For the first time I saw a reindeer in Lapland, in the homeland of Santa Claus, in the village of Rovaniemi, so this time I didn’t have such a “wow” effect as with

But at the same time, we had a very cool time with the deer - we fed reindeer moss, watched their habits, and, of course, took pictures)) and then also had a light snack in the wigwam next door.

After spending some time with these funny animals, I became interested in learning a little more information about the reindeer, so in this article I will tell you some interesting facts about these amazing animals.

The reindeer lives in temperate forests, mountainous areas and woodlands


They feed mainly on grass, twigs, moss and other plants, generally herbivores.

On average, a reindeer lives 10-13 years in wild nature, but in captivity up to 20 years.

Surprisingly, humans are the biggest threat to deer. Reindeer quite often become victims of motorists in winter time.

When we were going to the very north of Finland to ski, such a northern one twice very unexpectedly crossed the road for us, fortunately there was a snowstorm, and we were driving quite slowly, so everything worked out.

In general, according to statistics, about 4,000 reindeer die on the tracks in Finland every year, the Finns even came up with original way– reindeer herders spray deer antlers with a special spray that, when dried, leaves a reflective coating on the antlers

Female reindeer (unlike other species) also have antlers like males, and they are shed for the winter. Reindeer antlers are valued not only as a trophy or wall decor, but it turns out they are often used in the preparation of medicines.

In addition, for some it is also food, the discarded horns are eaten by rodents and other animals, since this is an excellent source of minerals and calcium.

Reindeer milk is the most nutritious mammalian milk, judge for yourself - 22% milk fat and 10% protein (in cow's milk 3-4% milk fat and about 3% protein).

Deer meat is already quite common, not only in some restaurants, but also in stores. Venison, compared to regular red meat, is considered more nutritious

The reindeer is not afraid of the cold and is able to endure temperatures of -60 degrees Celsius, and at the same time travel thousands of kilometers, delivering New Year's gifts to us

Reindeer can travel great distances, averaging 35 km a day. At the same time, they are capable of speeds up to 80 km / h.

This ability gave people the idea of ​​running reindeer races, but unlike horses/camels, here the riders do not sit on their "driving horses", they stand behind the reindeer on their skis, holding on to the rope. Such a race passes through several cities, so many people can watch this amazing race. As a rule, riders dress quite shockingly, in colorful bright costumes.

Reindeer hooves are very unusual, their uniqueness lies in the ability to adapt to the season - in summer time the bottoms of the hooves become spongy, which contributes to comfortable movement on soft ground.

And in winter, the pads are tightened, exposing the hooves, with the help of which you can crash into snow and ice and at the same time not slip at all - such is the "winter rubber" provided by nature)) Also, the winter "version" of the hooves allows them to dig out moss from under the snow

Reindeer are also excellent swimmers, they are able to swim across wide rivers and even the vastness of the ocean, float reindeer at speeds up to 9 km/h.

To visit the deer farm in the Nuuksio park, feed these funny animals with reindeer moss,

and grab a bite to eat at the campfire tepee, contact Sea and Mountain Adventures, detailed information they have it on the website


Review article for the entire tour:

Articles about other sights and activities:

Husky park and safari express 2 and 4 km(Husky Point cattery)
Duration: 2 hours

On this tour you will meet real Siberian Huskies with thick fluffy hair and blue eyes, as well as with foxes, spitz, arctic fox, boogie tundra wolf and husky wolves. The nursery is located just 15 min. drive from Levi. On a trip to dog sledding you ride on sledges as passengers: sit down two people in sleds (you can take another small child). The musher stands on the runners behind the sled, and you get the feeling that the huskies themselves are rushing you along the taiga paths. A journey of 2 or 4 kilometers flies by like one unforgettable moment. After the trip, it's nice to sit in a yurt by the fire, taste sausages fried on the fire and a hot drink (tea/coffee/juice). The owner, the famous mahout Reijo Jaskelainen, will show a film in Russian/English about the history of the origin of the Laika breed, about their habits and content. The bonus will be a local attraction called "Deer Kiss".

