Super Reindeer Safari in Levi — 3 km Sleigh Ride, Lichen Feeding and Sámi Reindeer Herding Traditions at Ounaskievari
Why this reindeer safari stands out
- Ounaskievari — a working reindeer farm on the banks of the Ounasjoki River, run by Johanna with Sámi roots
- 3 km sleigh ride through snowy forest — the longer sleigh option at this farm
- Lichen feeding with the reindeer calves — close contact in the corral, not a staged encounter
- Farmhouse presentation on Sámi reindeer herding traditions — the real context, not a tourist script
- Homemade pastries and hot drinks included
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.
3 km reindeer sleigh ride through snowy forest
A 3 km route through snowy forest along the Ounasjoki River, pulled by reindeer at the unhurried pace of traditional Arctic travel. The ride takes approximately 30 minutes. This is the longer sleigh option at this farm — enough time to stop noticing the cold and start noticing the forest.
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.
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 children of all ages looking for a calm, personal reindeer experience
- Guests who want the longer sleigh ride and more time at the farm
- Anyone interested in Sámi reindeer herding culture and traditions
- Those who want a genuine farm visit rather than a staged tourist attraction
Private option
There are 2 Private program options for this tour:
1. Private program.
During the 3 km ride we make a stop in the forest and warm up by a cozy fire in a forest kota hut — hot drinks, pancakes and sausages by the open fire, and stories about reindeer herding traditions and the everyday life of a herder. After the ride, guests enter the reindeer corral and feed the young calves their favourite delicacy — lichen, a natural Arctic plant they eagerly nibble like candy. Note: the private program does not include the main farmhouse session. Guests can use the warm facilities inside the main house.
2. 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 either option.
What's included
- Transportation from Levi
- 3 km reindeer sleigh ride through the winter forest near Ounasjoki River
- Feeding reindeer calves lichen in the corral
- Hot drink (berry juice, coffee or tea) and homemade pastry
- 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 “reindeer therapy”?
The term comes from Johanna and her team at Ounaskievari. Spending time quietly among reindeer — feeding them lichen in the corral, moving slowly, watching them approach — has a naturally calming effect. No specific wellness claims are made; it is simply what the experience feels like in practice.
- What is the difference between the Super Reindeer Safari and the Sámi Reindeer Safari Express?
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 Super Reindeer Safari includes a 3 km sleigh ride (approximately 30 minutes) and lasts 2.5 hours. The Sámi Express includes a 1 km ride and lasts 2 hours. The Super Reindeer is the right choice when you want more time on the sleigh; the Express is ideal for families with very young children or guests with limited time.
- Can we touch the reindeer?
Close contact is possible and expected in the corral. The reindeer calves often approach readily when food is offered. Remain calm, move slowly and follow the guide’s instructions. These are semi-wild animals — some will 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.
- The sleigh ride involves sitting still for approximately 30 minutes in cold temperatures.
- Allow at least 20 minutes before departure if renting clothing.
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