Alta: Reindeer – A carrier of Sámi Culture

Introduction

If you’re exploring Norway’s Arctic north, a visit to Alta’s reindeer experience offers a charming look into the indigenous Sámi way of life. While we haven’t personally taken this tour, it’s clear that many travelers find it both enriching and memorable.

We love how this experience combines close encounters with reindeer, insight into Sámi traditions, and beautiful northern landscapes — all at an affordable price. The chance to feed the animals, learn from knowledgeable guides, and capture photos makes it a standout activity.

However, potential visitors should consider the weather, as it’s a one-hour outdoor activity that requires warm clothing and comfortable shoes. This tour suits those eager to connect with authentic Sami culture, animal lovers, or anyone looking for a meaningful, family-friendly Arctic experience.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Good To Know

• Authentic cultural insight: Learn about the Sámi people’s traditions and their relationship with reindeer.
• Close animal interactions: Feed and take photos with reindeer, creating lasting memories.
• Expert guides: Knowledgeable guides provide engaging stories and detailed explanations.
• Affordable price: At $68 per person, it offers great value for a cultural and animal encounter.
• Accessibility: Wheelchair-friendly and suitable for most visitors, with considerations for weather.
• Flexible booking: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance, with a pay-later option.

What to Expect from the Reindeer Experience

This tour is designed as a short, immersive introduction to Sami traditions and reindeer husbandry, all within an hour, making it perfect for those on a tight schedule or wanting a quick cultural fix.

Meeting the Reindeer and Learning Their Significance

You start at the main entrance of the Sami Siida, where you’re greeted by friendly guides, such as Mi, whose enthusiasm and knowledge shine through. They’ll introduce you to the reindeer, animals that have been vital to Sami life for generations, supporting everything from transportation to clothing.

Visitors can expect to spend time in the reindeer enclosure, where the animals are calm and curious. Several reviews underscore the guides’ expertise, with visitors mentioning how guides like Mi and others clearly love the animals, and their passion is contagious. One reviewer noted, “The love that our guide feels for these animals is infinite,” highlighting the genuine care shown.

Feeding and Photographing Reindeer

A major highlight is the chance to feed and pet the reindeer, which is often a highlight for travelers, especially families and animal lovers. The reindeer are described as “very friendly” and “adorable,” with visitors getting plenty of time to interact and snap photos, some even expressing how they appreciated the opportunity to get “up close and personal.”

One guest mentioned how their guide, Mi, worked to make sure everyone could get good photos, especially for children. It’s a relaxed environment that encourages genuine connection, not just a quick photo op.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Learning about Sámi Culture and Reindeer Herding

After the animal interactions, the tour usually takes place inside a traditional Sami tent, or Siida, where guides share stories and insights about Sámi traditions and their reliance on reindeer. You’ll hear personal anecdotes and see artifacts that paint a vivid picture of this resilient community.

Guests have praised guides like Greta and Lorenzo for their storytelling skills, noting how their passion and detailed explanations bring the culture to life. As one reviewer put it, “Her storytelling was captivating, and her passion for her heritage truly shone through,” making this part of the tour particularly engaging.

Practical Details and Comfort

The activity lasts around one hour, with a focus on outdoor exposure. Travelers should come prepared with warm clothing, comfortable shoes, and a camera to capture the moment. The tour is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for most visitors.

You might find that some reviews mention how the guides go the extra mile—offering snacks or hot drinks afterward, which adds to the cozy, welcoming vibe. It’s clear that the hosts prioritize making guests comfortable and engaged.

Analyzing the Value and Experience

At $68 per person, this tour offers an accessible way to gain authentic insight into Sami culture and enjoy intimate animal encounters. Compared to more expensive Arctic activities like dog sledding or snowmobiling, it provides a more cultural and relaxed experience that still delivers plenty of memorable moments.

Guests consistently praise the guides’ knowledgeability and friendliness, which significantly enhances the experience. One reviewer shared that their guide “spent ages answering our questions,” indicating personalized attention. Such engagement adds value beyond the initial attraction — making the experience educational as well as fun.

The small group size and casual pace mean you won’t feel rushed, giving you ample time to interact, ask questions, and take photos. Many reviews mention how the guides tailored the experience for children and those with specific needs, emphasizing inclusivity.

The Setting and Atmosphere

The reindeer enclosure sits in a scenic area, with some travelers noting the breathtaking views of the Arctic landscape. The experience is rooted in authentic Sami practices, which makes this tour stand out from generic wildlife encounters.

The warm Sami tent (Siida) offers a glimpse into Sami life, decorated with artifacts, and provides a cozy break after outdoor activities. Guests appreciated the opportunity to learn about reindeer husbandry, a practice that has sustained the Sámi for centuries.

Potential Drawbacks

While the experience is largely positive, some reviews hint that timing can be tight if the tour runs over, especially if you’re on a schedule. One guest mentioned that it went over time, which could be an issue for those with tight plans.

Weather can also be a factor—since the activity is outdoors, cold, wet, or windy conditions could affect comfort. Travelers should wear warm, layered clothing and sturdy shoes to make the most of the visit.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for families, culture enthusiasts, and animal lovers. It offers a beautiful, hands-on introduction to Sami traditions without requiring a large time commitment or high cost.

It’s also well-suited for those wanting a relaxed, authentic Arctic activity that combines wildlife interaction with cultural storytelling. If you’re interested in learning about indigenous lifestyles while surrounded by stunning northern scenery, this tour hits the mark.

However, it may not be suitable for people with animal allergies or those who prefer indoor activities in cold weather. Also, children under 2 are not permitted, so plan accordingly.

Final Thoughts

This reindeer experience in Alta offers a wonderful blend of culture, wildlife, and scenic beauty. With knowledgeable guides like Mi and Greta, you’ll gain insights into the Sámi way of life that go beyond typical tourist fare.

The chance to feed reindeer and take photos creates personal, lasting memories, and the insight into reindeer husbandry adds a meaningful layer to your Arctic adventure. The value for the price is high, especially given the authentic storytelling and friendly atmosphere.

Overall, if you want a gentle, educational activity that highlights Sami traditions and lets you get close to reindeer, this tour will satisfy. It’s perfect for travelers who prefer a meaningful, relaxed experience amid Norway’s stunning Arctic scenery.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 1 hour, making it a quick but impactful activity during your trip to Alta.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Children over 2 years old can participate, but it’s not suitable for infants under 2.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
Yes, it’s wheelchair accessible, but outdoor weather conditions should be considered.

What should I wear?
Bring warm clothing, comfortable shoes, a camera, and water. Layers are recommended for comfort.

Are animals fed during the tour?
Yes, feeding the reindeer is part of the experience, but guests are asked not to feed animals outside the scheduled activity.

Is this experience an outdoor activity?
Yes, the main part takes place outdoors, so dress appropriately for the weather.

What language is the tour guided in?
The tour is conducted in English and Norwegian.

Is it a group or private experience?
Most reviews suggest a small, relaxed group, with guided attention to individual needs and questions.

This tour offers a genuine peek into Sami life, a fun animal encounter, and lovely scenery—perfect if you’re after something memorable and authentic in Alta.

You can check if your dates are available here: