Step into the world of the Sámi in Hammerfest.
Meet reindeer up close, gather inside a traditional lavvu, and learn about Sámi culture directly from a reindeer-herding family.
Choose Your Visit
Standard Camp Visit
Meet your Sámi guide at our reindeer camp on Salen Mountain in Hammerfest. Enjoy the full camp experience, including reindeer feeding, a lavvu gathering, storytelling and joik. The standard visit lasts approximately 1.5–2 hours. Guests make their own way to the camp.
Hurtigruten Pickup & Return
Arriving in Hammerfest with Hurtigruten? Select the “Hurtigruten Pickup & Return” option when booking.
We meet you at the Hurtigruten pier in Hammerfest town centre and drive you to our camp on Salen Mountain.
Enjoy a shorter camp visit with a reindeer encounter and Sámi storytelling, adapted to the ship’s scheduled stop, before we drive you back to the same pier.
The total duration includes transport in both directions. This option is available on selected Hurtigruten dates. Please check the booking calendar and your confirmation for the exact duration, pickup time and meeting instructions.
Pickup and return transport are included only when you book the “Hurtigruten Pickup & Return” option.
At a Glance
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Season: July 1st – October 1st
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Duration: Standard camp visit: approximately 1.5–2 hours.
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Location: Salen Mountain, Hammerfest
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Group size: 5–35 participants
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Difficulty: Easy, suitable for all ages
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Languages: English & Norwegian
What You Will Experience
✔ Visit an authentic Sámi reindeer camp
✔ Feed reindeer by hand and take close-up photos
✔ Learn about reindeer herding and daily Sámi life
✔ Sit around the fire inside a traditional lavvu
✔ Listen to joik and personal cultural stories
✔ Enjoy panoramic views over Hammerfest and the Arctic Ocean
The Experience
The camp experience takes place on Salen Mountain above Hammerfest, in an active Sámi reindeer-herding area. Guests booking the standard visit meet us at the camp. Guests booking “Hurtigruten Pickup & Return” meet us at the pier and travel to the camp with us. The visit follows the natural rhythm of the animals.
Your Sámi guide welcomes you at the camp and introduces you to the herd. Many reindeer approach calmly and curiously, allowing you to feed them by hand while learning about their behavior, life cycle, and the close relationship between reindeer and Sámi families.
After time with the herd, you gather inside the lavvu. With a fire burning and reindeer hides for seating, the atmosphere is warm and relaxed. Here, your guide shares personal stories from reindeer herding, explains Sámi traditions, and performs joik — an ancient vocal expression unique to Sápmi.
The pace is slow and intimate, with time for questions, photos and quiet moments.
+ What’s Included
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Guided visit to the Sámi reindeer camp
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Reindeer feeding
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Lavvu gathering with fire and seating
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Cultural storytelling
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Joik performance
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Reindeer hides
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Local Sámi guide
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Photo opportunities
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Return transport between the Hurtigruten pier and the camp — included only with the “Hurtigruten Pickup & Return” option.
+ What to Bring
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Warm clothing (weather can change quickly)
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Good shoes
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Hat and gloves on colder days
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Phone or camera
Important to Know
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This is a real reindeer-herding camp; the animals move freely
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Reindeer may gather in different areas each day
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Weather on the mountain can change rapidly
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Adjustments or cancellations may occur for safety reasons
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The experience focuses on authenticity, respect and calm — not performances.