Husky kennel and self-guided sleigh safari 5 and 10 km (kennel of Paulina and Hannu)
Duration: 2 hours

The nursery is located just 15 min. drive from Levi. The owners of the farm, Pauliina and Hannu, keep real racing Alaskan huskies, as well as Siberian huskies. Their pets are participants and winners of the latest European and Scandinavian competitions. Safari routes for 5 and 10 km. Upon arrival, you will go through the school of mushers and immediately go on a safari, as the dogs harnessed to the teams are very impatient. The route will run through forest and open hilly terrain with beautiful view. After the safari, you can warm up in a cozy yurt, drink hot berry juice, tea or coffee and fry a sausage on a fire. The hostess will be happy to tell you a lot of interesting things about the "dog" life of her pets. The kennel contains more than 70 dogs. You can also meet husky puppies.

"Polar Express": husky + deer (Husky Point cattery)
Duration: 2.5 hours

Combination of two of the most popular excursions in Lapland - traditional Vehicle in the Arctic - huskies and reindeer. After a breathtaking 2 km husky safari and a wonderful 1 km reindeer ride, the guide will tell you about the traditions of reindeer herding and dog breeding. During a tour of the kennel, you will meet Spitz, Arctic fox, Boogie tundra wolf and husky wolves. At the end of the tour, it is nice to sit in a yurt by the fire, taste sausages fried on the fire and a drink (tea/coffee/juice).

Wolf safari 10 km (Husky Point cattery)
Duration: 2.5 hours
Departure: on request

Are you afraid of wolves too? After this exciting excursion, you will stop being afraid of them and at the same time get great pleasure from a 10 km ride in a team with husky wolves through the twilight forest led by a professional driver. You can give a trip to a friend for his birthday! At the end of the tour, it's nice to sit in a yurt by the fire, taste sausages fried on the fire and a drink (tea / coffee / juice).

Lapland village and mini safari reindeer sled
Duration: 1.5 hours

A fun program for the whole family. Full of impressions, it is, nevertheless, the shortest and most inexpensive program in the resort. Only 15 min. bus ride from the resort, on the banks of the taiga river, in the forest, there is a Sami settlement, which is more than 200 years old. The owners of the farm, Arya and Erkki, will help you get comfortable in a reindeer team and take you for a ride in a small circle along the river. You will also be able to take pictures with handsome deer with large branched antlers. After skiing, the hostess will invite everyone to the guest house, where she will treat you to warm berry juice by a cozy crackling fireplace and tell you a lot of interesting things about deer. You can buy interesting souvenirs self made deer antler and skin.

Reindeer safari 3 km self-guided
Duration: 2 hours

An excursion for those who want to ride a reindeer with a breeze and drive a team on their own. Starting point - a small and cozy deer farm on the shore taiga river. Because deer are semi-wild animals, you will need a short briefing from the farm owner. After that, you get into the sleigh and the deer will rush you along a narrow path through a snow-covered forest. After skiing, you can feed reindeer with reindeer moss. Then, in a cozy guest house or Lapland yurt by the fire, you can warm up a little, drink hot coffee / tea with a sweet treat and hear interesting story farm mistresses about the life of deer and reindeer herders.

Deer farm visit and super safari 5 km
Duration: 2 hours

Located 15 minutes from Levi, Erya Farm offers a 5 km super safari through the fabulous winter forest. From early morning, the reindeer owner begins to prepare her pets for the trip: she puts on a picturesque harness, harnesses a light home-made sleigh, puts warm sledges in deer skins for “passengers”, puts a kettle on the fire… After returning from the forest, a cup of hot tea or coffee with pastries by the crackling fire in the fireplace will seem especially delicious. You can buy handmade souvenirs, feed moss reindeer and see the old buildings on the farm, some of which are over 100 years old.

