Tromsø: Snowshoeing with Reindeer

If you’re dreaming of discovering the Norwegian wilderness, this snowshoeing with reindeer experience from Tromsø offers a compelling blend of outdoor adventure, Sami culture, and mesmerizing winter scenery. With a solid 4.8-star rating based on over 120 reviews, this tour seems to leave travelers feeling both inspired and well cared for.

What makes it stand out? First, the guides’ knowledge and friendliness really shine—many reviewers praise the guides for their passion and ability to make everyone feel comfortable. Second, the stunning vistas and close encounters with reindeer make this a truly memorable experience.

That said, it’s worth noting that some level of physical fitness is required, and the tour is quite active — so if you’re not comfortable walking on snow or handling outdoor conditions, it might be a bit challenging. Still, for those with a love for nature and a curious spirit, this adventure offers excellent value and a genuine connection to Sami traditions and Arctic landscapes. It’s best suited for active travelers who want a hands-on, authentic experience rather than a passive sightseeing tour.

Key Points

• Authentic Sami Culture: Opportunities to feed reindeer and learn about local traditions.
• Guided Expertise: Knowledgeable guides ensure a safe, informative, and engaging experience.
• Stunning Scenery: Expect breathtaking winter landscapes along snowshoe trails.
• All-Inclusive Value: Includes transportation, warm meal, hot drinks, and snowshoes.
• Suitable for Families: The tour is for ages 8 and up, making it family-friendly.
• Moderate Fitness Needed: Some walking and outdoor activity require basic fitness.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tromsø Snowshoeing and Reindeer Experience

The Itinerary: What You’ll Do and Why It Matters

This tour kicks off with a round-trip transportation service from Tromsø’s city center, which is both convenient and reassuring—no need to worry about logistics once you’re booked. You’ll meet your guide at the Tromsø Havn Prostneset bus terminal, a familiar spot for travelers, and then hop into a bus heading toward the reindeer camp.

Once at the camp, you’re greeted by a herd of friendly reindeer, which many reviewers describe as a personal highlight. Being able to feed the reindeer adds a special, up-close element to your Arctic experience that’s hard to replicate elsewhere. One reviewer mentions, “The reindeers were my personal highlight—they were just so friendly!” It’s these moments that turn sightseeing into a meaningful connection with local Sami culture.

After meeting the reindeer, it’s time to put on your snowshoes and poles to start the guided snowshoeing trek. The guides lead you along scenic trails, offering insights about the terrain, wildlife, and Sami traditions. The walk isn’t too long, but it’s enough to enjoy the quiet beauty of snow-covered hills and forests, and many describe the views as “incredible” or “absolutely stunning.”

Midway through or after your hike, you return to the reindeer camp, where a hot meal awaits. The traditional reindeer stew (bidos) is hearty and warming—vegetarian options are available—and the included hot drinks and cookies make for a cozy, communal experience inside a Sami-style hut. Multiple reviews mention how satisfying and delicious the food is, with one noting, “The reindeer stew was very tasty.” It’s a genuine taste of Sami hospitality after a day of outdoor activity.

Transportation and Group Size

The round-trip transportation, included in the price, alleviates the hassle of getting to the reindeer camp, which is a plus for travelers unfamiliar with the area. The tour typically runs for about four hours, with flexibility depending on the day’s schedule. The guides operate in small groups, which many reviews say allows for more interaction and personalized attention—something that enhances the experience.

The Guides: Knowledgeable and Passionate

Reviewers repeatedly praise the guides—“Rafa was an incredible guide,” and “Linda and Rafa made the experience memorable.” Many mention their guides’ enthusiasm and genuine passion for the outdoors, Sami culture, and wildlife. They’re also attentive to safety and comfort, providing assistance with snowshoeing and sharing stories that deepen your understanding of the local culture.

