Ivalo Reindeer Herding & Ice Fishing Wilderness Day

Work alongside a reindeer herder, then fish through the ice.

Spend a full day in the Ivalo wilderness as a working reindeer herder and winter fisher. You'll travel by snowmobile sleigh to feed a large herd in their natural habitat, then move to a frozen lake to practice traditional fishing methods (netting under the ice and ice fishing) before eating lunch cooked over an open fire. A live English-speaking guide leads the day, pickup is included from Ivalo, and children from age 4 are welcome.

The experience

The day starts early with pickup from your Ivalo hotel or accommodation. You'll drive by car to the starting point, then transfer to a snowmobile sleigh for the ride into the forest to meet the reindeer herd. This is where the work begins: you'll help feed the animals in their natural habitat, learning how a herder moves through the day. After the feeding, you move to a nearby frozen lake to try the fishing methods Finns have used through winter for generations: setting nets under the ice and cutting holes to fish through.

Lunch happens on an open fire in the wilderness, cooked as part of the experience. You'll eat creamy reindeer soup, salmon soup, or a vegan wild mushroom soup, with cold water and homemade hot berry juice. The whole activity runs about six hours from start to finish, and a guide in English is with you throughout.

What’s included

• Pickup from your Ivalo hotel.
• transportation by car and snowmobile sleigh.
• lunch cooked on an open fire with reindeer soup, salmon soup or vegan wild mushroom soup, cold water and hot berry juice.
• English-speaking guide throughout the day.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 1 Jan 2027

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (12 to 85 years) · Child (4 to 11 years) · Under 4: can't be booked

GroupUp to 8

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 3 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomeNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Ivalo Experiences

Is this one for you?You do the reindeer herding and fishing yourself rather than watching a demonstration, so this suits anyone who wants to work hands-on in the wilderness. The day is shared with a guide and other travelers, not private, and it runs the full morning and afternoon. Plan for six hours outdoors in the snow.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 11 years). Children under 4 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What does it mean to feed the reindeer herd? Do I just watch, or do I actually do the work?

You take part in feeding the herd yourself. The guide shows you how, and you work alongside them to distribute food to the animals in their natural habitat.

How does the ice fishing work if I've never done it before?

The guide teaches you traditional winter fishing methods on the spot. You'll learn to set nets under the ice and fish through holes cut into the frozen lake: no prior experience needed.

What's included in the lunch, and where do we eat it?

Lunch is cooked on an open fire in the wilderness and includes creamy reindeer soup, salmon soup, or vegan wild mushroom soup, served with cold water and homemade hot berry juice.

Is pickup from my hotel in Ivalo included in the price?

Yes, pickup from your Ivalo hotel or accommodation is included. The guide will arrange the time with you.