Tromso: Sami Reindeer Feeding & Culture Day with Lunch

Summary

Feed reindeer near Tromso share Sami stew by the fire listen to joik songs

You’ll feed reindeer by hand outside Tromso, then share hot stew with your Sami hosts inside a glowing hut. Listen to stories and joik songs around the fire in a lavvu tent. There’s laughter, honest food, new words to try out — and maybe you’ll carry home that smoky scent too.

What’s the experience like?

We barely made it out of the bus before a Sami herder grinned at us — cheeks red from the cold, hands already full of lichen. “Don’t worry, they’re friendly,” he said, nodding toward the herd clustered by the fence. I laughed, but honestly? My heart sped up when three reindeer nudged my coat pockets looking for snacks. The air smelled like snow and hay and something earthy I still can’t quite name. I’d seen photos of reindeer feeding near Tromso before but didn’t expect them to be so curious or gentle — one even let me scratch its nose (felt softer than I thought).

After my gloves got properly slobbered on, we followed our guide into a candlelit gamme hut. The warmth hit me first — then the smell of wood smoke and stew bubbling over the fire. We sat close together on benches covered in reindeer skins while bidos (that’s the Sami stew) was ladled into bowls. Our guide told us it’s what they serve at weddings; I tried to say thank you in Sami and just got a big laugh from Li across the table (I probably butchered it). Hot tea in hand, I listened to quiet stories about growing up as a herder — how winter changes everything here.

Later we squeezed into a lavvu tent around another fire, boots steaming gently. Our guide sang a joik — that haunting, half-sung melody that somehow made me feel both far from home and right where I was supposed to be. It was quiet after that. Just crackling wood and a few people blinking away tears (maybe from smoke, maybe not). The ride back to Tromso felt different; my coat still carried that smoky scent, and I kept thinking about those soft noses nudging my hands.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Sami camp and reindeer feeding

• Meet at Prostneset bus terminal
• Bus drive along Tromsø coast
• Arrive at Sami camp
• Hand-feed 300 reindeer
• Enjoy traditional meal in gamme
• Listen to joik and Sami stories
• Bus drive back to city centre
• Arrive at original meeting point

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Tromso to the Sami camp?

The bus ride from Tromso city center takes about 25 minutes each way.

Can I feed the reindeer during this tour?

Yes, you’ll have the chance to hand-feed a herd of around 300 reindeer at the camp.

Is lunch included on this Sami culture tour?

Yes, lunch is included — you’ll have bidos (traditional Sami stew) served inside a warm hut.

Are vegetarian or gluten-free options available for lunch?

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

Will there be a local guide during the experience?

Yes, local Sami guides lead all parts of the tour and share stories about their culture.

What should I wear for this reindeer feeding tour?

You should wear warm clothes with at least two layers, gloves, hat, and good winter boots.

Is transportation included from Tromso city center?

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

Are infants or small children allowed on this tour?

Yes, infants can join; prams/strollers and specialized infant seats are available.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off at central Tromso meeting points, bus transport out to the reindeer camp with your local guide waiting there, all activities like hand-feeding reindeer and gathering inside both traditional huts for stories and music, plus hot drinks and a hearty lunch before heading back to town together.