REVIEW · TROMSO
Tromso: Reindeer Feeding and Snowshoeing Tour with Lunch
Book on Viator →Operated by Tromso Arctic Reindeer · Bookable on Viator
Reindeer first, snowshoes second, and a warm lunch. What makes this Tromsø outing so appealing is the combo: you get hands-on time with reindeer feeding and a cozy meal in a traditional gamme. I also like that it stays realistic and beginner-friendly, not just a photo stop. One thing to keep in mind: winter shoes and clothing aren’t included, so you’ll need to show up properly dressed.
This tour is built around a 4-hour-plus rhythm—bus to camp, about 1–1.5 hours snowshoeing, time with the herd, then you warm up with hot drinks, cookies, and lunch. The group is capped at 25 people, it runs Dec 1 to March 31, and it’s offered in English with a mobile ticket.
In This Review
- Key highlights worth your attention
- A 4-hour winter plan that actually feels complete
- Reindeer time in Tromsø: calm, close, and unhurried
- Snowshoeing 1–1.5 hours: beginner friendly, still real outdoors
- Lunch in a traditional gamme: where warmth becomes part of the plan
- What the schedule looks like in real life
- Meeting point and transport: easier than you’d think in Tromsø
- Gear and clothing: what’s provided, and what you must bring
- Fitness level, age, and group vibe
- Price and value: $152.16 and what you’re really buying
- Weather matters: when winter changes the plan
- So, should you book it?
- FAQ
- What’s the duration of the tour?
- When do the morning and afternoon tours start?
- What time does the tour end?
- Where is the meeting point?
- Is transportation included?
- Are snowshoes and poles included?
- What’s included for food and drinks?
- What winter clothing do I need?
- Is this tour suitable for kids?
- What if weather conditions are poor?
Key highlights worth your attention
- Reindeer feeding time at a proper camp instead of a quick drive-by
- Snowshoeing gear provided (snowshoes and poles) for a lighter packing list
- Lunch inside a gamme, with traditional reindeer stew plus vegetarian/vegan and gluten-free options
- Hot drinks and cookies to keep the energy up between outdoor parts
- Transportation included, with morning and afternoon departures from the Tromsø bus terminal
A 4-hour winter plan that actually feels complete
In Tromsø, winter tours can blur together: quick animal encounter, short walk, then you’re back on the bus. This one keeps the pacing sensible. You’re out in the Norwegian outdoors for long enough to feel like it’s your day, but not so long that it turns into an endurance event.
I like that the experience has three distinct moods. First comes the calm, hands-on reindeer moment. Then you get moving with snowshoeing at a beginner scale. Finally, you get the reset you want in Arctic weather: warmth, food, and a place to sit inside a gamme.
Other reindeer and Sami culture experiences in Tromso
Reindeer time in Tromsø: calm, close, and unhurried
The first part is all about meeting a herd and feeding them. That matters because reindeer encounters can range from rushed to respectful. Here, you get a real chunk of time at the camp, and the structure is simple: you’ll meet the herd, you’ll have a chance to feed them, and you’ll do it before the snowshoeing portion starts.
A good way to make this section go smoothly is to treat it like an outdoor animal moment, not a theme-park interaction. Keep your pace gentle, follow your guide’s instructions, and use feeding time to slow down and watch their behavior. Even if you’ve seen reindeer pictures before, seeing them up close in Tromsø winter air feels different.
Also, the tour is designed to be approachable. The day calls for a moderate physical fitness level, but it’s beginner-friendly. That usually means the pace isn’t built for power hikers—more for people who want to enjoy winter without turning it into a workout.
Snowshoeing 1–1.5 hours: beginner friendly, still real outdoors
You’ll snowshoe for about 1 to 1.5 hours in Norwegian nature. That length is a sweet spot: long enough to get a sense of the terrain and views, but short enough that most people can stay comfortable even if they’re new to snowshoes.
Because shoes and winter clothing aren’t included, your comfort will mostly come from what you wear. If your socks are too thin or your boots aren’t warm enough, the snowshoe part can feel colder than you planned. If you’re properly layered, this portion is much more enjoyable—think steady movement, stops for orientation, and a slow build toward confidence.
And since the tour is capped at up to 25 travelers, you should expect a guided setup that’s easy to follow. The goal is to keep you moving together and learning the basics without long gaps where you’re standing around in the cold.
Lunch in a traditional gamme: where warmth becomes part of the plan
After being outside, you’ll step into a traditional gamme for lunch. This is one of the best practical touches on the tour. In winter, the meal isn’t just food—it’s recovery time. It’s where you warm up, sit down, and let your body stop working overtime.
The lunch menu centers on traditional reindeer stew. There are also vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, which is great if you travel with dietary needs. You’ll also get snacks (cookies) and warm drinks like coffee and/or tea, plus hot chocolate.
One reason I consider this valuable is the balance. Many winter tours include a meal, but it’s often quick, cold, or not aligned with dietary requirements. Here, the structure is designed around warmth and sit-down time, so you actually feel fed—not just briefly fueled.
