potentially, something to do with reindeer safety and your own too. Respect these animals’ areas. Do not push them!
- Pack Some Snacks (For Yourself): Check with your yoga facilitator in advance about packing some snacks and maybe water too, as reindeer should not, naturally, be feed strange stuff. Keep energized though!
- Cameras Ready! (Respectfully): It might be great, if you could get those unforgettable photo memories, just you need to act appropriately, while minimizing possible disruptions around reindeer practices. Move gently as the photos are being taken, and please, really turn sound options, such as your flash options, down, while minimizing startles around the area there.
- Be Totally Present: That yoga session just involves nature, stillness, and calm interaction alongside fantastic critters there. Breathe in every single precious peaceful opportunity presented there. Be there right in these specific moments.
Planning Your Visit
Okay, I feel the most comfortable getting some logistics stuff handled, really before you take your Finnish holiday break! Now, how could I structure all that to minimize pain? What places will, or can, host this kind of experience.
Booking the Best Class Time
Look on sites for tourist visits, that are usually Kuusamo tour-based or which give various outside style adventures. If it might just not provide all opportunities with the exact search phrase, just think about calling and sending emails off too, very often, and try getting info relating directly toward regional tour staff.
Time considerations must factor with respect about light. Kuusamo could experience shortened times from light during fall or perhaps even periods within deep winter. Classes work usually at daylight intervals to give gorgeous atmospheric contexts from sessions being run.
Getting There and Around
Kuusamo, of course, possesses such fantastic aviation possibilities. When there actually seems a connection towards some location very different, it might be time that it’d make a plane towards some of the capital Helsinki initially which makes continuing towards Kuusamo almost easier.
Rental automobiles often appear as one of the greatest efficient selections across Kuusamo especially any instance there comes preparation seeking additional exploration across every countryside. Almost taxi also transports or regional transporting operations will usually manage tours specifically which may contain activities near those designated yoga classes.
Accommodations: Where to Stay
Kuusamo offers, essentially, different types to do with locations for laying to recharge or spend free occasions which incorporate relaxing accommodation options like these at super cozy places.
Lodges: Such spaces present relaxing plus a kind closer connection from that environment where frequently such lodging places display individual spas/dining that actually seems awesome while going throughout such nature journeys!
Hotels: If those like your choice accommodation provides extra structured hotels will seem extremely close by cities bringing smooth accesses and ease going off anywhere just after having relaxing moment during the Finnish landscapes!
Other Activities in Kuusamo
Now you’re here! What now, after bending along with very cute animals for brief experiences, consider additional exploration around Finnish beauties!
Ruka Ski Resort
During those cooler month sessions find, arguably, that famous town around Ruka Ski area. From newcomers at even professional levels people of different kind just explore opportunities offered, perhaps cross along ski terrains or appreciate gorgeous terrains there.
Oulanka National Park
Through the park region lies famous hiking potential all thanks wonderful terrains which usually display falls while creating terrains ideal getting photographed around.
Husky Sledding
Husky experiences may come unforgettable adventure opportunities! Explore all vast spaces plus these areas guided only by very lovely canine companion animals through amazing spaces. Get connected towards wildlife adventures along sled practices!
Well, basically, after wrapping from that brief journey toward experiencing such calming opportunities together along with Reindeer at the land from Kuusamo find perhaps opportunities existed in mixing fitness from very cute creature friends which gives unique opportunities that hopefully can not get matched easily! Give consideration through all given travel ideas while mixing with those local cultures then embrace perhaps only Finnish landscapes, so it’ll result something truly fantastic.
