Rovaniemi - the home of Santa Claus, a city located right on the Arctic Circle - is deservedly considered one of the best centers winter sports in Finland. The city of Rovaniemi with a population of 35,000 inhabitants is the capital of Lapland. Everyone who wants to get to know the culture and way of life of this northern region, definitely come here.

Thanks to the presence of snow cannons that guarantee snow cover on the slopes and pistes, the ski season here begins in October. There is also a point that is probably photographed more often than all other sights in Finland - a sign located at the northern entrance to the city " arctic circle" with the designation of the exact geographical latitude this imaginary line.

In addition to the main duty to fulfill innermost desires, Santa Claus has a lot of worries. He is a very busy grandfather. Judge for yourself: in a year he reads more than six million letters from 184 countries (even from distant New Guinea and Madagascar!). And then there are messages e-mail throw, there is no time to rest. It's good that the faithful dwarf helpers in red caps and striped golfs sort out the bags of letters. Sometimes Santa can be seen rushing around the city on a deer - there is not enough time, time flies, before you have time to look back, how the new year turns into an old one, years are compressed into centuries, and now the change of the whole millennium has come up.

Deer are everywhere here. This does not mean that they are ownerless, although they can roam without any supervision. They belong to the indigenous inhabitants of Lapland - the Sami, who live here about five thousand. By the way, not only Santa Claus can ride reindeer, but anyone who wants to test this unusual vehicle. To do this, you just need to take special short-term courses on "driving deer", after which you are awarded "reindeer rights". And then, harness, let's go!

Where the reindeer will take you is impossible to say for sure, but for sure you will not be able to miss one of the main attractions of Finland with the Arctic Circle sign. Taking a picture next to him, you will feel like a real polar explorer and understand that it is time to boldly go to the "places of Santa Claus".

The best Finnish resorts are located in Lapland. These are Levi, Saariselkya and Ylläs. Fans of impeccable service will not be able to find fault with anything. There are high-class hotels and cozy cottages where you can find everything your heart desires: swimming pools, jacuzzis, saunas, GYM's, billiards. Night safari on snowmobiles, reindeer and dog sledding, as well as entertainment in a tropical water park with all the pleasures that follow from this.

Be sure to take the time to ride the dog sled. Finnish huskies, or huskies, conquer everyone with their kindness. Also, they have blue eyes like the sky. While the owner ties them into a harness, the huskies whine and bark with impatience - so you want to hit the road as soon as possible! You can even try to drive a team, although this is not as easy as it seems at first glance.

It can also happen that you get bored with the comfortable atmosphere in the hotel. Then we advise you to experience the proverb known to everyone: "With a sweetheart, paradise in a hut." Everyone can do it in a hut, but what about an ice hut, inside which is minus 3 - 8 degrees? But just imagine that through the transparent ice ceiling you will see the twinkling of the northern lights. According to Japanese belief, it brings happiness in the birth and upbringing of children. Yes, you can endure everything for this (especially since in fact warm sleeping bags will protect you from any cold). You can live in a house made of ice, which is called "igloo", in the town of Saariselkä. There, by the way, there is a whole village: twenty igloo houses, an ice church where the newlyweds are crowned. an ice sculpture gallery and even an ice bar.

In the realm of snow, it is impossible to deny yourself the pleasure of skiing, snowboarding, skating and sledding. Polar windsurfing will give you an extraordinary experience: you get on your skis, pick up a small parachute, and now - catch the wind and go! Inveterate skiers who prefer flat running should go to Kuopio - this city is surrounded by ski slopes over 400 km long. Professionals can recommend the ski stadium on the Pujo fell, where the world's only ski jumping school operates. Skiers and snowboarders are waiting for high-class ski resorts Takho and Himos, and you can rent the equipment of the "snow extreme". If you want to teach your kid to ski, then Jyväskylä is the place for you, where even three-year-olds are trained.

And your child will always remember Lumilinna Castle, located in Kemi. In this shining ice palace, guests are greeted by the "spirits of Lumilinna" Terttu and Arttu - a pair of funny creatures that appear here and there. With them you can ride the hill and see the sights of the castle. For the night, we advise you to stay in an icy two-story hotel at the castle, where the beds are made of wood and snow. Do you think you will freeze in a lambskin sleeping bag, lying on a thick mattress stuffed with straw? In such a bed, by the light of candles, no frost is terrible. But you will feel just like in childhood ..

So, to Lapland! There, where every year the Christmas fairy tale begins and miracles happen. There, where it is frosty and snowy, where the polar night and northern lights. Just try to say at home: "That's enough, we're tired, we're leaving for Santa Claus!", and you will hear a cry of delight from your beloved child, who is already fucking tired of studying and terribly wants adventures in the country of the Snow Queen and the real Santa Claus where, in the words of the Reindeer from Andersen's fairy tale, "wonder as well."

Lapland is perfect a starting point for a variety of safaris: 150 motorized sledges can simultaneously start from here on a journey through unknown expanses. Rovaniemi is also a city reindeer, from where every tourist can take away not only unforgettable impressions of a trip on a reindeer sleigh, but also real "rights" to drive this local vehicle.

How much the entertainment costs: A reindeer and dog safari costs about $100 (500 Finnish marks). The same is the cost of a one-day cruise on an icebreaker in the Gulf of Bothnia and a night in an ice hotel. Don't forget to take a picture with Santa Claus (80 FIM) and take a diploma from him for visiting the Arctic Circle.

What else unusual can await a traveler in the land of the aurora borealis? Well, for example, you did not try, emerging from warm waters swimming pool, immediately get on your skis and take off from the hill?

Such entertainment offers the water park "Serena" in Helsinki. And dive into the waters of Bothnia, where the icebreaker from the city of Oulu will take you, and swim among the ice, is it weak? If yes, go fishing. True, for this you need to purchase a license, which costs about $ 20. You can fish on the shore of a lake in eastern Finland, and in rapids, and in the sea - on the Aland Islands off the Baltic coast.

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 dog sledding trip, you ride on sleds as passengers: you sit down two people in sleds (you can also take a 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 vehicles in the Arctic - husky 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 reindeer safari
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 from antler and skins.

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 time 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 on deer farm, you will be able to observe the night sky of the northern hemisphere, and if you are 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 the 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.

Where to ride reindeer in Finland with a visit to a reindeer farm

Reindeer sleigh safari in Lapland

At the reindeer farm, you will get to know these half-tamed domestic animals. Drive a reindeer sled yourself on a reindeer safari and learn all about reindeer herding, the most traditional activity in northern Finland.

Over a cup of aromatic drink, you will hear a story about deer, reindeer herding and the history of farms. Here you will be shown how to correctly draw a lasso, with the help of which the deer are separated from the herd (and, of course, they will give those who wish the opportunity to do this on their own). After coffee, the reindeer herders will corral part of the herd and show you all the types of work that they have to do on the farm every day. Visitors are given the opportunity, under the guidance of reindeer herders, to take part in the care of reindeer. At the end of the show, the deer will be released back to the pasture. Finally, you can feed the animals with your own hands, ride a reindeer sleigh and drink a farewell cup of coffee.

Reindeer farm trip in Lapland

1. Jaakkola Reindeer Farm
Located in the town of Luosto. Various recreation programs. Farm accommodation.
Farm site: (

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

In this material we want to tell you about the Finnish deer. For many centuries in a row, people and deer in Finland have been living next to each other. Therefore, it is not surprising that this particular animal has become a symbol of Lapland, and its population is approximately equal to the population of this northern region. But still, man could only half tame him. The Finnish deer lives in temperate forests, feeds on moss and plants. It must be said that under wildlife he can live on average up to 12 years, in captivity this figure increases and can reach about 20 years. A lot of Finnish reindeer die under the wheels of cars, so in Finland you can often see the corresponding car signs on the roads.

Farmers and animal protectors are doing their best to protect them from death. For example, their horns are covered with a reflective agent, and special barrier nets are stretched along the perimeter of the roads so that animals cross the roadway only in specially designated places. Note that a collision with them is very dangerous and the driver should always be on the alert. Finnish deer are not afraid of cold weather and calmly withstand low sub-zero temperatures. They are reliably protected by thick warm fur, which is not afraid of even -50 degrees.

Some are made from horns medications. As for milk, it is the most valuable of all mammals. It contains 19% milk fat, for comparison, cow's average contains about 4%. A lot of delicious dishes and products are prepared from meat, which you should definitely try when you come to Finland. Someone is fond of snowmobile safaris, and among the Scandinavians, one of the favorite winter activities is reindeer racing. A person gets on skis, clings to a team and follows the animal.

Photo: Manfred Werner / Wikimedia Commons

Such races are organized quite often, the routes are different and the route can pass through several settlements. Such competitions are always expected in every corner of the country, because it is believed that these people bring good luck with them. There are many special farms in Finland that many tourists like to visit. They listen to the stories of the farm owners, feed the animals with reindeer moss, watch them, and also ride reindeer sleds. Programs, as well as the prices of such tours, are very different.

But for the majority of the population of Lapland, who live especially in the north, reindeer herding is considered one of the main sources of income. It should be noted that each Finnish reindeer belongs to some reindeer breeder. Twice a year the animals are lured into pens to count the herd and brand the young. Even the Finnish Santa Claus chose this inhabitant of the northern latitudes as his assistant. Any little Finn can easily list the names of each deer from the big Christmas nine.