local experiences with dedication and heart
At Santa Claus Reindeer, which includes Santa Claus Reindeer, Mrs. Santa Claus Christmas Cottage, Lapland Restaurant Kotahovi and Taava Reindeer Farm, we run our business with a clear goal: to operate wisely, respectfully, and in ways that make sense – for nature, for reindeer, and for the people who live and work here.
We received the Biosphere certification in June 2025 and Sustainable Travel Finland certification in spring 2026. As a local family business in Santa Claus Village, we’re proud to work together with others in our region to build year-round tourism that’s honest, personal, and rooted in Lapland.
Our way of doing things
Santa Claus Reindeer is a family-run company located on the Arctic Circle in Rovaniemi, in the heart of Santa Claus Village. Our roots lie in reindeer herding, passed down from father to son. Today, Janne Körkkö continues this tradition as both owner and reindeer herder, following the path of his parents, Ari and Irja Körkkö.
We honour the cultural and ecological traditions of reindeer herding, but we do so with a modern mindset and a strong desire to evolve. Our vision is to develop a responsible, transparent and personal way of reindeer herding, one that respects the past while embracing the future.
We are guided by the Biosphere certification framework, which supports continuous improvement in environmental, social, and economic responsibility.
As part of our long-term commitment, we are also developing a new site: Taava Reindeer Farm, located in Janne’s home village Rautiosaari. This second location will allow us to create even more immersive reindeer experiences in a rural setting, built from the ground up with animal wellbeing and local continuity at its core.
This means:
- Keeping our practices in line with nature, the seasons, and the wellbeing of animals and people.
- Making careful choices to support local life.
- Using our platform to promote awareness, authenticity and better choices in our everyday life.
local experiences
Santa Claus Reindeer operates mainly in Santa Claus Village, one of the most well known tourism attractions in Lapland. We aim to show that responsible practices are possible even in high-traffic environments.
We focus on actions that support local cooperation, animal welfare and respect for nature. Our goal is to offer visitors year-round, authentic experiences that also encourage more thoughtful ways of travelling.
In practice, this means:
- We work with local producers and suppliers, such as a reindeer meat producer, local fish provider, building material stores and small-scale resellers.
- We provide clear instructions for visitors arriving by public transport and encourage low-emission travel.
- We maintain our reindeer fences, trails, and structures ourselves, using traditional methods.
- Our team also has strong hands-on skills: we regularly repair and maintain reindeer sleds, harnesses and other essential gear.
- Our staff knows the reindeer well and is always happy to share accurate and respectful information about the animals and reindeer herding traditions.
In Finland, nature and wellbeing are priorities – they’re part of our DNA. That respect for the environment, animals and life itself is something we hope to pass on to every visitor who meets us and our reindeer.
How We Care for the Reindeer at Santa Claus Reindeer in Finnish Lapland
Every reindeer has its own personality, needs and habits. Our experienced reindeer guides know the animals individually and take their behaviour and well-being into account in daily care and activities.
Our reindeer care practices include:
-
Work and rest: Each reindeer has an individual schedule, with an average of 2–3 rest days per week and regular breaks during working days.
-
Health and well-being: Our guides monitor the reindeer daily, and veterinary check-ups take place whenever needed.
-
Feeding: Our reindeer receive a varied diet suited to their nutritional needs, along with water or snow.
-
Living conditions: Our reindeer live in spacious outdoor enclosures with room to move, feed and rest.
-
Training: Reindeer are introduced to sleigh pulling gradually, according to each animal’s temperament and readiness.
-
Sleigh teams: Our guides consider the reindeer’s personalities, relationships and natural hierarchy when choosing suitable teams.
Our reindeer herder, Janne Körkkö, oversees the care and well-being of our reindeer. Drawing on his experience and knowledge of reindeer husbandry in Lapland, he combines traditional practices with continuous improvements to make our operations more efficient while respecting the individual needs and natural behaviour of each reindeer.
More about how we care for our reindeer
Compliance with Animal Welfare Legislation and Official Guidelines
We work with local authorities and veterinarians to ensure the welfare of our reindeer at every stage of our operations. We follow Finnish animal welfare legislation as well as regulations governing the transport of reindeer. The animals receive regular health checks, necessary vaccinations, and veterinary care whenever needed. We are in contact with supervising veterinarians, and their guidance is part of our responsibility work.
