subject: Reindeer races in Lapland [print this page] Reindeer races in Lapland Reindeer races in Lapland
Most of us dream of visiting Lapland at some point and experiencing the real Santa experience but not many of us really give much thought to what other things are available in Lapland. There are many winter activities to enjoy and there isn't enough time to experience them all whilst on holiday. Many visitors return to Lapland year after year and try something different every year and this is a great way to experience everything that is on offer.
Much the same as we do in the U,K, Lapland celebrate more or less the same holidays but perhaps in a slightly different way. Easter is celebrated with all of the usual Easter eggs and family celebrations and the annual Reindeer races happen to take place around Easter time in Lapland, usually at the end of March.
There are professional Reindeer races but there are also Reindeer races that holidaymakers can take part in. The Reindeer can reach quite high speeds and you will have to be prepared to hang on in there. A sleigh will be attached to the Reindeer as they take off at high speeds across frozen Lakes and through snowy landscapes. This is an activity that is specially tailored for holiday makers but there is an annual Reindeer Race in Inari Lapland which is more professional and is done quite differently.
The annual race in Inari Lapland is a big affair and many adults and children will flock to the area to watch the races. There are usually two Reindeer and two persons on each race. There is a measured distance that the race takes place over and an overall winner. The two persons taking part will use ropes attached to the Reindeer and will use skis to move across the snow. The competitors hold on to the ropes as the Reindeer takes off and are pulled along to the finish line. I would imagine it could be quite scary and that the competitors are quite brave. There is absolutely no harm done to the Reindeer and they enjoy it as much as the competitors.
Lapland has many things going on all the time and there are festivals and activities all year as Lapland like many other countries celebrate certain holidays.
Lapland is still cold and the snow is still present but this is also the time the brown bears will begin to wake from their sleep in hibernation for the spring and summer. Lapland in the summer is beautiful and bear watching activities are also available where you can watch the brown bears in their natural environment.