What the schedule looks like in real life
Timing matters with winter tours because dark comes early and weather changes fast. This experience gives you two departure windows:
- Morning tour pick-up: 9:40
- Afternoon tour pick-up: 12:40
Return timing:
- Morning tour returns around 14:00 to 14:15
- Afternoon tour returns around 17:00 to 17:15
The total duration is about 4 hours 15 minutes (approx.). That means you can still plan another activity the same day without feeling like you’re signing up for a full travel saga.
If you want the reindeer and snowshoeing day to feel like the main event, the morning tour usually gives you more daylight for photos and a cleaner schedule. If you prefer a slower start, the afternoon slot is a nice way to avoid an early morning scramble.
Other snowshoeing tours in Tromso
Meeting point and transport: easier than you’d think in Tromsø
You’ll meet at the Bus Terminal in Tromsø, and the tour ends back at the same meeting point. Transportation to the camp is included by air-conditioned vehicle, which is a quiet but very real comfort upgrade in winter.
The camp transfer matters because it reduces stress. Instead of figuring out how to get out to the snowy outskirts on your own, you just show up at the terminal, get on the bus, and follow the group. That’s especially helpful if you’re carrying winter gear or you’re not sure where you’d go if you booked this independently.
Gear and clothing: what’s provided, and what you must bring
This tour includes snowshoes and poles, which is a big value win. It also means you can pack lighter and avoid hunting for rentals right before your tour.
But you should plan for the opposite on clothing: shoes and other winter clothing aren’t included. So your success on the snowshoe portion will depend on your layers and footwear. If you show up underdressed, snowshoeing won’t feel “beginner friendly”—it’ll feel cold and slow.
If you’re unsure what to wear, use a simple checklist mindset:
- Warm winter boots suitable for snow
- Wool or synthetic layers that won’t trap all your sweat
- Gloves you can actually move in
- Something warm for your head and neck
This is the one area where you can make or break the experience.
Fitness level, age, and group vibe
The tour is beginner-friendly, but it’s still outdoors. You’ll want a moderate physical fitness level, and the minimum age is 8 years.
The reason I mention this clearly is that winter activities can be deceptively tiring. Snowshoeing involves lots of small adjustments—your legs work differently than they do on a clear sidewalk. If you’re reasonably active and comfortable walking in snow, you’ll likely feel fine.
Also, since the group is limited to a maximum of 25 travelers, it’s not a huge cattle-call. You’ll have a better chance of getting personal guidance and keeping track of where you’re supposed to be during transitions.
Price and value: $152.16 and what you’re really buying
At $152.16 per person for about 4 hours 15 minutes, you’re paying for a tight bundle of winter basics:
- Transport included to and from camp
- Snowshoes and poles included
- Lunch inside a gamme (plus hot drinks and cookies)
- Time with reindeer feeding plus guided snowshoeing
If you tried to recreate this independently, you’d likely end up paying separately for gear, transport, and a guided reindeer experience—plus you’d still have to figure out where to warm up and eat. The tour builds those costs into one package.
The value is strongest if you’re coming from Tromsø center without winter equipment already lined up. It’s also a good choice if you want the meal and warm-up built in, not optional.
If you already own excellent snowshoes and you don’t need the included transport or meal, you could find other lower-cost options. But for most visitors, the included gear + warm lunch is where the price starts to feel fair.
Weather matters: when winter changes the plan
This experience depends on good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. That’s the smart part: winter isn’t controllable, but your decision shouldn’t lock you into bad odds.
Practically, this means you should keep your schedule flexible during Dec to March. If you’re in Tromsø for only one day, it’s worth thinking twice about booking anything that can be weather-sensitive—this one is.
So, should you book it?
I’d book this if you want a winter day that balances nature time with real warmth and a proper meal. The reindeer feeding component and the gamme lunch make it more memorable than a short animal stop. It’s also a strong fit if you like guided structure—bus included, gear included, and a pace meant for beginners.
Skip it (or be extra careful about preparation) if you’re not willing to bring your own winter clothing and shoes, or if snow travel worries you. Also, if your travel dates are rigid and you can’t handle weather-related changes, consider adding a backup plan.
FAQ
What’s the duration of the tour?
It’s about 4 hours 15 minutes (approx.).
When do the morning and afternoon tours start?
Morning pick-up is at 9:40, and afternoon pick-up is at 12:40.
What time does the tour end?
Morning tours return around 14:00 to 14:15. Afternoon tours return around 17:00 to 17:15.
Where is the meeting point?
You meet at the Bus Terminal in Tromsø, Norway.
Is transportation included?
Yes. Travel to the camp is included by air-conditioned bus, and the tour ends back at the meeting point.
Are snowshoes and poles included?
Yes, snowshoes and poles are included.
What’s included for food and drinks?
You’ll have lunch (traditional reindeer stew, with vegetarian/vegan and gluten-free options) plus coffee and/or tea, hot chocolate, and cookies.
What winter clothing do I need?
Shoes and other winter clothing are not included, so you’ll need to bring your own.
Is this tour suitable for kids?
The age limit is 8 years.
What if weather conditions are poor?
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
