Meet & Feed Experience + Ice Fishing Trip by reindeer
A short outdoor experience that pairs a Meet & Feed reindeer encounter with an ice-fishing trip reached by reindeer sleigh or snowmobile-drawn sleigh. Includes a campfire with a warm drink and traditional Finnish snacks.
In Collaboration with Kentura Reindeer Farm. Updated on March 2, 2026.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Kentura Reindeer Farm, inspired by the tour Meet & Feed Experience + Ice Fishing Trip by reindeer. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Meet & feed semi-wild reindeer
- Sleigh transfer (reindeer or snowmobile-drawn)
- Ice fishing with campfire, warm drink and Finnish snacks
Explore all itineraries in Rovaniemi.
Itinerary
Day 1
Meet at the activity base
Check-in, gather warm outerwear if needed, quick restroom break and safety briefing before meeting the animals.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive 10 minutes before the start time for a smooth check-in and to use the restroom; facilities are at the meeting point.
- Wear waterproof winter boots and layered clothing — temperatures can be well below freezing in February in Rovaniemi.
- Keep phones and cameras secured with a strap; sudden movements near reindeer should be avoided for safety.
Meet & Feed the reindeer
Supervised, hands-on time with reindeer: gently feed and learn brief care and behavior notes from the handler. Emphasis on calm, safe interaction for children.
Tips from local experts:
- Follow the handler's instructions exactly when feeding — reindeer are semi-wild and can be startled by sudden gestures.
- Children should be accompanied at all times; keep a short leash or hold small children when moving near the animals.
- If anyone has a severe animal allergy, notify staff at check-in so handlers can advise and adapt the experience.
Sleigh transfer to the ice-fishing spot
Short transfer by reindeer-pulled sleigh or a snowmobile-drawn sleigh to a nearby frozen lake area selected by the guide. Includes a brief safety and equipment check on arrival.
Tips from local experts:
- Dress for a short outdoor transfer; wind chill while moving can make temperatures feel colder than standing still.
- Bring a small daypack with essentials (water bottle, extra gloves) that you can keep on your lap during the sleigh ride.
- If you prefer a quieter transfer, request reindeer sleigh; snowmobile-drawn sleighs are faster but slightly noisier.
Ice fishing & campfire
Guided ice-fishing session on the frozen lake with provided basic fishing equipment, followed by a cozy campfire where you'll be offered a warm drink and traditional Finnish snacks.
Tips from local experts:
- Follow the guide's instructions when stepping onto the ice; guides choose safe spots but wear sturdy grips on boots for traction.
- Bring a thermos or an extra drink if you prefer more than the provided warm drink; pockets with zippers help keep items secure.
- Keep cameras and phones in an inner pocket to prevent batteries from draining quickly in cold conditions; use gloves with touchscreen tips if needed.
Return to base & farewell
Short sleigh transfer back to the meeting point, time for photos and final farewells. Wrap-up and check-out at the activity base.
Tips from local experts:
- Allow a few extra minutes at the end for photo opportunities — handlers can assist with safe photo spots away from the animals.
- Remove wet gloves or boots at the base if possible to avoid discomfort on the journey onward; a towel can help dry small snow traces.
- If traveling onward, confirm transport arrangements before leaving; the meeting point is on Saarijyrhämäntie for easy taxi pickups.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 3 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Families |
| Transfers | 1 |
| Restaurants | - |
| Total Activities | 4 |
| Total Places | 5 |
| Activities Types | Neighborhood, Experience, Transfer, Outdoor |
Why this experience
You'll stand in a snow-covered meadow, hand-feeding semi-wild reindeer who approach cautiously, then eat directly from your palm. Their breath steams in the cold air; yours does too. Then you'll board a reindeer sleigh and glide through silent forest trails, the runners whisper-quiet on packed snow. Finally, you'll drill a hole through lake ice and fish—waiting for a bite while sitting in the white quiet.
This day works because it threads three distinctly Lappish traditions into a single arc: animal connection, traditional transport, and subsistence. Each activity flows into the next. Reindeer herding shaped Lapland for centuries; ice fishing still feeds families through winter. You're not just observing—you're living the rhythm.
What strikes visitors most is the slowness. No rushing, no crowds. Just you, animals, forest, and the profound silence of frozen Lapland.
Before you go
- Best time: Winter (November to March) when frozen lakes are safest for fishing and reindeer are naturally grazing on winter lichen. Early winter (November–December) and spring (February–March) are best; January is coldest and may limit outdoor comfort.
- Budget: Check the booking widget for current tour pricing. Reindeer feeding, sleigh ride, ice fishing equipment, and campfire snacks are included.
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate. You'll be outdoors in cold for several hours and seated on ice. No strenuous hiking, but cold tolerance is necessary.
- What to bring: Extreme cold-weather gear—thermal layers, insulated parka, wool socks, waterproof gloves, warm hat, face protection, insulated boots. Bring extra layers because you'll be stationary while fishing; activity on the reindeer sleigh will keep you warmer.
- Getting there: Reindeer farms are typically 30–60 minutes from Rovaniemi. Pickup from your accommodation is usually included; confirm when booking.
- Accessibility: Sleigh riding requires reasonable balance and core strength. Climbing onto the sleigh and standing/sitting may challenge some guests; discuss with your operator beforehand.
Frequently asked questions
Are the reindeer tame? Semi-wild reindeer are accustomed to humans but retain instincts. They're predictable and safe for feeding, but treat them with respect—follow your guide's instructions on approach and handling.
Will I catch fish? Ice fishing is unpredictable—you might catch several, or none. The experience is as much about patience and Arctic atmosphere as it is about landing a fish. Your guide will prepare a campfire meal using any catch, or serve prepared local food if luck isn't with you.
How long is the sleigh ride? Typically 30–60 minutes, depending on the operator. It's not a full-day sledding safari; instead, it's one segment of a multi-activity day.
What's included in this itinerary? This itinerary on TheNextGuide is free to read and follow at your own pace. The bookable experience includes transportation from Rovaniemi, reindeer feeding and interaction, reindeer sleigh ride, ice fishing equipment and instruction, campfire snacks, hot drinks, and professional guide throughout the day.
Complete your trip in Rovaniemi
Combine this Lappish day with aurora hunting and other winter traditions.
- Rovaniemi in 1 Day - Campfire at Olkkajärvi Lake with hot drinks — Chase Northern Lights in the evening after your day of reindeer and ice fishing.
- Rovaniemi in 1 Day - Private Finnhorse sleigh ride through snowy forest — Experience another iconic Lapland sleigh tradition with Finland's native horse breed.
- Rovaniemi in 1 Day - Snowshoeing and ice fishing on a forest lake — Combine ice fishing with snowshoeing through pristine Lappish forests.
Browse all Rovaniemi itineraries at TheNextGuide.
Last updated: April 2026
