Overnight Stay With Reindeer Sledding & Feeding

Enjoy the captivating Sami culture with an unforgettable overnight adventure. Set out on a thrilling reindeer sled ride, observe the graceful movements of the gentle creatures, and delight in the opportunity to feed them. Savor a hearty, traditional Sami stew in a cozy lavvu tent, all while anticipating the mesmerizing display of the Northern Lights in the vast, unobstructed night sky. As you settle into a traditional Sami tent for the night, surrounded by the beauty of nature and the comforts of reindeer hides and winter-insulated sleeping bags, you’ll be left with a deeper appreciation for the rich heritage and traditions of this remarkable indigenous people.

Key Points

• Overnight stay in a traditional Sami lavvu tent, offering an immersive cultural experience and potential Northern Lights viewing.
• Thrilling reindeer sled ride over pristine snow-covered terrain, with glimpses of the rugged Nordic landscape.
• Opportunity to interact with reindeer, including feeding them, to deepen understanding of the Sami way of life.
• Hearty, traditional Sami stew served in a communal setting, showcasing local ingredients and culinary traditions.
• Knowledgeable local guides providing insights into Sami culture and traditions throughout the day-long tour.

Tour Overview

This overnight tour from Tromso offers a unique opportunity to experience the traditions and culture of the Sami people, including a thrilling ride on a reindeer sled and the chance to feed the reindeer.

The tour starts with an afternoon tea before you embark on a drive to the island of Kvaløya. Once there, you’ll hop onto a sled pulled by reindeer and have the chance to feed them.

Later, you’ll gather in a traditional lavvu tent and enjoy a hearty, traditional stew. If the conditions are right, you might even spot the mesmerizing Northern Lights.

The night is spent sleeping on reindeer hides in winter-insulated sleeping bags, providing a truly immersive cultural experience.

Inclusions

In an article titled ‘Overnight Stay With Reindeer Sledding & Feeding’, the tour includes an afternoon tea, a hearty afternoon meal, and a breakfast, along with coffee, tea, and snacks throughout the day.

The tour also provides a local driver/guide and a local guide to lead participants through the Sami cultural experience.

The tour’s inclusions offer a well-rounded and immersive experience:

• Afternoon tea to warm up before the activities
• Filling afternoon meal to refuel after the reindeer sledding
• Breakfast to start the day energized
• Unlimited coffee, tea, and snacks to keep guests satisfied
• Knowledgeable local guides to provide insights into Sami culture

Meeting and Pickup

The tour convenes at the main entrance of the Radisson Blu Hotel in Tromsø, where you will check in with the guide wearing a distinctive green cape or poncho at 5:45 PM.

Once checked in, the group will depart on the tour, which takes them to the island of Kvaløya.

At the end of the evening’s activities, the tour returns to the original meeting point at the Radisson Blu Hotel.

This convenient pickup and drop-off location ensures a seamless experience for guests, allowing them to focus on the immersive reindeer sledding and cultural exploration without worrying about transportation.

Reindeer Sled Ride

After being picked up from the Radisson Blu Hotel, the group heads to the island of Kvaløya, where they’ll embark on the highlight of the tour – a thrilling reindeer sled ride.

The participants eagerly climb onto the traditional wooden sleds, bundled up in warm gear to brace the crisp Arctic air.

As the reindeer start to pull, guests are treated to a unique perspective of the breathtaking landscape:

• Gliding effortlessly over the pristine snow-covered terrain
• Catching glimpses of the rugged mountains in the distance
• Watching the reindeer’s graceful movements as they navigate the trail
• Enjoying the tranquility and isolation of the remote setting
• Potentially spotting the mesmerizing Northern Lights dancing across the sky.

Traditional Stew

Savoring a steaming bowl of traditional Sami stew, guests are transported to the heart of the local culture as they gather around the cozy lavvu, the aroma of slow-simmered meats and vegetables filling the air.

