Reindeer feeding tour Tromsø: Kvaløya, Sommarøy & Sami traditions

Feed reindeer by hand, then gather around a bonfire for Sami songs

A small group tour from Tromsø around Kvaløya island and out to Sommarøy, where you join a Sami reindeer herder to feed his herd by hand, sit in a traditional lavvo tent around an open fire to hear Joik songs, and learn Sami traditions. The tour runs 6.5 hours with lunch at Sommarøy Arctic Hotel, warm thermal clothing, and time to walk the islands. Children are welcome from age 4.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Kvaloya2h
2. Sommaroy2h

Tour Kvaløya and Sommarøy islands

• Bus tour around Kvaløya island
• Stop to admire landscapes
• Visit Sami reindeer herder
• Feed reindeers by hand
• Gather in Sami lavvo for Joik
• Lunch at Sommarøy Arctic Hotel
• Explore Sommarøy by walking

The experience

You start with a bus drive around Kvaløya, an island ringed by mountains and Arctic fjords. The route follows the coastal road with stops at viewpoints where the landscape opens up: steep peaks, water, and the kind of light that changes how you see the place. The drive sets up what comes next: you're moving through the geography that shapes Sami life here.

At the reindeer herding site, the herder calls his animals and the herd gathers. You feed them by hand: a moment most people don't forget. Afterward, the group moves into a traditional Sami lavvo, a tent with an open bonfire at the center. Here you listen to Joik, the traditional Sami singing form, and hear stories about Sami culture and reindeer herding. It's not a performance. It's the herder's own space and his own traditions.

From there, you drive to Sommarøy, a cluster of islands in open water about 1.5 hours from Tromsø. The islands have white sand beaches and blue water. You have time to walk around the fishing community on your own before lunch at Sommarøy Arctic Hotel around 12:30 PM, where the menu includes vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options. The tour includes warm thermal clothing and shoes, plus coffee, tea, hot chocolate and snacks throughout the day.

What’s included

• Small group tour with bus transport around Kvaløya and to Sommarøy.
• hand-feeding of reindeer with a Sami herder.
• time in a traditional Sami lavvo tent with open bonfire and Joik songs.
• lunch at Sommarøy Arctic Hotel with a choice of dishes including vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options.
• warm thermal clothing and warm shoes.
• coffee, tea, hot chocolate and snacks throughout the day.
• time to explore Sommarøy on foot.

Before you book

Days and timesTuesday to FridayDeparts at 09:00Last departure this season: 8 Dec

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (4 to 12 years) · Under 4: can't be booked

GroupUp to 22

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical effort

Operated by Wondering Reindeer

Is this one for you?Choose this if you want hands-on time with the reindeer and the herder's direct attention. The small group size means you'll actually feed the animals and hear stories around the fire, not watch from a distance.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 12 years). Children under 4 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the difference between a Sami lavvo and a regular tent?

A Sami lavvo is a traditional tent with an open bonfire in the center, designed for the herding lifestyle. On this tour, you sit inside one around the fire while the herder shares Joik songs and Sami traditions. It's his working space, not a staged setup.

Can I bring my four-year-old on this reindeer tour?

Yes, children are welcome from age 4. The tour involves bus travel, hand-feeding reindeer, and time in the lavvo tent, so your child should be comfortable with those activities and have moderate physical fitness for the day.

What happens at Sommarøy, and how much time do I have there?

Sommarøy is a group of islands with white sand beaches and a small fishing community. After lunch at Sommarøy Arctic Hotel around 12:30 PM, you have time to walk around and explore the area on your own before the group leaves.

Is lunch included, and are there options for dietary needs?

Yes, lunch is included at Sommarøy Arctic Hotel. You choose one dish from the menu, or the restaurant may serve a large buffet instead. Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options are available. Alcoholic drinks are not included and cost extra at the restaurant.

What should I wear, and is warm clothing provided?

Warm thermal clothing and warm shoes are provided as part of the tour. Dress in layers underneath, and bring a windproof jacket: the Arctic weather changes quickly, especially on the islands and around the open bonfire.

How long is the drive to Sommarøy, and what's the total tour length?

The drive to Sommarøy takes about 1.5 hours from Tromsø. The entire tour runs 6.5 hours from start to finish, including the bus tour around Kvaløya, the reindeer herding stop, the lavvo experience, and lunch at Sommarøy.