Reindeer in Lapland – the best experiences tried & tested

Seeing reindeer in Lapland really is part of the experience. Reindeer are a symbol of Lapland and a wonderful way to bring Arctic travel alive for children. Whether your family dreams of a gentle sleigh ride through snowy pines or of meeting herders and learning about traditional Sami life, reindeer encounters are often the highlight of a Lapland trip. This guide covers reindeer biology, the best types of reindeer experiences, how to choose responsible operators, and practical tips for families. It’s tried and tested. We have been lucky enough to travel to Lapland a number of times and had a variety of different Lapland reindeer experiences. You can read to the bottom for a feature all about our nighttime reindeer ride in Saariselka, Lapland.

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👩‍💻 About the author – Nichola is a family travel expert and has written for The Guardian, The Telegraph, Lonely Planet Magazine and Wanderlust, amongst many others. She’s spent over a decade travelling the world with her children, finding the best places for you to explore too.

*AD / This post contains affiliate links & as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. We may also have been compensated in this post either financially or with products / stays. To read more see our Disclosure Policy.

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Read our ultimate guide to Lapland with kids.

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Quick facts about reindeer

Reindeer (scientific name Rangifer tarandus) are a hardy Arctic species closely adapted to life above the Arctic Circle. They are the only deer species in which females normally grow antlers as well as males, and they occur in wild and semi-domesticated herds across Scandinavia, Russia, Greenland and North America where they are often called caribou. Reindeer have evolved several remarkable adaptations for Arctic life: wide hooves that act like snowshoes, thick insulating coats, and the ability to find food beneath the snow. Their life cycle includes an autumn rut (mating season) and calves born in spring after a long gestation of about seven and a half months.

One especially fascinating fact: reindeer can see into the ultraviolet part of the spectrum. That ability helps them spot lichen and other food against a bright, snowy background and may aid detection of predators.

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Why reindeer matter to Sámi culture

Reindeer are central to many Sámi communities in northern Scandinavia and Finland. For centuries, traditional Sámi life and livelihoods have been entwined with reindeer herding — a practice that shapes seasonal movement, festivals and food. Today many herders balance ancient techniques with modern challenges, and inviting visitors to their farms is a way to share living culture, teach about reindeer husbandry and earn income from tourism. If you want an authentic experience, look for tours led by Sámi families or co-operatives — these give children a far deeper understanding than a brief tourist attraction ever could.

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Best reindeer experiences (that you can book)

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Below are the types of reindeer experiences many families enjoy — from gentle and short to immersive and educational. Several reputable platforms (including GetYourGuide) list family-friendly options that include transport, warm clothing and small-group visits.

1. Traditional reindeer farm visit + short sleigh ride

This is the most common first-time activity. You meet the reindeer up close, learn how herders care for them, feed the animals, and enjoy a short sled ride through the forest. Most family options include a hot drink and a storytelling session about Sámi culture — great for keeping kids engaged.

Typical duration: 1.5–3 hours.

Find out more here.

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2. Longer sleigh safaris and evening rides – reindeer in Lapland

For a little more adventure, some farms offer longer sleigh rides through deeper forest tracks, sometimes paired with a night-time aurora watch and traditional campfire soup. These feel more immersive and are magical at dusk.

Booking tip: check the exact length and whether small children can sit in the sledge with an adult.

Read about our reindeer experience in Lapland – Porohaka Reindeer Farm Rovaniemi

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3. Reindeer-herding demonstrations and hands-on days

Some operators and Sámi families offer “working day” experiences where guests can try simple herding tasks, help feed the herd, learn to lasso (with supervision) and listen to joik (traditional Sámi singing). These are brilliant for older children and teens who want a hands-on cultural experience.

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4. Reindeer farm stays and eco-lodges

If you want to extend the experience, look for overnight stays at farms or nearby lodges. Waking to reindeer outside your window is unforgettable for children, and stays often include a farm tour, local cooking and nature walks.

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5. Combination tours (reindeer + other activities) – reindeer in Lapland

Many families pair a reindeer visit with a husky or snowmobile trip, or with a visit to Santa’s Village (Rovaniemi), making a full winter’s day. If you plan to book multi-activity days, check child age limits and whether lunch, transport and warm outerwear are included.

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Check out our guide to the top 50 things to do in Lapland.

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Reindeer facts kids love

• Both male and female reindeer grow antlers; females usually keep theirs longer into winter.
• Reindeer hooves change seasonally — splaying wide on soft snow in winter and gripping rock in summer.
• They primarily eat lichen (“reindeer moss”), grasses, leaves and even mushrooms in summer.
• Calving happens in spring; watching newborn calves (on a responsibly run farm) can be a gentle highlight.
  These bite-sized facts make great on-the-go quiz questions for children while you’re at a farm.

