Tromso: Sami Reindeer Sledding & Culture with Lunch

Summary

Reindeer sledding in Tromso with Sami hosts & local meal

You’ll ride through snowy landscapes near Tromso on a reindeer sled with Sami guides, feed gentle reindeer by hand, listen to traditional stories and singing inside a warm tent, and share a local lunch together. It’s not just an activity — you’ll feel part of something real for an afternoon.

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 from the reindeer. We’d just arrived outside Tromso, bundled up and blinking at the pale blue light. Our Sami guide, Nils, grinned as he handed out wool blankets. He showed us how to sit in the sled (I definitely fumbled with my mittens), then gave a little nod to his lead reindeer. The sleds moved off in a line, ropes creaking gently. It’s slower than I expected — you really feel every bump and drift — but that’s part of it. Cold air on your cheeks, the smell of fur and wood smoke somewhere nearby.

I tried to ask Nils about the reindeer's names (he laughed at my pronunciation), and he told us stories about growing up here — how his family still follows old traditions but also uses smartphones now. There was this moment when we stopped for a bit and he sang a joik — kind of half-song, half-chant — that seemed to hang in the air longer than it should’ve. I didn’t expect that part to stick with me so much. Afterward we got to feed the reindeer ourselves; their noses are surprisingly warm and their breath smells like hay.

Lunch was inside a wooden lavvu tent, smoky from the fire in the middle. We sat on reindeer skins while Nils passed around bowls of stew (there’s a vegan option too). Someone spilled their tea and nobody minded; it felt like being let in on something old but still alive. If you’re looking for a day trip from Tromso that’s more than just photos — well, this is it. I still think about that quiet ride back through the snow, feeling oddly connected to people I’d only just met.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Reindeer sledding and Sami culture

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

Top questions

How long does the reindeer sledding last?

The sledding activity is usually 30 minutes but may be adjusted depending on snow conditions.

Is lunch included in this tour?

Yes, lunch is included along with beverages during your visit.

Are transfers from Tromso provided?

Round-trip shared transfer from Tromso is included in your booking.

Can children join the reindeer sledding tour?

Yes, children can participate but must be accompanied by an adult.

Is there a vegan meal option available?

Yes, vegan options are available if requested in advance.

What happens if there isn’t enough snow for sledding?

If weather doesn’t allow for sledding at all, you’ll receive a partial refund; other activities continue as normal.

How many people share each sled?

Sleds are shared by two participants per sled during the ride.

What’s included

Your experience includes round-trip transfers from Tromso city center, guidance from local Sami hosts throughout the day, time spent feeding and learning about reindeer herds, a 30-minute (weather-dependent) reindeer sled ride shared between two guests per sled, plus a traditional hot lunch served inside a lavvu tent with drinks provided before returning to town together.