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Reindeer Ride
Antler Action
Young drivers’ choice: a reindeer and sleigh.
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Tradition
The Sámi are known for reindeer husbandry, and the animal is ever present in Lappish life.
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Round Them Up
Twice a year, all reindeer are rounded up for earmarking and counting heads. Lasting for several days, the event definitely does not lack in action.
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A Day at the Races
Some people race cars, but up north we like to keep it environmentally friendly.
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Wintry Wilderness
Lapland’s exotic charisma in a visual nutshell.
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Going Back Home
Yes, the Internet has reached Lapland. Some people just like real life socialising and treat “paying someone a visit” as an occasion.
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Enter the Wild on a Snowmobile
Snowmobiling is sort of like riding a motorcycle on snow, and many would argue a lot more fun.
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Sami – The True People of the North
The Sami possess a rich cultural heritage and are known for their close connection to the land they live on.
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Take a White Hike
Snowshoeing is a great way to experience Finland’s wintry wildernesses.
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Reindeer Ride
The reindeer is an icon of Finnish Lapland, and there’s a good reason for that: the number of reindeer in the province roughly equals that of people. So, when in Rome… jump on a sleigh and ride them like Santa!
Reindeer sleigh rides are a popular way to get close to the fabled animal. Eco-friendly holiday activity at its best, the sleigh ride is not a tourism industry innovation, but an ancient Sámi way of getting around.
Wintertime Magic
Rides usually last from 10 minutes to a few hours. Speeds stay moderate, which makes them suitable for all ages. A reindeer ride is rather something of a spiritual journey; gliding through a snowy forest in a wooden sleigh IS that magical experience travel agents keep trying to sell you.
More experienced drivers may even get to try a racer sleigh or hang on to a running reindeer on skis. The latter is a sport often seen at various events in Lapland – Arctic drag racing, for lack of a better term.
Spot Them Anywhere
Reindeer are semi-domesticated, and each and every animal is owned by a herder. In Northern Lapland, reindeer husbandry is still a major source of income for many.
Reindeer live out in the wild and are rounded up two to three times a year. When in Lapland – any time of year – not spotting a reindeer is close to a miracle, as they often feed close to roads and dwellings. Spotting them while skiing is not unusual, either.
Lapland
In just a few minutes, you can leave behind the hustle and bustle of a ski resort or a city and arrive in the peace and quiet of the wilderness.
