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 shouldn’t miss; a visit to a reindeer farm! During our trip through Norway we visited Tromsø Arctic Reindeer farm in Norwegian Lapland. It was one of the highlights of our trip for the kids—and secretly for us too.

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.

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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 Lapps, are an indigenous people who have lived in the northern parts of Scandinavia, Russia, Finland, and the Baltic region for centuries. Deeply connected to the Arctic, they have developed a unique culture and way of life closely tied to the natural environment in which they live.

Traditionally, the Sami are semi-nomadic herders who have relied on reindeer herding for their livelihood. Reindeer have long been essential to the Sami, providing food, clothing, transportation, and trade. Reindeer also play a central role in Sami mythology and culture, with herding being an integral part of their identity.

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

The reindeer farms of the Sami

Reindeer farms are the lifeblood of Sami culture. These farms serve not only as workplaces but also as cultural hubs, where visitors can experience the rich history and traditions of the Sami. A visit to a reindeer farm in Norwegian Lapland offers not only the opportunity to meet these magnificent animals but also a journey into the heart of Sami culture, where the bond between humans and nature is central.

Tip: Also read the blog about Lapland with kids in the summer or the blog about Finnish Lapland with children.

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 the reindeer in Tromsø. Despite advances in technology, they have remained committed to their traditional way of life.

The family strives to share these ancient traditions and provide visitors with a deeper understanding of their culture and history. Additionally, they aim to ensure guests have fun and enjoy the unique experience 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 joiks and stories by the crackling fire.

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

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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 takes us to the reindeer farm. The vast landscape stretching out before us is truly breathtaking, and the sight of numerous reindeer makes the experience even more impressive. We try to determine exactly how many reindeer are here, but it seems to be a well-kept secret. Asking about the number of reindeer is as tricky as asking your neighbor where he bought his car 😉 The Sami are reluctant to provide an answer. Despite hearing various estimates, we conclude that there are about 300 reindeer in total.

A ride on the reindeer sleigh

After our arrival, we immediately have the opportunity to take a ride in a reindeer sleigh. Since we went husky sledding the day before, the pace may feel a bit slow at first for the children: ‘Why are we going so slowly?’ However, once they adjust their expectations, we enjoy a leisurely ride through the fields surrounding the reindeer farm. The weather is beautiful, with the sun shining—this is pure enjoyment!

Feeding reindeer

After a half-hour drive, we arrive at the reindeer farm, and it’s time to feed the reindeer. We opted for the morning tour, so the reindeer are particularly eager and hungry since they haven’t eaten yet. Quinn finds it somewhat intimidating to be so close to those imposing antlers, but Lizzy, on the other hand, thoroughly enjoys it. She discovers a small reindeer with whom she seems to share a special bond. This reindeer follows her for the rest of the time, relishing the attention and affection.

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—is available. Additionally, lunch awaits us: reindeer soup. For those who are vegetarian, a delicious tomato soup is offered as an alternative.

Storytime

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

We booked the tour: Long Reindeer Sledding, Reindeer Feeding and Sami Culture through the Tromsø Arctic Reindeer website: book the tour here.

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