Sami Reindeer Autumn Migration

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:
 

• 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 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.