Meet the Reindeer like a local in Levi — Snowmobile Sled to a Private Farm, Reindeer Therapy, Traditional Kota Meal
Why this reindeer experience stands out in Levi
- Reached by snowmobile sled through open bogs, forest and fells — 10 minutes on private and public land
- Small local family farm run by a multi-generational herder — not a tourist attraction
- Animal welfare first: no rides, no tricks, reindeer free-roaming in a large area
- Maximum 15 people, two visits per day — always a small group
- Traditional Lappish kota meal by the open fire served by our own kota chef
- Warm winter clothing included — nothing to rent or arrange
This is a working reindeer farm run by a local family with long-standing herding traditions. The reindeer live freely for most of the year and are brought in during winter only for proper feeding and care. Animal welfare comes first: no reindeer are used for rides, they move freely across a large farm area. Groups are kept small — maximum 15 people, twice a day.
The journey starts with a 7-minute drive from Levi to the pickup point, then a 10-minute snowmobile sled ride through open bogs, forest and fells, partly on private land. On arrival at the reindeer corral, guests are immediately surrounded by the herd.
Our Signature Reindeer Therapy Program
The farm owner greets the group, introduces himself and his family, and walks guests through several feeding stations with hay and pellets. The reindeer come to the food readily. Some will let themselves be touched; most keep their distance — these are wild animals for most of the year, not pets. The owner talks throughout about individual animals, the herder’s yearly calendar and the reindeer’s role in Lappish life. Guests call this experience “reindeer therapy” — it is calm, unhurried and unlike anything at a standard tourist farm.
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, guests move into the warm kota. Reindeer skins on the benches, fire burning. Reindeer sausage — locally made, ecologically sourced — grilled over the open fire. Then 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 outside the kota before the return. Each guest receives a personal diploma of reindeer herder’s assistant. The return is by car or minibus from the farm to Levi.
In case of no snow, transport is by bus both ways. All food uses locally produced, high-quality ingredients.
Who this is for
• Families with children aged 10 and above (see children’s safety section)
• Couples and small groups seeking genuine contact with semi-wild reindeer
• Guests who want an authentic Lappish farm experience, not a staged tourist encounter
• Anyone looking for a calm, unhurried experience in the Arctic wilderness
Private Option
The farm visit is already kept small — a private booking makes it entirely yours. Your group with Jussi, the herd, and the kota meal, with no other guests present. 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
- 10-minute snowmobile sled ride to the reindeer farm (partly on private land through open bogs, forest and fells)
- One hour at the reindeer farm: feeding at several stations with hay and pellets, close contact with the herd, photography
- Storytelling by the reindeer farm owner throughout
- Sumptuous open-fire meal in the kota: 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
- Return transfer to Levi by car/minibus directly from the farm
Not included
- Chicken, vegetarian or vegan sausage alternatives (available on request at time of booking).
Important remarks
F.A.Q.
- What happens during the reindeer farm visit?
After a 10-minute snowmobile sled ride through open bogs and forest, guests arrive at the farm and are immediately surrounded by the herd. One hour is spent moving through several feeding stations with hay and pellets, with the farm owner talking throughout about the animals, the herding calendar and Lappish life. Groups are kept to 15 people maximum, two visits per day.
- Is this experience suitable for children?
Recommended for ages 10 and above. Younger children are welcome only if calm and closely supervised by parents throughout. The reindeer are semi-wild and may be startled by sudden movements or loud noises. See the children’s safety section in the description for full details.
- What is served at the kota meal?
Our own kota chef serves a traditional Lappish kota meal. Guests grill reindeer sausage over the open fire. Then the chef serves thin Finnish pancakes with arctic berry jam and whipped cream. Coffee brewed in a pot, hot berry juice, herbal tea. Chicken, vegetarian or vegan alternatives available on request.
- Is warm winter clothing included?
Yes — warm winter clothing is included in the price. Arrive at least 20 minutes before departure to get dressed. Wear thermal base layers and two pairs of woollen socks underneath.
Important remarks:
Ages: Child price applies for ages 2–11. Recommended 10 and above. Suitable for younger children only if calm and closely supervised throughout. See children’s safety section in Description.
Reindeer: Semi-wild and not tamed for tourist interaction. 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.
No snow: In case of no snow, transport is by bus both ways.
Group size: Maximum 15 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 program involves approximately one hour standing outdoors in cold conditions.
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