Reindeer in Tromsø: Reindeer Sledding Tour REVIEW

Tromsø is one of the best places in Norway to experience Arctic culture, the Northern Lights, and snowy adventures. On my most recent trip I wanted to dive deeper into Sami culture, so I booked a Sami-run Tromsø reindeer tour to learn more about their traditions (and to meet some cute reindeer!).

The tour promised reindeer sledding, feeding a herd of reindeer, and storytelling around a campfire inside a cozy lavuu (a Sami tent). As a Norwegian, I’ve grown up familiar with the Sami people and their culture (we learn about them in school, but I am sad to say the teachings are limited).

This tour (and especially my following trip to Alta) gave me an even deeper appreciation for their heritage. Here’s my honest review of my experience with Tromsø Arctic Reindeer and whether it’s worth it for your next Arctic adventure.

#1 Pick

Table of Contents

Toggle

Reindeer Sledding Experience & Sami Culture Tour from Tromsø

Experience Sami culture on this half-day Tromsø reindeer tour! Enjoy reindeer sledding through snowy landscapes, feed a friendly herd of 300 reindeer, and relax by the fire in a lavuu as you hear stories about Sami traditions and enjoy a live joik performance.

Check Prices and Availability!

About the Tromsø Reindeer Tour from Tromsø Arctic Reindeer

This half-day Tromsø reindeer tour is run by a family-owned, Sami business, which made me feel confident that I was supporting an authentic cultural experience. The Sami people are the Indigenous people of Northern Europe, with their culture rooted in reindeer herding, storytelling, and deep connections to the land.

The tour begins with reindeer sledding, where you’re taken on a ride around the large space where the camp is on a sled pulled by reindeer. Afterward, you’ll feed a herd of potentially up to 300 reindeer before heading inside a warm lavuu (Sami tent).

In there you’ll sit around the fire, enjoy traditional Sami food, and listen to your guide share stories about their heritage. The storytelling also includes a live performance of a joik, the Sami’s traditional form of song.

A hot meal is included, and you will be served the traditional Sami dish called Bidus (a super yummy reindeer stew).

🤩 Check Prices and Availability!

My personal experience

Arriving at the tour site, I was greeted by the sight of reindeer grazing in the snow and the warm welcome of Sami guides in colorful, traditional gákti (Sami clothing – so pretty!). It was clear from the beginning that this was a family-run business that genuinely cared about preserving and sharing their culture.

Around 150 of their reindeer where at the camp during my visit. I was told this is how they usually do it, as they alternate where their reindeer is grazing.

The day started with reindeer sledding, which was a unique experience but not quite what I had expected (more on that below). Feeding the reindeer afterward, however, was absolutely adorable!

Being surrounded by a curious and friendly herd of reindeer was such a special moment, especially if you love animals.

My absolute favorite time was sitting inside the Lavvu listening to our two young guides (they were 17 and 18, if I remember correctly). They were so informative, answering all the questions the tourists around me were asking.

I personally think that this time spent around the fire was what made the entire tour worth it – learning about the Sami people from the Sami themselves is the best way to do it!

If you’ve read any other Tromsø Arctic Reindeer reviews you’ll find that some people agree with me here, and some don’t.

My opinion on the reindeer sledding

If I’m being honest, the reindeer sledding was my least favorite part of the tour. It didn’t feel very authentic or immersive – especially since I know that the Sami traditionally don’t actually use reindeer to pull them on sleds.

it was more of a brief and slow ride around a small track in a large, flat field. The sleds and reindeer where all tied together, and it all felt rather silly and touristy to me. While it’s a unique activity to check off your Arctic bucket list, don’t expect it to be a thrilling or particularly cultural experience.

That said, feeding the reindeer afterward was delightful! The reindeer were curious and gentle, and you could tell they were well cared for – and that they really love their animals.

If you’re an animal lover, this part of the tour will bring you so much joy. Plus, it gives you an opportunity to get up close to these iconic Arctic animals in a way that feels respectful and natural.

If this part of my review makes you feel some kind of way, I am happy to say that you can book the entire experience without the reindeer sledding. This is what I would personally recommend for anyone visiting Tromsø.

My Favorite Part: Sami Storytelling

For me, the highlight of the tour was sitting inside the cozy lavuu, listening to the guides share stories about Sami culture while the fire crackled in the background. The Sami people have a rich history and deep connection to reindeer herding, which has been a cornerstone of their identity for centuries.

Sami culture is built on traditions of storytelling, song, and survival in harmony with nature. Hearing the guide speak so passionately about their heritage was incredibly moving.

The joik, a traditional Sami song, was a magical moment that gave me goosebumps – it’s not just a song, but a way of expressing deep emotions and even honoring people, animals, and places.

When he Sami joik, they use the melody to express themselves, as opposed to lyrics. If you have seen Frozen, you’ll actually find that you have heard a version of the joik, as the intro song is inspired by this way of singing!

If you’re curious about Sami culture and want to learn more about their way of life, this part of the tour alone makes the experience worth it.

🤩 Check Prices and Availability!

🤩 Check Prices and Availability!

Practical Information (Timing, Pricing, etc)

The reindeer experience out of Tromsø runs in the winter months, usually starting November 1st (or sometimes late October) and running until late April.

Side note: since this is a winter activity, and most of it is outside, make sure you dress in several warm layers before you head out for the day. My winter in Norway packing list should help!

The camp (and herd) is a 30-minute drive outside of the city center, and the meeting point is usually outside the Scandic and Radisson (two great hotels in Tromsø, in my opinion).

The cost of the tour starts at $205 per person, and includes a warm lunch.

If you want to see more travellers’ photos (in addition to mine), check out the tour page for some beautiful ones!

🤩 Check Prices and Availability!

Alternative Sami/Reindeer Experiences

If you’re looking for other ways to experience reindeer in Tromsø or learn about Sami culture, here are some alternative tours to consider:

As I have already mentioned, I recommend the tour that skips the reindeer sledding all together, focusing on feeding the reindeer and learning about the Sami. It is run by the same company! Check it out here.

Northern Lights Reindeer Sledding: Combine reindeer sledding with a chance to see the Northern Lights – perfect for nighttime adventurers. This tour also starts at $220 per person, and lasts 4-5 hours. If you’re visiting Tromsø in the hopes of seeing the northern lights, don’t miss my guide to this here!

Wondering Reindeer offer an alternative, longer tour to their herd of reindeer. This small group tour takes around 7 hours, and includes transportation to and from Tromsø.

Since it focuses on a smaller group, it might be a better option for those that want to avoid the crowds. This tour does not include reindeer sledding, but a visit to the reindeer that are roaming out in their natural habitat.