Exclusive Reindeers Experience in small groups, Tromso

If you’re headed to Tromso and want to step into a slice of Sami life, this Reindeer and Sami cultural tour offers a unique glimpse into the indigenous traditions of Northern Norway. While I haven’t personally taken this exact tour, from what I’ve seen and heard, it checks many boxes for travelers seeking an authentic, personal connection with nature and culture.

What really stands out are the small group setting—max 16 people—which means you’ll get a more relaxed, intimate experience—and the chance to feed and interact with the reindeer, not just observe from afar. These personal touches elevate the experience beyond a standard tourist activity.

One consideration is the price point—at about $167.71 per person—it’s not the cheapest option, but many reviewers say it’s well worth the value. The tour also lasts just over three and a half hours, making it manageable even if you’re tight on time or prefer a more focused experience.

If you’re into cultural exchanges, love animals, or want a low-pressure way to learn about Sami traditions, this outing has a lot to offer. It’s especially ideal for those who appreciate smaller groups, authentic storytelling, and engaging activities like lasso-throwing.

Key Points

• Authentic Sami Culture: Meet a real Sami family and learn directly about their history and traditions.
• Interactive Reindeer Activities: Feed the reindeer and try throwing a lasso—experience the herding skills firsthand.
• Comfort in Nature: Enjoy warm refreshments in a cozy, heated cabin after spending time outside in the snow.
• Family-Friendly: Kids aged six and above can join, making it suitable for families wanting a meaningful outing.
• Small Group Advantage: With a cap of 16 travelers, expect personalized attention and fewer crowds.
• Good Value for Money: While not the cheapest, many reviewers feel the experience offers solid value, especially given the authentic activities and storytelling.

What to Expect from This Tour

This experience is a well-rounded introduction to Sami culture wrapped in the natural beauty of Lavangsdalen. You’ll start with a roughly 30-minute bus ride from Tromso to the reindeer farm, which in itself offers a scenic introduction to the snowy landscape. The journey is comfortable, and the small group size helps foster a friendly, relaxed atmosphere.

Once at the farm, you’ll be greeted by a Sami family eager to share stories about their heritage and way of life. This personal approach is what many travelers rave about—”the Sami were so friendly and it was great to hear about their life,” as one guest put it. The hosts’ warmth and openness make the experience feel genuine instead of staged.

Reindeer Feeding and Lassoing

The highlight for many is the chance to feed the reindeer. We loved how enthusiastic the guides were about making sure everyone had enough time and opportunity to get close to these gentle animals. They’re surprisingly calm, and many say they’re even softer than they look—”like feeding puppies,” as one reviewer described. The reindeer are accustomed to people, which makes the interaction even more enjoyable.

If time permits, you’ll also get to try your hand at lasso-throwing, mimicking traditional Sami herding techniques. It’s not about perfection—more about having fun and connecting with the Sami way of life. Several reviews mention how engaging and authentic this activity felt, like “feeding hundreds of beautiful reindeers” and “trying to throw a lasso on reindeer antlers.”

Sami Stories & Cultural Insights

After the outdoor activities, you’ll warm up in a cozy, heated cabin with light refreshments—tea, coffee, and perhaps some local snacks. This part of the experience is often a favorite, as you get to listen to Sami songs, stories, and learn about their history and current lifestyle. Reviewers frequently mention how genuine and heartfelt the storytelling is, with one describing it as “so deep and touching.”

Shopping & Souvenirs

While at the farm, don’t miss the chance to buy authentic Sami crafts. Each item is handmade and provides a tangible keepsake of your visit. Many guests have come away with beautiful, one-of-a-kind souvenirs—perfect gifts or mementos from their trip.

The Practicalities

This tour operates with a lot of thoughtful planning. Pickup is from the Magic Ice Bar in Tromso, and the entire experience lasts about 3 hours 30 minutes. You’ll be in a small group—no more than 16 travelers—which means you’ll get more personalized attention and better interaction.

The tour is suitable for most travelers, with good weather being a key factor—if the weather is poor, the experience might be canceled or rescheduled, but the tour provider offers a full refund or alternative date. Child seats are available if you’re traveling with youngsters, though children need to be at least six years old to participate.

Cost-wise, at $167.71, many feel it’s good value considering the activities involved—feeding reindeer, cultural storytelling, and the cozy cabin experience—plus the chance for meaningful photos and memories.

What the Reviews Say

The feedback on this tour is nearly universally positive. Guests love the small group atmosphere, which allows for more meaningful interactions. “Very small group and once we arrived we went straight into feeding hundreds of beautiful reindeers,” one reviewer shared. Others appreciated the friendly Sami hosts, describing their storytelling as “very informative” and “authentic.”

Many mention how much the kids enjoyed it—feeding the reindeer, trying lassoing, and listening to Sami songs. One reviewer said, “My son loved it so much and everyone was very welcoming.” The cultural aspect isn’t just window dressing; it’s woven into the entire experience, making it much more impactful than just visiting a reindeer farm.

A few reviews pointed out that the tour doesn’t include sledding—so if you’re after reindeer sled rides, this might not be the right fit. However, most agree that feeding and interacting with the reindeer, combined with Sami stories, provides plenty of memorable moments.

The Sum Up: Is This Tour Worth It?

This Exclusive Reindeers Experience offers a genuine, intimate look into Sami culture paired with the chance to connect with reindeer in a natural setting. It’s ideal for travelers who value authenticity, small-group intimacy, and engaging activities. The warm storytelling, combined with the chance to feed the reindeer and learn their significance in Sami life, makes it more than just a sightseeing trip—it’s a culture.

While the price might seem high for some, many guests find it justified by the quality of the experience and the personal interactions. It’s especially suited for those interested in learning about indigenous traditions, animal lovers, and families with children aged six and above.

If you’re after a memorable, heartfelt excursion that combines culture, nature, and engaging activities, this tour is likely to leave you with stories you’ll cherish long after your trip ends.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children aged six and above are welcome to join. It’s a family-friendly activity that includes feeding reindeer and listening to Sami stories.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience takes roughly 3 hours 30 minutes, including transportation, activities, and refreshments.

What is included in the price?
The price covers transportation, the reindeer feeding experience, the opportunity to try lassoing, and light refreshments in a heated cabin.

How many people participate in each tour?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 16 travelers, ensuring a more intimate and personal experience.

What should I wear?
Dress warmly in layers, as you’ll be outside in snowy conditions. The tour provider recommends bringing suitable cold-weather clothing.

Can I buy souvenirs?
Yes, you can purchase authentic Sami handmade products at the farm, which make excellent keepsakes or gifts.

What if the weather is poor?
The tour depends on good weather. If canceled due to weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

How do I meet the tour?
You’ll meet at the Magic Ice Bar Tromsø at the scheduled time. The transportation to Lavangsdalen is arranged as part of the tour.

If you’re craving a meaningful encounter with Sami culture and the gentle giants of the Arctic, this small-group reindeer experience is a wonderful choice. It’s about more than just seeing reindeer—it’s about sharing in a tradition and creating memories that will stay with you long after Tromso’s snow melts.