Tromso: Reindeer Sledding & Sami Camp with Lunch & Pickup

Summary

Reindeer sled ride feeding 300 herd Sami culture stories lunch

You’ll ride a reindeer sled across snowy valleys near Tromso, feed a massive herd at a real Sami camp, then share traditional lunch and stories inside a warm tent. Hear your guide sing an ancient joik by firelight before heading back — it’s an experience that lingers long after you return.

What’s the experience like?

We were already bundled up and shuffling our boots at the Prostneset bus terminal when the bus pulled in — you could smell that mix of cold air and diesel. The drive out from Tromsø was only about 25 minutes but it felt like we’d crossed into another world, all white valleys and quiet water. When we arrived at the Sami camp, there were reindeer everywhere, just sort of wandering around. Our guide, Ánne, waved us over with this big woolen mitten and grinned — I think she could tell most of us had never seen so many reindeer up close before.

The sledding part was quieter than I expected. You hear the runners sliding over packed snow, and sometimes a little snort from the reindeer ahead. My hands got cold even through my gloves (should’ve worn two pairs), but honestly I didn’t care — it’s not every day you get to ride through a Norwegian valley like that. Afterward, Ánne handed us buckets of feed and suddenly I was surrounded by noses and antlers. Feeding 300 reindeer is… well, kind of chaotic, but in a good way. One kept nudging my pocket for more food — persistent little guy.

Inside the gamme (the tent), it was warm and smelled like woodsmoke. We sat on reindeer hides while lunch cooked over the fire — I went for the vegetarian stew, which was surprisingly hearty. Someone asked Ánne about her joik (the Sami folk song) and she just started singing right there; her voice sort of floated above the crackle of the fire. It’s hard to explain how that felt — maybe just really present? Anyway, after stories and tea we piled back onto the bus for Tromsø. The light outside had shifted blue by then; I still think about that silence on the ride back.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Reindeer sledding and Sami culture

• Meet at Prostneset bus terminal
• Bus drive to Sami camp
• Enjoy 30-minute reindeer sleigh ride
• Feed 300 reindeer at camp
• Eat hot traditional meal in gamme
• Listen to Sami stories and joik
• Bus drive back to Tromsø city centre

Top questions

How long is the reindeer sledding tour from Tromso?

The full tour lasts several hours including transfers; the actual reindeer sleigh ride is about 30 minutes.

Is lunch included in the Sami culture tour?

Yes, a hot traditional meal is included during your visit to the Sami camp.

Are vegetarian or gluten-free options available?

Yes, both vegetarian/vegan and gluten-free meals are available if requested.

How do I get to the reindeer camp from Tromso?

The tour includes pickup at Prostneset bus terminal with transportation to and from the camp.

Can children or infants join this day trip?

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

Will I be able to feed reindeer during this experience?

Yes, you’ll have time to feed around 300 reindeer at the camp after sledding.

What should I wear for reindeer sledding near Tromso?

You should wear at least two layers of warm clothing, gloves, hat, and winter boots for comfort.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels according to organizers.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off at designated meeting points in Tromso, transportation to the Sami camp along scenic coastal roads, a 30-minute reindeer sleigh ride through snowy valleys, hands-on feeding time with hundreds of reindeer, coffee or tea with snacks inside a traditional tent (gamme), a hot lunch tailored to your dietary needs if requested—plus stories and songs shared by your local Sami guide before returning to town.