WHY YOU´LL LOVE IT
Meet the reindeer in a winter forest. Visit a private woodland belonging to the herding family, surrounded by snowy pines and birches.
Spend an unhurried hour with the herd. Move between feeding spots, offer hay and pellets, and photograph the animals as they approach.
Enjoy the sled journey without driving. Your guide takes you through open winter landscapes and forest trails by snowmobile sled.
Gather around the kota fire. Grill reindeer sausage and enjoy Finnish pancakes with berry jam, whipped cream and warm drinks.
Learn directly from the herder. Hear about individual reindeer, the seasonal calendar and the everyday work of caring for the herd.
Keep the visit personal. With up to ten guests, there is time for questions, lasso practice and your own Reindeer Herder’s Assistant diploma.
THE EXPERIENCE
Start your morning with a sled journey into the Secret Reindeer Forest, where the herd gathers among snow-covered pines and birches. On this experience from Levi, travel as a passenger in a sled pulled by a snowmobile and spend around an hour feeding reindeer alongside their herder. Afterwards, settle beside the fire in a warm kota for grilled reindeer sausage, Finnish pancakes and stories about life with the herd. Warm winter clothing is included, and groups are limited to ten guests.
The forest is privately owned by the reindeer herding family. No other visitors, no other groups. The animals live freely across a large area for most of the year and are only brought in to enclosures during winter for feeding and care. Animal welfare is the priority: no rides, no tricks, just the herd on their own terms with the herder present.
Our Signature Reindeer Therapy Program in the Secret Reindeer Forest
Approximately one hour in the forest, moving through several feeding spots with hay and pellets. Dozens of reindeer. The herder leads and talks throughout - about individual animals, the seasonal calendar, what keeping this herd demands day to day. Guests can photograph freely.
Traditional Lappish kota meal by the open fire
The kota is pre-heated and warmed in advance, ready for the guests. Our own kota chef serves a traditional Lappish kota meal.
After spending time with the reindeer, the group moves into the warm kota. Reindeer skins on the benches, fire going. Guests can grill reindeer sausage - locally made, ecologically sourced. Then thin Finnish pancakes with arctic berry jam and whipped cream. Coffee brewed in a pot on the fire, berry juice, herbal tea. While the guests enjoy their meal, the host carries on - more stories about the reindeer, the arctic way of living, and whatever questions have built up over the last hour.
Lasso and diploma
Lasso throwing before the return sled ride. Each guest receives a personal diploma of reindeer herder’s assistant. The return journey is approximately 10 minutes.
All food uses locally produced, high-quality ingredients. Vegetarian, vegan or chicken sausage alternatives are available on request.
Who this is for
Couples and small groups seeking a genuine wilderness reindeer encounter away from tourist routes
Families with children aged 10 and above - calm, closely supervised (see children’s safety section)
Guests who want to go deeper than a farm visit - into the wilderness itself
Anyone interested in authentic reindeer herding traditions and Sámi-inspired culture
Private Option
The Secret Reindeer Forest with only your group present - the sled ride, the herd, the kota meal, all at your pace and for your party alone. Contact us to arrange a private departure.
Important information for families with children
This activity is recommended for families with children aged 10 and above. Its suitability depends on your child’s temperament and your commitment as parents to take extra responsibility and supervise your children closely throughout the program.
Outdoor conditions: A large part of the program takes place outdoors in cold temperatures for an extended period. Ensure your children are comfortable in such conditions and dressed warmly.
Reindeer interaction: Reindeer will roam freely around the group during the activity. Parents must maintain constant supervision. The reindeer are semi-wild animals not tamed to interact with humans. They may become startled by sudden movements, loud noises, or a person standing too close. When frightened, reindeer may run and accidentally hit a person in their path, including with their antlers or hooves. Our company and the reindeer farm are not liable for any accidents involving reindeer that may occur during the program.
Child’s temperament: This activity is ideal for calm and composed children who can remain relaxed and quiet. If your child exhibits more active behaviour - running, shouting, or making sudden movements - the likelihood of an accident increases. Our company does not take responsibility for any potential consequences; this responsibility lies entirely with the parents.
Please take these factors into account when deciding whether this program is a good match for your family.