Last year I had one of those travel experiences that stays with you. A visit to Reindeer Farm Petri Mattus in Finnish Lapland.
I had actually wanted to visit this place for years, ever since seeing it featured in a BBC documentary with Gordon Buchanan. The episode followed Petri and his reindeer through the frozen wilderness, and I remember thinking what an incredible life. I would love to see that for myself one day.
But the farm is a little off the beaten track, and until now I had not been able to make the journey. This time I finally hired a car, which made all the difference. It gave me the freedom to explore more remote spots like this one, and it meant I could finally visit a place that had been on my list for so long.
It ended up being even more special than I imagined. Peaceful, raw, and incredibly authentic. A chance to step into the world of a real Sami reindeer herder and learn about a way of life that has been passed down for generations.
Into the Wild
Petri welcomed us to his home like old friends. From there, we bundled up and headed out into the wilderness, where his herd roams freely across the snowy landscape. He does not round them up in the traditional sense. They live wild, but he supplements their natural diet with extra food during the long Arctic winters.
When he called out to them across the open land, I was not sure what to expect. But suddenly, they started to appear. First one, then two, then more, coming from all directions. It was amazing to watch. These animals know his voice, and it was clear there is a deep bond between them.
There is something truly beautiful about seeing animals like this in their natural habitat, without fences or crowds. Just us, the snow, the soft sounds of hooves, and the low Arctic light.
Stories Around the Fire
After spending time with the herd, Petri lit a small fire right there in the open, just off to the side of where the reindeer were still wandering.
We gathered around as he brewed coffee over the flames and passed around slices of cake. It was simple and low-key, but honestly, one of the most memorable parts of the day. The cold, crisp air, the scent of woodsmoke, the snow underfoot, and this quiet moment of sharing stories, with the reindeer occasionally drifting past in the background.
Petri spoke about Sami traditions and daily life as a reindeer herder. You could tell how much pride he takes in his work, as well as how natural it all seems to him. There was no rush, no script, just good conversation, coffee, and that grounding sense of being in a place where life moves to the rhythm of the land. It felt calm and personal. The kind of travel experience that really stays with you.
A Different Kind of Magic
This was not a typical activity day. There were no staged photo spots or tourist crowds. Just a handful of us, getting a glimpse into a life that is deeply connected to nature and tradition. Petri knows every reindeer in his herd. Even though they are wild, they are all accounted for. It really stuck with me. This quiet, everyday magic that is completely normal for him, but so special to witness.
If You Are Heading to Lapland
If you ever get the chance to visit Finnish Lapland, I cannot recommend Reindeer Farm Petri Mattus enough. It is not flashy, but it is real, and that is what makes it unforgettable. You will definitely need a car to reach it comfortably. Hiring one opened up a whole new side of Lapland for me, and this visit alone made it totally worth it.
