A trip to a reindeer farm in Finland. Reindeer that impressed us in Finland Reindeer farms in Finland

In the ski resorts of Finland, you can not go skiing and snowboarding perfectly, but also get to know local residents: deer, elk and husky dogs.

Ski resorts in Finland are not only a sea of ​​snow, dazzling winter landscapes, impeccable ski slopes, a feeling of joy, freedom and adrenaline. Neither children nor adults will be bored here, because there are many opportunities for a wide variety of entertainment on the territory of the resorts and in the vicinity! One of them is trips to deer, elk or husky farms. During a trip to the farms, you can chat with "be-be-bear" reindeer, swift-footed elk, as well as charming friendly huskies.

deer farms

Did you know that every reindeer in Finland has its own owner? There are special deer farms where these amazing animals are bred. Moreover, each deer has a brand by which its owner can be identified.

If you come to ski in Northern Finland (for example, in Vuokatti, Salla, Ruka or Ylläs), a great entertainment option would be to look at one of the reindeer farms. For reindeer riding, it is best to come to the farm during the day, because at night you will not be able to see much. On the farm, you can not only ride reindeer, but also feed and pet the animals, as well as learn how to drive a reindeer team, and then get official document- Reindeer driving license! Those wishing to take something to remember from Finland with them can buy cute local souvenirs that are sold directly on the farm.

By the way, deer live on a farm far from all year round. In the spring, they are released for grazing, after which they disperse around Lapland in search of food. Deer are harvested on the farm only in winter. How do owners determine the location of deer? It turns out that each deer has a GPS transmitter, with which you can easily track the location of its movement. Interestingly, before the advent of cars, reindeer were the only means of fast transportation in Lapland.

Elk farms

In Finland, moose are also called Scandinavian elephants - they are very respected and appreciated here. According to the laws of Finland, only animals born in captivity can be kept on a farm - that is, moose in wild nature not caught, but specially bred for keeping on farms. So far, the only moose farm in Finland, Hirvikartano, is located near the resort of Himos in central Finland.

Moose are the largest mammals in Finland, weighing up to 700 kg. The average body length is 3 m, and the height is 2.1 m. What do these amazing animals eat? Moose are fed with dried leaves of willow, birch and rowan, as well as potatoes, barley and hay. And the favorite delicacies of moose are apples, watermelons, tomatoes, carrots, rutabaga, bananas and dried willow-tea.

During your visit to the farm, you can pet, feed the animals and, of course, take pictures with them. When visiting a moose farm, it is very important not to make noise or disturb the peace of its inhabitants. If you want to take a picture with a horned elk, it is worth coming to the farm before January-February, when they start shedding their antlers. New horns grow in them only in May-June.

The moose living at the Hirvikartano farm are friendly. If you wish, you can perform a funny ritual “kiss with an elk” - holding a bread crust in your teeth, stretch it towards the furry elk muzzle. At the Hirvikartano farm, moose have learned to snatch the crust from their mouths so masterfully that it really turns out to be a real “kiss”. Be sure to try to catch this interesting point into the camera frame!

By the way, moose are not the only animals in Hirvikartano. In addition to moose, northern and spotted deer with whom you can also meet and chat. An excellent end to the trip will be a visit to the home-cooked restaurant located here, where you can taste delicious elk dishes.

Husky farm

Visiting husky farms leaves neither children nor adults indifferent. Husky dog ​​safari in Finland is one of the most popular tourist attractions. Farms with these charming "smiling dogs" can be found in many parts of the country, especially in the north.

Husky farms are nearby ski resorts Ruka, Ylläs, Salla, Vuokatti and many others. Here you can pet the dogs, take a ride in a high-speed dog train, and after a walk, treat yourself to a fragrant glög with gingerbread cookies and dine in a cat - a Lapland hut. Those who wish to ride longer can book a safari for longer distances - 5.7 and 13 km.

The strength and endurance of the Husky can only be envied! They are able to tirelessly run tens of kilometers. Did you know that these tireless runners can overcome up to 100 km / day? They are not afraid of frost and can sleep right on the snow. In addition, Huskies simply love to ride in sleds. Such a trip is a real expanse for them, because running is their favorite pastime!

Harness running requires special skills that are acquired only during training. In addition, to work in a team, a dog must have certain moral qualities - for example, diligence, good nature and sociality.

Before the safari, dogs are put on special harnesses that help to properly distribute the load. It is very important that the weight of the sled be at least 80 km, because with insufficient load it will be almost impossible to control them. On command, the Huskies start together. The sleigh does not go, but simply “flies” – the four-legged team works so harmoniously and harmoniously.

