If you’re planning a magical winter trip to Finnish Lapland, a visit to a reindeer farm in Rovaniemi is a must! Rovaniemi is the snowy hometown of Santa Claus and the perfect place to experience Arctic traditions. At SieriPoro Reindeer Farm, you can meet real reindeer, feed them, and even take a peaceful reindeer sleigh ride through the forest. This family-run farm shares the rich Sami culture in a fun, hands-on way that’s perfect for all ages. From warm welcomes to snowy adventures, this unforgettable visit is packed with winter wonder!
What is Rovaniemi, Finland?
Rovaniemi is a snowy gem tucked into the heart of Finnish Lapland. It sits right on the Arctic Circle, where winter magic comes to life! Known as the official hometown of Santa Claus, this town is filled with holiday cheer all year round. Thick forests, icy rivers, and deep snow make it feel like a real-life Christmas storybook.
But Rovaniemi is more than just Santa. It’s a place where reindeer are part of everyday life. You might even see them walking across the road! Reindeer have lived here with the Sami people for centuries. They are not just adorable, they are essential to the culture and way of life in Lapland.
Many local families run traditional reindeer farms. And, visiting a reindeer farm in Rovaniemi is a great way to connect with the local heritage. These farms let you experience Arctic life, meet real reindeer, and even enjoy a sleigh ride.
SieriPoro Reindeer Farm in Rovaniemi
When it comes to reindeer farms, SieriPoro Reindeer Farm is the local favorite! This farm is just a short drive from Rovaniemi and feels like stepping into another world. Surrounded by snowy trees and hushed landscapes, it’s a magical place to meet real reindeer.
SieriPoro is family-owned and has been passed down through generations. The family is part of the indigenous Sami community, who have cared for reindeer for hundreds of years. They share their culture and stories with every guest. You’ll feel like you’re visiting old friends.
The farm isn’t commercial or crowded. Instead, it offers a calm, personal experience with small group visits. That makes it perfect for families! You get one-on-one time with the animals and your guide. You can ask questions, take your time, and enjoy the quiet.
During your visit, the owners explain the daily life of a reindeer herder. You’ll learn how reindeer survive Arctic winters and how they’re raised with care and respect. The Sami culture is strong here, and you’ll walk away with a real understanding of their deep bond with nature.
Reindeer Farm Visit
Your visit to SieriPoro Reindeer Farm is packed with unforgettable moments. It starts with a warm welcome and a walk into the snowy paddocks where the reindeer are waiting. The setting is quiet and peaceful, surrounded by snow-covered trees.
A local guide introduces you to the reindeer and tells you all about their lives. You’ll learn about what they eat, how they stay warm, and how they help the local Sami people. The guide speaks excellent English and makes it fun for kids to understand too.
The visit costs about €65 per adult. Children usually get a discounted rate or may even join for free, depending on age. The price includes the guided tour, feeding the reindeer, and sleigh ride options. The entire experience takes about two hours. That’s just the right amount of time to enjoy everything without rushing. You’ll have time to explore, ask questions, and snap plenty of snowy photos.
Everything feels hands-on and personal. You’re not just watching, you’re part of it! The small group size makes the experience feel exclusive and meaningful. If you’re looking for a magical, educational, and exciting way to explore Lapland, this is it! The reindeer are gentle and calm, and the people are welcoming and kind. You leave feeling like you’ve experienced a real piece of Lapland life.
Feeding the Reindeer
One of the most heartwarming parts of your visit is feeding the reindeer! These beautiful animals are calm, curious, and surprisingly gentle. Kids especially love this part! It’s a moment full of laughter, joy, and lots of pictures!
The guide gives you a bucket of lichen, which is a reindeer’s favorite treat. It might look strange, but the reindeer love it! You’ll walk right up to them, and they’ll come to you, noses twitching. It’s amazing to see them so close.
Some will nibble straight from your hand. Others will gently nuzzle your bucket, hoping for more. Their soft noses and big brown eyes make this feel like something from a fairy tale. It’s a calm and beautiful experience for all ages.
