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Reindeer Experience in Lapland
Reindeer is a magnificent animal leaving every spectator in awe, and in their home in Lapland, an encounter is more or less inevitable. Whether it's a pre-planned activity or an unexpected sight while outdoors in Lapland, seeing a reindeer with your own eyes will surely be a moment to remember.
Last updated: 10.06.2021
Last updated: 10.06.2021
Quick Lapland Facts:
Capital of the region:
Rovaniemi
Size:
100,367 sq km (38,752 sq mi)
Population:
Around 180,000 people
Countries of the region:
Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Russia
Reindeer Sleigh
One of the most popular activities in Lapland providing a truly unparalleled experience is taking a reindeer sleigh ride. Making your way through the picture-perfect scenery, soaking up the calm ambiance, and marveling at the majestic creatures create a special feeling and allow you to enjoy the ultimate Lapland travel.
Setting off on a reindeer sleigh ride is impressive enough on its own; however, you can make it even more special by going on a reindeer-led Northern Lights hunting tour or a Lapland reindeer safari to marvel at the Midnight Sun. This makes the activity and the views even more spectacular, so make sure to add this to your Lapland itinerary.
Reindeer Farms in Lapland
Another great way to familiarize yourself with the four-legged friends is by visiting one of the reindeer farms in Lapland (one of the most popular ones is the reindeer farm in Rovaniemi). Providing all the necessary amenities to ensure the well-being of reindeer as well as plenty of space for them to roam around, the farms allow you to get better acquainted with them, their lifestyle, history, and significance in the area. It also provides the opportunity to see one from up close with your own eyes!
Reindeer and People
In addition to being a spectacular sight to marvel at, reindeer also boast a significance in the lives of the locals in Lapland. For instance, the indigenous Sami people have been herding reindeer for several ages now and it has become tightly intertwined with their lifestyle. Herding animals used to be a family affair and it helped them survive by providing food, clothing, trading material.
Did you know that only Sami People can herd reindeer, and there are no wild reindeer in Lapland? Each reindeer is marked by the owner, so they know who it belongs to. A few centuries ago, while herding animals, each family followed the same reindeer migration paths, which led them to come back to their traditional pasture.
But the Sami people are not the only locals in great proximity to reindeer. Another person that could not imagine his life without them is, of course, Santa! Located in Lapland, Santa's official headquarters also houses the beautiful creatures and allows its visitors to get better acquainted with them firsthand, not only from the tales about Santa.
No matter when you decide to visit Lapland, you should always add at least one reindeer-related activity for the ultimate experience. Whether it's reindeer in Lapland in Finland, Sweden, or anyplace else, seeing them firsthand will surely make your Lapland tour a special one!