Tromsø: Arctic Snowmobile Safari & Sámi Tent Lunch

Summary

Snowmobile across Tamokdalen’s wild valleys then gather by the fire for stew

You’ll meet your group in Tromsø before heading out to Tamokdalen for a real Arctic snowmobile adventure with a local guide. Take turns driving and riding through wild valleys, then warm up with hearty stew and coffee inside a Sámi tent by an open fire. It’s equal parts adrenaline and quiet moments—you might find yourself thinking about it long after you’re back.

What’s the experience like?

Li, our guide, grinned as he handed me the balaclava—“You’ll need this more than you think,” he said. He wasn’t kidding. The bus from Tromsø to Camp Tamok took us deeper into white silence than I’d ever seen. I kept pressing my forehead to the window, watching the snow pile higher along the road and wondering if we’d see anything but grey sky. But when we finally stepped out, it was like walking into a storybook—just sharper and colder. Someone’s laugh echoed across the parking lot as we fumbled into our thermal suits; I couldn’t tell if it was nerves or excitement (probably both).

The first time I squeezed the throttle on the snowmobile, my heart did this weird skip—half fear, half “let’s go.” You ride in pairs here, swapping driver and passenger halfway through. My hands went numb almost instantly (even with those thick mittens), but I didn’t care much because every turn showed something new—a frozen river that looked blue under the clouds, or a sudden patch of trees where ravens perched so still they could’ve been painted there. Li kept checking on us, shouting over his shoulder to slow down before a narrow bit. At one point my friend tried to wave at him and nearly tipped us over—cue more laughter.

Afterward, I remember peeling off layers inside the lavvu tent and feeling my face burn from cold and adrenaline. The smell of soup hit me first (reindeer? Maybe just beef? I never asked). We sat cross-legged around an open fire while steam curled up past old Sámi patterns stitched into the canvas above us. There was coffee too—strong enough to jolt anyone back awake after all that wind. People swapped stories about who got stuck or who drove fastest; nobody seemed in a hurry to leave.

The ride back to Tromsø was quiet except for someone softly snoring behind me. I watched frost creep up the window and thought about how small we must’ve looked out there in all that white space—just dots moving across Tamokdalen for a few hours, then gone again. Funny how fast you can feel connected to strangers after sharing something like that.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Snowmobile safari and Arctic wilderness

• Bus ride from Tromsø to Camp Tamok
• Receive thermal gear and safety briefing
• Snowmobile ride through mountains and valleys
• Midway break to switch driving roles
• Enjoy warm meal in traditional lavvu
• Relax around open fire sharing stories
• Bus ride back to Tromsø

Top questions

How long is the bus ride from Tromsø to Camp Tamok?

The bus ride takes about 90 minutes each way between Tromsø and Camp Tamok.

Do I need a driver’s license for this snowmobile tour?

Yes, you must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid driver's license to operate a snowmobile.

Is lunch included on this Arctic snowmobile safari?

Yes, after snowmobiling you’ll get a complimentary traditional Norwegian soup or stew served inside a Sámi tent.

What gear is provided for the snowmobile tour?

You’ll get thermal suit, boots, mittens, balaclava, helmet—all included in your booking.

Can children join this day trip from Tromsø?

Children must be at least 7 years old and 130cm tall; one child per adult maximum is allowed.

Is pickup included for this day trip snowmobiling from Tromsø?

Yes, round-trip transfer by bus from Tromsø city center is included in your tour package.

Will there be an English-speaking guide on this tour?

Yes, an English-speaking local guide leads the group throughout the experience.

Are there any health restrictions for joining?

This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip transfer by bus from Tromsø city center to Camp Tamok, all necessary thermal gear (suit, boots, mittens, balaclava, helmet), full guiding in English throughout your Arctic adventure, traffic insurance coverage during snowmobiling, plus coffee or tea and a traditional Norwegian soup or stew served warm inside a Sámi lavvu tent before heading back home again.