You Can Hang Out With Reindeer In The Snowy Norwegian Wilderness

Tromsø Arctic Reindeer

Unsplash/Tifenn Dgt

You know who doesn’t get enough love after the holiday season? Reindeer. So attention, Nordic lovers: We’ve found a destination that might be even better than meeting Rudolph himself. At the Tromsø Arctic Reindeer center, you can learn about the indigenous Sami people, a culture that’s been interacting with reindeer for 5,000 years, and meet some yourself.

The Sami people in Norway have herded reindeer for thousands of years and, at Tromsø Arctic Reindeer, you’ll be welcomed into the authentic Sami experience.

 

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There are several tours you can participate in, including chances to feed reindeer, ride on a reindeer-pulled sleigh, see the Northern Lights and even stand among a herd of reindeer — sometimes up to 300 of the majestic tundra creatures.

But one of the best things about all of the tours at Tromsø Arctic Reindeer is the chance to learn about Sami joik (songs), duoddji (crafts), kofte (clothes) and other Sami traditions.

 

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There are archeological signs of Sami culture in Norway, Sweden, Finland and Russia dating all the way back to 10,000 B.C. And the family behind Tromsø Arctic Reindeer has been living with their reindeer in the area for hundreds of years.

 

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Tromsø Arctic Reindeer is located outside of Tromsø, all the way at the northernmost section of Norway. Don’t worry — you don’t have to get all the way into the wilderness on your own. You can be picked up in the city of Tromsø. And unlike most vacation seasons, Tromsø Arctic Reindeer runs tours from November 15 to April 8.

 

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Coincidentally, these are also the best months for catching a view of the Northern Lights. Best of luck, Arctic explorers!

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