4 Unique Festivals to Experience Sami Reindeer Herding Culture in Lapland 2026

Heading to Scandinavia Above the Arctic Circle this Winter 2026?

The Sami are the only Indigenous people within the European Union, with a rich heritage that dates back thousands of years in the Arctic region. Initially hunters and gatherers, they shifted to reindeer herding in the 17th century, a practice that remains central to their culture.

Divided across Norway, Finland, Sweden, and Russia’s Kola Peninsula, the Sami population is around 80,000, though only about 10% still herd reindeer full-time in the tundra.

We’ve curated our top four unique Sami festivals across Finland, Norway, and Sweden — perfect for experiencing their vibrant culture. To make your trip even more authentic, we highly recommend staying with Sami families, deepening your cultural experience. It's a journey worth taking!

1. Isogaisa Shamanic Festival

Location: Tennevoll, Norway

Period: August 2026 Website

Held every August in the picturesque town of Tennevoll, Norway, the Isogaisa Shamanic Festival is the only event of its kind in northern Scandinavia. This unique festival offers an extraordinary opportunity to delve into the spiritual world of the Sami, one of the most ancient and resilient Indigenous cultures in Europe.

The festival’s primary focus is on Sami spiritual traditions and shamanism, offering visitors an intimate look at the spiritual practices that have shaped the Sami way of life for centuries. The event features a rich blend of ceremonies, lectures, and workshops led by Sami elders and spiritual leaders. These sessions offer insight into the ancient practices of joik (traditional Sami singing), healing rituals, and the connection between the Sami people and the land.

In addition to the spiritual teachings, the festival showcases an array of music performances from Sámi musicians and other Indigenous artists, bringing together the old and new in a vibrant celebration of culture. Traditional dance performances and storytelling sessions further immerse visitors in the Sami cultural experience, allowing them to witness the rich history and customs that have been passed down through generations.

The Isogaisa Festival is an unforgettable way to connect with the Sami people and explore their deep spiritual traditions. Whether you're interested in learning about their sacred ceremonies, enjoying their music and art, or simply experiencing the majestic landscapes of northern Norway, this festival offers a truly transformative experience.

2. Skábmagovat – Indigenous Peoples' Film Festival

Location: Inari, Finland

Dates: January 22-25, 2026

Website

Finland's northernmost film festival, Skábmagovat, showcases Sami and other Indigenous films, championing the Sami language and culture. It provides a platform for the voices of Sami and other Indigenous peoples in the film and media industry — on their own terms.

The festival takes place in Inari, Finland, 320 km north of the Arctic Circle, in a small village with fewer than a thousand inhabitants. This intimate setting makes it the perfect backdrop for such an international event. One of the festival's highlights is the Northern Lights Theater, a truly unique venue made entirely of snow, with the sky as its roof. It’s the ideal spot to catch the Northern Lights, should the skies be clear.

If the cold becomes too much, don’t worry — you can also watch films inside the cozy auditoriums of the Siida Sami Museum and the Cultural Center of Sajos. It’s an unmissable festival for film lovers! Just remember to pack your warmest jacket!

3. The Jokkmokk Winter market

Location: Jokkmok, Sweden

Period: 4-6, January 2026

Website

The Great Winter Market, a 400-year-old tradition, traces its origins back to 1602 when King Karl IX decreed the establishment of market sites in the north to boost taxes, spread Christianity, and exert greater control over the nomadic Sami.

Today, the market serves as an annual gathering for Sami traders to reconnect, forge new contacts, and meet old friends. It's a vibrant celebration of Sami culture, where you can purchase beautifully crafted Sámi shoes and gloves made from reindeer hide, sample local delicacies, enjoy folk music, and watch lively parades.

Pro tip: Dress warmly! Temperatures can plunge as low as -40°C. Proper winter clothing is essential to fully enjoy the market experience. But don't worry, if the cold gets to you, there are plenty of indoor spaces to warm up with a hot drink or meal.

4. Sami Week with Reindeer racing

Location: Tromsø, Norway

Period: 6-11, February 2026

The Sami Week in Tromsø is held annually in connection to the Sami National Day on February 6th, with Norwegian Championships in Lasso Throwing and Reindeer Racing. Here, you can see and do a lot of different Sami cultural activities, such as reindeer racing, traditional Sami joik singing, Sami poetry, Sami handicrafts, reindeer meat tasting, and much more!

A must thing to do is to experience the thrills of reindeer racing when reindeer with their coachmen speed down Storgata in the heart of Tromsø! Also, the National Championship in Lasso Throwing takes place on the Sami week at the market square. Sami Week offers a diverse cultural program all over the city and a traditional Arctic market. Make sure you don't miss it while in Norway!

Visit Natives is a travel agency specializing in sustainable, Indigenous-led experiences in Norway. We offer rare and meaningful opportunities to explore authentic Sami culture, take part in traditional reindeer herding, and experience life with the world’s last nomadic reindeer herders in the remote Arctic wilderness.

Planning to attend a Sami festival?We’d love to help! From booking a knowledgeable Sami guide to adding a cultural festival to your itinerary, we’ll take care of the details so you can fully immerse yourself in this unforgettable journey.

👉 Explore our Norway tours and begin your Sami adventure today.