Reindeer farms and safaris in Pyhä-Luosto
Reindeer are an essential part of the arctic nature of Lapland. Their wide hoofs, called koparat in the language of the area, make walking in the snow easy, and their thick fur allows them to survive the cold temperatures. Reindeer are exceptional deer, because also the female reindeer grow antlers, which they then use to defend themselves against carnivores. Reindeer were tamed from wild mountain reindeer, since they were needed for carrying and pulling purposes in the past. Herding reindeer in its modern form is a hundreds of years old trade. The reindeer in Lapland are half-domesticated animals, and all of them have an owner.
Reindeer Park Kopara
Reindeer park Kopara is located half-way from Pyhä and Luosto. The park is a family business, which was founded in the early 2000’s. In addition to reindeer, in the park there are also a reindeer-soup serving Café-Restaurant, an authentic reindeer cabin (Porokämppä) and a souvenir shop, where it’s possible to purchase high-quality Finnish products such as reindeer hides and handicrafts. In the same yard as the reindeer park there is also Arctic Husky Farm. (cross link huskypage)
One of the most popular activities in Kopara farm is The Reindeer Trail. Along the trail route there are food containers, from which you may feed the friendly and tame reindeer of the area. By the trail there is also a traditional reindeer cabin, where you can warm yourself up and have a snack break. Taking the reindeer trail takes 30 minutes.
In the reindeer park you can also hop into a sleigh and head to a guided safari. The safaris are varied in length. Poronkusema safari takes half an hour, and the longer Snow Glow safari takes an hour. During these safaris you’ll go in a sleigh pulled by reindeer through the forests, where you’ll have a chance to observe the beautiful nature of Lapland and hear from your guide some stories about life in the forest during the winter. After safari you’ll have a chance to greet and feed the lovely reindeer at the farm.
Kopara farm organises also a guided Reindeer herder's safari, during which you’ll get to hear interesting stories about herding the reindeer and the life of reindeer during different times of the year. In addition you’ll have a chance to pet and feed the tame reindeer at the farm.
Contact information:
Address:
Luostontie 1160
98530 PYHÄTUNTURI
+358 40 841 9199
sales@kopara.fi
Jaakkola Reindeer Farm
Jaakkola Reindeer Farm is a 70-year-old family-owned farm, which is located around 10 kilometers from Luosto. In the yard of Jaakkola reindeer farm you’ll get to greet not only reindeer but also dogs, cats and sheep. The cosy goathi restaurant serves traditional northern foods from reindeer meat to fish delicacies. Farm also sells reindeer meat and some local handicrafts.
Jaakkola Reindeer Farms offers both guided tours and reindeer safaris. All the visits must be booked beforehand. In addition to a tour with a guide there is also a Self-Guided tour, during which you’ll get to explore the farm independently using your smartphone. The tour starts from a fascinating farm exhibition and ends at the reindeer enclosure, where visitors get to feed and pet the reindeer at the farm. Self-guided tour takes around 30 minutes.
You may combine the tour with a Reindeer Safari. Jaakkola reindeer farm surely offers a safari fit for your wishes. There are plenty of safaris varying in length, and in addition to reindeer safaris there are also Ice Fishing- and Northern Lights Safaris. The most popular program of the farm is Kuurakka, which includes a visit to the reindeer farm, warm drink with pastries and a 3-kilometre-long sleigh ride pulled by reindeer. You can enjoy the warmth of the sleigh while the ride goes through unbelievably beautiful scenery, and the longer rides indeed are an unforgettable way of experiencing the breathtaking northern nature and quietness.
Contact information
Address:
Alakitisentie 899
99555 Luosto
+358 40 412 4934
info@jaakkolareindeerfarm.com
https://www.jaakkolareindeerfarm.com/