These permissions hardly justify actions that were taken in the past, but at least it is giving the Sami a chance to carry on with some of their traditions. full guide to the best Troms hotels here, Fjord cruise with a sauna/jacuzzi on board, reindeer visit with sledding at Troms Arctic Reindeer here, this reindeer sledding day trip to Camp Tamok, this daytime reindeer sledding trip with an added visit to the Ice Domes. In North America, the animals are called caribou if they are wild and reindeer if they are domesticated. Wolves can be a bit of an issue in northern Norway, not least because of the gruesome way that they train their young to hunt; they tear out reindeers eyes and give them to their cubs to play with! One of the most common things to do in Troms is to enjoy a Sami experience and go reindeer sledding. You will learn about the construction process of the domes, the impact the snow has on all life in the Arctic and have a non-alcoholic ice shot at the ice bar. Troms Arctic Reindeer offers different types of reindeer tours. Copyright 2022 The Privacy & Cookies Policy. Sami people have five main reindeer predators to contend with. The following guide will take you through some of the best Sami tours to learn about the unique culture of the indigenous people of the north. Some reindeer knew instantly what would happen, and they came running towards the camps entrance, where the food was distributed. During winter Camp Tamok, our Tromso wilderness centre, is the start and end point for a range of winter activities by huskies, reindeer and snowmobile. Although I have to say that theyre our lifeblood! our Sami guide, Per, told us, as we sat around long tables in a fire-heated hut, having devoured a vegetable soup or, for meat eaters, reindeer stew. Polaria is the northernmost aquarium in the world and one of the most visited Tromso attractions. Your email address will not be published. The Smi people have been subjected to discrimination and racism by the Governments in the Nordic countries. Reindeer herding is more of a lifestyle than just a profession and there are currently over 3000 people active in Sami Reindeer husbandry. We are now closed for the Summer, and open again on November 1st 2023. A real highlight to our trip. We have also given a few blurbs about each! Well see the reindeer first!. The reindeer were fun to feed with plenty of opportunities to interact with them and ask the hosts questions. Dog sledding through beautiful Arctic Norway, Click here to check rates and availability for Thon Hotel Troms, Click here to check rates and availability for Smarthotel Troms, The Perfect Troms Itinerary (2-5 day options), 21 Best Things to Do in Cinque Terre (for First-Timers! Troms Arctic Reindeer | Visit Tromso Once my first bucket was finished, I opted to not get another one and just stood on the sidelines, observing the creatures (they arent interested in any tourists who arent carrying food!). Dont forget to plan ahead when visiting Tromsand nearby! Its located further out from Tromso than Tromso Arctic Reindeers farm, so it may have a better chance of seeing the Northern lights! The 10 Most Charming Mountain Towns in Colorado, The Perfect Weekend in Salt Lake City Itinerary: 2 Days in SLC. Many visitors are surprised to find that all of us working here are reindeer herders, and it is not just a typical tourist attraction but rather a look at our way of life, saysTuri Oskal. The Sami still practice the traditional methods and ensure they pass down the stories and methods of their forefathers to the younger generations. We also got to experience several cultural elements of Sami life: sitting around the fire in a lavvu (a traditional Samitent) with our hot drinks, eating a traditional hot meal from Sami culture (reindeer stew, called bidos in Sami), and hearing the beautifuljoik, a type of Sami song that seeks to reflect or evoke a person, animal, or place.. The reindeer on the reindeer farms do not have to go far or fast, and they pull the sleds for approx. The last record of wild British reindeer is from around 800 years ago, and this herd was reintroduced to the land back in 1952. 29 Epic Things to Do in Troms, Norway - Heart My Backpack Reindeer eat mosses, herbs, ferns, grasses, and the shoots and leaves of shrubs and trees, especially willow and birch. The question of ethics is always a difficult one and one that I try to answer for myself each time I partake in an animal activity. Unlike dog sledding in Troms, the reindeer looked miserable when I saw them dragging people in sleds around. Your email address will not be published. Check reviews from verified guests, look at photos, and book your room here! Planning your trip to Troms last minute? Theyve populated this part of the world for thousands of years; and they were tragically oppressed throughout history, which meant that their settlements moved further north. We hope this article has given you a better idea of what to expect when visiting a reindeer farm in Troms