Tromsø: Royal Reindeer Feeding & Sami Culture Experience

If you’re considering a trip to Tromsø and want to blend culture, wildlife, and stunning scenery into a manageable outing, the Royal Reindeer Feeding & Sami Culture Experience might be just what you’re looking for. While we haven’t taken it ourselves, this tour has garnered glowing reviews—an impressive 4.8 out of 5 from over 700 travelers—that suggests it’s genuinely special.

What really catches the eye are the personalized guides and the opportunity to interact with majestic reindeer—a highlight for many. We also love how much emphasis there is on authentic stories about Sami traditions, not just reindeer selfies. One possible caveat: the tour lasts just 2.5 hours, which can feel a bit quick if you’re craving a more in-depth cultural deep-dive. But overall, this experience seems well suited for those wanting a respectful, intimate encounter with Arctic wildlife and Sami culture without spending a whole day on it.

This tour appears especially perfect for first-time visitors to Tromsø who want a taste of local traditions and nature in a hassle-free way. It’s also a solid choice if you’re traveling with someone who appreciates animals and stories in equal measure.

Key Points

• Authentic Sami Culture: Guided storytelling and cultural insights from Sami hosts make this more than just a reindeer farm visit.
• Close Animal Encounters: Feeding and touching reindeer in a respectful environment creates memorable moments.
• Small Group Experience: Limited to 45 people, ensuring you won’t feel lost in a crowd, plus a dedicated guide.
• High-Quality Photos Included: A professional photographer captures your moments with reindeer, saving you from awkward selfies.
• Convenient Location & Transport: Just 15 minutes from Tromsø, with organized transportation and no self-driving required.
• Value for Money: Despite the short duration, reviews highlight the quality of storytelling, animal interaction, and the care taken in the experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from This Tour

The experience begins with a short, scenic 15-minute bus ride from Tromsø’s city center to the Sami camp. Think of it as a warm-up—your guides share interesting facts about the trip and set the stage for what’s ahead. Once you arrive, you step into what feels like a living museum—an authentic Sami Lavvo (a traditional tent)—where the storytelling begins in earnest. Here, the Sami hosts will share stories about their culture, traditions, and daily life. Expect to learn what Sami reindeer herding involves, how they live, and the importance of reindeer to their identity.

The highlight of the visit is the opportunity to feed the reindeer—and not just from a distance. You’ll get a chance to gently touch and feed these calm, curious animals from your own hand. Many reviews mention how friendly and well cared for the reindeer are, with some noting their larger-than-average antlers give them a truly regal look. As one reviewer put it, “The reindeer are incredible. Henrik was lovely to share information on the Sami culture and reindeer herding in general. This is a must for anyone who enjoys spending time with animals.”

A professional guide and photographer accompany you during the entire experience, ensuring you get plenty of good shots. They take high-quality photos of you with the reindeer and around the camp, so you’ll leave with meaningful souvenirs of this special Arctic encounter. Several reviewers mentioned how great their photos turned out, especially given the short daylight hours during winter.

The Reindeer & Their Environment

The reindeer at this camp are described as ‘majestic’, with notably larger antlers, making them particularly photogenic. They are described as gentle and curious, eager to interact during feeding. It’s worth noting that these animals are well looked after, with a genuine love from the owners and Sami guides.

The natural setting, even if lacking snow during some visits, still offers a peaceful and authentic atmosphere. The camp intentionally limits group sizes to max 45 people, which enhances the quality of interaction and reduces stress on the animals. This smaller group approach is highly appreciated, as it avoids the feeling of just another ticket in a large crowd, giving you a more personal experience.

The Sami Culture & Storytelling

What sets this tour apart is the focus on Sami traditions. The guides, often Sami themselves, share stories about their history, way of life, and connection to reindeer herding. It’s not just a quick story—they engage visitors in meaningful storytelling around the campfire or inside the lavvo.

