Lammintupa, Lapland – A magical adventure with husky dogs and reindeer. As we approached the yelping got louder and more urgent. There was an intensity to the noise, impatient, almost pleading. The icy blue eyes were staring at us, tongues were hanging out, noses pressed forward. They were ready to go. We had come to Lammintupa Winter Village about 15 minutes outside of Ruka in Finland, close to the Russian border, to enjoy some winter activities. And there was no doubting what the first would be as the noise of the huskies got increasingly loud.
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Husky dog sleds – Lammintupa, Lapland
A quick lesson in how to steer a husky sled and we were ready to go. I jumped into the sleigh with my youngest, reindeer hides underneath us and blankets on top to keep us cosy and the dogs, still harnessed started to urgently try and pull us forward.
“Slow down, soon, soon”, called the handlers. They unleashed the rope and we were off. With a sudden jerk of the sled we went flying through the forest.
I grabbed hold of my youngest, whispering in his ear, “wow, this is amazing isn’t it?”, he nodded back furiously.
The yelping had stopped as the dogs pulled us effortlessly onwards. Through trees so heavy with snow and a winter landscape in every direction.
There’s something about riding on a husky dog sleigh that really is unlike anything else. It’s exciting and beautiful and life-affirming all in one.
It is genuinely up there with the best things I’ve ever done.
Feeding reindeer
We followed the husky sled ride with a visit to feed the reindeer and learn some more about these beautiful creatures.
Their antlers are made of bone and grow continuously, in the same way our nails and hair does, meaning you can cut it and although it will bleed it won’t hurt the animal at all.
Reindeer like to eat a special type of moss which Lamminutupa buy from southern Finland. We were able to pull out bunches of the spongy, spiny plant and hand it to them and watch them nibble happily.
Reindeer lassoing
We were given a short lesson in reindeer lassoing. Mr G managed to lassoo his (wooden) reindeer first time so we’ll send him out to catch the animals if we ever need to, the rest of us failed miserably.
Reindeer ride – Lammintupa, Ruka
Then we were off for a reindeer ride through the forest. Such a different experience to the huskies, reindeer rides are calm and peaceful.
We plodded through the woodland, the sledge creaking and the reindeer carefully stepping forward.
It was the perfect way to experience this beautiful landscape.
Cafe
We warmed up inside the cafe where a lovely fire gently flickered inside.
We picked up hot berry juice and huge, homemade doughnuts, still slightly warm from the oven that were sugary, slightly spicy and delicious.
Skidoo
Then the children went off for a skidoo ride. Whizzing about under their own steam and enjoying the forest on a much more modern form of transport.
We absolutely loved our time at Lammintupa (and already have our eye on their summer trips to go bear watching, looking for these beautiful creatures in their natural environment and carefully observing them).
Lammintupa for me made Lapland the magical, wonderful, special place it is and I wouldn’t have missed the experiences here for the world.
Find out more about Lammintupa here. We visited Lammintupa as part of our trip skiing in Finland with Crystal Ski.
We were guests of Lammintupa for the purposes of this review but all opinions are our own.
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Those skidoo’s look so much fun for kids (and maybe adults too!)
I’d love to go to Lapland but I worry it’s more geared towards kids and families. Sledging looks like so much fun x
What an amazing experience for you and the kids.The reindeers appear well looked after too. I’d love to do a skidoo ride as well!
Oh wow what a fab experience for you all!! Loving all your piccys to by the way xx
What an incredible adventure, we’ve always talked about going sledding and this looks like a lot of fun.
This looks like the most magical adventure! The photo of the reindeer taking food for your kid is hilarious! The look on the reindeers face cracked me up! A great photo!