and has helped you understand more about the Sami people and their culture. While you are not required to show vaccination cards to enter Norway, arriving vaccinated (and boosted, if available to you) is the kind, safe thing to do to keep yourself and the people of the country you are visiting healthy! Hi! She escorted us to the spacious Smi tent, lavvo, where she instructed us on how to feed reindeer and gave us a timeline of the whole tour. Males lose their antlers during mating season; female reindeer seem to appreciate a man with strong antlers, so they stay on until mating is complete. The Best Place for Reindeer Sledding in Troms, Norway Reindeer have been an important part of the culture of this part of the world for a long time. There can be a lot written about the racialized discrimination of the Smi people in Scandinavia, but I do not feel educated enough to dive into this topic. As of literally four days ago when updating this article, the Norwegian government announced that all restrictions of entering into Norway have been lifted! And let me tell you; we are pretty spoiled concerning reindeer since we could watch them almost every day from our tiny off-grid house we rented close to Troms. So weve established that the Sami people have herded and domesticated reindeer for at least 1,200 years perhaps even as many as 7,000 years long enough to say that these reindeer have been fairly thoroughly domesticated. Seasonality: November-April Sami joik is a traditional form of vocal music that has been passed down through the generations. The Troms Arctic Reindeer Camp is open from November to April, primarily to protect reindeer from the predators and effects of climate change by enclosing them in one area and feeding them. If we missed any Tromso reindeer tours youd recommend here, let us know in the comments! Unfortunately, climate change-induced rainfall forms a thick layer of ice, which makes it impossible for reindeer to dig through it and obtain lichen and moss, the staples of their diets. Reindeer Sledding in Troms: What to Know Before You Go (Also probably easier on the reindeer if he does not have to pull a sled with 160 kg.). I was a guest of Widere airlines and Visit Troms. Per was most concerned about wolverines, telling us that they make a hissing sound like an angry cat before they attack, which is the sign for humans to leave! The drive from Troms city center to the Troms Arctic Reindeer Camp takes about 25 minutes. Duration: 4.5 hours While the Sami still herd reindeer for subsistence as well as animal agriculture (reindeer is a popular meat in Norway), tourism has become another important part of the economic circle of reindeer farming. If your trip to Tromso is primarily to see the Northern lights, then I would suggest doing a minibus tour where you chase the lights at least once or twice during your stay. This has helped to introduce the unique and powerful sound of joik to a broader audience and has helped to raise awareness about the cultural traditions and heritage of the Sami people. Required fields are marked *. The sled is comfortable, but make sure you have enough clothes because you can quickly get cold when you are not moving for 30 minutes. . After we arrived, we were greeted by our Smi guide dressed in colorful traditional Smi clothes. While folklore has caused reindeer to be attached to Santa Claus, theyre actually owned by Scandinavias indigenous Sami population and have been an important part of Sami life for millenniums. I really enjoyed getting to feed the reindeer from the buckets. (Lavvo is a traditional Sami tent. Visit with a group of reindeer to round out your experience. There are many tours available that offer reindeer sledding in addition to Sami cultural experiences but I truly think that activity is unnecessary and pointless when youre visiting Troms or anywhere in the Arctic. During the summer, the reindeer graze in the mountain pastures. When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site. And please note, this is not to condemn any Sami traditions of using reindeer for work this is merely them being used for tourism purposes in a way that didnt sit well with me. Just for fun (and to give you an idea about what to expect when you see Tromss reindeer population), here are some facts! Sami people suffered a similar fate to the Indigenous peoples of the United States and Canada, who were forcibly removed from their land, sent to boarding schools to strip them of their religion and language, and discriminated against both in law and in practice. However, in recent years there has been a positive movement of Norwegians (Swedes and Finns) and Smi towards working together and creating sustainable, small-scale, culturally sensitive tourism products. Who are we to change it?. One of the activities I loved the most was feeding and petting reindeer at Troms Arctic Reindeer Center. The fanciest hotel in town is the Clarion Hotel The Edge, which is right on the water and home to Troms's only