The 6 Best Sámi Culture Experiences in the Arctic

1.Reindeer Sledding & Feeding with a Sami Guide

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 6,417 reviews · 4 hours · from $198Our pick

Travel by bus from Tromsø to a Sami reindeer camp, where you can feed a herd of about 300 animals, take a reindeer sled ride, and eat a hot meal in a lavuu tent. Sami guides such as Ilya, Maria, and Inga share personal stories, explain reindeer herding, and perform traditional joik singing around the fire.

“Feeding the reindeer was super cool. The Sami guides are knowledgeable and really interesting. The hot drinks and cookies were nice refreshments to warm up. The sledding was nice, would have been even better if it had been a longer ride!”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Reindeer Camp and Sami Cultural Tour with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 3,326 reviews · 4 hours · from $141

Travel about 35 to 40 minutes from Tromsø to a Sámi reindeer camp. Feed a herd of up to 300 reindeer, warm up with hot chocolate and cookies, eat reindeer stew or vegetarian soup, then hear Sámi stories and joik singing from guides such as Johannes, Inga, Igna, or Daniel.

“Amazing time feeding the reindeers - not rushed and able to take plenty of photographs - kids loved it. Nice food, although could have offered second portion, and plenty of hot drinks. Not too far on the coach - 35 mins or so. Meeting point instructions could be clearer - it is underground, on the side of the bus station closest to the harbour.”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Sami Culture and Short Reindeer Sledding from Tromso

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 584 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $204

Travel by coach from central Tromso to a Sami reindeer camp, where you feed about 300 reindeer and take a 10 to 15-minute sleigh ride. Warm up in a lavuu with bidos, coffee, Sami stories, and joik singing. Guide Inga has performed the traditional song for visitors. Vegetarian and gluten-free meals are available.

“Highly recommend! You get the real opportunity to interact with the reindeers (it’s interesting how each of them could have a different personality!), enjoy the beautiful scenery on their sleigh and listen to the Sami culture stories. The only thing I’d wish is if I booked even earlier and chose a longer sleigh, which you can then enjoy an even better view of the valley and fjords.”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Reindeer Sledding Experience and Sami Culture Tour from Tromso

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 530 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $225

Meet at Tromsø’s Prostneset bus terminal for a 25-minute coastal ride to a Sami reindeer camp. You’ll take a 30-minute sleigh ride, feed a herd of about 300 reindeer, eat bidos stew, and hear Sami stories and joik beside a fire. Guides may include Sami storytellers such as Andreas, Irja, Maria, Marja, or Tea.

“What can I say but brilliant!! The sledding was great, feeding and meeting the reindeer was my hi-light. Endless hot drinks and biscuits. Reindeer soup and a veggie option. Hearing about the Sammi culture was delivered by a lovely lady around a hot fire Well organised. We were also graced by the northern lights which was totally unexpected. Brilliant all round....I loved it.”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Reindeer Feeding and Sami Culture Including Lunch from Tromso

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 503 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $145

Meet Sami guides at Tromsø’s Prostneset bus terminal, then ride 25 minutes to a camp with about 300 reindeer. Feed the herd, try lasso throwing, and warm up in a lavvu with bidos, coffee, cake, Sami stories, and joik singing. Guide Daniel is among the presenters named in guest feedback. Vegetarian and gluten-free meals are available.

“We learned a lot about the Sami culture and traditions. The reindeer feeding was quite an experience! The food was great and the hosts were very welcoming.”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.Reindeer – A carrier of Sámi Culture

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 221 reviews · 1 hour · from $73Best value

At Sami Siida near Alta, you meet and hand-feed reindeer before hearing about Sámi culture and reindeer husbandry from an English or Norwegian-speaking guide. Guides including Mia, Mi, Jack, and Ann-Kristine have welcomed visitors into a lavvu tent for stories, questions, and sometimes a hot drink. Bring warm clothes, comfortable shoes, and a camera.

“Thoroughly enjoyed the experience and the knowledge provided by the guide. One small point, my sister, who is disabled and finds it difficult to stand for any length of time, would have appreciated a chair. The hot drink afterwards was very much appreciated.”

Check availability →Read our full review