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This is one of the most popular activities on a trip to Tromso. And frankly, one of the most enjoyable. After all, reindeer are friendly, clumsy creatures, typical of Arctic regions.
So it’s a question that’s often asked: where can I see reindeer? in the wild or in a Sami camp? The funny thing about free-roaming reindeer is that they look very left-handed. The free-ranging ones are not too comfortable with human presence, but they won’t run away, or rarely. On the other hand, they’ll stop moving. Not a hair more. Like, “Oh, I’m not moving anymore, he’s not going to see me! So you can get a little closer and see the famous “he can’t see me, I’m invisible” in their eyes.
On the other hand, when they’re in the Sami camps, they’re more docile, no longer play the invisible reindeer game, and can let themselves be touched.
In this post, I’m going to tell you where I see them, but you should be aware that this isn’t an exact science. If you travel the roads around Tromso, especially on Kvaloya, you’re likely to come across them. But as you may want to get closer to them, I’m going to suggest a few activities in the Sami camps. I’ve been to one, and it’s a real blast
Reindeer and Sami
In Lapland (Norway, Sweden, Finland), only the Sami (Lappish) people can raise reindeer. There are no longer any truly wild reindeer; all the herds belong to a family, to a kennel, but they can stay outside for part of the year and roam around for a while. They’ve been raising reindeer for 1,000 years, so it’s really part of their history. And the good thing about reindeer is that, over time, they’ve learned to recycle everything. It’s used to cover up, to make leather, to eat (the ragout, a real treat)… but now it’s also used for tourism. The farms are open to the public so that they can get to know the reindeer and the Sami culture. The reindeer are more accustomed to the presence of humans, and may come up to you and ask “hey psst, do you have anything to eat please?”.
See reindeer on a farm in Tromso
Pragmatic, Sami families have also opened their reindeer farms to the public. So you can meet them and see the reindeer through a variety of activities. It costs an average of €100 for half a day:
- feeding the reindeer
- a daytime sleigh ride
- dine with the Sami and see the northern lights
- and even spend the night in a Lavvo (well, given the price, I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it).
And each time we also have a “workshop” to discover Sami culture, which is usually very interesting. We don’t often get the chance to meet the original peoples of the great cold! I’ve been out (well, 3 times in fact, my wife loves it!) on a Sami farm, at Tromso Arctic Reindeer, and I’m going to tell you all about it in an article very soon, because it’s a really great experience.
The different Sami farms
Specifically, there are two in Tromso. I went twice to Tromso Arctic Reindeer, once on my own and once with Madame, first the option of just running out to eat (to have time to take photos of them) and once with the sled.
In fact, I’d recommend the short version of the sled, as it can be a little long and doesn’t go as fast as the dogs. In practical terms, there’s no difference between these two farms, they offer the same thing.
The only difference is that Tromso Lapland is open earlier than Tromso Arctic Reindeer, which only opens in November. I’d add that Tromso Lapland is facing the Lyngen Alps, which is quite nice.
Tromso Arctic Reindeer
- Reindeer feeding and cultural tour, €134
- With sleigh ride, €151
- Under the northern lights, €168
Tromso Lapland
- Reindeer feeding and cultural visit, €127
- With sleigh ride, €169
- Under the northern lights, €127
See wild reindeer in the wild in Tromso
Reindeer need space, and flat space. So it’s hard to find them in very mountainous landscapes. But as soon as there’s a valley, a plain, that can be their preferred area
On the road to Kvaloyvagen
Up to the tunnel leading to Rinvassoya, the Kvaloyvagen road is too residential for reindeer. And there’s not enough space. So, in this part of Kvaloya Island, you’ll have to go almost as far as the village of Kvaloyvagen to see any reindeer. After passing the road leading to Ringvassoya, we continue to a small bridge and then arrive on a plain, which is an old Sami camp. Here, there’s a chance of seeing reindeer. I saw some on the road, but at night
On the road to Tromvik
The road to Tromvik is not flat. On a mountainside, on the edge of a fjord, it’s not the best place for reindeer. Except at one point, when you enter a small valley before reaching Grotfjord. Here you can sometimes see reindeer.
On the road to Skulsfjord
After the tunnel at the viewpoint and the large parking lot, you come to a large valley. If you continue a little further, you’re likely to see some reindeer, as there’s plenty of space for their herds. And as there’s plenty of room, you can get close without frightening them or getting too close either
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On the road to Sommaroy
On this road, it’s more complicated. I don’t remember seeing any on this road, and there are few places where they could stand. Possibly in the valley after leaving the Kaldfjord road, there are some wide open spaces, but there are no Sami camps. Edit from some time later: I’ve seen them around Bogbukta a few times, and around Brensholmen, there is a huge place where they sometimes are.
Signaldalen
In the Signaldalen valley, there are quite a few, also elks. However, you have to go into the wooded area near the village at the end of the road. But as they hide in the woods, it’s less obvious to see them
Where to see elks around Tromso
This is much more difficult to see them. Reindeer love flat and wide places, elks love being in the woods. And prefer going out by night.
There is no specific places to see them, I mean we (more or less) know where to find reindeer but elks are hidden. We may see them having a rest in a field in Kvaloya (in general south of Kvaloya or Kattfjordvatnet valley).
I’m kind of lucky because last winter I very often saw them in a valley near home, around Breivikeidet. But always at night. And only a certain time of the year. I didn’t not see them during fall.
I also saw some several times around Skibotn, by the road going to Finland.
So, you can see them but you need to be lucky!
Other things to do around Tromso
Well, you’re going to have to decide, because there are too many things to do. And so choose between these activities to do in Tromso :
- See the Northern Lights with one of the best guides
- The best places for dog sledding in Tromso
- See whales and orcas from a boat in Tromso
- Discover Tromso’s fjords by boat
The budget depends enormously on the activities you choose, but also on your accommodation. Here are a few tips to help you choose the right accommodation in Tromso.
Conclusion
Reindeer are an integral part of the region’s landscape. It’s not impossible to come across them, but you do need a bit of luck and, above all, open your eyes. Drive around Kvaloya island, they should be somewhere 🙂
Otherwise, the easiest way is to go and see them in the Sami camps, which is a really great experience, in the heart of the herds of animals, mixed with activities such as sledding
Map of Tromso
Discover the most complete map of Tromso to know where to go, the best places, see the northern lights, restaurants and so many things.
