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.
This is a calm, respectful cultural experience — not a staged show.
At a Glance
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Season: July 1st – October 1st
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Duration: 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
Your visit begins on Salen Mountain, where reindeer graze freely during summer and early autumn. This is an active reindeer-herding area — not a tourist enclosure — and the experience 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
+ 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.
