My Unforgettable Sami Experience – Culture, Reindeer, and Storytelling in the Arctic
Feature Photo by sharonang on Pixabay
This article is authored by Armughan
Northern Norway is a dream for travelers, and Tromsø is a gem you shouldn’t miss. For me, meeting the Sami and their reindeer became the trip’s crown jewel. This wasn’t just an activity; it was a full dive into something deeply rooted and fascinating.
Up close and personal with reindeer, even feeding them was a thrill! In addition, the Sami culture and their stories were absolutely appealing. Reindeer sledding was on the itinerary, but snow played truant that day. Oddly enough, it didn’t matter.
I got to know the Sami people, whose warmth is matched only by their eagerness to share their way of life. Our hosts were part of a family that’s herded reindeer for generations, and that continuity amazed me.
But modernity pulls at even the oldest traditions, and not all Sami are herders these days. Many have sought new paths—cities like Oslo and Bergen are now their homes, or they’ve become fishermen plying Norway’s coasts.
Put Tromsø on your travel map, and book an Arctic experience involving Sami traditions and reindeer interactions. You’ll gain insight into their fascinating history. Getting to Tromsø isn’t tough if you’re already in Europe.
Flights from hubs like London or Paris get you there swiftly or you can sail from Southampton. For Americans, Widerøe Airlines could be a good choice.
So… Who Are the Sami?
The Sami (or Sámi) are Northern Scandinavia’s indigenous people, one of the oldest ethnic groups in this part of the world. They live across different regions, with Norway home to the majority—somewhere between 50,000 and 65,000 Sami have an abode there.
They’ve got their own languages (more tied to Finnish and Hungarian than Scandinavian tongues) and distinctive traditions, making them culturally unique.
At first glance, it’s not easy for outsiders to distinguish Sami from Norwegians. However, Sami’s name and subtle physical traits often set them apart. Unfortunately, this led to discrimination in the past.
Although reindeer herding might be their most well-known activity today, it’s only a way of life for about 10% of Sami. Historically, they were more about fishing and hunting.
Glimpsing Sami Culture
Their modern lives blend into contemporary society, but echoes of their ancient practices linger. Joik singing (a unique type of chanting), duodji (craftwork), and reindeer herding all remain integral parts of Sami’s identity.
Here’s something worth noting: The Sami don’t live in reindeer camps anymore. Their classic tents, or lavvu, have mostly given way to apartments or houses.
Interestingly, certain areas in Norway restrict reindeer ownership to Sami people for cultural, environmental, and political reasons. It underscores just how intertwined they are with this activity.
Sápmi, as the Sami call their homeland, stretches across Northern Norway, Sweden, Finland, and parts of Russia, though boundaries aren’t formally drawn.
The Birth of Reindeer Herding
The Sami people depended on wild reindeer for both nourishment and protection from the cold. They kept a few tame ones for pulling sleds. Everything changed around the 1600s when neighboring nations began fighting over Sami territory.
The Sami, caught in these struggles, faced heavy taxes from competing rulers. Without cash, they paid in reindeer meat and pelts. Eventually, they realized they needed bigger herds to meet these demands. That’s when domesticating reindeer became essential, birthing the herding lifestyle we associate with them today.
About Santa’s Reindeer…
Here’s a twist you didn’t expect: Santa’s reindeer is all wrong. For one thing, reindeer shed their antlers yearly. Males lose theirs in autumn after mating season. Females keep theirs through winter until they’ve given birth in spring.
This means the reindeer pulling Santa’s sleigh on Christmas Eve would’ve been female. And the glowing red noses? Yeah, not a thing.
RELATED: How to Travel Europe for Cheap! How Far a $2k Budget Can Get You
Unlock FREE Flights and Hotels!
Credit cards aren’t just for spending—they’re your ticket to epic travel rewards!
By using the right card for your everyday purchases, you could earn points for free flights, hotel stays, and more. No tricks, just smarter travel. Ready to see how?
Sami Clothing Speaks Volumes
The Sami have a brilliant way of communicating without words. Their traditional dress, called gákti, tells you nearly everything—marital status, family, and home region.
Circular buttons signify someone single, while square ones mean they’re married. Even the hem of a Sami garment reveals where they’re from.
Sami belts are especially meaningful, loaded with essential tools like knives, cups, and coffee bags. Kids are introduced to their first knives as toddlers and taught how to handle them responsibly. (P.S. Don’t hand your baby a knife—this is cultural, not parenting advice!)
What Happens During the Sami and Reindeer Tour?
The adventure begins with a bus ride from Tromsø to the Sami camp. Upon arrival, you’re greeted warmly and ushered into a lavvo, their traditional tent, where a fire crackles in the center.
Sitting around the flames, the Sami hosts share stories about their heritage and their deep connection with reindeer.
Then it’s time for the fun part: feeding the reindeer. Wandering outside among them feels surreal. On icy days, you’ll want spikes or crampons on your boots to keep from slipping. Thankfully, the camp provides these if you need them.
Despite a full busload of tourists, the camp’s open expanse means you’ll easily find moments to take pictures that feel intimate as if it’s just you and the reindeer.
Winter cold bites hard here, so be prepared. My hands froze taking photos, but warming stations inside the lavvo offered relief.
After feeding the reindeer, you’re treated to a hearty bowl of reindeer stew. (Vegetarian? No problem—just let them know when booking!)
Finally, the experience wraps up around the fire, where the Sami share more about their culture and perform a joik. The haunting, melodic chant echoes across the Arctic landscape, leaving an impression that stays long after you leave.
My Thoughts on the Sami Experience
Even with sledding off the table, the day was unforgettable. The Sami culture, the reindeer, the storytelling—all of it combined into something special.
I’d recommend this tour to anyone visiting Tromsø. It’s not just an activity; it’s a glimpse into a unique way of life you won’t find anywhere else.
>>> BIO:
Embark with Armughan on a journey to satiate your wanderlust! Explore
hidden gems, savor local flavors, and dive into the vibrant cultures around the
globe. See the magic that happens when you follow the compass of curiosity.
