Reindeer at Hotel K5 Levi

In the courtyard of Hotel K5 Levi, there is an enclosure where you can meet reindeer during the winter. The reindeer are brought to the enclosure at the beginning of winter once the ground is covered with permanent snow. They remain with us until spring, when the hotel closes for the season.

Come and Greet the Reindeer!

Reindeer usually sleep at night, but their sleeping patterns are not as regular as those of many other animals. They can rest and nap during the day as well, especially in winter when the northern regions experience polar nights with limited daylight.

Reindeer typically sleep in short intervals and are always ready to flee if they sense danger. When resting, they lie on the ground, often choosing sheltered spots where they can remain undisturbed. In winter, they may dig beds into the snow to shield themselves from the wind and cold.

Important: If you see the reindeer resting, please allow them their peace. Undisturbed rest is crucial for their well-being.

Treat the Reindeer with Lichen

At the hotel reception, you can purchase lichen, a favorite food of the reindeer, for €8 per bag. Feeding them is a wonderful way to get closer and enjoy their presence!

Welcome to Restaurant Kätkä

Relax in the cozy atmosphere of Restaurant Kätkä while admiring the reindeer in the courtyard enclosure, all from the warmth and comfort of the indoors! Enjoy a drink by the fireplace or start your day with a delicious breakfast served in our restaurant. We also serve lunch during weekdays.

Come and say hello to the reindeer!

Reindeer live freely in natural grazing areas from late April until mid-November. During the winter season, they are brought into enclosures for winter feeding. The reindeer in this enclosure are not the hotel’s animals; they are cared for and looked after by their owner.

Reindeer usually sleep at night, but their sleeping behavior is not as clearly rhythmic as that of many other animals. Reindeer can also rest and nap during the day, especially in winter when there is polar night in the northern regions and daylight is scarce.

They usually sleep in short periods and are ready to flee quickly if danger threatens. When sleeping, reindeer usually rest on the ground, often in a sheltered place where they can be undisturbed. In winter, they may dig a bed in the snow to protect themselves from the wind and cold.

If the reindeer are resting, please let them rest undisturbed.

Lichen for Reindeer

At the hotel reception, you can purchase lichen, a favorite food of the reindeer. Feeding them is a wonderful way to get closer and enjoy their presence!

Lichen can be purchased at the reception for €8 per bag.

Did You Know This About Reindeer?

A reindeer’s antler is the fastest-growing bone in the world: in summer it can grow up to 2 cm per day.
A reindeer’s eyes adapt to the seasons. In summer, the reflective layer in the eye is golden-yellow, and in winter it turns deep blue, improving the animal’s ability to see in low light.
When reindeer flee, they lift their tails, creating a bright white “follow-me signal” that helps the herd stay together.
A reindeer can smell lichen even through 70–90 cm of snow.
The reindeer herding area covers 36% of Finland.

(Source: paliskunnat.fi)