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The Snowshoeing: What to Expect

You don’t need prior snowshoeing experience, but some reviewers note that moderate fitness helps. The terrain can include gentle slopes and some steeper sections, but overall, it’s accessible for most outdoor enthusiasts. The snowshoe hike offers sweeping views, with a sense of serenity that’s hard to beat. One reviewer describes it as “an hour-long walk around the snowy hillside,” emphasizing how the activity is both manageable and rewarding.

Reindeer Feeding: Personal Encounters

Feeding the reindeer is a major highlight. While some mention it’s “a bit touristy,” they still appreciate the chance to get close and see how docile and curious the animals are. One reviewer notes, “The reindeers are super friendly and pretty docile,” and another shares that it was “entertaining but a little chaotic,” since the reindeer are eager for food. It’s undoubtedly a fun, tactile experience that makes you feel part of Sami life.

The Sami Meal and Warmth

After your outdoor pursuits, you’ll gather inside a traditional Sami hut for a warm meal. The reindeer stew, or bidos, is described as delicious and filling, with vegetarian options available. Complemented by hot drinks and cookies, it provides a cozy end to your Arctic adventure. Several reviews highlight how much they enjoyed the food, adding a comforting, authentic touch to the day.

Practical Considerations: Price, Value, and What to Bring

At $165 per person, this tour sits at an accessible price point considering the inclusions—transportation, snowshoes, guide services, and a hearty meal. Many reviewers feel it offers good value, especially given the opportunity to combine outdoor activity with cultural insight.

Pack warm clothing, a hat, gloves, scarf, and sturdy shoes—these are essentials in Arctic winter. The tour is not suitable for pets or smokers, and children must be at least 8 years old, making it family-friendly but with some physical activity involved.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This tour is perfect for travelers who want more than just sightseeing—those eager to connect with Sami traditions and enjoy the Arctic landscape actively. It suits adventurous families, outdoor enthusiasts, and curious travelers looking for a genuine cultural encounter. If you’re someone who appreciates knowledgeable guides, scenic walks, and hearty local cuisine, you’ll find plenty to love here. However, if you have mobility issues or are not comfortable in cold, snowy conditions, it might be worth considering your fitness level.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For a well-rounded, authentic Arctic experience, this snowshoeing and reindeer tour offers excellent value. The combination of guided outdoor activity, personal reindeer encounters, warm Sami hospitality, and spectacular scenery makes it an outing you’ll remember.

While it involves some physical effort and outdoor exposure, the rewards—stunning vistas, new cultural insights, and a chance to feed reindeer—make it worth considering. It’s a fantastic way to step outside the usual tourist paths and gain a deeper appreciation for Tromsø’s indigenous culture and Arctic nature.

In short, if you’re looking to combine adventure with authenticity, this tour checks all the boxes. It’s a great choice whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with family, provided everyone is up for a bit of snowy walking and cultural discovery.

FAQ

Is prior snowshoeing experience necessary?
No, prior experience isn’t needed. The guides will assist you, and the terrain is generally manageable for most fitness levels.

What should I bring?
Bring warm clothing, including a hat, gloves, scarf, and warm shoes. Dress in layers for comfort in the cold.

Can children participate?
Yes, children aged 8 and older can join the tour, making it family-friendly.

How long is the total activity?
The tour lasts around four hours, including transportation, snowshoeing, reindeer feeding, and the meal.

Is the reindeer feeding suitable for everyone?
Most people enjoy the close encounter, though be cautious as reindeer can be enthusiastic about food and might poke with their antlers.

What’s included in the price?
Transportation, snowshoes and poles, a traditional Sami hot meal of reindeer stew or vegetarian alternative, hot drinks, and cookies are included.

Is transportation convenient?
Yes, pickup and drop-off are provided from Tromsø city center, making logistics simple and stress-free.

This tour truly offers a taste of Tromsø’s wilderness and Sami culture, wrapped in a comfortable, well-organized package. Whether you’re after scenic beauty, cultural insight, or just a fun outdoor activity, it’s a solid choice for your Arctic adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: