Reindeer Feeding and Sámi Culture Experience in Tromsø, Norway
If you’re looking for an experience that goes beyond sightseeing and actually connects you to Arctic life, this is it. Feeding reindeer while learning about Sámi culture was easily one of the highlights of my trip to Tromsø and something I’d recommend to absolutely everyone visiting in winter.
It’s one of those experiences that leaves you with a deeper understanding of the land, the people, and the traditions that have shaped life above the Arctic Circle.
Why Visit This Experience
Tromsø is often called the “Gateway to the Arctic,” and while it’s famous for northern lights and winter adventures like dog sledding, snowshoeing, and fjord cruises, the reindeer feeding and Sámi culture experience offers something different, it’s intimate, personal, and surprisingly calming.
Reindeer aren’t just cute animals in the Arctic, they’re central to Sámi culture. The Sámi people are the indigenous inhabitants of northern Scandinavia, with a history that stretches back thousands of years. Reindeer herding is more than an occupation, it’s a way of life that has shaped traditions, festivals, and even the food that’s been passed down through generations.
This experience allows you to engage with both the animals and the people who care for them. It’s not a rushed photo-op, it’s a real chance to learn, observe, and immerse yourself in a lifestyle that’s so different from most of our modern, urban lives. And honestly, there’s something deeply satisfying about feeding a reindeer, feeling their soft fur, and watching them move freely across a snowy field, it’s magical.
How to Get There
One of the best parts about this tour is how easy it is to access. We booked through GetYourGuide, which made everything stress-free. GetYourGuide is an online platform for booking tours, experiences, and activities all around the world. It’s especially convenient for winter adventures in Tromsø because it often includes transport, clear instructions, and customer reviews to help you pick the right experience.
For this tour, the pickup was right from Tromsø city centre, which is ideal since most of the reindeer farms are just outside the city. The bus ride itself is scenic, you’re surrounded by snowy landscapes that get you into the Arctic mood before you even meet the reindeer.
Booking through GetYourGuide also meant we didn’t have to worry about cash payments or coordinating with the farm directly, everything was handled online, from confirmation to reminders. For anyone planning a winter trip to Norway, it’s a real lifesaver.
My Experience
We decided to do reindeer feeding instead of another sleigh ride since we had done that in Finland the previous year. Honestly, it was the right choice. The moment we arrived, I was shocked by the sheer number of reindeer wandering freely across the snowy field. It felt like stepping into a real-life Arctic postcard.
Feeding them was surprisingly calming. Each reindeer had its own personality, some shyly approached, some nudged your hands eagerly. There was a quiet rhythm to the activity, it felt grounding to be outside, surrounded by snow, in the crisp Arctic air. I could have stayed there for hours just watching them.
After feeding, we went into a traditional Sámi lavvu, a conical tent similar to a teepee, for lunch. The meal was included in the tour and consisted of reindeer stew, a traditional Sámi dish, alongside tea, coffee, and cookies. They were very accommodating with dietary preferences, so vegetarian options were available if requested. Sitting around a fire, warming up, and enjoying a hearty meal while learning about the culture made the experience feel personal and authentic.
The cultural storytelling was the highlight for me. For about an hour, we listened to stories about Sámi traditions, reindeer herding, and daily life in the Arctic. It wasn’t scripted or rushed, it was genuine, and the storyteller made it easy to feel connected to the history and heritage. You learn not just about the practical aspects of reindeer herding but also about the spirituality, songs, and festivals that make Sámi culture so rich.
Best Time to Visit
I visited Tromsø in December, during the polar night, when daylight is extremely limited. The brightest part of the day was around 11 a.m., so if you want cute photos with even a hint of natural light, booking a morning tour is a must. Not only will the photos look better, but starting your day with this experience feels magical, it sets the tone for the rest of your Arctic adventures.
Winter is the ideal season for this activity, as the snowy landscape adds to the charm. However, for those wanting slightly milder temperatures, late February or early March still offers snow and daylight, but with slightly more warmth.
Travel Tips
- Book in advance via GetYourGuide: Tours can fill up, especially in December when Tromsø is busy with northern lights tourists.
- Dress warmly: Layering is key. Thermal under layers, a warm jacket, gloves, and a hat are essential.
- Morning tours are best for photography.
- Dietary preferences: Let the tour know in advance if you don’t eat meat, they accommodate vegetarian options.
- Footwear: Waterproof boots are ideal, as the ground can be icy and snowy.
- Camera: Bring one! But also take moments to just enjoy the experience without documenting every second, it’s one of those things you really want to soak in.
Highlights
- Feeding dozens of reindeer in a pristine Arctic setting.
- Enjoying traditional Sámi lunch inside a warm lavvu.
- Learning about Sámi culture, history, and traditions firsthand.
- Tea, coffee, and cookies provided to warm you after the cold.
- Morning tours provide the best light for photos.
- Convenient transport from Tromsø city centre included.
Insights into History & Culture
The Sámi people have lived in northern Scandinavia for thousands of years, and reindeer herding has been central to their survival. Reindeer provide meat, hides, and materials for clothing and tools. But beyond survival, these animals carry deep cultural and spiritual significance. For centuries, the Sámi have migrated with their herds, moving across vast landscapes in sync with the seasons.
Visiting a reindeer farm isn’t just about animals, it’s a way to understand resilience, adaptation, and the importance of tradition. The storytelling you hear during the tour highlights how the Sámi have maintained their identity despite pressures from modernization and historical marginalization. It’s humbling to see how culture, land, and animals are so tightly interwoven in their lives.
Final Thoughts
If you only have time for a few activities in Tromsø, this experience should be at the top of your list. It’s peaceful, authentic, and incredibly well-paced. Three hours felt perfect, enough time to feed the reindeer, enjoy a traditional meal, and learn about Sámi culture without feeling rushed.
I left the experience feeling calmer, more connected to nature, and with a deeper appreciation for the Sámi people and their heritage. Feeding reindeer isn’t just a cute activity, it’s a window into a way of life that’s deeply connected to the Arctic environment.
Booking through GetYourGuide made the whole experience easy and stress-free, from transportation to timing, which is a relief in a country where logistics can sometimes be tricky. And honestly, there’s something satisfying about starting your day with snow, animals, culture, and history all rolled into one magical morning.
If you’re planning a winter trip to Tromsø and want more than just photos of snowy streets and northern lights, I can’t recommend this experience enough. It’s the perfect mix of adventure, culture, and heartwarming moments, something that stays with you long after you leave the Arctic.
Cost & Booking Info:
- Price: £142.19 per person
- Booking platform: GetYourGuide – includes transport, lunch, and cultural storytelling
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