Work Schedules and Ensuring Recovery
Each working reindeer has a personalized schedule that ensures clear tracking of working days and sufficient rest periods. In practice, this means each reindeer has 2–3 days off per week, during which they do not participate in guest programs. The workload is tailored according to the season and the individual’s capacity – both physical and mental recovery are our top priorities.
Feeding, Enclosure Conditions, and Individual Care
Our reindeer guide team knows each working reindeer individually. This allows for continuous monitoring of their well-being and quick identification of any changes. The animals are fed daily according to nutritional recommendations and have constant access to clean water. Enclosure conditions are designed to support natural reindeer behavior and provide sufficient shelter, space to move, and places to rest. Our contact person on reindeer herding and well-being is Janne Körkkö/ CEO & Reindeer herder, email: janne.korkko (at)santaclausreindeer.fi
SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL FINLAND -PROGRAM
Santa Claus Reindeer (including Mrs Santa Claus Christmas Cottage and Lapland Restaurant Kotahovi) is part of the Sustainable Travel Finland (STF) program – a national initiative by Visit Finland that guides tourism companies toward more sustainable, responsible, and long-term practices. The program supports continuous development and helps ensure that tourism in Finland respects both nature and local culture.
By autumn 2025, our company will apply for and receive the Sustainable Travel Finland (STF) label to officially recognize and honor its responsible approach to working with reindeer. By achieving the STF label, we aim to strengthen transparency and trust, ensuring that visitors experience reindeer tourism that is both authentic and respectful of nature and animal welfare.
To learn more about our sustainability journey, feel free to talk to our team or reach out to us by email!
Our contact person on Sustainable Travel Finland program is Salla Tauriainen/ Marketing & Sales Manager, email: salla (at) santaclausreindeer.fi
TIPS FOR VISITORS
How to reach US IN Santa Claus Village Sustainably
SANTA CLAUS VILLAGE IN ROVANIEMI IS EASY TO REACH USING PUBLIC TRANSPORT – AN IDEAL CHOICE FOR THE SUSTAINABLE AND RESPONSIBLE TRAVELLER
Local bus number 8 runs year-round between Rovaniemi city center, the railway station, and Santa Claus Village. It’s a convenient and eco-friendly way to travel while reducing your carbon footprint.
The Santa Claus Bus also operates between Rovaniemi Airport, the city center, and Santa Claus Village, making it simple for visitors arriving by plane to continue their journey responsibly.
For up-to-date timetables and details, visit Visit Rovaniemi – Getting Around.
PARKING AND CHARGING FACILITIES IN SANTA CLAUS VILLAGE
Visitors to Santa Claus Village have access to general parking areas for both cars and buses.
In addition, the nearby ST1 Napapiiri service station offers charging points for electric vehicles as part of its services.
LAPLAND HERITAGE AND LOCAL CULTURE – LEARN MORE
To enrich your Lapland journey, we warmly encourage you to visit Tiedekeskus Pilke and Arktikum in Rovaniemi. These two cultural and science centers offer inspiring exhibitions that explore Lapland’s nature, northern ways of life, and the delicate balance between people and environment.
Through stories, history, and interactive displays, you’ll discover how the traditions of the Arctic have evolved while still honoring the wisdom of living in harmony with nature. It’s a meaningful way to deepen your understanding of the region—and of what it means to protect its future.
These places are more than museums—they’re gateways to the values that shape life in Lapland.
About us
Santa Claus Reindeer is a locally owned reindeer tourism company based in Rovaniemi, Finnish Lapland. Since 2008, we have welcomed guests from around the world to experience reindeer life and local traditions at the Arctic Circle.
Our company is led by local reindeer herder Janne Körkkö, whose knowledge and experience guide our reindeer operations. Together with our team of experienced reindeer guides and hospitality professionals, we offer guests the opportunity to get to know reindeer, learn about their life in Lapland and enjoy genuine experiences.
At Santa Claus Village, we offer reindeer sleigh rides and guided reindeer encounters throughout the seasons. At Taava Reindeer Farm, guests can enjoy carefully planned reindeer experiences in a peaceful countryside setting, with time to learn about the animals and their behaviour.
Our company also includes Mrs. Santa Claus’ Christmas Cottage, where guests can enjoy a magical encounter with Mrs. Santa Claus, and Lapland Restaurant Kotahovi, known for its traditional Lappish atmosphere and food prepared over an open fire.
We value local knowledge, Lappish hospitality and the well-being of our reindeer. These are reflected in how we care for our animals, welcome our guests and develop our experiences throughout the year.
Welcome to discover reindeer life and local hospitality with us in Rovaniemi, Lapland.
