Sámi Reindeer Safari Express by the Ounasjoki Rapids

Sámi Reindeer Safari Express in Levi — Reindeer Sleigh Ride, Lichen Feeding and Sámi Traditions at Ounaskievari on the Ounasjoki River

Why this reindeer experience stands out

• Ounaskievari — a working reindeer farm on the Ounasjoki River, run by Johanna with Sámi roots

• Reindeer sleigh ride through snowy forest — the Ounasjoki rapids stay unfrozen even in deep winter

• Feeding reindeer calves lichen in the corral — calm, close and personal

• Farmhouse presentation on Sámi reindeer herding traditions — the real context, not a tourist script

• Shorter format — the right choice for families with very young children or guests with limited time

Ounaskievari sits on the banks of the Ounasjoki River, where the rapids keep moving even in the coldest months. The old barn on the property once served as a stopover for travellers crossing this part of Lapland. The building is still there. The farm is run by Johanna, her mother and their team. Johanna has Sámi roots and carries that heritage into every part of the visit — not as a performance, but as the actual context in which her family has kept reindeer for generations.

1 km reindeer sleigh ride along the Ounasjoki River

A 1 km route through snowy forest along the Ounasjoki River, pulled by reindeer at the unhurried pace of traditional Arctic travel. Long enough to feel the rhythm of the sled and the quiet of the forest around you. The Ounasjoki rapids run alongside — one of the few rivers in Finnish Lapland that stays unfrozen throughout winter.

Lichen feeding in the reindeer corral — reindeer therapy

After the ride, guests enter the reindeer corral. The food handed out is the reindeers’ favourite delicacy — lichen, a natural Arctic plant they eagerly nibble like candy. The calves come close, sometimes close enough to touch. Moving slowly through the corral, there is time to interact with the animals, photograph them at close range and watch how they behave around people. Some approach readily; others keep a polite distance. These are semi-wild animals, and that natural shyness is part of what makes the contact meaningful when it happens. Johanna and the team call this the “reindeer therapy” part of the day — calm, unhurried, grounding.

Reindeer are semi-wild animals. Remain calm near them and follow the guide’s instructions at all times.

Ounaskievari farmhouse — hot drinks, pastries and reindeer herding traditions

The visit ends inside the warm farmhouse: hot drinks — berry juice, coffee or tea — homemade pastries, and a short presentation on reindeer herding. Johanna covers the daily work of a herder, the seasonal calendar, the Sámi roots of her family and what the long-term relationship between a family and their herd actually looks like. There is time to ask questions, connect with the culture and browse local souvenirs before the return to Levi.

Who this is for

• Families with very young children who want a calm, accessible reindeer experience

• Guests with limited time who want the Ounaskievari farm experience in a shorter format

• Anyone who wants a genuine working farm visit rather than a staged tourist attraction

• Those interested in Sámi reindeer herding culture and the Ounasjoki River setting

Private option

Comfort+ program: Private transfer from your accommodation and a dedicated accompanying guide. On arrival at Ounaskievari, guests join the standard group program.

Contact us to arrange.