Kiruna: Sámi Reindeer Sledding & Herding Day Trip with Pickup

Join Sámi herders in Swedish Lapland for reindeer sledding food stories

You’ll join Sámi herders north of Kiruna for a day of reindeer sledding through snowy forests, share stories over traditional smoked meat and berry drinks by the fire, and see what daily life looks like in Sápmi. With pickup included and warm jackets ready, you’ll feel both welcomed and quietly changed by this day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Reindeer herding and sledding experience

• Leave Kiruna city
• Travel 1 hour 15 minutes to reindeer area
• Meet Sámi reindeer herder
• Feed the reindeer herd
• Go reindeer sledding on 1 km trail
• Experience Sámi everyday life

The experience

We’d barely left Kiruna when our driver pointed out a moose standing half-hidden by the trees. I pressed my face to the cold window. It was quieter than I expected, just snow crunching under the tires and the occasional laugh from the front seat. When we arrived at the reindeer corrals, our Sámi host, Per-Johan, greeted us with a handshake and that quick nod people do here. His hands looked like they’d spent years tying knots and working in winter air.

I’ll admit, I was nervous about driving my own reindeer sled, I mean, how do you steer a reindeer? Turns out you mostly let them decide (they know the trail better than any GPS). The cold bit at my cheeks but honestly, I didn’t care. There’s something weirdly peaceful about sliding through that pale blue light with only hooves and sleigh runners making any sound. At one point I caught Per-Johan humming softly in Sámi behind me: wish I could remember the tune.

Lunch was fried smoked reindeer meat wrapped in soft pita bread, with this sweet-tart berry drink that tasted like forest and frost. We sat around a fire inside a wooden hut while Per-Johan told stories about his family’s herd. He joked about stubborn calves and how sometimes even he gets lost in the woods. My gloves still smelled faintly of smoke hours later. If you’re looking for a day trip from Kiruna that feels like stepping sideways into someone else’s real life for a bit… well, this is it.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup by minibus from Kiruna to reach the Sámi family’s reindeer corrals deep in Swedish Lapland (about 1.5 hours each way), all winter clothing needed to stay warm outdoors, hands-on time feeding and herding with local guides, a chance to drive your own reindeer sled through snowy forest trails, plus lunch of smoked reindeer meat with fresh berries and hot drinks before returning to town.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day except Tuesday and SundayDeparts at 08:30

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (under 13)

GroupUp to 8

Live guideEnglish and Swedish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 9 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats available

Operated by Go to Lapland AB

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Swedish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 13).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long does the reindeer tour from Kiruna take?

The full-day tour lasts about 7-8 hours including transfers from Kiruna to the reindeer corrals north of town.

Is pickup included for this Sámi reindeer experience?

Yes, roundtrip minibus transfer from Kiruna is included in your booking.

Do I get to drive my own reindeer sled?

Yes, you can drive your own reindeer sled along a one-kilometer trail or ride with a guide if you prefer.

What kind of food is served on this tour?

You’ll have traditional Sámi food: fried smoked reindeer meat in pita bread plus berry drinks, coffee and tea.

What should I wear for the day trip near Kiruna?

Warm winter jacket and boots are provided at the activity location to keep you comfortable outside.

Will we see other animals besides reindeer?

You might spot moose during the transfer between Kiruna and the corrals. Keep an eye out!

What happens if it’s extremely cold on tour day?

If temperatures drop below minus 27 degrees Celsius at the activity site, tours may be canceled for safety.