How to See Reindeer in Finland
Few travel experiences feel as distinctly Nordic as spotting reindeer wandering through the forest in Finland. Whether they are pulling a sleigh beneath the northern lights, grazing quietly beside the road in Lapland, or gathered near a traditional Sami farm, reindeer are woven deeply into Finnish culture and daily life in the far north.
For many, seeing reindeer is one of the biggest reasons to visit Finnish Lapland. And while the experience is excellent, it’s important to know where to go, when to visit, how to respect the local culture and customs, and how reindeer tourism actually works in Finland.
I’ve put together this article covering reindeer in Finland, from the history of their use through to how tourism operates today. I’ve also gathered a list of the best places to see them, including those I’ve liked most, and reputable tour companies to book through.
In this article...
The History of Reindeer in Finland
Reindeer have lived in the Arctic for thousands of years, and they have been an important part of Sami culture for more than 1,000 years. The Sami inhabiting areas of Finland and Russia were the last Sami groups to begin herding semi-domesticated reindeer, with this practice being much more common in Norway and Sweden.
The Sami are the only recognised indigenous people within the European Union, and reindeer husbandry has long been central to their traditions, livelihoods, clothing, food, and seasonal movement patterns. Reindeer provided transport, meat, hides, tools, and trade opportunities in some of Europe’s harshest climates.
Today, reindeer husbandry is a major industry in Lapland. Around 4,000 people are involved in reindeer herding in Finland, though only a small portion are Sami people. While reindeer husbandry is a protected indigenous right in Norway and Sweden, meaning only Sami people can herd reindeer, in Finland, it does not have the same protections, meaning either Finns or Sami can herd reindeer.
Modern herding combines traditional knowledge with newer technologies like snowmobiles, GPS tracking, and fenced grazing areas. Unlike other animal husbandries, reindeer are not kept in enclosed paddocks year-round. Many roam freely through forests and tundra for large parts of the year. That’s why it’s pretty common to spot reindeer beside highways, near ski resorts, or even wandering through villages.
In northern Finland, reindeer are not simply tourist attractions. They are an important part of regional identity and economy.
Reindeer in Modern Finnish Tourism
Over the last two decades, reindeer tourism has become one of the signature experiences of Finnish Lapland. Winter visitors arrive hoping for a complete Arctic fantasy: snow-covered pine forests, cosy cabins, northern lights, husky sledding, and reindeer sleigh rides. Tourism operators across Lapland now offer everything from short farm visits to overnight wilderness safaris.
But reindeer tourism in Finland is generally quieter and more culturally grounded than many visitors expect. This is not a theme-park version of the Arctic. Many reindeer farms are family-run businesses where herding is a genuine livelihood rather than a staged attraction.
During an experience, visitors can expect:
- Feeding reindeer
- Learning about Sami culture
- Short sleigh ride
- Meeting the herders
- Trying traditional foods (often reindeer meat)
- Hearing stories about Arctic life
In summer and autumn, tourism shifts slightly. Travellers may visit open grazing areas, hike through Lapland landscapes, or stay in wilderness lodges where reindeer roam nearby. It’s important to understand that reindeer tourism is highly seasonal.
Best Time to See Reindeer in Finland
December to March: This is peak season for the classic reindeer experiences. This is when you’ll find sleigh rides, winter safaris, and northern lights tours.
June to September: This is excellent for seeing reindeer, although not in the snowy postcard setting you may imagine. Since the reindeer roam around, it’s common to see them when out hiking or driving.
In May, reindeer are calving, and many reputable operators let their reindeer into the mountains during this time, making them difficult to see. In October, many good reindeer farms give their reindeer a rest before the busy summer season.
Spotting Reindeer in the Wild
It is very common to see reindeer by the side of the road in Lapland, and they can also run out onto the road at any time. If driving, stay alert – particularly at dusk. If you see reindeer on the road, don’t stop for pictures and don’t hinder traffic.
In the wild, reindeer are always on the move. They change their location – a grazing area that can be over 1,000 sq km – according to the seasons and weather conditions.
It’s also important to know that all reindeer in Finland are owned by someone. This means that every time you see a reindeer, it is someone’s property. Consider that before approaching them or entering private land. That said, reindeer are still semi-wild, so treat them like wild animals rather than pets – they can be aggressive. During the rutting season, reindeer may act in unpredictable ways. Reindeer can be curious and might try to approach you, but it’s best not to return the favour. According to Finnish law, one is not allowed to disturb or frighten the reindeer in any way.
Where to See Reindeer in Finland
While reindeer can occasionally be spotted throughout northern Finland, some destinations are particularly good for travellers wanting structured experiences and reliable sightings.
Inari
Inari is my top pick, mostly because it is the centre of Sami culture in Finland. Located in the far north near Lake Inari, the area is considered one of the cultural centres of Sami life in Finland. Reindeer herding remains highly visible here, and many tours include cultural education alongside animal experiences. The excellent Sami museum and cultural centre, Siida, provides valuable historic context before visiting local farms.
My favourite reindeer farm here is Inari Reindeer Farm. They are an authentic Sami family who provide an excellent immersive experience into Sami culture and reindeer husbandry. They also have one of the best handicraft shops in the region: https://www.instagram.com/reindeer_farm/?hl=en.
Another reputable company is Inari Reindeer Farm Renniina https://www.reindeerinari.fi/en/our-story/
Saariselka
Saariselka is primarily a ski resort, but there are many tourist activities here too, making it a great place to base yourself. Located far north near Urho Kekkonen National Park, this small resort town is one of the best places to combine reindeer experiences with skiing, snowshoeing, and northern lights viewing. Many local reindeer farms here are family-run and small-scale, giving the experience a personal feel.
Saariselka Reindeer Farm is my top pick: https://www.porofarmi.com/home/
Rovaniemi
Rovaniemi is the most popular gateway to Finnish Lapland and often the easiest place for international visitors to arrange reindeer activities. Located directly on the Arctic Circle, the city combines accessibility with plenty of Arctic experiences. Many travellers base themselves here for several days while booking reindeer safaris, northern lights tours, and winter excursions.
Rovaniemi is also home to Santa Claus Village, which (understandably) has reindeer experiences heavily integrated into the visitor experience.
Rovaniemi is not my top pick, because all reindeer experiences here feel heavily tourist-themed and not so authentic. However, I do understand that it’s a convenient city for short stays in the region or budget travel.
Here is a reindeer farm near Rovaniemi: https://porofarmi.fi/
Another recommendation is Local Lifestyle Rovaniemi: https://www.facebook.com/locallifestylerovaniemi/
What Reindeer Experiences are Actually Like
Travellers sometimes arrive expecting dramatic high-speed sledding adventures. In reality, reindeer experiences are usually gentle, slow-paced, and focused on atmosphere rather than adrenaline.
A typical reindeer sleigh ride will last anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour. Guests sit beneath warm blankets while a reindeer pulls the sleigh quietly through snow-covered forests. The pace is intentionally calm. Historically, reindeer were used to transport over long Arctic distances, not racing.
Many experiences also include:
- Hot berry juice or coffee by the fire
- Traditional Finnish snacks
- Storytelling
- Information about reindeer herding
- Cultural demonstrations
Ethical operators prioritise animal welfare and limit working hours for reindeer, especially during the busiest winter tourism periods.
Responsible Reindeer Tourism
As Arctic tourism grows, responsible travel matters more than ever. When booking reindeer experiences in Finland, try to support businesses that:
- Work directly with local herders, or are the herders themselves
- Respect the Sami culture
- Limit overcrowding
- Prioritise animal welfare
- Offer educational experiences rather than purely commercial entertainment.
It is also worth remembering that Sami culture is not a costume or tourist performance. Responsible operators approach cultural experiences thoughtfully and respectfully. Visitors should avoid treating indigenous traditions as novelty attractions and instead engage with curiosity and respect.
Large Tour Companies
There are hundreds of operators across Finnish Lapland, but few companies consistently receive strong reviews for quality experiences and responsible tourism practices.
I listed a couple of farms under the locations above, but I recommend browsing the official tourism websites first. Visit Rovaniemi, Visit Inari, Visit Saariselka all have sections for reindeer experiences and Sami experiences. Try to find an experience that combines both.
The two largest companies in Lapland – Lapland Safaris and Safartica – do offer immersive reindeer and Sami experiences, and they are often a little cheaper. They can be easier to organise than going through a local reindeer farm. However, always consider booking direct with a farm, rather than going through a large tour provider.
Summary
Seeing reindeer in Finland is about much more than ticking off a bucket-list experience. It offers a glimpse into the culture, landscapes, and traditions that shape life across the Arctic north.
Whether you visit a small family-run reindeer farm near Inari, take a snowy sleigh ride in Rovaniemi, or simply spot reindeer wandering through the forests of Lapland, the experience tends to feel surprisingly peaceful and authentic.
The best trips are usually the ones that slow down enough to appreciate the stillness of the Arctic itself — the quiet forests, pale winter light, woodsmoke drifting through the snow, and the steady sound of reindeer moving through the landscape.
For travellers exploring Northern Europe, Finland remains one of the easiest and most rewarding places in the world to encounter reindeer in a meaningful way.