The purpose of our company is to offer visitors responsibly produced authentic Lapland experiences based on local culture and lifestyle
Our story
Ivalo Experiences is a small family business located in Ivalo, Finnish Lapland, run by Johanna and Niilo, a local couple. We are both from Ivalo, and Niilo has deep roots in reindeer herding, and he has worked as a reindeer herder all his life. We value nature and spend almost all our time in it. Every experience reflects our daily tasks: feeding the reindeer and checking fishing nets.
We founded our company because we want to offer responsible activities where customers can truly experience nature, going deeper into the forest and discovering something unique.
Sustainability
We aim to focus on the small things we can influence: we use as many eco-friendly and local products as possible, with an emphasis on items that can be reused. We offer homemade food and drinks: we pick the berries ourselves to make berry juice, and use our own reindeer meat and hand-picked wild mushrooms in our dishes. While we can’t do everything in an entirely eco-friendly way, we do our best to act responsibly.
Above all, we treat our animals with care: our reindeer activities are based on everyday reindeer herding, not tourism. We also ensure responsible fishing practices and strive to offer only authentic, tradition-based activities.
Q&A
How can I get to your activities?
All activities are located in the Ivalo area. Transportation for maximum of eight people from Ivalo, such as a hotel, is included in the price. Transportation can be arranged from Saariselkä or Inari for additional fee €45 per direction. If you need transportation from Saariselkä or Inari, please contact us in advance.
What are the group sizes?
Activities can only be arranged when there are enough participants. The minimum is at least two participants and maximum group size is eight to twenty people, depending on the activity. All activities can also be booked as private visit, for example for couples, when there is one price and no minimum group size. You’ll find group sizes in the activities tab. For larger groups, contact us by email in advance.
Are the activities difficult?
The activities are not difficult and do not involve walking long distances, except the Nightless night fishing trip. The recommended age limit is four years because the terrain and long period outdoors can be challenging. If you require accessibility assistance, please contact us in advance.
Can I get cold? What clothes I need?
The weather limits for the activities range from -20°C to -25°C, depending on the activity. There are no weather limits for summer activities.
Warm clothing and equipment are required to participate in the winter activities. It is possible to rent clothes through us by contacting in advance. The rental price for insulated safari suit and warm snow shoes is €25 / person. The rent is only for the duration of the activity we organize.
Are meals included in the activities? How do you accommodate special dietary requirements?
All of our activities include a meal or roasting sausages on an open fire, along with fresh cold water and homemade hot berry juice. The activities Aurora Hunting with Reindeer and A Day with Reindeer Herders includes a homemade creamy reindeer meat soup, prepared with meat from our own reindeer and served with fresh cold water and homemade hot berry juice. A vegan alternative, wild mushroom soup, is also available. The Reindeer Fence Visit, Aurora Hunting by Minivan, and Wilderness Adventure by Snowmobile Sleigh include sausages, with a vegan option available.
All meals are automatically lactose-free and gluten-free. Please let us know in advance if you would like to choose a vegan option or if you have any special dietary requirements or allergies by emailing info@ivaloexperiences.com at least one day before the booking date.
How can I pay?
You can pay for the activities directly through the booking system. The payment methods accepted by our provider include bank transfers, mobile payment methods, and card payments. You can also pay for the reservation on-site with a card (for quick bookings), via MobilePay, or through PayPal.
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