Tromso: Sami Culture & Reindeer Sledding Tour with Lunch

Summary

Reindeer sledding near tromso with sami hosts and campfire lunch

You’ll feed reindeer by hand outside Tromsø, glide through snowy valleys on a short sled ride, then gather inside a warm Sami tent for lunch and stories by the fire. Your local guide shares songs and traditions that linger long after you leave — it’s real, close-up culture you can feel.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the sound — not silence, but this soft crunch of snow under boots and the low snuffling of reindeer waiting at the edge of their pen. We’d just stepped off the bus after a short drive from Tromsø, cheeks already tingling from the cold. Our Sami guide waved us over, her hands gloved in bright patterns. She laughed when I tried to say “buorre beaivi” (good day) — I probably butchered it, but she seemed happy enough that I tried.

I didn’t expect to feel so small surrounded by 300 reindeer — they’re curious, gentle creatures, nudging at my pockets for lichen. The air smelled faintly sweet and earthy from their fur and the feed bags. The sled ride itself was short (maybe ten minutes?), but somehow it felt longer gliding through that snowy valley with nothing but the sound of hooves and an occasional grunt from our four-legged driver. My scarf kept slipping down my nose; I gave up fixing it after a while.

Inside the gamme — that’s their tent — we crowded around a fire on low benches. Lunch was a hot stew ladled into wooden bowls; honestly, I’m not sure what all was in it but it tasted rich and smoky. Someone spilled tea on their mittens and everyone laughed. Our guide told stories about growing up Sami, about migration trails and old winters, then sang a joik — her voice kind of floated above the firelight. It’s hard to describe how that felt; there’s something grounding about being let in like that, even just for an afternoon.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sami culture and reindeer sledding tour

• Meet at Prostneset bus terminal
• Bus drive to Sami camp
• Take 10-15 minute reindeer sled ride
• Feed 300 reindeer
• Enjoy hot traditional meal in gamme
• Listen to Sami stories and joik
• Bus drive back to city centre

Top questions

How long is the Sami culture & reindeer sledding tour from Tromso?

The tour lasts about 4 hours including transport to and from Tromsø.

Is transportation included from Tromso city center?

Yes, pickup and drop-off at designated meeting points are included.

How long is the reindeer sled ride?

The sled ride lasts approximately 10 to 15 minutes.

Do you get to feed the reindeer during this tour?

Yes, guests have a chance to feed a herd of around 300 reindeer at the camp.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

Yes, a hot traditional meal is served inside the Sami tent (gamme).

Are vegetarian or gluten-free options available for lunch?

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

Can infants or small children join this tour?

Yes, infants can ride in prams or strollers and specialized infant seats are available.

Are service animals allowed on this tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed at the Sami camp.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off at set meeting points in Tromsø, transport out to the reindeer camp along the coast, feeding time with hundreds of reindeer, a 10–15 minute sled ride through snowy valleys, coffee or tea plus snacks inside a warm Sami tent (gamme), a hot traditional lunch cooked over open fire—vegetarian or gluten-free if you need—and all guided by friendly locals who share stories and songs before heading back to town together.