Tromsø: Night Reindeer Sledding, Sami Dinner & Northern Lights

Summary

Reindeer sled ride in tromso with sami camp dinner and northern lights chance

You’ll feed reindeer under Arctic skies near Tromsø before gliding through snowy silence on a sled ride. Warm up with Sami bidos stew by candlelight inside a traditional hut, then gather round firelight for stories and song. If luck’s on your side, watch for northern lights flickering above camp — but even if not, you’ll leave with something quietly unforgettable.

What’s the experience like?

You blink and there’s just snow everywhere — that kind of thick, blue dusk that makes everything feel quieter. We’d just stepped off the minibus outside Tromsø when our Sami guide, Nils, waved us over. He had this easy way about him, like he’d been doing this forever but still enjoyed it. The air smelled sharp, almost metallic, and then suddenly you’re surrounded by reindeer. I mean really surrounded — soft noses nudging your hands for lichen (they know the drill). I tried to count them at first but gave up around fifty. There’s something funny about feeding a reindeer; their breath is warmer than you expect and their eyes are so calm it sort of slows you down too.

The reindeer sled ride itself was quieter than I thought it’d be. Just the sound of runners over packed snow and a few bells, with Nils calling out words in Sami now and then. It’s maybe fifteen minutes but feels longer — in a good way. My toes got cold but I didn’t care; the sky kept changing colors behind the trees. Afterward we all shuffled inside the gamme (the traditional hut) where candles flickered against wooden walls and someone handed me a mug of coffee so strong it nearly made me blink twice. Dinner was bidos stew cooked over the open fire — rich and earthy, perfect after the cold.

I didn’t expect to get drawn in by the stories, but sitting in the lavvu tent after eating, listening to Nils talk about his family’s herding routes and how they read the weather… well, it stuck with me more than I thought it would. He sang a joik too — sort of half-song, half-memory — and everyone went quiet for a bit except for one kid who giggled at something lost in translation. We kept glancing outside for northern lights; sometimes you get lucky here, sometimes not. That night there was just a faint green smear above the trees but honestly? The whole thing felt complete anyway.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Reindeer sledding and Sami cultural experience

• Travel to reindeer camp
• Walk among 300 reindeer
• Feed the reindeer
• Enjoy 15-20 minute sleigh ride
• Enter candlelit Gamme for meal
• Have relaxed three-course dinner
• Listen to Sami stories and joik
• Watch for northern lights if clear

Top questions

How long is the reindeer sled ride near Tromsø?

The reindeer sled ride lasts about 15 to 20 minutes during the tour.

Is dinner included on this Tromsø reindeer experience?

Yes, a three-course meal including traditional Sami bidos stew is served at camp.

Will I see northern lights during this tour?

You might see northern lights if skies are clear, but sightings aren’t guaranteed.

Are vegetarian or gluten-free meals available?

Yes, vegetarian/vegan and gluten-free options are available if requested in advance.

Is pickup included from Tromsø city center?

Yes, transportation from designated meeting points in Tromsø is included.

Can children join the reindeer sledding tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are allowed and infant seats are available.

What should I wear for night reindeer sledding?

You should wear at least two warm layers plus gloves, hat, and winter boots.

What’s included

Your evening includes pickup from central Tromsø meeting points, transport out to camp, time feeding around 300 reindeer (and yes—they really do eat from your hand), a 15–20 minute sled ride pulled by reindeer through snowy woods, snacks plus coffee or tea to warm up inside a candlelit gamme hut where you’ll have a relaxed three-course dinner (with bidos stew cooked over an open fire), followed by storytelling and song around the fire before heading back into town.