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Sami Reindeer Autumn Migration
Embark on a truly unique adventure by joining the Sami family for a six-day opportunity to observe and participate in their autumn reindeer herding. This is a rare chance to experience the authentic life of the Sami herders, living in temporary tents and working side by side with them. Be prepared for outdoor sleeping and a truly immersive cultural experience.
As the long summer comes to an end and the reindeer return from their free grazing, autumn brings a flurry of herding tasks. One of the most important tasks is to gather the reindeer into separation enclosures, a task you will actively participate in during your stay.
On this journey, you won't just be a spectator. You'll form a deep bond with your Sami reindeer herder's host family, creating memories that will last a lifetime. This is more than just a trip-it's a cultural immersion experience.
About the experience
The indigenous Sami people of Northern Europe consider themselves to belong to one land known as Sapmi. Now traditional reindeer herding as the main livelihood has fallen considerably, but many Sami families still follow the annual herding cycle. They migrate from the inner parts of their territory to the Arctic Ocean in spring and back from the sea to the inland areas for winter. These migration routes often covered several hundreds of kilometers.
The Sami have lived in all four countries in the Arctic Circle: Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia.
Reindeer husbandry follows a yearly life cycle. After the long summer, when reindeer graze freely, autumn begins with reindeer herding tasks. The reindeer graze freely in summer, so before the autumn migration begins, they need to gather all the reindeer inside a corral. This period gathers herders together, and it is an exciting time for the reindeer owners. One of the essential herding tasks is to round up the reindeer into separation enclosures, and that is the Sami reindeer autumn migration preparations.
You can join this unique opportunity to observe and participate in autumn Sami reindeer herders' work. During this period, the Sami live, sleep, and cook in traditional "lavvu" tents, which are set up temporarily for this period.
In this most immersive and authentic experience, you can live the real life of the Sami herders in autumn in October and November.
We don't have a detailed everyday itinerary as everything happens at nature's speed as the reindeer are semi-domesticated animals.
An example of a typical day:
8 am Wake up & breakfast
10 am Observing & participating in reindeer herding tasks
2 pm lunch and rest
4 pm Observing & participating in reindeer herding tasks
7 pm Dinner with yoik singing and storytelling at the lavvu tent by the campfire
The days can be jam-packed with many herding tasks that you are most welcome to participate in or observe.
REQUIREMENTS:
It would help if you were physically fit, open-minded, and able to sleep outdoors (in a heated tent). It is a plus if you can drive an ATV or a snowmobile (depending on weather conditions).
Travel details
Time
The Sami family welcomes travelers to participate in reindeer autumn migration preparation during the following period:
October to November
We take max. 4 guests per time. You can come solo.
Location
The nearest airport and harbor: Alta, Norway
Free pick up and return to and from Alta in Northern Norway. For an extra cost, the Sami family can pick you up from other airports.
Accommodation
You sleep in a traditional Sami lavvu tent with the Sami family. Sleeping bags and mattresses are provided by the Sami host. No shower, outdoor toilet.
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: € 3690 per person (6 days, 5 nights)
The price includes:
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Pick-up and return from/to Alta airport or harbor
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Local transport (car, ATV)
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Accommodation in a traditional Sami lavvu tent
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Food & beverages
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A native Sami family as hosts and guides 24/7
Price excludes:
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Flights
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Travel Insurance
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Pick up from other locations (Alta, Ivalo)
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.
Check out also the Sami Reindeer Spring Migration Adventure