Tromsø Arctic Reindeer farm in Norwegian Lapland

One of our highlights of our trip through Norway

If you are in Lapland with children, there is one thing you should not skip; namely, a visit to a reindeer farm! During our trip through Norway we visited Tromsø Arctic Reindeer farm in Norwegian Lapland. It was for the kids, and secretly for us too, one of the highlights of our trip.

In this blog, we tell you everything you need to know about visiting a reindeer farm in Norwegian Lapland.

Also read: Winter tour of Norway with kids.

More about reindeer farms in Lapland

In the heart of Lapland’s pristine wilderness, you will find charming reindeer farms that are deeply rooted in the ancient traditions of the Sami people.

The Sami

The Sami, also known as the Saami or the Lapps, are an indigenous people who have lived in the northern parts of Scandinavia, Russia, Finland and the Baltic region for centuries. Deeply rooted in the Arctic, they have developed a unique culture and way of life that is closely tied to the natural environment in which they live.

Traditionally, the Sami are semi-nomadic herders who rely on reindeer herding for their livelihood. Reindeer have traditionally been essential to the Sami, who use them for food, clothing, transportation and trade. The reindeer play a central role in Sami mythology and culture, and herding them is an integral part of their identity.

Although modern society has made its way into Sami communities, many still try to hold on to their traditional way of life and preserve their unique cultural heritage. The Sami are a proud people with a rich history and a vibrant culture that continues to flourish amidst the challenges of the modern world.

The reindeer farms of the Sami

Reindeer farms are the lifeblood of Sami culture. These farms are not only workplaces, but also cultural centers where visitors can experience the rich history and lifestyle of the Sami. A visit to a reindeer farm in Norwegian Lapland is not only a chance to meet the magnificent reindeer, but also a journey into the heart of Sami culture, where the bond between man and nature is central.

Tromsø Arctic Reindeer farm

During our stay in Tromsø, we booked a tour to Tromsø Arctic Reindeer. For generations, the Oskal family has lived in harmony with reindeer in Tromsø. Despite changes in technology, they have stuck to their traditional way of life.

The family strives to share these ancient traditions and give visitors a deeper understanding of their culture and history. In addition, they want guests to have fun and enjoy the experiences of being close to the reindeer. From stepping into a warm lavvu after the cold, to tasting traditional Sami dishes and listening to the sounds of traditional joiks and stories by the crackling fire.

See more information about Tromsø Artic Reindeer on the website www.tromsoarcticreindeer.com

Our visit to a reindeer farm in Norwegian Lapland

Just a few minutes’ walk from our hotel in Tromsø, we are picked up for our tour. A bus will take us to the reindeer farm. The vast landscape stretching out before us is truly breathtaking, and the presence of a large number of reindeer makes the experience all the more impressive. We try to find out exactly how many reindeer are here, but it seems to be a well-kept secret. It seems that asking about the number of reindeer here is as difficult as asking your neighbor where he bought his car 😉 The Sami are reluctant to answer this. Despite hearing different answers here and there, we estimate that there are about 300 reindeer around.

A ride on the reindeer sleigh

After our arrival, we immediately get the chance to take a ride in a reindeer sleigh. Since we have already been husky-sledding the day before, it may seem a bit slow at first for the children: “Why are we going so slow?”. But once they have adjusted their expectations, we enjoy a leisurely ride through the fields surrounding the reindeer farm. The weather is beautiful, the sun is shining. Ultimate enjoyment this!

Feeding reindeer

After a half-hour drive, we arrive at the reindeer farm and it is time to feed the reindeer. We opted for the morning tour, and since the reindeer have not yet eaten, they are particularly eager and hungry. It is somewhat intimidating for Quinn, with those imposing antlers so close to his face, but Lizzy, on the other hand, thoroughly enjoys it. She finds a small reindeer with whom she seems to have a special bond. This reindeer follows her the rest of the time and enjoys the attention and caresses.

Time to warm up

After the ride, feeding and cuddling with the reindeer, it’s time to warm up in the lavvu. The crackling campfire creates a cozy atmosphere, and a wide selection of hot drinks such as chocolate milk, coffee, tea and cookies are available. In addition, lunch is waiting for us: reindeer soup. For those of us who are vegetarian, a delicious tomato soup is available as an alternative.

Storytime

Finally, it’s time for some stories. A young Sami woman shares her experiences about life as a Sami, her deep connection to the culture and the rich history of the Sami community. She also takes the time to introduce us to a special tradition: joiken. Joiken is a unique form of vocal singing used by the Sami to express emotions, tell stories and express their connection to nature. With her melodic voice, she takes us on a journey through ancient Sami legends and traditions, giving us a deeper understanding of their cultural heritage.