Reindeer up close in Finnish Lapland. At Kujala Reindeer Farm in Kuusamo, a local guide takes you into an old corral and lets you feed the herd their favorite food, lichen, while you learn how reindeer herding works. It’s simple, hands-on, and built for real animal time, not just a photo stop.

I especially like two things. First, you get to meet hundreds of reindeer and feed them right away, which makes the whole experience feel personal. Second, the handicrafts workshop and boutique gives you a practical souvenir idea that isn’t mass-produced and forgettable.

One possible drawback: the visit is only about 1 hour, so if you want a long, unhurried sit-with-the-animals pace, plan for the quick hit.

Key highlights worth your time

• Feed reindeer lichen in the farm’s corral for a close, hands-on moment
• Tour an old, big Kuusamo farm with hundreds of reindeer on site
• Learn from a local guide about reindeer life and herding routines
• Stop at the handicrafts workshop and boutique for Finnish-made souvenirs
• Get photo opportunities while you’re standing near the animals

Entering the Kujala corral: where the experience really starts

This one-hour visit is built around the best part: being face-to-face with the reindeer at the farm itself. You don’t just look from a distance. You walk into the ancient corral at Kujala Reindeer Farm, where the herd gathers and you can interact at feeding time.

That matters because it changes how you remember the place. A reindeer farm can be pretty, sure, but the payoff here is your proximity to the animals and the immediate rhythm of feeding. The guide is there to help you make sense of what you’re seeing, which turns cute photos into a small, real learning moment.

You’ll also want to treat the farm as a working site. That means sensible movement, quiet attention when needed, and comfortable shoes for walking around the corrals.

Feeding the reindeer with lichen: the most memorable up-close moment

The big draw is straightforward: you’ll feed the reindeer with their favorite food—lichen. It’s the kind of detail that makes the whole experience feel grounded. You’re not tossing random treats; you’re doing the specific feeding the herd is used to.

I like that you’re close enough to notice how the animals react, how they approach, and how quickly they’ll come in once feeding starts. It’s also one of the easiest times to get photos that actually look like you were there. Stand where the guide tells you, keep your hands safe, and you’ll likely end up with better shots than if you rush forward.

Practical tip: wear clothing that makes you feel steady and warm. You’ll be standing, moving slowly, and watching the herd. If you dress for comfort first, the feeding moment feels calm instead of stressful.

Walking the farm tour with hundreds of reindeer in Kuusamo

After the initial corral time, you’ll tour around the farm and see a large group of reindeer across the property. The farm is described as one of the oldest and biggest in Kuusamo, and you can feel that scale in how many animals you encounter during the walk.

This is where the experience becomes more than a single photo moment. Seeing the herd dispersed across the farm helps you understand that reindeer herding isn’t a “one spot, one trick” thing. The guide’s explanations about the reindeer and their lifestyle give context to what you’re seeing in real time.

You’ll still keep moving at a visitor-friendly pace, but expect cold-weather conditions and outdoor time. A short tour like this also means you’ll be glad you came prepared—because your best window for animal spotting is the time you’re actually in motion.

Handicrafts workshop and boutique: a souvenir stop that makes sense

Not every reindeer outing includes a meaningful shopping moment. This one does, and it’s tied to Finnish craft. After the animal time, you’ll visit the handicrafts workshop and boutique, where you can discover Finnish crafts and possibly bring home something handcrafted.

What I like about this stop is the logic. You’re already learning about a living northern tradition. Then you get a chance to support local craftsmanship with a souvenir that fits the region instead of something generic.

If you’re picky about gifts, use the shop time as your decision window. Check what looks handmade, ask questions if the staff can help, and buy one item you’d genuinely use. A small, well-made piece beats a pile of ornaments you don’t keep.

Price and value: is $31 for one hour fair?

At about $31 per person for a 1-hour experience, this tour isn’t trying to be the cheapest thing in town. But it does offer real value for the money if you care about hands-on animal time.

You’re getting three main components packed into the hour:

• a guide-led feeding experience with reindeer
• a farm tour where you see lots of animals
• a workshop and boutique stop for Finnish crafts

That mix matters. If it were only a short animal look-from-outside moment, I’d expect the price to sting. Here, feeding plus a guided explanation helps justify the cost, and the craft stop gives you a practical payoff beyond photos.

Also, the tour runs in a tight time block. If your Kuusamo day is busy, a one-hour activity can be easier to plug in than a half-day excursion.

What to wear in Northern Ostrobothnia (and what to bring)

This visit is outdoors, and the comfort gap between “I’m fine” and “I’m miserable” is usually clothes, not attitude.

Bring:

• Comfortable shoes
• weather-appropriate clothing

Keep your expectations simple: you’ll be walking around farm areas and standing while feeding happens. Cold wind and slippery footing are the usual culprits, so traction and warm layers help you focus on the reindeer instead of your feet.

One more rule to plan around: no smoking during the experience. It’s a small thing, but it keeps the farm environment pleasant for everyone.

Kids note: children under 12 can only join when accompanied by a parent. If you’re traveling with little ones, plan to keep the visit closely supervised.

Who should book this reindeer farm visit?

This is a great match if you want an experience that’s:

• hands-on (feeding, not just watching)
• guided (so you get meaning, not just motion)
• short and efficient (one hour fits into a busy travel day)

You’ll especially enjoy it if you like animal interactions that feel respectful and guided. The fact that the feeding is with lichen, plus the guide’s explanations about reindeer lifestyle, makes it more than a cute stop.

It’s also a good choice for couples, solo travelers, and families who prefer structure. There’s a clear sequence: corral feeding, farm tour, then crafts. You won’t wonder what to do next.

If you’re the type who wants hours upon hours of downtime, you might find the pacing a bit brisk. But if you want a focused reindeer experience, this format works.

Should you book Kujala Reindeer Farm with the lichen-feeding?

I’d book it if you’re in Kuusamo and you want a close reindeer encounter without turning your day into a long expedition. The combination of feeding plus a farm tour, then a workshop/boutique stop, gives you multiple payoffs in just one hour.

Book it confidently if you:

• care about getting near the animals
• want a guided explanation of reindeer life
• like the idea of taking home a Finnish craft item

Hold off only if you know you need a slow, extended animal experience. With one hour, the visit is designed to be efficient, not drawn out.

FAQ

How long is the Kuusamo reindeer farm visit?

The experience lasts 1 hour.

What will I do during the visit?

You’ll take a tour around a reindeer farm, meet the reindeer in the corral, feed them with lichen, and visit a handicrafts workshop and boutique.

What is included in the price?

It includes a guide and the reindeer feeding experience.

What do I feed the reindeer?

You’ll feed the reindeer their favorite food: lichen.

Where is this experience located?

It takes place at Kujala Reindeer Farm in Kuusamo, in Northern Ostrobothnia, Finland.

What languages are offered for the live guide?

The live tour guide is available in English and Finnish.

Are children allowed?

Children under 12 can join only when traveling with a parent.

Do I need to bring anything?

Wear comfortable shoes and bring weather-appropriate clothing. Smoking is not allowed during the experience.