You’ll have time to feed several reindeer and get a sense of their different personalities. Some are shy. Some are bold. But they’re all friendly. This isn’t a rushed photo op. It’s a peaceful, joyful experience you’ll treasure forever!
Reindeer Sleigh Ride
The Reindeer sleigh ride is the ultimate Arctic fairytale! At SieriPoro, you can choose between two ride options, each offering something special. The shorter ride is 400 meters long. It’s great for young children or those who just want a quick dash through the snow. It’s quiet, fun, and gives you a feel of what it’s like to travel the old-fashioned way. This ride costs about €20 per person.
The longer ride is 2 kilometers through a peaceful winter forest. The trees are heavy with snow, and all you hear is the soft sound of the sleigh sliding over it. It’s incredibly relaxing. You can snuggle under warm blankets and just enjoy the beauty of Lapland. The longer ride costs around €45 per person.
Both rides are led by your own reindeer, who know exactly where to go. The pace is slow and steady, perfect for taking in the view. You can ride alone or share a sleigh with a family member.
At the end, you return to a cozy hut where you can warm up with hot berry juice. It’s the perfect way to end this dreamy ride!
Other Options
SieriPoro Reindeer Farm offers even more fun for those who want to add a little adventure. One of the most exciting extras is the Northern Lights safari. On clear nights, you can head into the forest with your guide. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch the sky dancing in green and purple light!
For families staying in Rovaniemi, the farm offers hotel pick-up and drop-off. This is super helpful in the snowy weather, especially with little ones. The van is warm, friendly, and always on time.
After your visit, you can enjoy warm drinks by the fire in a traditional Sami hut. It’s a cozy spot to relax and chat about your day.
The farm is open all winter and often books out, so make sure to reserve early. Everything is done with care, kindness, and love for Lapland.
The Family Verdict
This reindeer farm in Rovaniemi is much more than a tourist stop. It’s an authentic experience filled with warmth, knowledge, and fun. The entire experience ran seamlessly. The weather was cold, but had been snowing and then warming a little. So the area was too icy for the longer sleigh ride I originally booked. The farm continuously communicated with me about the situation and provided alternative options. I opted to change to the farm tour with a shorter ride and feeding the reindeer. Ultimately, the girls probably enjoyed more than my original plan!! They loved feeding the reindeer! Those memories will stick with us for years to come!!
Make sure to check out our nearby adventures at Santa Claus Village, a Finnish Husky Farm, Ice Fishing in Rovaniemi, SantaPark in Finnish Lapland, Helsinki, and Estonia. Also, follow along on our complete winter family adventure through Finnish Lapland!
Follow along on our other amazing family travel adventures at www.adventureisinoursouls.com.
Recommended Supplies
Don’t miss out on these recommended supplies for your family adventure!
For Packing:
For the Airport / Airplane:
For the Hotel:
Cold Weather Clothing:
- Women’s Base Layer Socks
- Women’s Wool Socks and These
- Women’s Base Layer Tops
- Women’s Base Layer Bottoms
- Women’s Mid Layer Tops and These
- Women’s Mid Layer Bottoms
- Women’s Jacket
- Women’s Snow Pants
- Women’s Snow Boats
- Women’s Snow Gloves
- Women’s Glove Liners
- Balaclava
- Men’s Base Layer Socks
- Men’s Wool Socks and These
- Men’s Base Layer Tops and These
- Men’s Base Layer Bottoms
- Men’s Mid Layer Tops
- Men’s Jacket
- Men’s Snow Pants
- Men’s Snow Gloves
- Kid’s Base Layer Socks and These
- Kid’s Wool Socks, These, These and These
- Kid’s Base Layers, These and These
- Kid’s Mid Layer Tops, These and These
- Kid’s Mid Layer Bottoms
- Kid’s Jacket
- Kid’s Snow Pants
- Kid’s Snow Gloves
- Kid’s Glove Liners
- Kid’s Beanie
- Kid’s Snow Boots
For Extra Fun in the Artic:
