Rovaniemi: Meet and Feed Reindeer

If you’re craving a genuine taste of Lapland’s timeless traditions, the Meet and Feed Reindeer tour offers a quiet, memorable window into the life of these gentle creatures and the culture around them. While it’s not a wild adventure or adrenaline rush, this tour provides an authentic, close-up experience that’s perfect for families, curious travelers, or anyone who dreams of the Arctic’s quiet beauty.

Two aspects we love are how intimately you get to interact with the reindeer—petting and feeding them—and the stories about reindeer husbandry that add meaningful context. The only potential downside? It’s a relatively short, one-hour experience, so those looking for longer or more active Arctic adventures might want to combine it with other excursions. Still, if you’re interested in a peaceful, educational encounter that highlights the traditional ways of life in Lapland, this tour is well worth considering.

Who will enjoy it most? Travelers eager for a gentle, authentic experience—especially families, animal lovers, or anyone looking to connect with the Arctic’s cultural roots—will find this tour highly rewarding.

Key Points

• Authentic Reindeer Interaction: Pet and feed these friendly animals, creating memorable moments.
• Cultural Stories: Learn about reindeer husbandry directly from guides, with insights into traditional livelihoods.
• Photo Opportunities: Capture charming pictures of reindeer and their environment.
• Comfort and Convenience: Winter clothing and transfer options included, making the experience accessible and hassle-free.
• Duration and Flexibility: At around one hour, it’s a manageable activity, with flexible start times.
• Family-Friendly: Suitable for all ages (except wheelchair users), providing a respectful, gentle encounter.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Overview of the Experience

The Meet and Feed Reindeer tour in Rovaniemi is a fantastic way to step into the quieter side of Lapland’s Arctic culture. Priced at $74 per person, it offers a nicely balanced experience: enough time to connect with the animals and learn about their role in local life, without the commitment of a full-day tour.

The tour begins with a convenient pickup, either from Rovaniemi’s city center or Santa Claus Village — both iconic starting points for Arctic adventures. The transportation is straightforward, with pickups scheduled about 30 to 40 minutes before the activity begins, ensuring you’re not rushed and can settle in comfortably. The actual farm where the reindeer are kept is just a few minutes walk from the resort, making this a very accessible activity.

Once at the reindeer farm, you’ll be introduced to the animals by a knowledgeable guide. The main highlight is the chance to pet the reindeer—something most travelers find surprisingly gentle and friendly. Feeding them lichen, the traditional treat, is a simple but delightful activity that allows for close-up interaction. As one reviewer puts it, “We loved the way the reindeer approached us—they’re much calmer than expected.”

Throughout the hour, guides will share stories about reindeer husbandry, explaining how locals have maintained this ancient practice and its significance today. These stories add depth and context, making the experience more than just a petting session. You’ll leave with a better understanding of how these animals are an integral part of Arctic life, not just Christmas icons.

What You Can Expect

The tour includes hot drinks to warm you up after your reindeer encounters, a thoughtful touch given the chilly conditions in Lapland. The equipment provided—thermal overalls, boots, mittens, and balaclavas—ensures everyone stays comfortable, regardless of outdoor temperatures. This is especially handy for visitors who may not have packed specialized winter gear.

Guides are friendly and speak English fluently, ensuring clear explanations and stories. Visitors have appreciated the respectful approach to the animals, with one comment noting the importance of gentle handling: “The staff ask us to approach slowly and avoid sudden movements, which really helps keep the reindeer calm.”

Value and Practicalities

At $74, the tour offers good value for the intimate, authentic experience it provides. It’s an ideal choice for those who want a taste of Lapland’s traditional lifestyle without committing hours or spending a fortune. The inclusion of transportation, winter clothing, and hot drinks makes it a convenient, hassle-free activity—perfect for busy travelers or those on a tight schedule.

On top of that, the option to reserve now and pay later offers flexibility, especially important if weather conditions in Lapland are unpredictable. The full cancellation policy (up to 24 hours in advance for a refund) further ensures peace of mind.

What the Tour Does Well

• The personalized interaction with reindeer makes it stand out from larger, more commercialized options.
• The storytelling component enriches the experience, giving it cultural depth.
• The ease of logistics—with pickups and included winter clothing—reduces stress for travelers unfamiliar with Arctic travel.
• The photo opportunities are plentiful, and guides often help visitors capture great shots.

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What Could Be Better

The main limitation is the duration—just an hour—which might feel brief for visitors wanting a more immersive Arctic experience. Also, since it’s primarily a daytime activity, those seeking Northern Lights or winter adventure might have to look elsewhere. Finally, the farm’s proximity means the experience is more about interaction than scenic nature or wilderness.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This activity suits travelers who are looking for a relaxed, authentic encounter with Lapland’s reindeer herding culture. It’s perfect for families with children, animal enthusiasts, or anyone curious about local traditions. It’s also a good choice for those who want to avoid strenuous activities but still enjoy the Arctic’s unique charm.

However, if you’re after a longer, more adventurous ride or a snowmobile safari, you’ll want to explore other options. Likewise, those in a wheelchair should note that the farm isn’t wheelchair accessible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included? Yes, transfers from Rovaniemi city center or Santa Claus Village to Apukka Resort are included, making logistics easy.
How long is the experience? The tour lasts approximately one hour, including transportation and interaction time.
What should I bring? Just outdoor clothing—though winter gear is provided—so dress warmly for the outdoors.
Are the reindeer friendly? Yes, guides emphasize gentle approach and behavior. The reindeer are accustomed to humans but should be approached slowly and respectfully.
Can I take photos? Absolutely. The tour offers plenty of photo opportunities, and guides are happy to help capture good shots.
Is this suitable for children? Yes, it’s family-friendly, though very young children should be supervised.
Are there any restrictions? External snacks are not allowed, and the activity isn’t suitable for wheelchair users.
What is the cancellation policy? You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility should plans change.
Is this experience authentic? Yes, it focuses on the traditional practice of reindeer husbandry and local culture, not just a tourist attraction.

Final Thoughts

For anyone visiting Rovaniemi and wanting a genuine, low-key experience that connects you with the Arctic’s cultural roots, this tour offers a delightful taste of Lapland. It’s a respectful encounter that emphasizes authentic interaction and storytelling over commercial spectacle. The inclusion of winter gear, transportation, and hot drinks makes it an inviting option, especially for those new to cold-weather travel.

While it’s not a high-energy adventure, the chance to pet and feed reindeer and learn about their significance to Lapland is a meaningful addition to any Arctic itinerary. It’s especially suited for families, animal lovers, or anyone seeking a quiet, educational experience that highlights the local way of life.

If you’re after a peaceful, authentic reindeer encounter—one that respects the animals and offers insights into traditional livelihoods—this tour is a fine choice. It’s a small, well-organized window into Lapland’s enduring connection to reindeer, sure to leave you with meaningful memories and some charming photos to take home.

Note: For those interested in more Arctic adventures, check out similar experiences like snowshoeing, husky safaris, or snowmobiling—many of which can be combined with this gentle reindeer tour for a fuller Arctic experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: