Yes, you can safely interact with reindeer during a guided tour in Finnish Lapland. Guided reindeer experiences are specifically designed to allow close, hands-on contact with these gentle animals in a controlled and respectful setting. The key is that a knowledgeable guide is always present to ensure both your safety and the well-being of the reindeer.
Reindeer in Lapland have been part of traditional Sámi and Finnish herding culture for centuries, and animals used in guided tours are accustomed to human presence. This means that feeding, petting, and even riding reindeer are all common, enjoyable parts of the experience rather than something to approach with caution.
Below, we answer the most common questions people have before booking a guided reindeer tour in Lapland.
What actually happens during a guided reindeer tour?
A guided reindeer tour in Finnish Lapland typically lasts around two hours and combines a traditional reindeer sleigh ride with feeding, close-up interaction, and an introduction to reindeer husbandry. You arrive at a reindeer farm, meet your guide, and spend time learning about the animals before heading out into the snow-covered wilderness on a sleigh.
The experience is structured to feel natural rather than rushed. Your guide will walk you through how reindeer have shaped life and culture in Lapland, explaining the seasonal rhythms of herding and the important role these animals play in the region’s ecosystem and indigenous traditions. It is not just a ride; it is a genuine window into a way of life that has defined northern Finland for generations.
At Livo Arctic, our reindeer experience includes the sleigh ride, reindeer feeding, a guide throughout, meals, and appropriate clothing for the conditions. The setting along Lake Livo in Posio adds a layer of untouched wilderness that feels far removed from the busier tourist circuits of Lapland. Posio itself is one of those rare corners of Finnish Lapland where the landscape feels genuinely wild and the pace of life is unhurried, making it a perfect backdrop for this kind of authentic encounter.
Is it safe to get close to reindeer on a guided tour?
Getting close to reindeer during a guided tour is safe for the vast majority of visitors. Reindeer used in these experiences are farm-raised and habituated to human contact from a young age, which means they are calm and predictable around guests. Your guide will always be present to supervise interactions and will let you know how to approach the animals respectfully.
Reindeer are naturally curious and gentle by temperament, especially when they associate humans with food. That said, like any animal, they respond best when approached calmly and quietly. Sudden movements or loud noises can startle them, so your guide will typically give you a short briefing before you get close. Following these simple cues makes the interaction smooth and enjoyable for everyone involved.
Antlers are worth a brief mention. During winter, most male reindeer have shed their antlers, and females carry smaller ones. Even when antlers are present, well-managed tour reindeer are not aggressive. Your guide knows each animal’s personality and will always position you safely.
Ready to experience the magic of Lapland’s reindeer up close? Book your reindeer experience or accommodation at Livo Arctic and secure your place in the wilderness of Posio.
Can you feed and pet reindeer during the experience?
Yes, feeding and petting reindeer is a central part of a guided reindeer experience in Lapland. Guests are given feed to offer the reindeer by hand, which creates an immediate and memorable bond with the animals. Petting is also encouraged once the reindeer have approached and are comfortable with your presence.
Feeding reindeer by hand is one of those simple moments that tends to stay with people long after the trip. There is something genuinely moving about a large Arctic animal choosing to approach you, nuzzle your palm, and accept food from your hand in the middle of a snow-covered forest. It is tactile, unhurried, and completely authentic.
The feeding element also serves a practical purpose: it helps you understand what reindeer eat and how herders maintain their relationship with the animals across vast stretches of wilderness. Your guide will explain the natural diet of reindeer, including lichen and other Arctic vegetation, and how supplementary feeding plays a role during the harsher winter months. This context transforms a fun activity into a genuinely educational moment about life in Lapland.
What should you wear and bring to a reindeer tour in Lapland?
For a reindeer tour in Finnish Lapland, you should dress in warm, windproof layers, with insulated boots, thermal underlayers, and waterproof outer clothing as a minimum. Temperatures in Posio can drop well below freezing during winter, and you will be spending time outdoors, often standing still while feeding or interacting with the animals.
The good news is that you do not need to worry about sourcing specialist Arctic gear from scratch. Our reindeer experience at Livo Arctic includes appropriate clothing as part of the package, so guests arrive and are equipped on site. This removes a significant logistical headache, particularly for visitors flying in from warmer climates who may not own heavy winter gear.
If you do bring your own clothing, focus on these essentials:
- Thermal base layers that wick moisture and retain warmth
- Insulated mid-layers such as a fleece or down jacket
- A windproof and waterproof outer shell to block the cold and any light snow
- Insulated, waterproof boots rated for sub-zero temperatures
- Warm gloves or mittens, a hat covering your ears, and a neck gaiter or scarf
- Wool or thermal socks rather than cotton, which loses warmth when damp
A camera or smartphone is worth bringing along. The combination of reindeer, snow, and the quiet forest landscape around Lake Livo makes for genuinely beautiful photographs. Keep your device in an inner pocket when not in use, as extreme cold can drain batteries quickly.
Experience Reindeer Culture with Livo Arctic in Posio
At Livo Arctic, our reindeer experience is one of the most loved activities we offer in the heart of Finnish Lapland. Set against the serene wilderness of Lake Livo in Posio, the experience runs for approximately two hours and includes a traditional reindeer sleigh ride, hands-on feeding, a knowledgeable guide, meals, and full winter clothing. The price is 125 euros per person.
Posio is a destination that rewards those who seek something beyond the well-worn tourist trail. Its landscapes are vast and genuinely untamed, and experiences here carry a sense of authenticity that is increasingly rare. Whether you are visiting as a couple looking for a meaningful shared memory or simply want to understand what life in Arctic Finland truly feels like, a reindeer tour here offers something that goes well beyond a standard holiday activity.
If you are planning a winter trip to Lapland in 2026 and want to combine luxury accommodation with real wilderness experiences, we would love to help you put together an itinerary that fits exactly what you are looking for.
Have questions or want to plan your visit to Livo Arctic? Get in touch with us through our contact page — we are happy to help you create the perfect Lapland experience.
This content was generated with the help of AI and it may contain mistakes
