Lyngen Alps: Reindeer Feeding & Sámi Culture Tour with Lunch

Summary

Feed reindeer in Lyngen Alps and warm up inside a Sámi lavvu with lunch

You’ll get close enough to feed reindeer by hand in the snowy Lyngen Alps before warming up inside a Sámi lavvu with coffee or tea and a hearty hot lunch. Listen as your local guide shares stories about life above the Arctic Circle—and leave feeling oddly connected to both people and place.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me wasn’t the cold—it was the sound. Dozens of reindeer hooves crunching over packed snow, snuffling around my boots like I might have something better than lichen in my hand. Our guide, Ánde, grinned at me from under his fur hat and handed me another scoop of feed. “Don’t be shy,” he said, but honestly I was more worried about getting slobbered on than anything else. The Lyngen Alps were just there in the background—massive, white, kind of unreal—but it was the little things that stuck with me. Like how one reindeer kept nudging my elbow until I finally gave up trying to take photos.

Afterwards we ducked into the lavvu—a round Sámi tent that smelled faintly of woodsmoke and wool blankets. My fingers were stiff from the cold, but someone passed me a mug of coffee so strong it made my eyes water (in a good way). Ánde started telling us about growing up here, what it’s like herding reindeer when the sun barely rises for weeks at a time. He laughed when I tried to pronounce “guovža” (I think it means “wolverine”?), which made everyone else laugh too. Lunch was hot stew—simple, filling, perfect after standing outside—and there was chocolate if you wanted it. I didn’t expect to feel so welcome among strangers.

I still think about that moment when everything went quiet except for the wind against the lavvu and the low voices around me. There’s something about sharing food and stories out in this wild place that makes you feel both tiny and lucky at once. And then suddenly it was time to pile back onto the bus, cheeks burning from cold and laughter—kind of wishing we could stay just a bit longer.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Reindeer feeding and Sámi culture visit

• Travel to Sámi camp
• Participate in reindeer feeding
• Visit lavvu and warm up
• Enjoy hot beverages
• Have a hot lunch
• Listen to guide about reindeer and Arctic life

Top questions

Is lunch included on the Lyngen Alps reindeer feeding tour?

Yes, a hot meal is served inside the Sámi lavvu along with hot drinks like coffee or tea.

How long does it take to reach the Sámi camp from Tromsø?

The tour includes bus transportation; exact timing depends on departure point but travel is arranged for you.

Is this day trip suitable for small children?

Yes, infants and small children can join—the tour allows prams or strollers and is family-friendly.

What should I wear for this Sámi culture experience?

Dress warmly in layers; weather can be harsh in Lyngen Alps and activities are outdoors before entering the lavvu tent.

Are food allergies accommodated during lunch?

If you have allergies or sensitivities, contact organizers after booking so they can adjust your meal accordingly.

What’s included

Your day includes bus pickup to reach the snowy camp near Lyngen Alps, plenty of time feeding reindeer up close, entry into a traditional Sámi lavvu for warmth, all hot drinks (coffee, tea, or chocolate), plus a hearty lunch prepared by your local guide before heading back together.