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Experience Traditional Sami Reindeer Herding in Arctic Norway
Discover one of Europe’s most authentic Indigenous experiences in the remote Arctic wilderness of Northern Norway. The Sami people, the only officially recognized Indigenous group in the European Union, have herded reindeer across these lands for generations, maintaining a deep connection to nature and tradition.
On this unforgettable journey, you stay with a Sami reindeer herding family and live alongside them on the tundra. Travel by snowmobile and traditional wooden sleds, help care for the reindeer, and take part in everyday life far from the tourist route.
There are no roads or electricity here, only pristine Arctic landscapes, ancient culture, and meaningful human connection. Whether you are traveling solo or with others, this is a rare opportunity to experience the rhythm of Sami life and the silence of Norway’s snow-covered wilderness.
Sami Reindeer Herding
Experience in Norway
A Day in the Life of Sami Reindeer Herdersin Arctic Norway
Get ready for an unforgettable adventure in the remote Arctic tundra. You’ll step into the daily rhythm of Sami reindeer herders and live life as they do: off-grid, guided by nature, tradition, and the reindeer.
From locating the herd to feeding and caring for the animals, you’ll actively participate in traditional reindeer herding. There is no fixed itinerary. Life moves with the snow, the weather, and the reindeer.
Slow down and connect deeply with your surroundings. Watch the Northern Lights dance across the Arctic sky, sit by the fire in a warm Sami cabin, and take part in ancient traditions like yoik singing inside a traditional lavvu tent.
Every guest is invited to take part in the daily life of the Sami reindeer herders, from feeding reindeer to learning to throw the lasso. You are welcome to use traditional wooden Sami skis and explore the snow-covered wilderness at your own pace.
Please note that while you often get close to the large reindeer herds, their movement depends on weather and natural grazing patterns. All encounters are genuine and never staged. This is real life in the Arctic. Raw, quiet, and deeply meaningful.
Sample Day
8:00 – Wake up and enjoy a breakfast in the cabin
10:00 – Visit the reindeer herd by snowmobile and take part in herding activities such as tracking, lasso throwing, or feeding
14:00 – Warm lunch and hot drinks by the fire
16:00 – Join daily tasks like cutting firewood, collecting water, preparing food, and sharing stories
18:00 – Enjoy dinner followed by traditional Sami yoik singing in the lavvu
22:00 – Step outside to hunt for the magical Northern Lights
Sami reindeer herding experience details
Best Time to Visit: Sami Reindeer Herding in Winter
Sami families welcome visitors from 25th December to March in winter. Homestays start on Thursday and end on Sunday, but if you have other dates in mind, feel free to suggest them.
Sami winter homestays are available from December to March, during the most magical time of the Arctic year. Visits run from Thursday to Sunday, offering an intimate experience of traditional reindeer herding in the heart of winter.
December and January are known as the polar night season. The sun never rises, but the snow-covered tundra glows with Arctic light. It is the best time to see the Northern Lights, as the long nights increase visibility and the atmosphere is truly otherworldly.
From February onwards, daylight hours grow longer, with more sunshine and slightly warmer temperatures, making it ideal for those who enjoy a mix of snow adventures and brighter days. You can still see the Northern Lights.
👉 Curious about the seasons?
Read our full guide on when to visit and what to expect
Before visiting a Sami reindeer herding family in winter, proper clothing and preparation are essential. Arctic cold is not only about temperature, but also wind, stillness, and long hours outdoors.
👉 We recommend reading our in-depth guide on how to dress for a Sami reindeer experience in Arctic winter, based on real life with Sami reindeer herders.
Location: Arctic Tundra Near Kautokeino, Northern Norway
Nearest airport: Alta, Norway
The location is in the middle of Tundra, but the nearest town is Kautokeino. A complimentary pick-up and return service by the Sami host is available from Alta airport and Alta city. Pick-up from other airports for an additional fee.
