Snowshoeing to Reindeer forest & Reindeer herder's day with lunch

An exclusive Arctic adventure through private wilderness trails and a heartwarming encounter with reindeer in a secret forest.

This two-part experience is perfect for adults and children aged 12 and up, combining gentle snowshoeing through pristine snowy landscapes with a private visit to a reindeer herder’s forest. The experience offers the ideal balance of nature, culture, and relaxation — making it one of Levi’s most cherished winter activities.

Part 1: Easy Snowshoeing Hike in the Private Wilderness

Snowy Trails & Scenic Viewpoint

Your journey begins in Levi village, where you’ll meet your guide and get fitted with snowshoes over your own sturdy winter boots. After a short 10-minute transfer, you’ll arrive in the secluded wilderness area, far from public trails and ski slopes.

With our experienced guide, you’ll walk a 2–4 km loop trail through snowy forests and frozen swamplands. The route is selected for its balance of gentle activity and scenic beauty, with several great spots for photographing Lapland’s untouched winter wilderness.

This snowshoe trail lies entirely on private land, offering true peace, serenity, and exclusivity — perfect for those seeking a nature experience far from the crowds.

Part 2: Reindeer Encounter in a Secret Forest

After about an hour of snowshoeing, you’ll arrive at an old pine and birch forest — a completely private area owned by a local reindeer herding family. This is a truly exclusive setting with no other visitors, often referred to as our Secret Reindeer Forest.

As you step into the quiet forest, curious reindeer from the nearby herd will begin to approach, expecting food. You’ll be greeted by your local host, who will introduce themselves and share a few words about their family’s long tradition in Lappish reindeer husbandry.

You’ll receive a bucket of feed — usually a mix of hay and specially prepared pellets — and begin feeding the animals as they gather around. The feeding takes place at several natural spots throughout the forest, giving you the opportunity to interact closely with the reindeer, take beautiful photos, and enjoy unhurried moments in their presence. Some of these Arctic animals may allow you to get close, while others remain shy and cautious — as they live most of the year freely in nature.

This peaceful, unstructured moment in nature is what we fondly call “Reindeer Therapy”, known for its calming effect and emotional connection to the wild.

Traditional Lappish Lunch & Fireside Storytelling in a Kota

After the outdoor experience, you’ll warm up inside a cozy Lappish kota hut, where benches covered with reindeer hides surround a crackling open fire.

Here, a local chef will prepare and serve a handmade Arctic lunch, beginning with a warm vegetable soup and freshly toasted rieska (a soft local flatbread).

Next, you’ll receive a reindeer sausage, which you’ll grill yourself over the fire, with guidance from your host. These sausages are made using local, ecological ingredients and offer a true taste of Lapland’s food culture.

To finish, enjoy thin, crispy pancakes — handmade by the chef over the open fire in a traditional pan. Served with local berry jam and whipped cream, they are best enjoyed alongside freshly brewed fire-pot coffee or naturally decaffeinated herbal tea.

While you relax and eat, your host will continue sharing stories about the reindeer herding lifestyle, seasonal changes in the Arctic, and Sámi traditions. There’s plenty of time for conversation and questions.

Final Touch: Lasso Practice & Diploma

Before heading back, you’ll step outside for a fun session of lasso throwing, an essential skill for any aspiring herder. Afterwards, you’ll receive a personalized diploma as a Reindeer Herder’s Assistant — a unique and memorable souvenir from your Lapland adventure.

The return hike to the car is shorter (about 15 minutes), marking the end of your peaceful day in the Arctic wilderness.

Why Choose This Tour?

• Exclusive access to private snowshoe trails and a secluded reindeer forest
• No other visitors except our group – experience nature in peaceful seclusion
• Authentic Arctic lunch handmade and served by an open fire in a traditional kota
• Educational & interactive – perfect for couples, small groups, and curious explorers
• A calm and personal experience often described as “reindeer therapy”

Important remarks

Important: This tour includes moderate uphill and downhill walking on uneven terrain. A normal level of physical fitness is required, and the activity is comparable to cycling 5 km.

Not recommended for guests with knee problems, heart conditions, or mobility issues, due to uphill climb and downhill descent on snowshoes.

Reindeer are semi-wild animals and though used to living next to people, they are quite shy and can be unpredictable. Please always follow the instructions given by the guide and try to be calm and careful when close to the reindeer.

Important Information for Families with Kids:

This activity is recommended for families with children aged 10 and above. However, 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.

Key Points to Consider:

Outdoor Conditions:
The large part of the program takes place outdoors in the cold temperatures and lasts for an extended period. Ensure your children are comfortable in such conditions and dressed warmly to stay protected.

Reindeer Interaction:
Reindeer will roam freely around the group during the activity. Parents must maintain constant supervision of their children to ensure everyone's safety. The reindeer on the farm are semi-wild animals that are not tamed to interact with humans. As such, they may become startled by sudden movements, loud noises, or a person standing too close. When frightened, the reindeer may run in a certain direction 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 behavior and may engage in unexpected actions (such as running, shouting, or making sudden movements like waving their arms), the likelihood of an accident increases. Therefore, our company does not take responsibility for any potential consequences; this responsibility lies entirely with the parents.

By taking these factors into account, you can make an informed decision about whether this program is a good match for your family.

Recommendation

We recommend wearing warm winter clothing. It can be rented separately before the departure from the Safarimarket office in Levi center at extra charge.

Cancellation Policy

• We will charge a cancellation fee of 100% if booking is cancelled 7 days or less before the event
• We will charge a cancellation fee of 50% if booking is cancelled 21 days or less before the event
• We will charge a cancellation fee of 10% if booking is cancelled 365 days or less before the event