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Responsible reindeer tourism — how to choose an ethical reindeer in Lapland experience

Not all reindeer encounters are equal. Use these rules of thumb:

• Prefer Sámi-run or family-operated farms. This channels income directly to villages and gives an authentic cultural exchange.
• Check reviews and look for small-group experiences that minimise stress on animals. Avoid experiences that force reindeer into unnatural displays or constant handling.
• Ask what the animals’ winters and summers look like; responsible operators will explain seasonal care, calving and grazing areas.
• If you see poor animal welfare — distressed animals, overcrowding, or obvious neglect — do not support the operator and report the experience in the review you leave.

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Practical tips for families visiting reindeer farms

• Clothing: Dress in layers; even brief sleigh rides can be colder than you expect. Ensure warm boots, hats, two pairs of gloves and hand-warmers for little fingers. See our packing guide for Lapland for more detail.
• Age considerations: Many farms are happy with toddlers on parents’ laps for short rides, but check safety and age limits in advance. Some rides have a minimum age (often around 2–3 years).
• Mobility & pushchairs: Farms are often on rough snow or trails — bring a baby carrier rather than a pushchair unless the operator specifies otherwise.
• Feeding & touching: Follow the herder’s instructions when feeding; some farms provide safe feed. Don’t approach without permission — reindeer can be curious but also cautious.
• Photography: Most herders are happy for photos, but ask before entering barns or private areas. Respect the animals’ space and the family privacy of the herders.

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Seasons: when should you book a reindeer in Lapland experience?

• Winter (Dec–Mar): Best for sleigh rides, snowy landscape photos, and combining with other winter activities like husky safaris and Northern Lights watching.
• Spring (Apr–May): Calving season — great for seeing young reindeer but be mindful and respectful; herders sometimes restrict access to give mothers space.
• Summer (Jun–Aug): In non-snow months you can meet free-roaming reindeer, enjoy longer nature walks and learn about the full reindeer-herding calendar. Some experiences are year-round but differ with the season.

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Threats to reindeer and why tourism matters

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Reindeer and Sámi livelihoods face long-term threats from unpredictable snow and ice conditions, habitat change and climate pressures that affect access to grazing. Recent research and conservation organisations report that changing winters — with rain-on-snow events and unseasonably warm spells — can create ice crusts that prevent reindeer reaching lichen, causing starvation events in extreme cases. Responsible, sustainable tourism that supports Sámi communities and conservation can help fund adaptation and preserve reindeer culture for future generations.

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Nighttime reindeer sleigh ride in Lapland – a reindeer safari in Saariselka

On our recent trip to Lapland, we were really pleased to take a nighttime sleigh ride through the winter wonderland landscape, pulled by a reindeer.

It was a really magical experience, as the native animal pulled us through the snowy woodland trail, surrounded by icy pine trees.

The reindeer sleigh ride was based a few minutes drive away from where we were staying in Saariselkä. We were driven into the woods to a small farm by the organiser of the rides by our Sami guide.

The Sami are indigenous to Lapland and our guide was spending his winter providing tours and rides, away from his traditional farming work through the rest of the year.

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All over the country, these beautiful animals roam. For centuries they have provided the indigenous Sami people with a livelihood.

They are graceful and gentle creatures. As we climbed onto our sleigh we were able to stop and stroke the reindeer.

Our group of five were split into two sleighs. We set off in convoy through the woods, lead by the Sami guide.

The trail took us deep into the woodland, lit only by moonlight and stars.

It was a really unique experience, with only the sound of the snow crunching under the sleighs and the bells of the reindeer gently clinking.

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Saariselka reindeer farm organised tour

The trip was organised for us by Lapland Safaris. They were brilliant at ensuring we went out for the time that was right for us and our small children, which was for about an hour.

It was several degrees below zero but we really didn’t notice the cold. We were sat in a wooden sleigh covered with blankets and kitted out in our snow gear.

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It’s such a peaceful way to glide through the forest, watching the moon over the tops of the tall fir trees.

It was cold, really cold but one of those experiences to remember forever – magical and almost other-worldly. Find out more about Saariselka Finland here.

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Read our other Lapland posts here –

Our ultimate guide to Lapland with kids

A trip to Lapland with Santa’s Lapland

A skiing trip to Ruka, Lapland, Finland

A visit to Father Christmas’s Cottage, Kuusamo

A packing list for Lapland for all the family 

A husky dog ride in Saariselka, Lapland

The best to souvenirs to buy in Lapland