skybar. You can actually view my entire guide to what to wear in Norway in winter here. The Sami people have had a constant presence in the Arctic and Sub-Arctic areas of northern for at least 3,500 years. We found 89 things to do for you near Wondering Reindeer Tromso Fjords 1,024 Reviews Tromso Norway 20 minutes from Wondering Reindeer Experiences from $94 See 24 Experiences Prestvannet Lake 113 Reviews Langnesvegen, Tromso Norway 12 minutes from Wondering Reindeer Experiences from $91 See 3 Experiences GuideGunnar 300 Reviews Tromso 9008 Norway Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. In the section below where I list the different tours, Ill explain which tours involve reindeersledding and which are just reindeer feeding and culture tours. Both genders lose their antlers once a year. This guide will showcase ethical Sami tours and places where you can see reindeer in Troms. Spmi is a region that most tourists would know as Lappland. This tour is an excellent way to not only experience reindeer, but also see some of the incredible scenery around Troms. Add any text here or remove it. You will find several options for where to stay in Troms but many of them tend to be around the same price range. If youre going to Troms for a few days, you will want to make sure you take advantage of the many tours and excursions the capital of Northern Norway has to offer. The evening will end in a Sami lavvo listening to stories of the Sami people and performances of joik, a form of traditional chanting. The tour included a beautiful and comfortable fjord drive to the coast followed by a lovely lunch in a fjord- side restaurant. They use the name Sami. Our wilderness center Camp Tamok, is located a 90-minute scenic bus drive from the city center of Troms. 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The number of reindeer varies annually, but there are around 250.000 herd animals in Norway. Whether you want to visit a Sami camp to learn about their connection with the creatures, jump in a sled and be transported through the snowy landscape by the animals or stay in town for the reindeer racing championships, your stay will only be enhanced by learning about reindeer in Troms. If no notice is given in advance an extrafee of 150 NOK will be charged. The first question is: are these animals domesticated or is this going against their nature? Reindeer Sledding and Feeding with Chance of Northern Lights Tromso, Arctic Roadtrip: Sommary with scenic picnic | Small group 8 max | Sightseeing, Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. Your email address will not be published. Following lunch, you will head into a lavvo and sit around a fire to learn all about the history of reindeer herding and the Sami people. The friendly animals will come up close and eat directly from your hands. Wear warm clothes and winter boots so you can focus on the experience. Likely to Sell Out. Prior to tourists enjoying reindeer sledding as an activity, semi-nomadic Sami herders would use reindeer sleds to transport materials across the Arctic landscapes. We liked the experience, but honestly I think that it is an attraction mainly for families with small kids. The eyes of Arctic reindeer change color through the seasons from gold to blue, adapting to extreme changes in light levels in their environment and helping detect predators. You will learn a lot about reindeer, reindeer herding as a lifestyle, and the fascinating Sami culture and history. Tromso Arctic Reindeer - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go - Tripadvisor This is the same company but they also run a Northern lights nighttime tour. It is also important to ensure that the activity does not have a negative impact on the local ecosystem or community. The only difference is that you are not given a colored wristband that indicates that you will be doing sledding later in the tour. Reindeer sledding for tourist enjoyment is not really much different than what the Sami were doing naturally before, transporting their housing materials, food, and other goods as they herded reindeer. Once the feeding experience terminated, we sat down to a hot bowl of stew veggie for vegetarians, reindeer for meat-eaters and heard some stories about Sami culture and traditions. Tours normally include visiting a reindeer ranch, where you will spend time feeding and learning about the reindeer followed by a traditional meal in a lavvo (a special kind of Sami tent) where your informative Sami guide will teach you all about the culture and share stories of the Arctic. Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page. ), St. Thomas Itinerary: Making the Most of 7 Days (+ Tips! However, you cant own reindeer. Norway has lifted mask restrictions and social distancing requirements, and all restaurants, bars, and museums are back to normal operations. When booking, you can choose from a short sledding trip (about 15 minutes) and a long one (30 minutes). Level of difficulty: very easy. Gift shops often offer cheap reproductions disguised as traditional craftsmanship, and attractions may feature non-Smi staff dressed in traditional Smi clothing. However, I think it is important for tourists to understand that. Languages: English Our guide was also very funny, joking about modern Sami reindeer herders and how they now use drones to help them herd! Next season runs until April 7th 2024. Included:Transfer by bus from and back to TromsEnglish-speaking guideMeal (stew) and hot drinksEntrance and guided tour to Troms Ice DomesShort movie in the ice-cinemaNon-alcoholic ice-shot, Itinerary:Transfer by bus: 90 min (1,5 hours)At Troms Ice Domes: 2 hours 15min (Guided tour + free time + lunch)Transfer by bus: 90 min (1,5 hours), Departure time: 10.45am (10:45)Latest meeting time and place: 15 minutes before departure (10.30am/10:30), Samuel Arnesens gate 7, 9008 Troms.Duration: 5 hours 15 minutesLevel of difficulty: very easyNumber of participants: 2 48. OUR TIP:You will learn more about the Smi peoples history during the reindeer camp storytelling. Profitable Reindeer husbandry requires large areas - a given pasture range can only sustain a limited number of animals, and migrating reindeer herds each need . Rooms are luxurious and modern with updated bathrooms, and the facilities include a gym, free afternoon coffee with waffles, and a light evening meal as part of your stay.>>Check reviews from verified guests, look at photos, and book your room today! There has been debate about whether or not reindeer sledding is ethical or if reindeer are being exploited for entertainment purposes rather than being allowed to live their natural lives free from human interference. It has a design similar to aNative Americantipibut is less vertical and more stable in high winds.). One of my favorite affordable recommendations for those traveling to Norway is the Smarthotels that exist in many cities throughout the country. Each reindeer takes turns to dash along the track and is timed while it pulls its Sami owner on skis. Subscribe to get notified about new guides, inspiration, deals, and much more! While spending time outside, keep an eye out for magical displays of the northern lights that, if you are lucky, will come out and play. Have seen some amazing scenery. Be sure to book your Norway rental car ahead of time to ensure availability! Book your Sami reindeer tour with a chance of Northern lights here! That said, if youre uncomfortable with reindeer sledding, you can still learn about Sami culture, meet the reindeer, and support the Sami guides who run these tours. They fall off their head naturally around a day or two after their baby is born, and they eat their own antlers for nutrition. Make sure you bring your camera equipment and be ready to see the skies dancing. Plenty of people know about Tromso's most popular museums, like the Polar Museum and Tromso Museum, but more unique spots like the Perspectives Museum often get overlooked. We boarded a bus in the city and drove through the Arctic wilderness, finally stopping outside a traditional Lavvu. {{/pricing}}, Treat yourself to a guided tour at the magical winter wonderland of Troms Ice Moreover, the animals are not pulling sleds for longer than 30 minutes, but it is, of course up to you to decide where you draw the line when it comes to reindeer sledding. Reindeer Sightseeing in Tromso 2023 - Viator Top Activities and Tours in Troms: Visiting Troms independently? This fascinating cultural adventure includes reindeer sledding, an introduction to lasso throwing, storytelling about the Sami culture and feeding the reindeer. Troms Ice Domes Guided Tour & Reindeer Visit 2023 - Tromso - Viator Please advise us in advance of any food allergies or dietary restrictions: we will provide an alternative option. Stay in heated yurt-style glamping tents, complete with cozy carpeting, comfortable beds heated with reindeer pelts, and panels that open up into the aurora above you so you can watch the Northern lights dance overhead from your bed! Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our, No questions have been asked about this experience. The following tours are what I recommend for reindeer sleighrides in Tromso as well as Sami culture tours. Even though the reindeer sledding was nice, we didnt feel comfortable being pulled on sled by a reindeer, but it is, of course, up to you to decide where you draw the line when it comes to reindeer sledding. We maintain a temperature of minus 5 C inside Troms Ice Domes: we advise dressing warm and in layers. The Sami people are the Indigenous people of the far reaches of Northern Europe, who can trace their history back at least 3,500 years in the Fenno-Scandinavia region, which includes Norway, Sweden, Finland, and the Kola Peninsula of Russia. Reindeer husbandry, or the raising and care of reindeer, has been an important part of the Sami culture and economy for centuries. Remember, in Norway, they have a saying: there is no bad weather, only bad clothing! As