Alta Sleigh Ride: Arctic Farm Visit & Sami Tent Lunch

Summary

Horse-drawn sleigh ride in Alta with farm visit and Sami tent lunch

You’ll snuggle up on a horse-drawn sleigh through Alta’s snowy valley, meet friendly Norwegian sheep at a real family farm, then warm up inside a Sami lavvo with fresh coffee and pastries. With local stories, laughter, and even warm clothes included, it’s an Arctic day you’ll remember long after your trip.

What’s the experience like?

“You know, the horses are actually cousins of Anna’s from Frozen,” our guide grinned as she helped us into the sleigh. I laughed — didn’t expect to hear Disney out here, surrounded by all that white silence in Mathisdalen. The air smelled like woodsmoke and something sweet, maybe from the bakery down the road? We bundled under thick blankets, cheeks stinging a bit from the cold, but honestly it felt good after being inside so much. The fjord horses looked almost too calm for such big animals. Their breath made little clouds as we set off.

The only sounds were the runners scraping over packed snow and someone’s muffled giggle when the sleigh hit a bump. Our guide pointed out old birch trees and told us how her family’s lived on this land for generations — she even showed us where they keep the sheep in winter (they’re fluffier than I expected). I tried to say “takk” properly when we stopped to meet them; Li laughed at my accent, which was fair. The whole thing felt slower than I thought it would — not boring, just… peaceful. Like time stretched out a bit.

Afterwards, we ducked into their lavvo — that’s a Sami tent, round and smoky inside from the fire. My gloves smelled like wool and pine sap. They poured coffee (strong stuff) and passed around pastries and cured meats. I think I ate more than my share but nobody seemed to mind. There was this moment when everyone went quiet except for the crackle of firewood — I still think about that sometimes, how warm it felt compared to outside.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sleigh Ride and Farm Visit

• Sleigh ride with Norwegian fjord horses
• Meet Norwegian short tail sheep
• Enjoy coffee, pastry, and cured meats in Sami lavvo

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Alta sleigh ride?

Yes, pickup at your location in Alta is included.

How long does the sleigh ride last?

The sleigh ride lasts about 30-40 minutes.

Are warm clothes provided for the tour?

Yes, warm clothing is available if needed.

What food or drinks are served during the tour?

Coffee or tea, pastries, and some cured meats are served in the Sami tent.

Can infants or small children join the sleigh ride?

Yes, infants can sit on an adult's lap or use a pram or stroller.

Is this activity suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it is suitable for all physical fitness levels.

Are service animals allowed on this tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed.

Will we see reindeer during this experience?

You may see sheep; reindeer are nearby in summer but not guaranteed during winter visits.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation with pickup from your location in Alta, a horse-drawn sleigh ride through Mathisdalen valley with an experienced local guide, time to meet Norwegian short-tailed sheep at Omdal farm, plus coffee or tea with pastries and cured meats served inside a traditional Sami lavvo tent. Warm clothing is available if you need it before heading back to town.