Inside the Sámi Reindeer Year – Deep Cultural Talk in Hammerfest
Av Samibooking AS
Tillgänglig från: July - October
Pris från
Next available date: 01 jul 2026
Experience the Sámi reindeer year through an in-depth cultural talk in a traditional lavvu, guided by lived experience and seasonal knowledge.
Join a unique cultural experience in a traditional Sámi lavvu in Hammerfest, where you gain insight into the reindeer year and the seasonal rhythms that shape Sámi life.
Gathered around the fire, your Sámi host shares stories, knowledge and lived experience, explaining how nature, tradition and modern challenges influence reindeer herding today. This is a rare opportunity to go beyond surface-level information and truly understand one of Northern Europe’s oldest living cultural traditions.
During the talk, you will learn about migration routes, grazing areas and how Sámi communities adapt to changing climate conditions, legislation and land-use pressure. With maps and visual explanations, the reindeer’s annual cycle becomes easy to follow and understand.
The experience lasts 2–3 hours and offers a warm, calm and welcoming atmosphere. It is ideal for guests seeking deeper cultural understanding, either as a standalone experience or as an enriching add-on to other Sámi activities.
- Learn how reindeer herding shapes Sámi identity and way of life
- Gain insight into migration routes and seasonal grazing areas
- Sit around the fire in a cozy traditional Sámi lavvu with reindeer hides
- Ask questions and engage in open conversation with a Sámi guide
- Understand modern challenges facing reindeer herding today
This is an educational cultural experience focused on knowledge-sharing and dialogue. No live animals or outdoor herding activities are included.
Group size: 5–30 participants. Languages: English and Norwegian. Indoor seated experience with no physical activities involved.
- Sámi cultural guide
- Maps and visual explanations
- Cozy traditional lavvu with fire and reindeer-hide seating
- Hot drinks (coffee, tea or traditional campfire coffee)
- Open question-and-answer session
- You are eligible to receive a full refund of the booking amount if you cancel your reservation at least 24 hours before the scheduled start time.
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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.