Cruise guests — please read this first
Many cruise calls in Hammerfest are served through ship-organized groups and may not appear as available in our public online calendar.
If your ship offers a “Reindeer Island Hammerfest” / reindeer & Sámi culture excursion:
→ Please reserve it through your cruise line’s shore excursion program.
If you are visiting independently (not through the ship):
→ Book early online. If you can’t find a suitable time, contact us and we’ll tell you what is possible.
This short and memorable experience gives you a real introduction to Sámi reindeer culture — without rushing and without staged performances.
This is our main cruise-friendly reindeer and Sámi culture experience in Hammerfest.
At a glance:
• Season: July 1 – October 1
• Duration: 1.5 hours
• Location: Salen Mountain, Hammerfest
• Group size: 5–35 participants
• Difficulty: Easy, suitable for all ages
• Languages: English & Norwegian
What you will experience
• Visit an authentic Sámi reindeer camp
• Feed reindeer by hand and take close-up photos (when conditions allow)
• Learn about reindeer herding and daily Sámi life from a reindeer-herding family
• Sit around the fire inside a traditional lavvu
• Listen to joik and personal stories
• Enjoy panoramic views over Hammerfest and the Arctic Ocean
Calm, respectful, and authentic
This is a real reindeer-herding area where the animals move freely.
The visit follows the natural rhythm of the herd and the conditions on the mountain.
Important to know:
• Reindeer may gather in different areas each day
• Weather on the mountain can change rapidly
• Adjustments or cancellations may occur for safety reasons
Simple planning for your port day
The experience itself lasts 1 hour and 30 minutes. To keep your day stress-free, plan a comfortable buffer around the tour — especially if you have a strict all-aboard time.
Recommended approach:
1) Choose your preferred start time and book early (independent travellers).
2) Arrive a little before the start time so we can begin smoothly.
3) Plan extra time for changing mountain weather and returning to town.
If you’re unsure what fits your ship schedule, message us with your ship name and port hours and we’ll advise.
Meeting point
Location: Salen Mountain, Hammerfest.
Approx. 10–15 minutes on foot from Hammerfest cruise pier and town centre.
Exact meeting instructions and any practical details are provided in your booking confirmation.
If you have mobility concerns or questions about access, contact us before booking.
What to bring
• Warm clothing (weather can change quickly)
• Good shoes
• Hat and gloves on colder days
• Phone or camera
FAQ
Q: Can I book this as an independent traveller?
A: Yes, when availability exists in our online calendar. Cruise call dates are often served through ship-organized groups, so book early or contact us if you don’t see times.
Q: Is this suitable for children?
A: Yes — the experience is easy and suitable for all ages. Children must follow guide instructions near the animals and fire.
Q: What if the weather changes?
A: Weather on Salen Mountain can change quickly. The program may be adjusted, or cancelled for safety if needed.
Q: Is this a cultural show?
A: This is not a theatrical show. It is a guided cultural experience in a real reindeer-herding area. We have prepared the area to safely welcome guests, but what you meet here is our real life, real animals, and real Sámi traditions.
Q: What language is the tour in?
A: English & Norwegian.
Other cruise-friendly options in Hammerfest
If the main reindeer tour doesn’t fit your timing (or you want a different style of experience), these are strong alternatives
Sámi Reindeer Year Talk in Hammerfest
A seated, in-depth talk around the fire in a traditional lavvu.
Perfect if you want deeper understanding of Sámi culture, migration routes and modern reindeer herding realities.
Quick facts:
• Duration: 2 hours
• Season: July 1 – October 1
• Location: Traditional Sámi lavvu, Hammerfest
• Group size: 5–30 participants
• Languages: English & Norwegian
Sámi Cooking Experience in Hammerfest
A warm, hands-on experience where you bake gáhkku over the fire, brew traditional coffee and prepare a meal together inside the lavvu.
Quick facts:
• Duration: 2 hours
• Season: July 1 – October 1
• Location: Traditional Sámi lavvu, Hammerfest
• Group size: 5–25 participants
• Languages: English & Norwegian
Ready to plan your Hammerfest day?
Cruise guests: If your ship offers this excursion, please book through your cruise line’s shore excursion program.
