Join the Herd – Experience Spring Migration
By Samibooking AS
Available from: March - April
Price From
Next available date: 16 Mar 2026
Join an Indigenous Sámi family on a rare spring migration with reindeer through the Arctic landscape, following the herd’s natural rhythm and ancient traditions.
Every spring, reindeer migrate between their winter and summer grazing lands — a journey that has shaped Sámi life for thousands of years.
This experience gives you the rare opportunity to follow an Indigenous Sámi reindeer-herding family during this migration. You will move through Arctic landscapes alongside the herd, learning about Sámi culture, traditions and the seasonal cycle of reindeer herding.
During the journey, you take part in daily life with the family, including safe herding tasks, feeding, camp routines and shared meals. There is no fixed schedule. Each day is shaped by weather, terrain and the natural movement of the reindeer, creating a slow, authentic and deeply grounded experience.
The stay lasts 3–6 days depending on the herd’s movement. You sleep in traditional Sámi lavvu, and meals are prepared using local and traditional ingredients. Depending on timing, you may experience Northern Lights, twilight nights or the first signs of the Midnight Sun.
- Follow the reindeer during real spring migration in their natural habitat
- Live and travel with an Indigenous Sámi reindeer-herding family
- Sleep in traditional Sámi lavvu camps that move with the herd
- Participate in safe herding activities and daily camp life
- Experience Arctic light, silence and seasonal transitions
This is a real working reindeer migration, not a staged experience. Flexibility, patience and respect for Sámi traditions and nature are essential. Weather and herd movement may require changes to plans.
- Pick-up and drop-off (Alta or nearby agreed location)
- All local transportation during the migration
- Indigenous Sámi guides throughout the experience
- Traditional lavvu accommodation and camp equipment
- All meals and warm drinks
- You are eligible to receive a full refund of the booking amount if you cancel your reservation at least 7 Days before the scheduled start time.
Pick up Point
Mikkel aslak iver sara
About Reindeer Island Hammerfest
Reindeer Island Hammerfest was founded by Mihkkal Aslat Ivvar Sara, a Sámi reindeer herder from Hammerfest in Northern Norway.
Mihkkal grew up on the islands and mountains around Hammerfest, where his family has lived with reindeer for generations. These coastal areas are traditional Sámi summer pastures, shaped by reindeer herding, seasonal movement, and close ties between people, animals, land, and sea.
Reindeer herding has always been a central part of family life. Knowledge was passed down through everyday work on the land, following the reindeer through changing seasons, weather, and landscapes. Today, Reindeer Island Hammerfest continues this tradition by sharing real Sámi life through guided experiences, storytelling, and close encounters with reindeer.
Our activities are based on lived experience and family heritage — not staged performances. Everything guests learn comes from real life, real stories, and genuine Sámi knowledge passed down through generations.
Through tourism, Reindeer Island Hammerfest creates a way to keep reindeer on the land, preserve cultural knowledge, and pass traditions on to the next generation. Our experiences are built on respect for reindeer, nature, and Sámi culture, offering guests an honest and meaningful connection to life in the Arctic.