Did you know there are more reindeer than people in the Finnish Lapland?
During our trip to Finland, we visited one of the oldest and biggest farms in the Ruka-Kuusamo area, Kujalan Porotila Reindeer Farm. Kujalan is an authentic reindeer farm that has been around for around 160 years through 5 generations of the Kujala family.
Quick Details:
- Location: Kujalan Porotila Reindeer Farm, Kemijärventie 133, 93800 Kuusamo, Finland
- Established: 1860
- Tour: World of Reindeer Safari
- Includes: Feeding and sleigh ride
- Cost: €83.00 per person
- Duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes
What We Booked
We booked the “World of Reindeer Safari” tour through their website a couple of days before the visit. We selected the 1:30 PM time slot, which was the last daytime slot. The daylight hours are limited during February so our time slot also took place during sunset.
Our Guide and Eric the Reindeer
Our visit started at the parking lot of the farm, which was the meeting point for the group. Our guide greeted us with his fluffy friend, Eric the reindeer, and gave us detailed information about the life of a reindeer, history of the farm, the Sami tradition, and specific instructions on how to safely feed the reindeer with lichen. He was very knowledgeable and answered everyone’s questions.
Interesting Facts We Learned
- The reindeer are tagged and released back into the wild when the weather gets warmer. They return on their own in the winter.
- Sometimes they return back to the wrong farm and the neighbors call each other up to tell them to pick up their reindeer
- If they cross over into Russia, which borders Finland, there’s no way of getting them back unless they cross back over by themselves
- Although the reindeer farm has been around for 160 years, it only recently opened up to the public (I believe he said 7 years ago!)
Feeding the Reindeer
The host passed Eric’s leash to a group member to walk up to the paddock, a chance I also received later on.
After a short 5 minute walk, we entered the large paddock and the guide handed out lichen or “reindeer chocolate” to each of the members to feed.
At the sight of lichen, several reindeers headed our direction and were eager for a nibble.
Being such gentle creatures, we also had the opportunity to pet them.
Once we were finished with the feeding, the group were directed to the farm shop and cafe for a drink and souvenirs while my husband and I were directed down to the meeting point once again for the reindeer sleigh ride.
Reindeer Sleigh Ride Experience
After a quick introduction, our guide led us to the sleighs. Unlike our previous group, this group was 4 people in total, including me and my husband.
The reindeer sleigh ride was about 1.5 km long and took about 20 mins at a walkable pace. Compared to husky sleigh rides, the reindeer sleigh rides were slower, much like a leisurely stroll through the forest. The sleighs are 2-person and you are given reindeer hide to keep you warm.
A Couple Considerations
We both loved the experience and had a great time, however, there are a couple considerations I noted during the tour.
First, our feeding group was fairly large, with a total of 15 people, excluding the guide. Our guide passed out lichen by hand with one bucket to 15 people in a short span of time, and I was able to get only two handfuls of lichen during this time. Ideally, I would have loved an individual bag or basket so I did not feel rushed in feeding the reindeer.
Secondly, it is pricey and expensive for the short time frame, but in exchange for the price, keep in mind that you are supporting the reindeers and a local family business.
Don’t let these deter you though! If you have the budget and are looking for a unique experience, I highly recommend it. We still had a great time, and these are just a couple points to consider before your visit.
Overall Experience
The facility is excellent and well maintained, reflecting the family’s commitment to the animals well being and comfort. If you’re an animal lover like us, you’ll definitely enjoy your time here!
The reindeer are very gentle and adorable, and overall, we had a fun experience. From the moment we arrived, the atmosphere was engaging, and the interaction with the reindeers combined with the activities made such an enjoyable time for both of us.