This hearty dish, a staple in the Sami diet, features locally sourced ingredients like reindeer, potatoes, and root vegetables, all simmered together to create a rich, flavorful broth.

As they savor each bite, guests learn about the importance of the reindeer to the Sami people and how this dish has sustained them for generations.

The communal experience of sharing this traditional meal helps deepen their appreciation for the Sami way of life and the traditions that have been passed down over time.

Northern Lights Viewing

Amidst the serene darkness of the remote countryside, guests eagerly await the spellbinding display of the Northern Lights, their eyes scanning the night sky in anticipation. The opportunity to witness this natural phenomenon is a highlight of the tour, as the ethereal lights dance across the inky blackness, casting a mesmerizing glow over the landscape.

The lights may appear in a variety of colors, from vibrant greens and blues to shimmering pinks and purples. The lights can take on diverse shapes, from swirling curtains to pulsing rays and arches.

Viewing the lights is best during clear, dark nights when geomagnetic activity is high. Guests may also spot constellations and shooting stars in the vast, unobstructed sky.

The tranquil, remote setting allows for an immersive, awe-inspiring experience.

Overnight Accommodation

The overnight accommodations comprise a cozy lavvu, a traditional Sami tent, where guests sleep on reindeer hides nestled in winter-insulated sleeping bags, seeing the remote, rustic setting.

The lavvu is designed to provide warmth and comfort, shielding guests from the elements while allowing them to connect with the natural surroundings.

Situated in a picturesque location, the lavvu offers a unique opportunity to experience the traditional Sami way of living.

As the evening unfolds, guests can gaze up at the night sky, hoping to catch a glimpse of the mesmerizing Northern Lights.

The experience promises a truly memorable night, blending the comforts of modern amenities with the authenticity of Sami culture.

Additional Information

Travelers can expect confirmation of their booking within 48 hours, subject to availability. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but service animals are allowed. Infant seats are provided for those traveling with young children. This experience is operated by Tromsø Lapland and is likely to sell out.

The tour takes place on the island of Kvaløya, located near Tromsø. Participants will have the opportunity to ride on a sled pulled by reindeer and feed the reindeer.

A traditional Sami stew will be served in the cozy lavvu tent. Travelers may be able to witness the captivating aurora borealis, weather permitting. Guests will sleep on reindeer hides in winter-insulated sleeping bags for a truly immersive experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

The tour operator generally provides all meals and refreshments for the tour. Bringing your own food and drinks is not recommended, as the logistics and facilities may not accommodate personal provisions. However, checking with the tour operator beforehand is advised.

What Is the Minimum/Maximum Group Size for the Tour?

The tour has a minimum group size of 2 people and a maximum of 16 people. The small-group experience allows for a personalized and intimate exploration of the Sami culture and reindeer herding.

Is There a Luggage Weight or Size Restriction?

The tour doesn’t specify any luggage weight or size restrictions. However, guests are advised to pack lightly as they’ll be spending the night in a traditional lavvu tent with limited space.

Are There Any Special Dietary Requirements for the Traditional Stew?

The traditional Sami stew served during the tour can accommodate various dietary requirements. The guide will inquire about any food allergies or dietary restrictions beforehand to ensure the stew meets participants’ needs.

Can I Opt-Out of Any of the Activities During the Tour?

Yes, participants can opt-out of activities during the tour. The tour operator is flexible and allows guests to participate in only the experiences they’re most interested in, such as the reindeer sledding or learning about Sami culture.

Recap

This immersive overnight adventure offers a unique opportunity to take in Sami culture.

Guests will experience the thrill of reindeer sledding, observe the graceful creatures, and savor a traditional Sami stew.

The highlight of the evening is witnessing the captivating display of the Northern Lights in the vast, unobstructed night sky.

Spending the night in a traditional Sami tent surrounded by the beauty of nature completes this unforgettable cultural experience.