Reindeer Sledding in Tromso: Sámi Culture & Feeding

Ride behind reindeer while a Sámi guide shares the stories of his people

A 4–5 hour reindeer sledding tour in Tromso pairs a 30-minute sled ride across snow with Sámi cultural immersion: tasting traditional food, hearing stories and traditional singing, and seeing artifacts from the indigenous North. The guide is a Sámi community member; round-trip transfer and lunch are included. Snow conditions may shorten the sled ride, and sleds are shared two per sled.

Step-by-step itinerary

Reindeer sledding and Sami culture experience

• Meet Sami guide
• Learn about Sami culture
• Taste typical Sami food
• See Sami artifacts
• Hear Sami stories and singing
• Join reindeer sledding trip

The Experience

Tromso sits in the Arctic, and this tour starts with a guide who belongs there. Your Sámi host will walk you through his culture—past, present and future—by letting you taste the food his people have eaten, handle objects that matter to them, and listen to stories told in a voice that carries the weight of living it. The reindeer are trained for the work and tied in a long line with a lead animal at the front; you ride two to a sled, moving across the snow behind them for about 30 minutes. The animals' behavior can shift, so every instruction the guide gives is there to keep you and the herd safe.

The tour runs in all weather, which means you dress for the Arctic and the sled ride happens unless snow simply isn't there—if conditions stop the ride entirely, you get a partial refund, but the rest of the day (the food, the stories, the artifacts, the singing) goes forward. Lunch is included, with a vegan option if you need it. Round-trip transfer from your hotel or meeting point is part of the booking, so you don't arrange your own way to the reindeer camp.

Children ride in a pram or stroller if they're small; older kids need an adult with them on the sled. The whole experience runs 4 to 5 hours, and it suits any fitness level—the sled ride is the physical part, and it's short enough that most people manage it.

What’s included

• Lunch with a vegan option available.
• a Sámi guide speaking English who shares stories, traditional singing and cultural artifacts.
• round-trip shared transfer from your hotel.
• beverages throughout the tour.
• the 30-minute reindeer sled ride across snow (weather permitting).

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendly

Operated by Tromsø Lapland

Is this one for you?Glide behind reindeer while a Sami guide shares stories, traditional singing, and insights into indigenous culture—then warm up with authentic local food and artifacts that bring the past and present to life.

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Top questions

What exactly do I do during the reindeer sledding part?

You ride on a sled pulled by trained reindeer for about 30 minutes, sharing the sled with one other person. The reindeer are tied together in a line with a lead animal in front, and you move across the snow behind them. The guide controls the pace and handles the animals.

What if there's not enough snow for sledding?

Reindeer sledding depends on snow conditions. If weather prevents the sled ride from running at all, you receive a partial refund. The rest of the tour—the Sámi cultural experience, food tasting, stories and singing—continues as planned.

What kind of Sámi food will I taste?

The tour includes lunch with traditional Sámi dishes. A vegan option is available; if you have food allergies or sensitivities, contact the operator when you finalize your booking so they can prepare accordingly.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Yes. Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. Older children can join the sled ride but must be accompanied by an adult on the sled.

What's included in the tour price?

The tour includes lunch, a Sámi guide who speaks English, round-trip shared transfer from your hotel or meeting point, and beverages. The reindeer sledding and cultural experience are part of the package.

How long is the whole experience?

The tour runs 4 to 5 hours total. The reindeer sledding itself lasts about 30 minutes; the rest of the time covers the Sámi cultural introduction, food tasting, stories, traditional singing, and travel to and from the camp.