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Winter Experience with the Sami Reindeer Herding People in Norway
An Authentic reindeer herding experience with the Sami People in Norway
Discover a unique experience found only in Europe's last true wilderness in Norway. The Sami, the European Union's sole indigenous people and reindeer herders, welcome you to join their family as they herd reindeer in the tundra, amidst the breathtaking Arctic wilderness of Northern Norway.
Immerse yourself in the raw beauty of the Arctic, living alongside the Sami people and experiencing the remarkable art of reindeer herding. There are no roads or electricity, just pure, unspoiled nature. You'll seamlessly integrate into the Sami reindeer herders daily life as they steer reindeer across the tundra, using snowmobiles for travel and traditional wooden sleds.
Immerse yourself in the fascinating and rich Sami culture, and live in nature that is so pure, you can even drink straight from the stream. Whether you come alone, with family, or with friends, the experience is always intimate and unique. This stay is not just extraordinary, but a rare possibility to experience the Sami people's way of life in Norway, where you will feel connected and in awe of the environment.
A typical day with
the Sami reindeer herders
Prepare for an unforgettable adventure in the Arctic Tundra! You'll have the chance to experience the real life of Sami reindeer herders and immerse yourself in their daily routine. From visiting the reindeer stock to participating in reindeer herding activities, you'll get the chance to learn all about their unique lifestyle. You can slow down and truly enjoy the natural surroundings with no set itinerary. Don't miss the opportunity to witness the breathtaking Northern Lights and participate in traditional yoik singing in the lavvu tent. Join us for an off-grid experience with the world's last Sami reindeer herding that you'll never forget!
8 am
Wake up & breakfast
10 am
Visit the reindeer stock by snowmobiles and participate in reindeer herding activities (locate the herd, throw a lasso, give extra food to reindeer)
2 pm
Hot drinks and lunch
4 pm
Daily tasks such as cutting firewood, skiing, fetching water, give pellets to reindeer, storytelling in a cabin and food preparations together
6 pm
Dinner & traditional yoik singing in the lavvu tent
10 pm
Observe the sky & hunt the Northern Lights
Every guest is warmly welcome to participate in the daily tasks of the reindeer herders. The Sami family is happy to teach you all the reindeer herding tasks, like taming reindeer to pull a sled or throwing a lasso to catch a reindeer. In the cabin, guests can use traditional wooden Sami skiis freely while exploring the surroundings. It is an off-grid and slowdown experience where things happen without a clock.
While with the Sami, you usually get a chance to see and even get close to the big reindeer herd, but we like to remind you that we cannot predict the reindeer's behavior or herding conditions.
Sami reindeer herding experience details
Time
Sami families welcome visitors from 25th December to March in winter. Homestays start on Thursday and end on Sunday.
December and January are months when it's the magical polar night which means winter darkness when the sun never rises. It's the best season to hunt the northern lights. Starting from February, the days get more sunshine and milder temperatures.
Location
Nearest airport: Alta, Norway
The location is in the middle of Tundra, but the nearest town is Kautokeino. A complimentary pick-up and return service by the Sami host is available from Alta airport and Alta city. Pick-up from other airports (Tromso, Ivalo) is for an additional fee.
The Sami host picks you up from Alta, and you go to Kautokeino, where you receive the winter outwear. After loading the snowmobiles, the journey continues into the wilderness, and it takes about 1 -1,5 hours to reach the cabin on a snowmobile.
Accommodation
Accommodation is in a very basic reindeer herder's wilderness cabin. There is no running water or shower and the toilet is outdoors in a separate building that is not heated. The cabin is heated with firewood. There are 3 bedrooms, all with two separate beds. One bedroom has a bunk bed. The cabin has a generator so you can charge your phone and camera. There is no wi-fi. Travelers can also spend a night outdoors in a traditional Sami "lavvu" tent.
Food
The Sami Family cooks traditional Sami homemade food from local ingredients using Arctic berries, Arctic fish, reindeer meat, bred, and much more.
If you have a special diet please inform us before. The family can cater to all kinds of different diets.
Price
Price: € 2390 / per person (4 days, 3 nights).
The price includes:
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Pick-up and return from/to Alta airport / Alta city
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Local transport (car, snowmobile)
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Accommodation in a traditional Sami reindeer herder cabin and "lavvu" tent
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All camping supplies including a warm sleeping bag and a reindeer skin mattress
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All-inclusive food & beverages
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Warm outwear clothing (overalls, a hat, mittens, and boots).
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A native Sami family as hosts and guides 24/
The price excludes:
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Flights to Alta
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Travel Insurance
Impact
Our unique trips are managed and guided by the indigenous Sami reindeer herder families. In addition to providing an extra income for the family, you support maintaining the traditional reindeer herding traditions.