they are a natural phenomenon, it is not guaranteed that you will be able to see them on the given night. Im not even ashamed to admit that and I will sit there for multiple hours making the most of what they offer to travelers. {{? Prices are on the high side, but the food is exquisite and beautifully plated. ), 18 Outstanding Things to Do in Oranjestad (+ Activities! Here are some content shortcuts to help you navigate the article: Smiland, more commonly known by its North Smi name Spmi, is the core region inhabited by the Smi, extending across vast areas in northern Norway, Sweden, Finland, and the Kola Peninsula in Russia. You have been redirected to the nearest matching page within this section. Troms Arctic Reindeer. One of the best activities and excursions in Northern Norway during the winter is visiting a Troms reindeer farm and learning more about the Sami culture and their relationship with reindeer. 40. from $135.73. Troms is a city in northern Norway that is known for its natural beauty and outdoor activities, including reindeer sledding. The views are beautiful though: fjords, snow, and mountains everywhere you look. At this time, many Sami herders bring their reindeer down from places further north mostly around Karasjok, considered the Sami capital of Norway down to Tromso so that tourists exploring The Paris of the North can do a day trip to visit reindeer. Over thousands of years, the animals have become domesticated and nowadays, only Sami people can own reindeer. If you want to receive the newsletter, please submit your email address. We are not big fans of big tours, so I got a bit nervous when I saw two big buses at the parking place in Troms quickly filling up. Therefore, we got booked for long sledding. 2. Male reindeer begin to grow antlers in February, and female reindeer in May. If you are looking for more information about taking a northern lights tour, check out my northern lights tour guide. Free Interactive Map of Troms With Recommended Accommodations, Activities, Restaurants etc. Troms Activities Hostel is a great option if you're on a tight budget. Lux camping and kayaking at Tuyen Lam Lake, Cruisin Tiki Swimmin Pigs Booze Crooze Lunch+All U can drink bar, The Killing Field and Toul Sleng Genocide Museum Tour, Trekking and Cliff-Jumping at Ba Ho Waterfall - half day tour, Review of: Arctic Fjords and Reindeer Experience Small group tour. During my week in Tromso, I tried to spot the Northern lights many times, and I saw them three times in a week: once on the water on a fjord cruise, once over the city from my Airbnb window, and once on an aurora chasing tour all the way over the Finnish border! You will also have some time to warm up around a fireplace and relax in our warm wooden lavvu while we serve a traditional Norwegian soup/stew.Welcome to a once-in-a-lifetime experience of snow and ice magic in our winter wonderland. If youre looking for a reindeer sledding Northern lights tour, this is the one I would pick its a longer tour and its further out from Tromso so your lights chances are a little better. >> Click here to check rates and availability for Smarthotel Troms. However, in recent years there has been a positive movement of Norwegians (Swedes and Finns) and Smi towards working together and creating sustainable, small-scale, culturally sensitive tourism products. protect the animals from the perils of climate change. {{pricing}} Their burgers are delicious and its well-priced so you can easily enjoy dinner for around $20 USD (yup, thats budget in Tromso!). It was really interesting hearing about their life, customs and traditions first-hand, and we enjoyed the joiking (singing). it was so well thought out and planned. Since we enjoy solitude, we decided to get as far away from the entrance as possible. To comprehend reindeers significance in Norway, you first need to understand a little about the Sami people. :pricing}} - Features of this page require a browser with localStorage enabled. I feel I need to add the following part to this guide. The tour is all about meeting the reindeer and enjoying learning about Samiculture as opposed to seeing the scenery around you, so its a good option for doing at nighttime. Dietary requirements:Vegetarian food can be provided if notice is given upon booking. This tour does not include reindeer sledding, Sami culture or feeding the reindeer. One activity that often figures quite highly on peoples Arctic bucket lists is the chance to visit a reindeer farm! 10-30 minutes maximum before resting. Number of participants: 2 - 48. Males antlers can grow up to a whopping 1.4 meters in length. Something just felt wrong. But, the dogs were stoked about their work and were eagerly running around enjoying themselves. Its a cant-miss! You sit in a wooden sled, either alone (if you are a solo traveler) or together with your partner or kid(s). The decor is irreverent yet modern with an Arctic theme, many with vibrant pops of color that make the hotel have a lot more personality.