If you love speed and are looking for something unusual, Husky safari is what you need. At the same time, sensations and emotions are simply unforgettable, and memories from such a trip remain for a long time. Communication with four-legged blue-eyed fluffy Huskies will give the whole family a lot of positive emotions, and children will be delighted!

Husband. generic name of animals; we are more familiar with Cervus tarandus, the reindeer, Lapland or riding deer; in Altai and the Caucasus there is a union elaphus, red deer (German) or real, eastern. sib. red deer, zap., sib. deer; in places it goes ... ... Dictionary Dalia

deer Encyclopedia of mythology

DEER- golden horns. Jarg. they say Neglect About a very stupid person. Maksimov, 287. Deer with spreading horns. Jarg. corner. Iron. or Neglect. A naive, inexperienced person who does not belong to the underworld. P 87, 245; UMK. Deer wet his tail. Gorky. O… … Big Dictionary Russian sayings

deer- occupied important place in the mythology and beliefs of the Celts. Thus, the deer was revered as a symbol of fertility and vitality, dignity, speed and aggressiveness. He was associated with other qualities as well. Deer antlers were considered a symbolic display of ... ... Celtic mythology. Encyclopedia

DEER- DEER, deer, husband. The name of various breeds of a ruminant artiodactyl animal with branched horns. Noble deer. Reindeer. Reindeer riding. Explanatory Dictionary of Ushakov. D.N. Ushakov. 1935 1940 ... Explanatory Dictionary of Ushakov

deer- oleshek, roe, deer, stag, roe deer, fallow deer, red deer, fawn, polar cod, elk, musk deer Dictionary of Russian synonyms. deer n., number of synonyms: 39 axis (2) ... Synonym dictionary

DEER- DEER, me, husband. A large artiodactyl animal with branched horns. Home about. Wild about. Noble about. Stag beetle (special) large beetle of this family. stags with horn-like elongated jaws. | adj. deer, ya, ye and deer, oh, oh. Deer horns.… … Explanatory dictionary of Ozhegov

deer- DEER, I, m. 1. A joke that a person walks with an impudent look past a doorman who does not let him through (usually to a hotel or restaurant) with a gesture imitating horns, accompanying this with the words “careful, deer!” 2. Girl. I am today… … Dictionary of Russian Argo

deer- ramified (Serafimovich); golden-horned (Meln. Pechersky) Epithets of literary Russian speech. M: The supplier of the court of His Majesty, the partnership of the printing press A. A. Levenson. A. L. Zelenetsky. 1913. noble deer, swift, graceful ... Dictionary of epithets

deer- DEER, DEER stag, cow, Lanka DEER, calf ... Dictionary-thesaurus of synonyms of Russian speech

deer- Ndp. chorus Adult uncastrated deer, male. [GOST 16020 70] Inadmissible, non-recommended choir Subjects livestock for slaughter Generalizing terms reindeer EN reindeer DE Renbock FR renne ... Technical Translator's Handbook

Books

• Deer August, Evgen Gutsalo. Evgen Gutsalo began to write short stories and novels not so long ago, but they have already gained wide popularity. In the publishing houses of Ukraine, his books were published: "People among people", "Apples from the autumn garden", ...

For the first time I saw a reindeer in Lapland, in the homeland of Santa Claus, in the village of Rovaniemi, so this time I didn’t have such a “wow” effect as with

But at the same time, we had a very cool time with the deer - we fed reindeer moss, watched their habits, and, of course, took pictures)) and then also had a light snack in the wigwam next door.

After spending a little time with these funny animals, I became interested in learning a little more information about the reindeer, so in this article I will tell Interesting Facts about these amazing animals.

The reindeer lives in temperate forests, mountainous areas and woodlands

Surprisingly, humans are the biggest threat to deer. Reindeer quite often become victims of motorists in winter time.

When we were going to the very north of Finland to ski, such a northern one twice very unexpectedly crossed the road for us, fortunately there was a snowstorm, and we were driving quite slowly, so everything worked out.

In general, according to statistics, about 4,000 reindeer die on the tracks in Finland every year, the Finns even came up with original way– reindeer herders spray deer antlers with a special spray that, when dried, leaves a reflective coating on the antlers

Female reindeer (unlike other species) also have antlers like males, and they are shed for the winter. Reindeer antlers are valued not only as a trophy or wall decor, but it turns out they are often used in the preparation of medicines.

In addition, for some it is also food, the discarded horns are eaten by rodents and other animals, since this is an excellent source of minerals and calcium.

Reindeer milk is the most nutritious mammalian milk, judge for yourself - 22% milk fat and 10% protein (in cow's milk 3-4% milk fat and about 3% protein).

