RIEKKOVAARA HILL IN THE WINTERTIME

Within the vicinity of Saariselkä, the Riekkovaara Hill Reindeer Farm offers you a wonderful opportunity throughout the year to get acquainted with reindeer and the Sami way of life. The farm has a Lapp-style area built up in the traditional way with a timbered main building, a ‘kota’ (Lapp tepee), shoreline sauna by the pond, offices and a reindeer enclosure including reindeer.

During the winter, you can get to Riekkovaara Hill Reindeer Farm conveniently along the snowmobile route or even by car along the road, which is in good condition. Upon arrival, the Sami herder bids you welcome and escorts you over to see the reindeer. The pulling reindeer are harnessed and after showing you how to ride, you can try yourself what it feels like to try out your skills in practice and drive the reindeer on a short trip. While feeding the reindeer and throwing the lasso, the herder tells you about reindeer and their management. In the idyllic old cabin, you can enjoy a cup of coffee or a tasty traditional meal prepared from delicious reindeer meat or salmon. Programme duration: 1.5 - 2 hours

A Lappish ‘baptism’ and traditional chanting performed by the reindeer herder next to the open fire can be added to the programme.

It is also possible to add a one-hour reindeer ride in a sleigh, enjoying the peace and quiet of the snowy wooded nature and its beauty, to the programme.

As the evening darkens, the yard-which is illuminated by torches-and the old timbered main building create an environment rich with atmosphere for various get-togethers.

Riekkovaara Hill Reindeer Farm is open to groups (4 - 100 people) on a reservation basis from November to April.