Every summer, Sámi reindeer herders gather to earmark newborn calves.
This is a rare chance to live alongside a Sámi family, follow the reindeer herd, and witness a tradition that has shaped Sámi culture for centuries.
At a Glance
-
Season: Mid-summer (late June–mid July)
-
Duration: 2–4 days
-
Group size: Very small, exclusive groups
-
Accommodation: Traditional Sámi summer camp (lavvu/tent)
-
Meals & guiding: Included
-
Pick-up: Included
-
Availability: Once per year – very limited
What You Will Experience
✔ Live with a Sámi reindeer-herding family
✔ Observe calf marking under the midnight sun
✔ Learn about reindeer ownership, earmarks and Sámi traditions
✔ Follow the herd and camp life in the mountains
✔ Photograph reindeer, landscapes and Arctic light
✔ Share meals, stories and daily life at camp
The Experience
Calf marking takes place once each year, when the new reindeer calves are strong enough to travel. It is intense, communal work deeply rooted in Sámi tradition and family lineage.
Because summer days can be warm and tiring for the reindeer, the marking happens late in the evening and through the night, under the glowing Arctic midnight sun. The atmosphere is quiet, focused and powerful — families working together while nature never goes dark.
As a guest, you stay at the Sámi family’s summer camp and follow their rhythm: preparing the corral, observing the herd, helping with camp tasks, sharing meals and witnessing each calf receive its rightful family mark.
This is a true cultural immersion — not staged, not repeated, and not available anywhere else in Europe.
+ A Typical Day During the Calf Marking Period
The schedule follows nature — and the reindeer. The main work happens at night.
Afternoon – Arrival & Camp Life
Arrive at the summer camp, meet the family, settle into your lavvu/tent and share a meal. Learn about reindeer, ownership, earmarks and traditions.
Evening – Preparation
The family prepares the corral, equipment and food. Guests may join light, safe tasks around camp.
Night – Calf Marking (Main Activity)
As temperatures cool, the herd is moved into the corral. You observe how families identify their animals, how earmarks are made, and how multiple families cooperate.
Early Morning – Food & Rest
After the marking, everyone returns to camp for food, warmth and quiet moments around the fire while the sun remains above the horizon.
Daytime – Recovery & Slow Life
Days are calm and slow. You may rest, walk in the mountains, photograph, listen to stories or help with small camp tasks before the next night of work.
+ Accommodation & Food
Accommodation
You stay at the Sámi summer camp:
-
Traditional lavvu or tent
-
Sleeping bag and reindeer-hide mattress included
-
Outdoor toilet, no shower
-
Simple, peaceful and off-grid
-
Close to the corral and herd
Food
All meals are prepared by the Sámi family:
-
Home-cooked dishes
-
Reindeer meat, fish and berries
-
Soups, bread and warm drinks
Dietary needs can be accommodated with advance notice.
+ What’s Included
-
Pick-up & drop-off
-
All local transport to the camp
-
2–4 days with Sámi hosts
-
Lavvu/tent accommodation
-
Sleeping bag and reindeer hide
-
All meals and warm drinks
-
Guiding throughout the experience
-
Access to real calf-marking activities (observation and safe participation)
+ What to Bring
-
Outdoor clothing for summer conditions
-
Wool underlayers (nights can be cold even in July)
-
Waterproof jacket
-
Good hiking shoes
-
Camera or phone
-
Respect and curiosity
Important to Know
-
Calf marking is a real working tradition, not staged
-
Nature and the herd decide timing — activities happen late at night
-
Reindeer movement varies daily
-
Guests must be comfortable with basic facilities
-
Participation is limited to safe, allowed tasks
-
Animal welfare and cultural respect always come first
