Paikallisuutiset

Kemijärvi News: Pet some furry friends at Hemmula Farm

Say hello to the latest residents at Hemmula Farm, Leksa and Luci, two rabbits who now share a home with the reindeer duo Jyrki and Tahvo.

Along Narkiperäntie, about a fifteen-minute drive south of the centre of Kemijärvi, lies an animal farm known as Hemmula Farm.

The Hemmula animal farm opened in the autumn of 2021. Until now, it has operated only part-time, hosting different types of excursion days according to demand.

While Hemmula Farm still does not have regular opening hours, guests are welcomed on-site seven days a week. Booking an appointment is recommended, given that the majority of winter activities revolve around chartered husky safaris.

– The animals at the farm are available for pets in the winter just as they are in the summer. Grilling sausages in the hut is also a great experience, says Minna Ruopsa, who runs Hemmula Farm.

The Hemmula animal farm organises various activities according to visitors’ wishes. Popular activities include, for example, hand-led rides on a donkey or a Finnhorse. In summer, you can book a trip on the waves of Lake Kemijärvi in an 8-seater boat, while the winter months provide the opportunity to embark on a thrilling husky safari.

Hemmula is home to numerous animals. The farm has about twenty Siberian huskies, several Finnhorses, a donkey and a mule. There are also many different types of birds on the farm, including chickens, ducks and silver pheasants. The most recent residents at the farm are the rabbit friends, Leksa and Luci.

The farm also features sheep and goats as well as two reindeer, Jyrki and Tahvo. The reindeer are still growing and, for now, their only purpose is to brighten the visitors’ day with their presence. For the time being, Hemmula Farm does not offer any reindeer rides.

– The farm animals can also be booked for various occasions from birthday parties to large-scale events, Ruopsa says.

Hemmula Farm is a popular destination for Finnish and foreign tourists alike. According to Ruopsa, Finnish tourists enjoy the peaceful surroundings of the farm where they can have genuine contact with the animals and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere.

– Our animals enjoy being around guests. They can be touched and also fed as long as we can make sure that the treats they get are appropriate. It makes for a truly memorable experience, especially for children, Ruopsa says.

The chance to experience Finnish nature is something foreign tourists appreciate a lot.

– Going on a husky safari is obviously an amazing experience. Casual discussions during the visits provide an opportunity for cultural exchange and appreciation and add to the enjoyment of everyone involved, Ruopsa says.

Hemmula Farm

Narkiperäntie 473, Kemijärvi

p. +358 (0)44 278 7085

ruopsa.minna@gmail.com

Facebook: Hemmula Ay

Instagram: hemmulan_tila

Read the travel magazine Kemijärvi News from here.

Translation by Semantix Oy