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Sami & reindeer autumn experience
After the long summer when reindeer graze freely, autumn begins with reindeer herding tasks. One of the essential herding tasks is to round up the reindeer into separation enclosures.
You can join this unique opportunity to observe and participate in Sami reindeer herders' work up in the mountains. During this period the Sami live in tents which are set up temporary for this period. Live the life of the Sami herders just before they start to migrate with their reindeer.
About the experience
The Sami people of Northern Europe consider themselves to belong to one land known as Sapmi. These days reindeer herding as the main livelihood has fallen considerably, but there are still many Sami families who follow the annual herding cycle. They migrate from the inner parts of their territory to the Arctic Ocean at spring and migrate back from the sea to the inland areas for the winter period. These migration routes often covered several hundreds of kilometers. This explains why the Sami have lived in 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 graze freely in summer, so before the autumn migration begins, they need to gather all the reindeer inside a corral. This period gathers herders together and it is an exciting time for the reindeer owners. One of the essential herding tasks is to round up the reindeer into separation enclosures and that is the Sami reindeer autumn migration preparations.
You can join this unique opportunity to observe and participate in Sami reindeer herders' work up in the mountains in the most beautiful island of Soroya which is located up in the Arctic Ocean. There are only three tiny villages with a total population of 1,000. During this period the Sami live, sleep and cook in traditional "lavvu" tents which are set up in the mountains temporary for this period. On this experience, you can live the real life of the Sami herders just before they start to migrate to inland with their reindeer.
We don't have a detailed everyday itinerary as everything happens in nature's speed as the reindeer are semi-domesticated animals. But a typical day may look like this
8 am Wake up & breakfast
10 am Observing & participating in reindeer herding tasks
2 pm lunch and rest
4 pm Observing & participating in reindeer herding tasks
7 pm Dinner with yoik singing and storytelling at the lavvu tent by the campfire
Travel details
Time
Due to herding traditions, this experience is only available on
1-6 October 2020
We take max. 4 guests.
Location
Free pick up from Hasvik in Northern Norway. For an extra cost, the Sami family can pick up guests from Alta, Norway. The Sami family lives summer and autumn before they migrate to the winter pastures on the beautiful island of Soroya, which is Norway's fourth largest island.
Accommodation
Accommodation is in a traditional Sami lavvu tent with the Sami family. Sleeping bags and mattresses are provided by the Sami host. No shower, outdoor toilet.
Price
Price: € 1990 / $ 2230 / per person (4 nights, 5 days). The price includes pick-up and returns from/to Hasvik, local transport (car, snowmobile), accommodation in a tent, food & beverages, warm outwear clothing (overalls, hat, mittens, and boots).
Wi-Fi
Partial Wi-Fi. While moving on different locations there is good wi-fi connection but at a times there are zones with no wi-fi.