
Sami Reindeer Autumn Migration
Embark on a truly unique adventure by joining the Sami family for a six-day opportunity to observe and participate in their autumn reindeer herding. This is a rare chance to experience the authentic life of the Sami herders, living in temporary tents and working side by side with them. Be prepared for outdoor sleeping and a truly immersive cultural experience.
As the long summer comes to an end and the reindeer return from their free grazing, autumn brings a flurry of herding tasks. One of the most important tasks is to gather the reindeer into separation enclosures, a task you will actively participate in during your stay.
On this journey, you won't just be a spectator. You'll form a deep bond with your Sami reindeer herder's host family, creating memories that will last a lifetime. This is more than just a trip-it's a cultural immersion experience.
About the experience
The indigenous Sami people of Northern Europe consider themselves to belong to one land known as Sápmi. While traditional reindeer herding as the main livelihood has significantly declined, many Sami families still follow the annual herding cycle. They migrate from the inner parts of their territory to the Arctic Ocean in spring and back inland for winter. These migration routes often cover several hundreds of kilometers. The Sami have lived across all four countries in the Arctic Circle: Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia.
Reindeer husbandry follows a yearly life cycle. After the long summer, when reindeer graze freely, autumn begins with reindeer herding tasks. The reindeer roam freely during the summer, so before the autumn migration begins, they need to be gathered into a corral. This period brings the herders together, and it is an exciting time for the reindeer owners. One of the essential herding tasks is rounding up the reindeer into separation enclosures, marking the beginning of the Sami reindeer autumn migration preparations.
This experience offers a unique opportunity to observe and participate in the Sami autumn herding cycle. During this period, the Sami live, sleep, and cook in traditional "lavvu" tents, temporarily set up for the occasion. Learn more about the Shamanistic beliefs of the Sami people, and understand the deep spiritual connection they have with their reindeer and nature, which also plays an important role during this time of year.
In this most immersive and authentic experience, you will live the real life of a Sami herder during the autumn months of October and November.
While we don’t provide a detailed itinerary (as everything happens at nature's speed with semi-domesticated reindeer), here’s a glimpse of what you might experience:
Example of a typical day with the Sami:
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8 am: Wake up & breakfast
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10 am: Observing & participating in reindeer herding tasks
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2 pm: Lunch and rest
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4 pm: Observing & participating in reindeer herding tasks
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7 pm: Dinner with yoik singing and storytelling around the campfire at the lavvu tent
The days are filled with many herding tasks that you can participate in or observe.
REQUIREMENTS:
It is helpful if you are physically fit, open-minded, and able to sleep outdoors (in a heated tent). If you can drive an ATV or a snowmobile, that’s a plus, depending on the weather.
Travel details
Time
The Sami family welcomes travelers to participate in reindeer autumn migration preparation during the following period:
Autumn Migration: October to November
We take max. 4 guests per time. You can come solo.
Check out also:
Spring Migration: April to May
Price
Price: € 3690 per person (6 days, 5 nights)
The price includes:
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Pick-up and return from/to Alta airport or harbor
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Local transport (car, ATV)
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Accommodation in a traditional Sami lavvu tent
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Food & beverages
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A native Sami family as hosts and guides 24/7
Price excludes:
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Flights
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Travel Insurance
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Pick up from other locations (Alta, Ivalo)
Check out also the Sami Reindeer Spring Migration Adventure