Deer meat is already quite common, not only in some restaurants, but also in stores. Venison, compared to regular red meat, is considered more nutritious

The reindeer is not afraid of the cold and is able to endure temperatures of -60 degrees Celsius, and at the same time travel thousands of kilometers, delivering New Year's gifts to us

Reindeer can travel great distances, averaging 35 km a day. At the same time, they are capable of speeds up to 80 km / h.

This ability gave people the idea of ​​running reindeer races, but unlike horses/camels, here the riders do not sit on their "driving horses", they stand behind the reindeer on their skis, holding on to the rope. Such a race passes through several cities, so many people can watch this amazing race. As a rule, riders dress quite shockingly, in colorful bright costumes.

Reindeer hooves are very unusual, their uniqueness lies in the ability to adapt to the season - in summer time the bottoms of the hooves become spongy, which contributes to comfortable movement on soft ground.

And in winter, the pads are tightened, exposing the hooves, with the help of which you can crash into snow and ice and at the same time not slip at all - such is the "winter rubber" provided by nature)) Also, the winter "version" of the hooves allows them to dig out moss from under the snow

Reindeer are also excellent swimmers, they are able to swim across wide rivers and even expanses of the ocean, reindeer swim at speeds up to 9 km / h.

To visit the deer farm in the Nuuksio park, feed these funny animals with reindeer moss,

and grab a bite to eat at the campfire tepee, contact Sea and Mountain Adventures, detailed information they have it on the website


Review article for the entire tour:

Articles about other sights and activities:

Husky park and safari express 2 and 4 km(Husky Point cattery)
Duration: 2 hours

On this tour you will meet real Siberian Huskies with thick fluffy hair and blue eyes, as well as with foxes, spitz, arctic fox, boogie tundra wolf and husky wolves. The nursery is located just 15 min. drive from Levi. On a dog sled trip, you ride on sleds as passengers: you sit down two people in sleds (you can take more small child). The musher stands on the runners behind the sled, and you get the feeling that the huskies themselves are rushing you along the taiga paths. A journey of 2 or 4 kilometers flies by like one unforgettable moment. After the trip, it’s nice to sit in a yurt by the fire, taste sausages fried on the fire and hot drink(tea/coffee/juice). The owner, the famous mahout Reijo Jaskelainen, will show a film in Russian/English about the history of the origin of the Laika breed, about their habits and content. The bonus will be a local attraction called "Deer Kiss".

Husky kennel and self-guided sleigh safari 5 and 10 km (kennel of Paulina and Hannu)
Duration: 2 hours

The nursery is located just 15 min. drive from Levi. The owners of the farm, Pauliina and Hannu, keep real racing Alaskan huskies, as well as Siberian huskies. Their pets are participants and winners of the latest European and Scandinavian competitions. Safari routes for 5 and 10 km. Upon arrival, you will go through the school of mushers and immediately go on a safari, as the dogs harnessed to the teams are very impatient. The route will run through forest and open hilly terrain with beautiful view. After the safari, you can warm up in a cozy yurt, drink hot berry juice, tea or coffee and fry a sausage on a fire. The hostess will be happy to tell you a lot of interesting things about the "dog" life of her pets. The kennel contains more than 70 dogs. You can also meet husky puppies.

"Polar Express": husky + deer (Husky Point cattery)
Duration: 2.5 hours

Combination of two of the most popular excursions in Lapland - traditional Vehicle in the Arctic - huskies and reindeer. After a breathtaking 2 km husky safari and a wonderful 1 km reindeer ride, the guide will tell you about the traditions of reindeer herding and dog breeding. During a tour of the kennel, you will meet Spitz, Arctic fox, Boogie tundra wolf and husky wolves. At the end of the tour, it is nice to sit in a yurt by the fire, taste sausages fried on the fire and a drink (tea/coffee/juice).

Wolf safari 10 km (Husky Point cattery)
Duration: 2.5 hours
Departure: on request

Are you afraid of wolves too? After this exciting excursion, you will stop being afraid of them and at the same time get great pleasure from a 10 km ride in a team with husky wolves through the twilight forest led by a professional driver. You can give a trip to a friend for his birthday! At the end of the tour, it's nice to sit in a yurt by the fire, taste sausages fried on the fire and a drink (tea / coffee / juice).

Lapland village and mini reindeer safari
Duration: 1.5 hours

fun program for the whole family. Full of impressions, it is, nevertheless, the shortest and most inexpensive program in the resort. Only 15 min. bus ride from the resort, on the banks of the taiga river, in the forest, there is a Sami settlement, which is more than 200 years old. The owners of the farm, Arya and Erkki, will help you get comfortable in a reindeer team and take you for a ride in a small circle along the river. You will also be able to take pictures with handsome deer with large branched antlers. After skiing, the hostess will invite everyone to the guest house, where she will treat you to warm berry juice by a cozy crackling fireplace and tell you a lot of interesting things about deer. You can buy interesting souvenirs self made from antler and skins.

