Reindeer Sledding in Tromsø
Get ready for an arctic adventure on a reindeer sledding tour in Tromsø, Norway. Known as the “Paris of the North,” Tromsø is a picturesque and modern base for your explorations of northern Scandinavia. Immerse yourself in the culture of arctic Europe’s ancestral inhabitants, the Sami, as you glide along the snow and warm up around a cozy fire. The northern lights may even come out for a show!
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Get ready for an arctic adventure on a reindeer sledding tour in Tromsø, Norway. Known as the “Paris of the North,” Tromsø is a picturesque and modern base for your explorations of northern Scandinavia.
Immerse yourself in the culture of arctic Europe’s ancestral inhabitants, the Sami, as you glide along the snow and warm up around a cozy fire. The northern lights may even come out for a show!
Here's all you need to know about reindeer sledding, one of the most fun and emblematic outdoor activities in Tromsø.
What are the best reindeer sledding tours in Tromsø?
Daytime reindeer sledding tours
Absorb the otherworldly arctic light on a daytime reindeer sledding tour in Tromsø. Not only will you travel by the oldest form of transportation in the north, but your Sami guides will also introduce you to other aspects of their ancient lifestyle, from food to clothing to singing.
Evening reindeer sledding tours
Book an evening reindeer sledding tour for the added thrill of a northern lights hunt! Sami guides will invite you to feed and pet the animals, scan the skies for northern lights from a reindeer sled, and tuck into a traditional meal around a campfire.
Overnight reindeer camp visits
Here is your chance to sleep in a Sami tent after a day with the reindeer, an evening of Sami culture and spying on northern lights. Feed the reindeer from your hands, take a ride in a sled and discover the fascinating culture of northern Scandinavia's oldest residents.
How much does it cost?
Daytime reindeer sledding tours cost from US$125 per person to US$180, depending on the distance of the camp from Tromsø, meal inclusions and the duration of the sled ride and visit to the camp.
- Evening reindeer sledding tours cost around US$175 per person.
- Overnight reindeer camp visits cost US$365 per person.
What is included?
Enjoy round-trip transportation from Tromsø to the camp with a Sami guide who will regale you with facts about their culture during the ride. At the camp, your guide will outfit you with additional thermal wear to make your visit more comfortable.
Learn how to feed the animals before your sled ride. Warm your bones with a warm meal inside a fire-heated “Lavvu.” Listen to Sami folklore and “joiks,” the time-honored songs of the people. Most tours also provide hot drinks and snacks.
Where does it start?
Many tours start in front of Tromsø’s Radisson Blu Hotel. The meeting points for others are near the cruise port, located in central Tromsø. From here, you will travel to a camp either 25 or 90 minutes from town to embark on your reindeer experience.
How long does it last?
Daytime and evening reindeer sledding tours last from 4 to 7 hours. The actual sled ride lasts from 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the price of your tour. Overnight tours last around 17 hours.
The remainder of the time involves nature viewing, interacting with the animals and learning about the Sami culture as well as the drive to and from the camp.
When is the best time for a reindeer sledding tour in Tromsø?
The best months for a reindeer sledding tour in Tromsø are October through March. Evening tours during any of those months may afford you a view of the aurora borealis.
In December and January, the Tromsø area doesn’t experience a full sunrise. Twilight conditions throughout the day may provide a glimpse of the northern lights in the late morning and early afternoon.
Are there any combo available with reindeer sledding tours in Tromsø?
Reindeer sledding plus Tromsø Ice Domes
Spend quality time with a reindeer herd and explore the Tromsø Ice Domes complex. This frozen attraction houses a bar, restaurant, cinema and overnight accommodations. A tour of this marvel includes a non-alcoholic shot at the bar and a meal at the reindeer camp.
Reindeer visit plus Tromsø Ice Domes and dog sledding
Try a different kind of sledding on this combo tour. Feed and pet the reindeer, and take a spin on a dogsled instead of one pulled by reindeer. Sit down to a locally-sourced meal at the reindeer camp and wander through the Ice Domes.
Are children allowed?
Yes, children are allowed on reindeer sledding tours in Tromsø. Most tours are stroller-accessible. However, check with your tour provider, as some tours don’t allow children under the age of 4.
What happens in case of bad weather?
In the case of inclement or dangerous weather, tour companies will offer you a chance to reschedule your tour or give you a full refund.
Which other snow experiences can be done in Tromsø?
Travel tips
- Wear at least two layers of clothing to keep warm.
- Bring a hat, scarf and mittens.
- Some tours do not include the use of boots, so check with your provider to see if you need to bring your own warm footwear.
- Let your tour provider know if you have dietary restrictions more than 24 hours before your tour.