Tromsø Fjords & Reindeer: Sami Culture, Sommarøy Lunch

4.97

(148 reviews)

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I didn’t expect to laugh so much feeding reindeer in the snow. The day started on Kvaløya, just outside Tromsø—our small group bundled up and half-awake as the bus wound along icy roads between mountains and those silent blue fjords. Our guide, Erik, pointed out where the sea eagles sometimes perch (we didn’t see one, but I kept looking). There’s something about that northern light—kind of soft and gray even when it’s bright out—that makes you pay attention to small things, like the crunch of your boots or how your breath hangs in the air.

Meeting the Sami herder was honestly my favorite part. He called out across the field and suddenly these reindeer just appeared from behind a stand of birch trees—antlers everywhere. We took turns offering lichen from our hands; their noses are softer than I thought. I got licked (twice), which felt weirdly funny. Inside the lavvo tent, we crowded around a fire while he sang Joik—his voice low and steady—and talked about his family’s traditions. The smoke clung to my jacket for hours after. Someone tried to say thank you in Sami and got it all wrong; everyone laughed, including our host.

Lunch at Sommarøy Arctic Hotel was simple but good—I picked fish soup because Erik said it’s what locals order when it’s cold. You could see little islands through the window, all snow-dusted and quiet. After eating, we wandered down to the water; I watched two kids kicking a football on a patch of sand that looked almost tropical if you ignored your freezing fingers. It’s funny how far away city noise feels here.