Reindeer safari 3 km self-guided
Duration: 2 hours

An excursion for those who want to ride a reindeer with a breeze and drive a team on their own. Starting point - a small and cozy deer farm on the shore taiga river. Because deer are semi-wild animals, you will need a short briefing from the farm owner. After that, you get into the sleigh and the deer will rush you along a narrow path through a snow-covered forest. After skiing, you can feed reindeer with reindeer moss. Then, in a cozy guest house or Lapland yurt by the fire, you can warm up a little, drink hot coffee / tea with a sweet treat and hear interesting story farm mistresses about the life of deer and reindeer herders.

Deer farm visit and super safari 5 km
Duration: 2 hours

Located 15 minutes from Levi, Erya Farm offers a 5 km super safari through the fabulous winter forest. From early morning, the reindeer owner begins to prepare her pets for the trip: she puts on a picturesque harness, harnesses a light home-made sleigh, puts warm sledges in deer skins for “passengers”, puts a kettle on the fire… After returning from the forest, a cup of hot tea or coffee with pastries by the crackling fire in the fireplace will seem especially tasty. You can buy handmade souvenirs, feed moss reindeer and see the old buildings on the farm, some of which are over 100 years old.

Reindeer safari 3 km + ice fishing + salmon soup for lunch
Recommended for adults and children over 6 years old
Duration: 4 hours

Combination of 3 km reindeer safari, ice fishing in Wolf Lake and lunch in a Lapland yurt: hot salmon soup with traditional black bread and butter, coffee/tea with a sweet bun. The reindeer team is used as transport along the way from the bus stop to the lake (the route is divided into 2 parts of 1.5 km in each direction). Catching rainbow trout Finnish salmon). The fish you catch can be cooked on the fire. During lunch we will talk about nature, animals, reindeer herding. Those who successfully return will receive the rights to drive a reindeer team.

Reindeer safari + ice fishing + salmon soup for lunch + snowshoes
Recommended for adults and children over 6 years old
Duration: 4 hours

The tour is based on the same program as in the previous tour, but with the addition of the possibility of hiking on snowshoes. In winter, the thickness of the snow cover in the forest can reach more than 1 meter. Snowshoes are a great way to get to unspoiled places where you can't go in ordinary shoes.
Warm clothing is included in the price of the tour.

Reindeer Night Safari "Chasing the Aurora"
Duration: 2 hours

You will take a trip in a time machine to the past, when the Saami used reindeer as their only mode of transport, and only the Northern Lights illuminated their path during the long winter nights. The journey from Levi to the departure point takes about 15 minutes. The adventure will begin when the local reindeer herders will take you across the ice to the other side of the taiga river, from where you will go on a leisurely 3 km walk on a reindeer sled through the forest. Back at the deer farm, you can watch the night sky of the northern hemisphere, and if you're lucky, you will see beautiful flashes of the northern lights.
Hot berry juice and a fire in a wooden yurt will help you warm up. It is possible to rent warm overalls for the price of 10€ per person.

Excursion to a horse farm and riding Finnish horses through the winter forest
Day program
Duration:~1 hour (skating 40-45 min).

Duration:~2 hours (skating 1-1.5 hours)

Night program (chance to see the northern lights)
Duration:~1 hour (skating 40-45 min.)

The horse farm is located 10 km from the resort of Levi in ​​a snowy forest. You will have a guided tour of the stable, briefing and horseback riding through the snow-covered forest. Upon returning back, a treat awaits - warm juice and cookies. Min. the child's age is 6 years. Max. rider weight - 100 kg.

Where to ride reindeer in Finland with a visit to a reindeer farm

Reindeer sleigh safari in Lapland

At the reindeer farm, you will get to know these half-tamed domestic animals. Drive your own reindeer safari on a reindeer safari and learn all about reindeer breeding, the most traditional activity in northern regions Finland.

Over a cup fragrant drink you will hear a story about reindeer, reindeer herding and the history of farms. Here you will be shown how to correctly draw a lasso, with the help of which the deer are separated from the herd (and, of course, they will give those who wish the opportunity to do this on their own). After coffee, the reindeer herders will corral part of the herd and show you all the types of work that they have to do on the farm every day. Visitors are given the opportunity, under the guidance of reindeer herders, to take part in the care of reindeer. At the end of the show, the deer will be released back to the pasture. Finally, you can feed the animals with your own hands, ride a reindeer sleigh and drink a farewell cup of coffee.

Reindeer farm trip in Lapland

1. reindeer farm Yaaccola
Located in the town of Luosto. Various recreation programs. Farm accommodation.
Farm site: (