West of Helsinki, There Is Finland’s Southernmost Reindeer Park

In the forests west of Helsinki lies a small place known as Finland’s southernmost reindeer park. Quiet and unassuming, it’s the kind of place where families can slow down on a weekend — feeding reindeer and warming their hands by the fire with a hot drink.

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We had been meaning to visit this farm for quite some time. But after hearing that a “Santa Claus” appears here every year around Christmas, we decided to wait until a few weeks before the holidays and finally brought our child to visit — the reindeer park closest to Helsinki, Nuuksio Reindeer Park.

Before going any further, a quick expectation check: this place is truly small.
If you’re not planning a long hike, the entire visit can be comfortably finished in about an hour. It’s not ideal as the sole destination for a full day, but as a light, low-effort weekend detour, its charm lies in being small and well-balanced — just enough.

Following the forest path, you’ll come across this wooden sign reading “Poropuisto” (Reindeer Park), full of rustic charm.

Part 1: Spirits from Lapland

The reindeer park sits right next to Nuuksio National Park. Once inside, the most anticipated activity is, of course, feeding the reindeer.

The reindeer are kept in open enclosures and are surprisingly gentle — some even walk up on their own in search of food. The admission ticket usually includes a portion of lichen, their favorite treat.

A child crouches by the fence, carefully offering food to a reindeer.

Watching these large, antlered animals gently eat from your hand is pure joy for children. While this park doesn’t have the vast herds you might find in northern Lapland — I counted maybe seven or eight reindeer — the quiet, close-up interaction feels far more personal and intimate.

Part 2: A Surprise Encounter with Santa Claus

Since our visit was close to Christmas, we unexpectedly encountered a special “guest” in the forest — Santa Claus.

Around Christmas, you really can meet “Santa Claus” in the forests of Finland.

Seeing a white-bearded Santa in a Finnish forest genuinely feels like stepping into a storybook. For children, it’s without question the highlight of the entire trip.

Part 3: Enjoying Winter Like the Finns Do

After feeding the reindeer, the cold slowly sets in. This is when stepping into a traditional Kota (a Lapland hut) feels especially comforting.

These cone-shaped wooden shelters were originally used by the Sámi people as temporary dwellings, similar to the North American tipi. A fire always burns in the center, making it the heart of warmth and social life outdoors in Finland.

Several black kettles quietly simmering with Glögi over the fire in the center of the Kota.

What’s brewing over the fire is Glögi, Finland’s signature Christmas-season drink.
Simply put, it’s a hot berry-based beverage infused with spices like cinnamon, cloves, and ginger. Adults often enjoy versions with red wine or vodka, while children are served a non-alcoholic juice-based version.

Outside, the forest is cold and still. Inside, the fire crackles, hands warm around a cup of Glögi, and the air is filled with the scent of cinnamon. This restrained, quiet warmth feels distinctly Nordic.

Beyond the drinks, this is also the perfect place to observe Finnish-style social life.

Sitting around the fire and chatting is the most natural and common form of winter socializing in Finland.

Rather than gathering in refined restaurants, locals seem to prefer this simple, unpretentious way of spending time: grilling sausages (Makkara) over the fire and chatting casually. Whether strangers or friends, everyone shares the same warmth from the flames.

Part 4: Messages Written for the World

Before leaving, we noticed a thick guestbook placed near the entrance of the tent.

Near the tent entrance, a child carefully leaves their mark in the guestbook, surrounded by a warm and quiet winter atmosphere.

Flipping through the pages reveals messages written in many languages — drawings, poems, and simple notes capturing moments of travel. We let our child leave a small mark of our own as well.

For children, leaving a name or a drawing can be just as meaningful as seeing the reindeer.

Closing Thoughts & Practical Information

Nuuksio Reindeer Park stands out for its sincerity and warmth. It may be a “quick-visit” destination, but for families looking to slow down, breathe some fresh air, and enjoy a calm moment near Helsinki, it’s a lovely choice.

If you’re looking for large-scale attractions or a packed itinerary, this place may feel a bit understated;
but if you value togetherness, atmosphere, and experiencing a weekend the way locals do, then it’s just right.

Practical Information:

• 📍 Address: Nuuksiontie 83, Espoo (Nuuksio Reindeer Park)
• 🚗 Getting there: Driving is recommended; alternatively, take a train to Espoo Station and transfer to bus 245
• 💡 Tips:
  • Plan for about 1 hour on site; it pairs well with other hiking routes in Nuuksio National Park
  • Privately operated; weekend opening hours are usually short (typically 12:00–15:00), so check the website in advance
  • Dress warmly and wear waterproof, non-slip footwear