Reindeer safari 3 km + ice fishing + salmon soup for lunch
Recommended for adults and children over 6 years old
Duration: 4 hours

Combination of 3 km reindeer safari, ice fishing at Wolf Lake and lunch in a Lapland yurt: hot salmon soup with traditional black bread and butter, coffee/tea sweet bun. The reindeer team is used as transport along the way from the bus stop to the lake (the route is divided into 2 parts of 1.5 km in each direction). Rainbow trout (Finnish salmon) is caught. The fish you catch can be cooked on the fire. During lunch we will talk about nature, animals, reindeer herding. Those who successfully return will receive the rights to drive a reindeer team.

Reindeer safari + ice fishing + salmon soup for lunch + snowshoes
Recommended for adults and children over 6 years old
Duration: 4 hours

The tour is based on the same program as in the previous tour, but with the addition of the possibility of hiking on snowshoes. In winter, the thickness of the snow cover in the forest can reach more than 1 meter. Snowshoes are a great way to get to unspoiled places where you can't go in ordinary shoes.
Warm clothing is included in the price of the tour.

Reindeer Night Safari "Chasing the Aurora"
Duration: 2 hours

You will go on a journey in a time machine to the past, when the Saami used reindeer as the only mode of transport, and only the Northern Lights illuminated their path for long winter nights. The journey from Levi to the departure point takes about 15 minutes. The adventure will begin when the local reindeer herders will take you across the ice to the other side of the taiga river, from where you will go on a leisurely 3 km walk on a reindeer sled through the forest. Back at the deer farm, you can watch the night sky of the northern hemisphere, and if you're lucky, you will see beautiful flashes of the northern lights.
Hot berry juice and a fire in a wooden yurt will help you warm up. It is possible to rent warm overalls for the price of 10€ per person.

Excursion to a horse farm and riding Finnish horses through the winter forest
Day program
Duration:~1 hour (skating 40-45 min).

Duration:~2 hours (skating 1-1.5 hours)

Night program (chance to see northern lights)
Duration:~1 hour (skating 40-45 min.)

The horse farm is located 10 km from the resort of Levi in ​​a snowy forest. You will have a guided tour of the stable, briefing and horseback riding through the snow-covered forest. Upon returning back, a treat awaits - warm juice and cookies. Min. the child's age is 6 years. Max. rider weight - 100 kg.

Husband. generic name of animals; we are more familiar with Cervus tarandus, the reindeer, Lapland or riding deer; in Altai and the Caucasus there is a union elaphus, red deer (German) or real, eastern. sib. red deer, zap., sib. deer; in places it goes ... ... Dictionary Dalia

deer Encyclopedia of mythology

DEER- golden horns. Jarg. they say Neglect About a very stupid person. Maksimov, 287. Deer with spreading horns. Jarg. corner. Iron. or Neglect. A naive, inexperienced person who does not belong to the underworld. P 87, 245; UMK. Deer wet his tail. Gorky. ABOUT… … Big Dictionary Russian sayings

deer- occupied an important place in the mythology and beliefs of the Celts. Thus, the deer was revered as a symbol of fertility and vitality, dignity, speed and aggressiveness. He was associated with other qualities as well. Deer antlers were considered a symbolic display of ... ... Celtic mythology. Encyclopedia

DEER- DEER, deer, husband. The name of various breeds of a ruminant artiodactyl animal with branched horns. Noble deer. Reindeer. Reindeer riding. Explanatory Dictionary of Ushakov. D.N. Ushakov. 1935 1940 ... Explanatory Dictionary of Ushakov

deer- oleshek, roe, deer, stag, roe deer, fallow deer, red deer, fawn, polar cod, elk, musk deer Dictionary of Russian synonyms. deer n., number of synonyms: 39 axis (2) ... Synonym dictionary

