Aanaar Reindeer Family

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Reindeer Farm Petri Mattus

My name is Petri Mattus and I am Sámi reindeer herder just like my father used to be. I live with my family in the village of Menesjärvi and in municipality of Inari, Lapland of Finland. I herd my free roaming reindeer on the lap of Hammastunturi wildesness area and next to Lemmenjoki National Park.

Reindeer herding is a job which goes from generation to an other. You have to grow into the herding and it must come from your heart. It is a job for me, but life style for my whole family.

My wife worked nearly 25 yeas for the National Parks of Finland, but has now joined our family business full time. Also our oldest son, Pietu-Eemeli has started to work as a reindeer herder. Our youngest son, Penjami, will be studying reindeer herding until May 2028, but works already with us when he is not at school.

The well-being of the reindeer and the herding work is most important for us, but we are happy to be able to offer limited availability of visit to our reindeer and our home.

What is a Reindeer Farm?

Reindeer farm is a home for my family, but it is also a base for my reindeer herding work. The reindeer live free in the nature all year round and most of my work is done in the road less wilderness.

Ethical Guidelines for Sámi Tourism are importan for us.