The Sami host picks you up from Alta, and you go to Kautokeino, where you receive the winter outwear. After loading the snowmobiles, the journey continues into the wilderness, and it takes about 1 -1,5 hours to reach the cabin on a snowmobile.
👉 For a clear overview of routes and distances, you can read our practical guide on where the Sami people live in Norway and how to travel to Kautokeino via Alta.
Accommodation: Traditional Sami Reindeer Herder Wilderness Cabin
Accommodation is in a very basic reindeer herder's wilderness cabin. There is no running water or shower and the toilet is outdoors in a separate building that is not heated. The cabin is heated with firewood. There are 3 bedrooms, all with two separate beds. One bedroom has a bunk bed. The cabin has a generator so you can charge your phone and camera. There is mostly no wi-fi. Travelers can also spend a night outdoors in a traditional Sami "lavvu" tent.
Food: Traditional Sami Home Cooking From the Arctic
The Sami host prepares traditional homemade meals using fresh, locally sourced Arctic ingredients such as reindeer meat, Arctic fish, wild berries, homemade bread, and more. This is real slow cooking, often made from ingredients they catch and gather themselves.
Meals are cooked over an open fire in a lavvu tent or in a rustic cabin kitchen, following the rhythm of daily life in the tundra.
If you have any special dietary requirements, please inform us in advance. The family is happy to adapt meals and can cater to a variety of dietary needs.
Please note: as this is an off-grid experience far from any shops, we recommend bringing some extra snacks especially in cold weather when your body may need more energy. Things like chocolate, nuts, protein bars, or dried fruit are perfect additions to keep you fueled throughout the day.
👉 Want to know more about what Sami food culture is like?
Explore the Sami Reindeer Herding Culture in Norway through Food
Price: Sami Reindeer Herding Winter Experience
Price: € 2390 / per person (4 days, 3 nights).
Single supplement: €200 (applies if traveling solo).
Children under 17 stay free of charge.
We warmly welcome families, and there is no age limit for this experience. Over the years, we’ve hosted families with children of all ages.
If you’re traveling with children, please note that transport to the cabin is on a sled pulled by snowmobile, which takes over one hour in Arctic temperatures. There is no indoor toilet, only a basic wilderness outhouse.
This is a real Arctic adventure. We welcome all ages who are curious, open-minded, and excited to experience life like the Sami reindeer herders.
The price includes:
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Pick-up and return from/to Alta airport / Alta city
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Local transport (car, snowmobile)
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Accommodation in a traditional Sami reindeer herder cabin and "lavvu" tent
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All camping supplies including a warm sleeping bag and a reindeer skin mattress
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All-inclusive food & beverages
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Warm outwear clothing (overalls, a hat, mittens, and boots).
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A native Sami family as hosts and guides 24/
The price excludes:
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Flights to Alta
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Travel Insurance
Impact: Supporting Sami Reindeer Herding Traditions
Our unique trips are managed and guided by the indigenous Sami reindeer herder families. In addition to providing an extra income for the family, you support maintaining the traditional reindeer herding traditions.
Visit Natives is also committed to creating long-lasting, positive impact in the Indigenous communities we work with globally. Our approach goes beyond individual trips and focuses on long-term partnerships, cultural preservation, and community-led initiatives. Here you can explore our ongoing projects and impact work in more detail.
Impact: Supporting Sami Reindeer Herding Traditions
What Travelers Are Saying About Their Sami Reindeer Herding Experience in Norway
"This was honestly the most authentic and raw travel experience I've had. I knew that I didn't want a stereotypical reindeer feeding touristy experience in Norway so I did some research and found Visit Natives offering a homestay experience with the Sámi people.
This was a 10/10 experience which allowed me to immerse in the day-to-day life of a Sámi reindeer herder! Nils and his family were very welcoming and made me feel at home. Nils shared with me so much on the Sámi culture - cuisine, reindeer herding, history, etc.
He is really knowledgeable and I've learnt a lot about the Sámi people and culture which was my intended takeaway for this trip. Would definitely visit Nils and his family in the summer to see a different side of reindeer herding if given the opportunity!"