DEER- DEER, me, husband. A large artiodactyl animal with branched horns. Home about. Wild about. Noble about. Stag beetle (special) large beetle of this family. stags with horn-like elongated jaws. | adj. deer, ya, ye and deer, oh, oh. Deer horns.… … Explanatory dictionary of Ozhegov

deer- DEER, I, m. 1. A joke that a person walks with an impudent look past a doorman who does not let him through (usually to a hotel or restaurant) with a gesture imitating horns, accompanying this with the words “careful, deer!” 2. Girl. I am today… … Dictionary of Russian Argo

deer- ramified (Serafimovich); golden-horned (Meln. Pechersky) Epithets of literary Russian speech. M: The supplier of the court of His Majesty, the partnership of the printing press A. A. Levenson. A. L. Zelenetsky. 1913. noble deer, swift, graceful ... Dictionary of epithets

deer- DEER, DEER stag, cow, Lanka DEER, calf ... Dictionary-thesaurus of synonyms of Russian speech

deer- Ndp. chorus Adult uncastrated deer, male. [GOST 16020 70] Inadmissible, non-recommended choir Subjects livestock for slaughter Generalizing terms reindeer EN reindeer DE Renbock FR renne ... Technical Translator's Handbook

Books

  • Deer August, Evgen Gutsalo. Evgen Gutsalo began to write short stories and novels not so long ago, but they have already gained wide popularity. In the publishing houses of Ukraine, his books were published: "People among people", "Apples from the autumn garden", ...

    Good afternoon

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    The rule is usually like this, you can ride on spikes a week after the Finnish Easter, this year it turns out it was possible until 29.4. Now only summer or without spikes.

    Tell me, until what date can you enter Finland on studded tires? Thank you!

    Hello! Please tell me how much cooked pork meat you can take with you, what is the fine for transporting pork sausage to Russia from Ukraine?

    Please tell me, the dog died in Finland, what needs to be done to bring it back to Russia?

    Good afternoon, a dark sunscreen strip made of 14 cm wide film is pasted on the windshield of a car. Will there be problems crossing the border with a stripe on the windshield? Thank you.

    Hello, the spouses are going to Finland by car. The car is owned by the wife, the husband will drive. OSAGO for both spouses. Do I need a power of attorney from the owner for the driver? And for whom is the Green Card issued? Tell me, please, who knows.

    Good evening! Who knows if studded tires are already allowed in Finland?

    the question is of course interesting)) and what kind of passport do you have? European citizen? then of course you don't.

    Do I need a visa to Finland for a trip for 3 days?

    Good evening. I will buy a second-hand men's bicycle, I live in the city of Turku. I'm waiting for offers. Write to FB or email [email protected]

    Needed urgently, on 30.04. driver from Vyborg to Imatra Finnish customs. Call 79 216 599 858 no earlier than 10.00

    Now there is practically no one here (in the chat))) ((And in the new one, I didn’t find it. But it seemed like before April 9 it was possible.

    Guys, good afternoon. Tell me, until what date can you enter Finland on studded tires?

    vassi, after 20.00 you can. Saturdays and Wednesdays.

    is there a place to chat? or is there a mona here?

    They will crash, or maybe they will leave

    And what will happen to the chat now? Crash along with a great site?

    Sidor2018, excellent, if so, and the cans are not necessarily beer, they are also lemonade)

    WA, for a returned bottle or beer can, the money is returned at any time. The check has no expiration date.

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Finland is a fairly small country, but its sights are unique. With each visit, tourists fall more and more in love with it, get acquainted with its historical values ​​and visit the most interesting places.

One of the most famous and interesting places became, which is a unique linguistic and cultural region as part of Suomi. It is here that every tourist can temporarily plunge into the atmosphere of magic and fairy tales, as well as see the most beautiful miracle of nature - the northern lights. After all, it is in the north of Finland that this natural phenomenon You can watch up to two hundred nights a year. And, of course, get to know your favorite wizard and his faithful assistants - reindeer.

Lapland is the largest European region where Finnish reindeer are bred. The field of reindeer husbandry is clearly structured and includes more than 5 thousand participants and is practically the only way earnings local residents.


There is a special cooperative (autonomous economic and geographically separate unit) of which every reindeer herder becomes a member. All cooperatives are fenced and contain no more than 500 reindeer. In total, hundreds of thousands of these animals are under the close attention of reindeer herders and are rightfully one of the main attractions.

A trip to a reindeer farm in Finland will be one of the most the best entertainment for the whole family. In the very center, these amazing animals with kind bottomless eyes, branched horns and soft fur are found almost everywhere.


A visit to a farm is not only good way get to know real reindeer, but also have a fun ride in a reindeer sleigh.

In winter, this type of entertainment is in great demand, so you will have to stand in line for several hours. At this time, you can enjoy fabulous landscapes, as well as visit the chum (in the very center of the village), warm yourself by the fire and meet local employees dressed in traditional costumes.

The Finnish deer is the symbol of Lapland. Everyone has a name and their own master, who will first tell a lot interesting facts about the life of the animals themselves, about the peculiarities of their breeding and nutrition, and then they will allow you to stroke your pets, feed them and take beautiful pictures as a keepsake.

Many interesting facts about them will be revealed while listening to a theoretical lecture, which is an obligatory part of the excursion. For example, that Santa's helpers are able to withstand very low temperatures, due to their thick fur and live on average up to 20 years.


And also Finnish reindeer's eye color changes, which is really, magical: from golden brown to deep blue, depending on the time of year.

The mammal is currently rare species. They are bred not for demonstration to tourists, but for food. Unique properties and milk has value, and reindeer meat is considered the most favorite dish for the inhabitants of Lapland and hallmark national .

After the theory, you can safely proceed to the most interesting part - reindeer riding. The sleds are not driven by trained instructors, but by ordinary visitors. This does not pose any difficulties, since Finnish animals are very obedient and perfectly remember the entire route, since they have to tread the path several times a day.


The duration of the tour is approximately three hours. After the reindeer sleigh ride, lunch will be offered. Tourists can enjoy tea drinking in a bright chum, or located on the farm itself and try venison dishes.

Opening hours and cost

The cost of the tour is not clearly defined and depends on many factors: the age of the tourist (children's ticket is cheaper), the duration of the Finnish reindeer trip (ranges from 500 meters to several kilometers) and the lunch menu (choosing a chum or a restaurant).

On average, the price of visiting a deer farm for an adult will be approximately 120 euros, and for a child 70 euros.

The working hours for visitors on all farms are approximately the same: daily from 9 am to 6 pm.


However, for the reindeer herders themselves, the working day begins early in the morning. In spring and summer, it is necessary to feed the animals, clean the barn and prepare hay, as well as repair and prepare all buildings for visiting in order to create a unique atmosphere of magic for tourists.

In autumn, the work is even more intense. It is necessary to count the livestock and mark each, as well as determine the part of the deer for the winter. The rest will turn into delicacies and fluffy skins.

In order for the animals not to cause damage to the local flora (after all, they feed mainly on reindeer moss and juniper), their number is clearly regulated and in winter it is allowed to keep no more than 230 individuals.

Sirmakko Reindeer Farm is a real nature reserve where you can see reindeer in natural environment a habitat. Also touch the amazing Sami life. This is Lapland.


highlight this tour will be the passage of the rite of initiation into the Laplanders, which will give each tourist an unforgettable vivid impressions. Anyone can rent a small house. On the territory of the farm there is a souvenir shop selling goods with local symbols.

This farm is located at the address: Rovaniemi, Valtinmutka, 15.

Upon arrival at the Finnish reindeer farm, you must remember that this place is unique. The beauty and originality of nature, fresh air and rare representatives of flora and fauna. Therefore, littering is strictly prohibited. Talking loudly or gesticulating too much in front of animals is not recommended. And also feed them brought food.


For a comfortable trip in the winter, you need to take care of the presence of warm clothes, comfortable shoes to protect your hands. It is advisable to purchase a protective face cream (especially for children) so that the skin does not experience discomfort during reindeer riding.

Attention should be paid to the fact that great amount Finnish reindeer die under the wheels of transport, so in Finland there is a special road sign for motorists. And also for this reason, the horns of animals are painted with a special reflective solution and they cross the road only in specially designated places. When traveling in your own transport, you need to be very careful.

And of course, a camera or camcorder is a must. This will allow you to capture the most interesting moments of your stay in the fairy-tale land of reindeer.

Interesting video: Lapland, home of Santa Claus