Reindeer Feeding Experience from Tromso with Traditional Sami Meal

Our family did the reindeer feeding tour while visiting Tromso on Princess cruises. Ken, the Sami native who led our tour, was quite knowledgeable about the reindeer and about the Sami people. The reindeer would come r...ight up to you and feed out of your hand. Our children were 9 and 12 and loved it. A younger child might be scared by the reindeer, as they are eager to get to the food. The tour included a traditional reindeer stew cooked over a campfire in a native tent. Overall, the tour was well worth the money and very enjoyable.

On arrival at the Lavu we were greeted by the Sami Reindeer Herders. Taken into the cosy, warm Lavu which had a wonderful Fire burning in the centre on a stove. We were briefed about the Reindeer , how to feed them etc. ...Then out we went to feed the Reindeer. Apparently there were 200 in the field, mostly females with calves up to one year old. Many of the females were pregnant and due to calf in May.
The Reindeer were beautiful, and gentle. It was wonderful being so close to them in such a magical location. After approx 1 hr with the reindeer we went back into the Lavu where we were served warm soup, tea , coffee, cookies and Chocolate. Some people had the Reindeer Sleigh ride which to me looked a bit half hearted. The deer generally didn't want to do it and the ride was around a very small circuit. So I'm glad we just did the feeding. Then the Samii people gave us a very interesting talk on the History of the Samii , how they move the herd around etc. They explained the tradition of the uniform and the National dress of the Herders. Most special of all was the Yoiks which the Herdsman sang. After this we got the opportunity to try our hand at lassoing reindeer antlers, fortunately not attached to the Reindeer at the time. A lovely way to spend a morning and only 20 minutes from Tromso on the coach. Small group of us too. Around 30 people.