Private Reindeer Herder’s Day in the Wilderness — snowmobile sled & soup lunch, Levi
Afternoon sled into the Secret Reindeer Forest — full kota hut soup lunch with our kota chef’s legendary soup, reindeer encounter deep in the Secret Reindeer Forest, diploma included.
Reindeer Herder’s Day in Levi. Secret Reindeer Forest, Full Kota Lunch with Soup & Rieska, Lasso & Diploma
Why this reindeer experience stands out in Levi
- Snowmobile sled into the Secret Reindeer Forest, 15 minutes through wilderness, not a tourist route
- Full kota lunch: vegetable soup with rieska flatbread, reindeer sausage, Finnish pancakes. A proper meal by the open fire
- Animal welfare first: no rides, no tricks. Semi-wild reindeer on their own terms
- Traditional Lappish kota meal served by our own kota chef
- Warm winter clothing and helmet included
This program takes guests into the wilderness, not to a farm. From the pickup point, the sled travels for 15 minutes along public tracks and then onto private land: open bog first, then the Secret Reindeer Forest, with old pine and birch trees, privately owned and with no other visitors. When the sled stops, the reindeer approach because they know what the arrival means.
The forest is privately owned by the reindeer herding family. There are no other visitors and no other groups. Animal welfare comes first: no rides, the animals move freely across a large area, and they are gathered only during winter for feeding and care.
Our Signature Reindeer Therapy Program in the Secret Reindeer Forest
Approximately one hour is spent in the forest, moving between several feeding spots with hay and pellets. Dozens of reindeer are around you. The herder leads the experience and talks throughout: about individual animals, the seasonal calendar, and what this work actually requires. Guests can photograph freely.
Traditional Lappish kota meal by the open fire
The kota is pre-heated and warmed in advance, ready for the guests. Our own kota chef serves a traditional Lappish kota meal.
After spending time with the reindeer, guests move into the warm kota. Lunch begins with the Northern Light Veloute, our kota chef’s signature soup, made fresh over the open fire and served with rieska, a local flatbread toasted on the flames. Then comes reindeer sausage: guests can grill it over the open fire with the chef’s guidance; it is locally made and ecologically sourced. After that, our chef serves thin Finnish pancakes with arctic berry jam and whipped cream. Coffee is brewed in a pot over the fire, with berry juice and herbal tea also served. While guests enjoy the meal, the host continues with more stories about the reindeer, the Arctic way of living, and the questions that have come up during the last hour.
Lasso and diploma
Lasso throwing before the return sled ride. Each guest receives a personal diploma of reindeer herder’s assistant. The return journey is approximately 10 minutes.
All food uses locally produced, high-quality ingredients. Vegetarian, vegan or chicken sausage alternatives available on request.
Child price applies for ages 2–11.
Who this is for
- Couples and small groups who want the full meal experience: soup, sausage, pancakes and stories by the fire
- Families with children aged 10 and above. Calm, closely supervised (see children’s safety section)
- Guests who want the most complete Herder’s Day: wilderness, herd, full lunch and diploma
- Anyone seeking an authentic Sámi-inspired reindeer herding experience in Levi
Important information for families with children
This activity is recommended for families with children aged 10 and above. Its suitability depends on your child’s temperament and your commitment as parents to take extra responsibility and supervise your children closely throughout the program.
Outdoor conditions: A large part of the program takes place outdoors in cold temperatures for an extended period. Ensure your children are comfortable in such conditions and dressed warmly.
Reindeer interaction: Reindeer will roam freely around the group during the activity. Parents must maintain constant supervision. The reindeer are semi-wild animals not tamed to interact with humans. They may become startled by sudden movements, loud noises, or a person standing too close. When frightened, reindeer may run and accidentally hit a person in their path, including with their antlers or hooves. Our company and the reindeer farm are not liable for any accidents involving reindeer that may occur during the program.
Child’s temperament: This activity is ideal for calm and composed children who can remain relaxed and quiet. If your child exhibits more active behaviour — running, shouting, or making sudden movements — the likelihood of an accident increases. Our company does not take responsibility for any potential consequences; this responsibility lies entirely with the parents.
Please take these factors into account when deciding whether this program is a good match for your family.
PRIVACY level:
Fully private: Private transfers and program, no other guests on-site.
Responsibility waiver: Scandinavian Travel Group is not responsible for changes, disruptions or unavailability affecting any third-party venue or location visited during this program, for whatever reason. Where a venue is unavailable, the guide will make reasonable alternative arrangements where possible. No refund is due for circumstances beyond our control