Snowmobile Driving Experience & Reindeer Herd Visit Package

If you’re dreaming of feeling the thrill of zooming across snowy landscapes in Norway, you might be eyeing a snowmobile tour. We haven’t tested this exact experience ourselves, but based on available reviews and detailed descriptions, it offers a real taste of Arctic adventure. It’s designed to give newcomers a safe way to try snowmobiling while also offering the chance to connect with Sami culture and reindeer herds.

What we appreciate about this package is how it combines adrenaline-filled snowmobile driving with authentic cultural encounters, like meeting reindeer and tasting traditional Sami food. Plus, transportation is included, making logistics easier in unfamiliar terrain. However, a potential snag is the inconsistency reported regarding the snowmobile trail – some find the route less scenic or confined than expected. If you’re after authentic, expansive arctic wilderness experiences, this might be a hit or miss. This tour works well for those curious about arctic life, first-time snowmobilers, or travelers wanting a balanced mix of activity and culture.

Key Points

• Accessible for beginners: Includes a training session on easy-to-use snowmobiles, perfect if it’s your first time.
• Cultural immersion: Meet reindeer and learn about Sami traditions, adding depth to your Arctic adventure.
• All-inclusive gear: Thermal suits, boots, and other winter equipment are provided, so you stay warm without bringing lots of gear.
• Varied itinerary: Combines scenery, wildlife, and local stories in a full-day experience.
• Transport included: Convenient bus transfer from Tromsø simplifies logistics.
• Mixed reviews: While many enjoy the views and cultural parts, some mention the snowmobile trail was less expansive than expected.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Tour

This experience is designed to be accessible, especially for those new to snowmobiling. Your day kicks off with a training session—think of it as a quick, friendly rundown on how to operate the snowmobile safely and confidently. Since you’re driving on groomed trails in a wide-open Arctic landscape, it’s not as intimidating as it sounds. You’ll pair up with a partner, taking turns driving and riding along, which adds to the fun and allows everyone to experience both sides of the adventure.

The snowmobile driving portion lasts roughly 2 hours. Depending on the day, you’ll be cruising along frozen ground, passing small forests, and enjoying some of the most iconic winter scenery Norway has to offer. Some reviews note that the trail may be somewhat limited or confined to a specific area rather than a sprawling wilderness ride. For instance, one traveller commented, “we only got to ride in a small, open space,” which might disappoint those hoping for a longer, more adventurous route. Still, the views are generally praised, and the experience gives a good sense of what it’s like to operate a snowmobile in the Arctic.

After the snowmobiling, the group heads to visit a reindeer herd—about 30 reindeer—located in the snow-covered forest of Nikka. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to feed the reindeer, which is a highlight for many, especially if the reindeer come close enough to eat from your buckets. This part of the tour offers a real connection to the traditions of reindeer husbandry, a cornerstone of Sami culture. Expect to learn about their significance to local life, and enjoy a quiet moment amid the snow.

Next, everyone gathers in a traditional lavvu (Sami tent) where stories of the Sami people, their history, and their faith are shared. The warm glow from the fire makes it a cozy setting to sample authentic Sami food, cooked on the open fire. The included meal is typically reindeer stew, but vegetarian options are available if you notify ahead. This cultural segment adds a meaningful context to the Arctic landscapes, turning a simple outdoor activity into a more enriching experience.

Transportation and Logistics

The entire day is facilitated through bus transfers from Tromsø, with pickup at the Amalia Hotel. The transfer times are about 1.5 hours each way, so be prepared for a fair amount of bus travel—though the scenery along the way is often lovely. The tour starts early enough that you’ll be out exploring most of the day, roughly 7 hours total.

The tours are run in small groups—limited to 10 participants—making it more personal and manageable. All necessary winter gear, including thermal suits, boots, mittens, and headlamps, are provided, so you don’t have to worry about packing bulky layers. Just remember to dress warmly and be prepared for the cold, as outdoor activities in Arctic Norway require proper gear.

The Itinerary in Detail

The day begins at the specified meeting point behind the Enter Amalie Hotel, where you’ll check in and meet your guide. After a short briefing, you’ll hop onto the bus for about 1.5 hours to the snowmobiling area. Here, you’ll receive your safety instructions and get suited up with thermal gear.

The snowmobiling itself lasts approximately 2 hours, during which you’ll explore the groomed trails. Some reviews mention that the trail may be more limited than initially expected, with one guest noting they only rode in a confined open space rather than a vast wilderness. While this might be disappointing if you’re craving an epic Arctic ride, the scenery is often still beautiful, with frozen forests and snow-covered terrain.

Following the snowmobiling, it’s a short 20-minute drive to the reindeer sanctuary. Feeding the reindeer is often described as a delightful and peaceful activity, especially if the animals come close enough for a good photo op. This part of the experience is less about adventure and more about cultural insight and animal interaction.

The final stop is in the Sami tent, where stories, traditional objects, and the warm meal await. The fire provides a cozy atmosphere, and the Sami food is hearty and authentic. The entire day wraps up with a return bus ride to Tromsø, arriving around evening.

Authenticity, Value, and Real Feedback

The reviews reflect a mixed experience but highlight some consistent themes. Many guests appreciated the stunning views and the chance to connect with Sami culture. One reviewer said, “You get to see beautiful scenery and learn about the traditions,” which many found enriching.

However, some travelers were less satisfied with the snowmobile trail, feeling it was confined or less scenic than they expected. One reviewer mentioned, “We only got to ride in a small open space,” making it clear that the experience may not fully meet the expectations of those seeking a long wilderness ride.

Pricing-wise, this tour offers a comprehensive package—transport, gear, snowmobiling, reindeer feeding, and cultural storytelling—for roughly 7 hours. While not the cheapest Arctic activity, it provides a well-rounded introduction to local culture and Arctic landscapes. If you’re after a true wilderness adventure with long, expansive rides, you might find this tour somewhat limited. But if you want a beginner-friendly, culturally rich day out, it could work well.

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Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for first-time snowmobilers and travelers wanting a taste of Arctic life without the need for advanced riding skills. It’s also suitable for those who enjoy cultural experiences and animal encounters, like feeding reindeer and learning about Sami traditions. Since children over 8 can participate as passengers, it’s family-friendly, but note that pregnant women and those under 11 might be advised to skip certain parts.

If you’re after adventure, and expansive scenery, it’s worth considering what the reviews say about the trail. If scenic wilderness riding is your priority, you might explore other options. But for a balanced, culturally immersive Arctic day, this tour offers a lot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the snowmobile riding suitable for beginners?
Yes, the tour includes a training session on easy-to-use snowmobiles, making it accessible even if you’ve never driven one before.

What should I wear?
All winter gear, including thermal suits, boots, mittens, and headlamps, is provided. Just dress warmly underneath and prepare for cold outdoor conditions.

Are children allowed on this tour?
Children aged 8 and older can participate as passengers. Drivers must have a valid license and be at least 18.

What is included in the meal?
A hearty Sami reindeer stew is served in the lavvu. Vegetarian options are available if you inform the tour provider beforehand.

How long is the snowmobile ride?
The snowmobiling segment lasts about 2 hours on groomed trails.

What do reviews say about the trail?
Some guests found the trail confined or less scenic than expected, with at least one noting they only rode in a small, open space.

Is transportation arranged?
Yes, included bus transfers from Tromsø to the activity sites and back, with pickup at the Amalia Hotel.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity.

What’s the best time of year for this tour?
While not explicitly stated, winter months when snow covers the landscape are ideal for snowmobiling and reindeer activities.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a practical introduction to Arctic snowmobiling and Sami culture, this tour covers all the essentials. It offers a comfortable, well-organized day filled with scenic views, animal encounters, and cultural storytelling. While some may wish for longer or more expansive snowmobile rides, the inclusion of reindeer feeding and Sami food makes this more than just a thrill ride.

For those with limited time, or travelers who want a gentle, culture in the Arctic, this package provides a decent balance. Just keep in mind the potential limitations on the riding terrain based on reviews, and plan accordingly if you’re craving vast wilderness exploration.

All in all, it’s a solid choice for curious travelers eager to experience the essence of Arctic life without diving into more extreme or expensive expeditions. Just dress warmly, and you’re set for a memorable day in Norway’s icy heart.

You can check availability for your dates here: