REVIEW · TROMSO
Arctic Fjords and Reindeer Experience – Small group tour
Book on Viator →Operated by Wondering Reindeer · Bookable on Viator
Reindeer meet fjords, not crowds. This small-group Tromsø outing pairs Arctic fjord views with a hands-on Sami reindeer experience, then adds downtime on the beautiful Sommarøy islands.
What I like most is how the day mixes big nature moments with culture you can actually see and hear. You get multiple scenic stops along the way, plus a full buffet lunch at Sommarøy Arctic Hotel that includes items like Norwegian fish soup and even Sami reindeer soup.
One caution: Arctic weather can change fast, and you should plan for cold, wind, and wet conditions. The tour is manageable, but you’ll want moderate physical fitness and warm gear.
In This Review
- Key highlights worth planning for
- How the Kvaløya fjord drive sets the tone
- What can be a drawback on the drive
- Sami reindeer feeding at Kattfjord skole: the real heart of the day
- The lavvo, bonfire, and Joik
- Guides you might hear from
- Consideration: cold can hit you here
- Sommarøy island time and a buffet lunch at Sommarøy Arctic Hotel
- What you might miss during the free time
- Price and value: is $291.53 actually worth it?
- What to pack for a fjord-and-reindeer day in Tromsø
- Who this small-group tour suits best
- Should you book this Arctic Fjords and Reindeer experience?
- FAQ
- How long is the tour?
- What time does it start, and where is the meeting point?
- What is the group size?
- What happens during the Kvaløya part of the trip?
- What is included in the Sami reindeer herder experience?
- Is lunch included, and what’s served?
- Is there time to explore Sommarøy on your own?
- What should I wear?
- What if the weather is poor or the tour is canceled?
Key highlights worth planning for
- Max 22 people: small-group feel, easier conversations with your guide
- Kvaløya fjord drive with photo stops: scenic coastal routing before you even reach the reindeer
- Hand-feeding reindeer: you’re not just watching from a distance
- Joik in a traditional lavvo: bonfire warmth, Sami songs, and stories from local hosts
- Sommarøy island time plus lunch included: sandy beaches feel like a reset after the herding visit
How the Kvaløya fjord drive sets the tone
You start in Tromsø at Fredrik Langes gate 2 at 9:00 am, and the day loops back to the same meeting point. The heart of the experience begins with a bus ride on Kvaløya, an island ringed by mountains and Arctic fjords.
This isn’t a straight shot. The pacing is built around viewing. You’ll drive along the coastal road, and the group pauses at suitable spots to take in the scenery and grab photos. When the weather cooperates, this is where you see why people come to Northern Norway: fjord lines that look endless, mountain shapes that keep changing as the clouds roll in, and a coastline that feels dramatic even when you’re just standing still.
The biggest practical win here is mental. After the drive out, your brain settles into an Arctic rhythm. Later you’ll be in a Sami lavvo by an open fire and you’ll be glad you’re not rushing straight from city life.
Other reindeer and Sami culture experiences in Tromso
What can be a drawback on the drive
Because weather changes often, the best viewpoints can shift. Don’t worry, but keep expectations flexible. Guides can’t control fog or rain. What you can control is your clothing, which I’ll get to next.
Sami reindeer feeding at Kattfjord skole: the real heart of the day
The second part is the emotional center of the tour: a visit to the Sami reindeer herder and the herd. This is where the experience becomes more than sightseeing.
You’ll meet a Sami reindeer herder at Kattfjord skole, and there’s a moment when he calls for the reindeer. That call matters. It turns the visit into a real working moment, not a staged performance. Then, when the herd is gathered, you’ll have the opportunity to feed the reindeer by hand.
If you’re worried about whether the animals will be calm, don’t. Multiple guides describe this as friendly and comfortable. One review even notes a dog that helps with the reindeer, which adds a small extra layer of how the whole system works in practice.
The lavvo, bonfire, and Joik
After feeding, the day pivots into culture. You’ll gather in a traditional Sami lavvo (a Sami tent) around an open bonfire. This is where you’ll enjoy Joik, traditional Sami singing, and learn more about Sami traditions.
This part tends to be warm in more ways than one. Reviews highlight hot drinks like hot chocolate served in the tent, plus the sense that the guide is sharing life knowledge rather than repeating a scripted script. It also helps that the group is small, so you can ask questions and actually get answers.
Guides you might hear from
Local Sami guides are the backbone of this tour. Names showing up in guide experiences include Ola and Ole Mattis, and the reindeer herder host has been identified in some cases as Ulf Isla. The common thread is that the guiding style stays personal and connected to daily life with reindeer.
Other fjord cruises we've reviewed in Tromso
Consideration: cold can hit you here
Feeding time can get chilly, especially if you’re outside and the wind is up. Some recent departures mention thermal suits being provided, but even with that, plan for cold fingers and wet hems. Bring realistic expectations: this is Arctic nature time, not a warm indoor museum.
Sommarøy island time and a buffet lunch at Sommarøy Arctic Hotel
Next comes Sommarøy, a group of islands with open sea views, blue water, and white-sand beaches. You’ll have about two hours to explore the local community by yourself.
This is your decompression window. After reindeer and bonfire warmth, you get to breathe differently: walking at your own pace, taking photos, and enjoying the coastal feeling without the schedule pressure.
The lunch is timed for convenience. You’ll eat at Sommarøy Arctic Hotel at around 12:30 pm. Lunch is a buffet, and the menu is worth paying attention to because it includes both classic and local options:
- Norwegian fish soup
- Vegetable soup
- Sami reindeer soup
- Bread and butter
- Dessert like cakes and fruit salad
- Coffee and tea included
It’s a very solid choice for a day trip. Warm soup is exactly what you want after cold outdoor time. And the fact that Sami reindeer soup is part of the buffet helps connect the cultural visit to something you can taste.
What you might miss during the free time
You have time to wander, but you don’t get to do a full hiking expedition. If you want long trails or a lot of stairs, you’ll want a different tour style. Think coastal strolls and relaxed exploring.
Price and value: is $291.53 actually worth it?
At $291.53 per person, this tour isn’t the cheapest way to fill a day in Tromsø. But you should compare it to what’s included, not just to generic city tours.
Here’s what you’re paying for:
- A small group capped at 22 people
- Bus time on Kvaløya with multiple scenic stops
- A guided reindeer herder visit with hand-feeding
- A traditional lavvo experience with Joik, bonfire atmosphere, and hot drinks
- Lunch included at Sommarøy Arctic Hotel, served as a buffet with multiple soup options, dessert, and coffee/tea
When these elements are bundled, the value stacks up quickly. A big part of Northern Norway pricing is transportation and guide time, and you’re getting both. Add in the fact that reindeer feeding and lavvo time aren’t quick add-ons, and the price starts to feel more like an investment in a day that actually has depth.
Also, the mobile ticket detail helps keep the logistics simple on the day.
What to pack for a fjord-and-reindeer day in Tromsø
If you remember one thing, make it this: dress for wet and cold, even when the sky looks decent in the morning.
Based on how the day works, you’ll likely spend time:
- Outside for scenic stops while the bus pauses
- Outside when feeding reindeer
- Outside or semi-outside at a bonfire setting in the lavvo area (even if you’re inside the tent part of the time)
A few practical tips:
- Wear warm layers you can adjust. Thin and technical beats bulky if you get warm on the bus.
- Bring water-resistant outerwear. Some tours run in changing weather and you may get wet.
- Gloves matter. Reindeer feeding is hands-on, so plan for warmth that still lets you move.
- Footwear should handle damp ground. The islands and winter ground can be slick.
Some departures mention thermal suits being provided, which is great for comfort. Still, don’t rely on them as your only warmth. Treat it as a bonus.
Who this small-group tour suits best
This is a good fit if you want more than photos from a tour bus window.
You’ll love it if you:
- Like hands-on animal experiences with clear guidance
- Want real cultural context about the Sami way of life, including Joik and traditions in a lavvo
- Enjoy mixing nature and food, especially with a lunch that includes both Norwegian and Sami options
- Appreciate a small group environment where you can actually talk with your guide
You might want to reconsider if:
- You’re looking for a relaxed, mostly-in-seat day. You will be outside at several points.
- You have limited cold tolerance. The day is short, but Arctic conditions are real.
Should you book this Arctic Fjords and Reindeer experience?
In my book, this is the kind of Tromsø day trip that justifies itself. You get fjord views on Kvaløya, then you switch to a Sami reindeer experience that’s hands-on and cultural, not just decorative. The small group size keeps it personal, and the included Sommarøy lunch gives you a proper reset.
Book it if you’re excited by reindeer feeding and want to hear Joik in a lavvo setting with Sami hosts. Skip it only if cold weather and outdoor time would ruin your day, or if you need a more active hike.
FAQ
How long is the tour?
It lasts about 6 hours 30 minutes.
What time does it start, and where is the meeting point?
It starts at 9:00 am at Fredrik Langes gate 2, 9008 Tromsø, Norway, and it ends back at the same meeting point.
What is the group size?
The tour has a maximum of 22 travelers.
What happens during the Kvaløya part of the trip?
You take a bus tour on Kvaløya with Arctic fjord and mountain views, plus stops at suitable spots along the route for scenery.
What is included in the Sami reindeer herder experience?
You visit a Sami reindeer herder, hear him call for the reindeer, get the chance to feed the reindeer by hand, and gather in a traditional Sami lavvo around a bonfire for Joik and Sami traditions.
Is lunch included, and what’s served?
Yes. Lunch is served at Sommarøy Arctic Hotel around 12:30 pm as a buffet, including Norwegian fish soup, vegetable soup, Sami reindeer soup, bread and butter, dessert (cakes and fruit salad), and coffee and tea.
Is there time to explore Sommarøy on your own?
Yes. You’ll have about two hours to explore the Sommarøy island area by yourself.
What should I wear?
Bring warm clothes, since there’s a high probability you’ll get cold or wet. Thermal suits are mentioned by some guests, but plan for cold conditions.
What if the weather is poor or the tour is canceled?
The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time.
