Reindeer Herder’s Day in Levi — Secret Reindeer Forest, Full Kota Lunch with Soup & Rieska, Lasso & Diploma
Why choose the full kota lunch version of Herder’s Day in Levi
- Snowmobile sled into the Secret Reindeer Forest — 15 minutes through wilderness, not a tourist route
- Full kota lunch: vegetable soup with rieska flatbread, reindeer sausage, Finnish pancakes — a proper meal by the open fire
- Animal welfare first: no rides, no tricks — semi-wild reindeer on their own terms
- Maximum 10 people, two visits per day
- Traditional Lappish kota meal served by our own kota chef
- Warm winter clothing included
This program takes guests into the wilderness, not to a farm. From the pickup point, the sled travels 15 minutes across public tracks then private land — open bog, then the Secret Reindeer Forest — old pine and birch, privately owned, no other visitors. When the sled stops, the reindeer approach because they know what the arrival means.
The forest is privately owned by the reindeer herding family. No other visitors, no other groups. Animal welfare is the priority: no rides, the animals move freely across a large area, and are only gathered during winter for feeding and care.
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 this work actually demands. 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. The lunch starts with the Northern Light Veloute — our kota chef’s signature soup, made fresh over the open fire and served with rieska, local flatbread toasted on the flames. Then reindeer sausage: guests can grill over the open fire with the chef’s guidance — locally made, ecologically sourced. Then our chef serves thin Finnish pancakes with arctic berry jam and whipped cream. Coffee brewed in a pot over 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 available on request.
Child price applies for ages 2–11.
Who this is for
• Couples and small groups who want the full meal experience — soup, sausage, pancakes and stories by the fire
• Families with children aged 10 and above — calm, closely supervised (see children’s safety section)
• Guests who want the most complete Herder’s Day: wilderness, herd, full lunch and diploma
• Anyone seeking an authentic Sámi-inspired reindeer herding experience in Levi
Private Option
The full herder's day with soup lunch, arranged as a private experience in the Secret Reindeer Forest. Your group only, from the sled ride out to the last question answered by the fire. Contact us to arrange.
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
What's included
- Warm winter clothing
- Transfer by car from Levi centre (approx. 7 minutes) to the pickup point
- 15-minute snowmobile sled ride out to the reindeer wilderness forest (approx. 10 min back)
- One hour with the reindeer herd in the Secret Reindeer Forest — a privately owned old pine and birch forest: feeding at several spots, close contact and photography
- Storytelling by the reindeer herder throughout
- Full kota lunch by the open fire: Northern Light Veloute (signature vegetable soup) with rieska flatbread, self-grilled reindeer sausage, Finnish pancakes with arctic berry jam and whipped cream, coffee, berry juice and herbal tea
- Lasso throwing practice
- Personal diploma of reindeer herder’s assistant
Not included
Vegetarian, vegan or chicken sausage alternatives (available on request at time of booking).
Important remarks
F.A.Q.
- What is included in the full kota lunch?
The lunch starts with the Northern Light Veloute — our kota chef’s signature handmade soup, served with rieska flatbread toasted on the open fire. Then guests can grill reindeer sausage with the chef’s guidance. Our chef then serves thin Finnish pancakes with arctic berry jam and whipped cream. Coffee brewed in a pot over the fire, hot berry juice, herbal tea. All locally produced, high-quality ingredients. Chicken, vegetarian or vegan alternatives available on request.
- What is the difference between the two Herder’s Day programs?
Both take guests to the Secret Reindeer Forest by snowmobile sled for one hour with the herd, lasso practice and a diploma. The difference is the kota meal: this version starts with our kota chef’s signature “Northern Light Veloute” — a handmade vegetable soup with rieska flatbread, prepared fresh over the open fire. The wilderness Michelin star. No actual stars, no white tablecloths, just a quietly exceptional bowl of soup in a reindeer-skin kota deep in the Arctic forest. It always tastes better than it has any right to. If you want the most complete meal experience, this is the right choice.
- What is the difference between this tour and the Meet the Reindeer tour?
The Meet the Reindeer tour visits Jussi’s farm directly — a 10-minute sled ride with a farm setting. The Herder’s Day goes deeper into the wilderness — a 15-minute sled ride to the Secret Reindeer Forest, a more remote and secluded location. Both include the kota meal, lasso and diploma. The Herder’s Day is more immersive and a real wilderness experience; the farm visit is slightly more accessible.
- What is the Secret Reindeer Forest?
An old pine and birch forest privately owned by the reindeer herding family, reached by a 15-minute snowmobile sled ride through open bog and wilderness. No public trails, no other visitors. The reindeer live freely here for most of the year and are brought in during winter for feeding and care.
- What is the light like in December?
In December, daylight in Levi lasts roughly from 10:00 to 14:00. The afternoon departure arrives at the forest as the short day fades into kaamos — the soft blue Arctic light of the polar night period. The reindeer herd in the blue dusk, the kota fire glowing inside, the soup steaming on the table: this is one of those combinations that is hard to improve on. The afternoon departure is the atmospheric choice in December.
Important remarks:
Ages: Recommended 10 and above. Suitable for younger children only if calm and closely supervised. See children’s safety section in Description.
Departure: Afternoon departure. Includes full kota soup lunch.
Reindeer: Semi-wild. Stay calm, move slowly, follow the herder’s instructions at all times.
Liability: Our company and the reindeer farm are not liable for accidents involving reindeer during the program.
Group size: Maximum 10 people, two visits per day.
Sausage alternatives: Chicken, vegetarian or vegan options available on request at time of booking.
Clothing: Warm winter clothing included. Wear thermal layers and two pairs of woollen socks underneath.
Arrival: Arrive at least 20 minutes before departure to get dressed.
Responsibility waiver: Scandinavian Travel Group is not responsible for changes, disruptions or unavailability affecting the reindeer farm or any other third-party venue visited during this program, for whatever reason. Where a venue is unavailable, the guide will make reasonable alternative arrangements where possible. No refund is due for circumstances beyond our control.
Recommendation
- Warm clothing is provided.
- Wear thermal layers and two pairs of woollen socks underneath. The sled ride out is 15 minutes in open-air conditions; the return is approximately 10 minutes.
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