Video: Reindeer races & ice-fishing in Russia's frozen north

Northern Russia is well known for its harsh climate and vast icy tundra, where residents are cut off from the rest of the country. Life is hard, but they have their fun moments too.

The video explores this isolated area and introduces us to the residents, who are quite happy with the life they lead. Reindeer herders have a hard life, following their herds through the vast tundra, but every now and then they get together for some fun. Stick wresting, hurdle jumping and lasso throwing are some of the participatory sports, as can be seen in the video. But reindeer racing is the main event of the year. Teams come from far and wide to participate in these exciting and sometimes dangerous events and the competition is tough. After the races, everyone settles down to a good meal of reindeer and the other delicious speciality of this area, fish. All fish is caught in the rivers in the area and there is a great demand for this fish from local factories, who state that there is never really enough to cover this demand. Europeans love the fish, because it is not only delicious but also ecologically pure. A different and at times harsh life for the tiny group of residents in the area, but they love it.