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.
What's included
- Transportation from Levi
- 1 km reindeer sleigh ride through snowy forest along the Ounasjoki River
- Feeding reindeer calves lichen in the corral
- Hot drink (berry juice, coffee or tea) and homemade pastries
- Presentation on Sámi reindeer herding traditions in the farmhouse
- Possibility to buy local souvenirs
Not included
- Warm winter clothing.
IMPORTANT! Available to rent only at Scandinavian Travel Group / Safarimarket pick-up location (Keskuskuja 2 B 3). Clothing will not be delivered to other pick-up locations. If you add clothing to your order, always choose only the Scandinavian Travel Group / Safarimarket pick-up location. Please note that warm clothing follows the same cancellation terms as the main product.
Important remarks
F.A.Q.
- What is the difference between the Sámi Reindeer Safari Express and the Super Reindeer Safari?
Both take place at Ounaskievari with the same program elements: sleigh ride, lichen feeding in the corral, hot drinks, pastries and Johanna’s presentation. The Express includes a 1 km sleigh ride and lasts 2 hours. The Super Reindeer includes a 3 km ride (approximately 30 minutes on the sled) and lasts 2.5 hours. The Express is the right choice for families with very young children or guests with limited time; the Super Reindeer is ideal for those who want more time on the sleigh.
- What is the Ounasjoki River and why does it stay unfrozen?
The Ounasjoki is one of the major rivers of Finnish Lapland, flowing through Levi and south toward Rovaniemi. At Ounaskievari the current is strong enough to keep sections of the river moving even in the coldest months — a rare sight in a landscape where most water freezes solid from November to April.
- Can we touch the reindeer?
Close contact is possible and expected in the corral. The calves often approach readily when lichen is offered. Remain calm, move slowly and follow the guide’s instructions. Semi-wild animals — some come very close, others keep their distance. That natural variation is part of the experience.
- What is the daylight like in December and January?
In December, daylight in Levi lasts from approximately 10:00 to 14:00. The farm visits run during this window. December departures take place in soft Arctic light — the kaamos period, when the sun barely clears the horizon and the snow takes on a blue-white quality. From January onwards the days start to lengthen noticeably. By February there is clear daylight for most of the visit.
Important remarks:
Reindeer: Semi-wild animals. Remain calm and follow the guide’s instructions at all times.
Clothing: Warm winter clothing is not included. You can rent it at our Safarimarket pick-up location only (Keskuskuja 2 B 3) — clothing cannot be sent to other pick-up points. Allow at least 20 minutes before departure to get dressed.
Children: Child price for ages 2–11. Children under 2: transportation fee only.
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
- Wear thermal layers and insulated boots.
- Clothing rented from Safarimarket. Allow at least 20 minutes before departure if renting.
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