Guests consistently praise the guides for their friendliness, knowledge, and ability to answer questions. One reviewer, Tineke from Belgium, mentioned how Coco, their guide, was fabulous and very friendly, adding a personal touch to the experience. Others appreciated the stories shared by Nils and Hendrik, highlighting how genuine and authentic these interactions felt.

Photos & Memorabilia

Most reviews highlight the professional photos taken during the visit. The guides and photographers are attentive, capturing moments of feeding, touching the reindeer, and participating in Sami storytelling. For many, these photos became a favorite part—especially because it’s hard to take good pictures in low light or with excited animals around.

Some reviewers note that additional photos beyond the included free shot are available for purchase, but the free images are often more than enough to remember the day.

More Great Tours Nearby

Timing, Duration, and Practical Details

The tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours, which feels just right for a half-day outing. About 40 minutes are spent traveling to and from Tromsø, so keep that in mind if you’re on a tight schedule. Transportation is organized, so you don’t need to worry about driving or parking.

The meeting point is inside the Northern Lights Safari shop, conveniently located and easy to find. The tour is conducted in English, with live guides sharing stories and answering questions.

A quick note for travelers with small children: baby seats are not provided for the transport, so you’ll need to bring your own if necessary. Also, dress warmly—layers, waterproofs, and sturdy boots are recommended, especially since you’ll be outdoors in Arctic conditions.

The Cost & What You Get

While pricing isn’t explicitly detailed here, many reviews point out that, considering the quality of the experience, the storytelling, and the professional photography, it offers good value. Some reviewers mentioned that the experience is a bit pricey for just 2.5 hours, but most felt the intimacy, authenticity, and photo service justified the cost.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This tour is ideal for those interested in Sami culture and animal lovers. It’s a relaxed, respectful way to interact with reindeer and learn about indigenous traditions. If you’re traveling with a partner, friends, or even solo, you’ll find this to be a genuine Arctic adventure that’s well-organized and heartfelt.

While not explicitly designed as a family activity, it can suit children who are comfortable outdoors and interested in animals. However, because of the outdoor elements and the focus on storytelling, it’s best suited for ages that can appreciate the environment and the cultural stories.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to bring anything special?
Yes, bring warm clothing—layers, waterproofs, and sturdy boots are recommended to stay comfortable in outdoor Arctic conditions. Water is also advised.

How long does the transfer take?
The drive from Tromsø to the camp is about 15 minutes, with an additional 40 minutes for the round-trip transfer included in the total 2.5 hours.

Can I drive to the camp myself?
No, the tour requires organized transportation. You need to join the scheduled pickup at the Northern Lights Safari shop.

Are there options for more photos?
Yes, a professional guide and photographer will take photos during the experience. Additional photos can be purchased if you’d like more than the free images provided.

Is the experience suitable for children?
While not explicitly advertised as a family activity, children who enjoy animals and outdoor stories will likely have a wonderful time. Just be aware of outdoor conditions and dress accordingly.

What is the group size?
Limited to a maximum of 45 people, ensuring a more personal experience and less crowding around the animals.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible if your plans change.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a balanced mix of culture, wildlife, and stunning Arctic scenery, this reindeer and Sami experience from Tromsø offers a compelling option. The small-group approach, combined with professional storytelling and photography, creates a warm, respectful, and memorable outing. The reindeers are calm and well looked after, and Sami guides genuinely bring their culture to life.

While some might find the 2.5 hours a bit short or the cost slightly high, most reviews underscore the experience’s authenticity and the value of personal interaction. It’s especially suited for travelers craving a genuine cultural connection without hours spent on a tour bus. For animal lovers, cultural explorers, or anyone seeking a peaceful, nature-focused activity, this tour hits the mark.

In short, if you want a respectful, engaging, and beautiful Arctic encounter—complete with friendly reindeer and stories that stick—this tour is a solid pick. Just remember to bundle up and get ready for a quiet, special moment in Norway’s northern wilderness.

Feel free to explore similar experiences linked in the provided resources for other Sami and reindeer adventures around Tromsø.

You can check availability for your dates here: