Tromsø: Reindeer Feeding & Chance of Northern Lights Viewing

This Tromsø winter evening is built around three things: reindeer feeding, learning Sámi culture, and then a real shot at the Aurora in a dark mountain landscape. You head out to Breivikeidet, step off the bus into the Lyngen Alps view, and spend time at an authentic camp designed for night-sky watching.

I especially like the hands-on part: you follow your guide to the reindeer fence, then pet and feed the animals up close. I also like the food and storytelling combo—after feeding, you warm up in a traditional gamme and eat Bithos, plus hear how Arctic life works for the reindeer herding Sámi.

One consideration: the Northern Lights are not guaranteed. Even with an optimized spot, clouds and weather can steal the show, so you’re booking the experience plus the chance, not a sure thing.

Key things to know before you go

• Close reindeer contact: You feed and pet the reindeer from the fence area, so you’re not just watching from a distance
• Sámi guide-led learning: You’ll get practical context on Arctic reindeer herding and Sámi life
• Bithos at a gamme: A traditional Sámi meal is part of the evening, not an optional add-on
• Aurora hunting with low light: The camp location has little artificial light for better viewing odds
• Warm clothing included: This helps a lot in Tromsø winter, but you still need your own hat and gloves
• Group size can be big: Some travelers mention it can feel crowded when it’s time to eat

You can check availability for your dates here:

What This Tromsø Reindeer Camp Really Is

This is an evening trip out of Tromsø into Innlandet County that focuses on connection, not performance. You’re going to a Sámi reindeer camp in the Breivikeidet area, then spending time in the mountains before heading back to town.

If you’re picturing a quick photo stop with a distant animal, this isn’t that. The core moment is the fence-side feeding and gentle petting. It’s hands-on and surprisingly calm—until you realize the reindeer are interested in the food you’re holding, which means you’ll stay alert. (One reviewer joked about reindeer being cheeky and going after the bucket.)

Your other big chunk of time is cultural: you’ll move from the reindeer area to an authentic gamme for Bithos and folk music, plus guided explanation of how reindeer herding and Arctic life work. Then you shift back outside to watch for the Aurora.

Price and Value: Why $177 Can Still Feel Fair

At $177 per person for about 270 minutes (around 4.5 hours), you’re paying for three bundled experiences: transportation from Tromsø, reindeer feeding, and a traditional Sámi meal, plus the Aurora search time.

Where this becomes good value is the mix. Many Aurora tours are only about the sky. This one gives you a meaningful daytime-feeling activity (feeding animals) and then a cultural meal while you wait. If you miss the lights, you still have a full evening of hands-on animal time and Sámi storytelling.

If you do see the lights, that’s when the value really clicks. Multiple travelers mention the camp being a top Aurora spot during their trip, including strong displays on some nights. But you shouldn’t count on it. Think of it as a skilled Aurora attempt wrapped around a solid cultural activity.

Getting There: Radisson Blue Meeting Point and No Pickup

This tour starts at a clear, specific spot: in front of the main entrance of Radisson Blue hotel, on the side where Rorbua Pub and Scandic Ishav hotel are.

Guides meet you on the sidewalk near the revolving doors. They wear blue ponchos with the Tromsø Lapland logo.

Important practical detail: hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You also won’t have custom pickup or drop-off points. So if you’re staying far from that hotel area, plan your own way to the meeting point.

270 Minutes on the Clock: How the Evening Flows

The tour is designed as a “do things, then wait for the sky” evening. Here’s the rhythm you can expect:

First, you meet the guide and board the coach to travel to Breivikeidet. The bus leg is long enough to settle in, and along the way you get scenery. Reviewers mention a comfortable ride, often described around 45–50 minutes out, and sometimes note that the group boards on larger coaches.

Next, you arrive in a mountainous area and step out for the reindeer portion. Your guide walks you from the drop-off area toward the fence where you’ll feed and pet the reindeer.

Then comes the cultural stop: you move into an authentic gamme (traditional Sámi housing). You get warm drinks, then eat Bithos, and hear explanations about Sámi life, reindeer herding, clothing, and traditions. Folk music may be part of this time.

Finally, you shift back outside to watch for Northern Lights. The guides keep scanning the sky and will call you out if the Aurora shows up again.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Bus Ride to Breivikeidet and the Lyngen Alps Views

The travel time matters more than you might think. In Tromsø winter, the sky game starts the moment you leave town. The area around Breivikeidet is surrounded by mountains, and you’ll get views of the Lyngen Alps as part of the experience.

Reviewers describe the ride as comfortable, including newer buses with enough lighting for the snowy drive back. Some people mention the tour starts with “two big buses” feeling like a lot at first. That’s a fair trade for getting everyone to a low-light camp efficiently.

If you’re prone to motion sickness, I’d treat it like any winter coach ride: bring what you need. The route is part of the night, not a quick skip-through.

Reindeer Feeding at the Fence: What You’ll Do Step by Step

This is the main event. You’ll follow your guide to the reindeer fence and spend time feeding and petting the animals.

What makes it special is the closeness. Travelers repeatedly mention getting very near—close enough to feel the animals gently eating and close enough that you’re holding food and managing the moment. That turns it from a viewing activity into a “you’re part of it” activity.

A few practical notes from traveler stories:

• Some reindeer may be very eager and curious, so you should keep a steady hand and follow your guide’s instructions.
• The animals can be cheeky around food. One reviewer even joked about reindeer stealing the bucket.
• If you’re wearing glasses or have sensitive eyes, consider protective caution. One traveler suggested clear eye protection just in case, since antlers are around.

Also, remember this is still a living environment. Even if the reindeer act calm, treat them with respect and don’t improvise outside the feeding flow your guide explains.

Sámi Gamme Time: Learning Arctic Life Beyond the Photo

After reindeer feeding, you warm up and learn. You’ll visit an authentic gamme, where you’ll hear about life in the Arctic for the Sámi people and get explanations tied to reindeer herding and daily traditions.

This isn’t just “culture as a backdrop.” The best part is how practical the information feels. Several reviews mention guides being friendly and willing to answer questions, which is what turns a talk into something you actually remember.

Some traveler notes include guide names:

• Lisa is mentioned by a reviewer who praised her knowledge about Sámi culture and life in the Arctic.
• Michael is mentioned by other travelers for excellent guiding and storytelling.

You’re also told about and shown traditional handcrafted clothes and how reindeer herders work. Even if you don’t catch every detail in the cold, the gist lands: this is an indigenous way of life tied to seasons, animals, and careful knowledge.

Bithos Meal: Traditional Sámi Food, Warm Drinks, and Options

This tour includes a traditional Sámi meal called Bithos, served in the gamme as part of the evening. Expect coffee and tea too, and warm drinks that keep you from feeling like your fingers are fully surrendered to the Arctic weather.

Food notes from travelers:

• Many say the reindeer stew or Bithos is tasty and filling, and that it’s a welcome warmth after time outside.
• One reviewer said the reindeer meal was good but not amazing, adding that taste can vary.
• If you’d rather not eat meat, some travelers mention a vegetarian option (described as a simple soup).
• Gluten-free needs appear to be handled for some travelers, with bread, butter, and cookies included alongside the meal.

In other words: don’t assume it’s just a token soup packet. It’s a proper camp meal, and multiple reviewers call it delicious or at least satisfying.

Northern Lights Chance: When the Aurora Actually Appears

The camp is optimized for viewing because there’s little artificial light. That gives you a better shot at seeing aurora activity above you.

But here’s the reality check: the Northern Lights are not guaranteed. Clouds happen. Some travelers specifically mention cloudy skies and no strong display, even though the camp viewing conditions were good.

When the Aurora does show, people describe it as memorable—sometimes very strong, and in at least one report even red. One reviewer also mentioned guide help with turning down lights and helping people get photos.

The guide approach seems consistent: they keep an eye on the sky and pull you out when Aurora activity returns. That means your experience isn’t a long, passive wait where you freeze for nothing. You’re in and out of warm shelter and called when conditions improve.

Warmth, Comfort, and Gear: What’s Provided and What to Bring

Included warm clothing is a big deal here. Travelers also report extra help when needed, like boot covers if conditions are muddy.

Still, don’t travel with only summer gear. Bring the basics the tour asks for:

• Warm clothing
• Hat
• Gloves
• Scarf

And from practical camp experience notes: the reindeer camp area can be muddy. A reviewer specifically recommended boots and waterproof layers. If you want your evening to feel comfortable instead of miserable, treat this like you’re walking on snow and slush.

One more detail: pets aren’t allowed, and strong fragrances aren’t allowed. That’s standard in close animal settings, and it helps everyone stay comfortable.

Group Size and Timing: The Good and the Slight Friction

This can be a larger-group style tour. One reviewer mentioned it was quite large and that fitting everyone in for dinner felt tight. Another said the trip felt like big-bus tourism at first.

Still, overall organization gets praise. People mention clear meeting instructions, comfortable coach rides, and smooth flow between feeding, meal, cultural talk, and Aurora watching.

So if you hate crowds, you may feel it at meal time. If you’re flexible and more focused on the reindeer and the sky, it usually doesn’t ruin the night. And if you’re traveling as a family, multiple reviews say it becomes a highlight for kids and teens.

Who Should Book This Reindeer Feeding and Aurora Tour

I think this tour is a great match if you:

• Want the reindeer experience done in a hands-on way, not a distant viewing setup
• Enjoy learning about Indigenous Arctic culture from a guide and not just snapping photos
• Want an Aurora chance, but you also want backup value if clouds block the lights
• Prefer your winter evening to include warmth, food, and a real activity sequence

You might not love it if you:

• Need mobility-friendly access. The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users
• Expect a guarantee of the Aurora. It’s weather-dependent, even in a good spot
• Are very sensitive to cold and don’t plan gear, even though warm clothing is provided

Extra Practical Tips for a Smoother Night

• Arrive a bit early at the Radisson Blue meeting point so you can find the revolving doors quickly.
• Dress like you’ll be outside longer than planned. Aurora nights can shift timing.
• Don’t bring strong scents. Keep it simple.
• If you’re worried about mud, wear footwear you can handle. Reviewers mention boot covers, but not everyone gets the same level of protection.
• Go with the mindset that the lights are a bonus. Multiple travelers found the reindeer and Sámi camp alone worth the price.

Should You Book It?

I’d book this tour if you want a balanced Tromsø night: reindeer feeding, a warm Sámi meal (Bithos), and a serious shot at the Aurora in low light.

If seeing the Northern Lights is your only goal, you may want to compare options. This is not a promise, and clouds can happen. But if you’re smart about expectations, you’ll get a full, memorable evening even on a cloudy night.

For many travelers, this one earns a top spot because it’s not just sky chasing. You leave with animal time, cultural understanding, and a meal you’ll actually remember.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point in Tromsø?

You meet in front of the main entrance of Radisson Blue hotel, on the side where Rorbua Pub and Scandic Ishav hotel are.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, and custom pickup/drop-off points are not available.

How long is the tour?

The duration is 270 minutes (about 4.5 hours).

Is the Northern Lights viewing guaranteed?

No. It’s not guaranteed, but the camp is optimized for Aurora sightings and has little artificial light.

What is included in the price?

Included are reindeer feeding, a Sámi meal (Bithos), coffee and tea, and warm clothing.

What should I bring for the winter?

Bring warm clothing, a hat, gloves, and a scarf.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users or limited mobility?

No. It is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

You can check availability for your dates here: