Reindeer are everywhere in Lapland — on the roads, on menus, in every legend about Santa. But meeting them on a working farm, hearing the herders’ stories and gliding through a silent forest behind one is something else. Here is how to choose a reindeer farm in Rovaniemi and what to expect.
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Reindeer farms and sleigh rides
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What happens on a farm visit
- Meet the herd: feeding reindeer with lichen, learning to tell them apart by their earmarks.
- Sleigh ride: wrapped in reindeer skins, you glide behind a reindeer through the forest — slowly and silently.
- The kota: a wooden hut with an open fire, where you warm up with juice or coffee and hear about reindeer herding, which has shaped Lapland for centuries.
- Reindeer driving licence: some farms hand out a fun “licence” at the end.
Farm visit vs. ride at Santa Claus Village
| Farm visit | Short ride in the village | |
|---|---|---|
| Distance | 1–5 km | a few hundred metres |
| Duration | 2–3 h with transfer | 10–15 min |
| Stories and feeding | yes | limited |
| Price* | ≈ €90–170 | ≈ €20–40 |
| Best for | an authentic experience | a quick taste |
*Indicative per adult.
Good to know
- Reindeer are semi-domesticated: they belong to herders but roam freely much of the year.
- Rides run mainly in the snow season; in summer, farms offer visits without sleighs.
- The ride is gentle and suitable for almost everyone, including small children.
- Combine with huskies the same morning — see husky safaris — or with Santa Claus Village.
Read also:Husky safari in Rovaniemi
Quiz: reindeer
Three questions about Lapland’s favourite animal.
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What do farmers feed reindeer in winter?
Lichen is their natural winter food; farms also use hay.
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How do herders tell their reindeer apart?
Each owner has a unique earmark pattern.
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What is a kota?
Tours often end around the fire in a kota.
Answer every question to see your score.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a reindeer sleigh ride in Rovaniemi?
Short rides in Santa Claus Village cost a few dozen euros; farm visits with a longer ride and transfer usually cost about €90–170 per adult.
Is a reindeer ride suitable for small children?
Yes, it is calm and slow. Children ride in the sleigh with an adult.
Can you see reindeer in Rovaniemi without a tour?
Sometimes on roads outside town, but to meet them up close you need a farm visit or the village rides.
Can you visit reindeer farms in summer?
Yes, many farms open in summer for visits and feeding, without sleigh rides.
By
Aino lives in Finnish Lapland and writes about everything that matters on the ground; Markus is a travel editor who compares tours, prices and hotels. We are independent — not a tour operator, and not affiliated with Visit Rovaniemi or Santa Claus Village.
Affiliate disclosure: this guide contains affiliate links (GetYourGuide, Booking.com & co. via Stay22). If you book through them we earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Prices are indicative and were checked at the time of writing — the live price on the booking page always prevails.