SAMI EXPERIENCE

Now also in summer!

Meet the indigenous people of the north

Now you have the chance to get a close encounter with Sami culture, storytelling and song.

The Sami are the indigenous people of arctic Scandinavia, and were the first one to inhabit the Barents and Kirkenes region thousands of years ago, following herds of reindeer, which was their main sustenance.

Many Sami in Norway are still reindeer herders, and in Kirkenes municipality there are 10 000 reindeer - as many as there are people!

Join Sami artist John Henrik Mienna for a 1 hour journey. We will start by meeting our 4 majestic reindeer. You will learn about reindeer and feed them from your hand with their favorite tundra food; lichen.

The journey will continue into our reindeer pen, where we will walk up to our Lavvu - Sami tent.

Here by the campfire, you will hear stories about the Sami, both from folklore and from John Henriks own

experiences, culminating with a performance of "Joik" - the unique Sami art of singing.

Extra value package:
Sami & Snowhotel Dinner Experience

This unique package where you will explore the best cultural and culinary features of Arctic Norway, is now available in Autumn and Winter. Start with a Sami experience at 16:30, before joining our Snowhotel Visit tour at 17:30, in which you will get a guided tour of our park as well as the evercold marvel of the Snowhotel 365. After taking in the icy magic and enjoying a welcome drink in the icebar, the evening culiminates in our adjacent farmhouse restaurant "Låven". Here you will savor a rich 3 course meal whilst gazing at the fjord and mountains.

Read more about the Sami People and Reindeer further down

BOOK

THE BASICS

Available: All year

Departures:

Summer 01.05. - 31.08.:

Monday - Friday 13:30

Autumn 01.09. - 30.11.:

Monday - Friday 13:30 & 16:30

Winter 01.12 - 30.04.:

Monday - Wednesday 16:30

Thursday/Friday 12:00

Weekends on request. Groups other times on request

Sami & Snowhotel Dinner Experience:
Available period 01.09. - 30.04.

WHAT`S INCLUDED

Professional guide
Feeding and information about reindeer
Sami storytelling and song performance (Joik)

For Sami & Snowhotel Dinner Experience:

Transfer to and from your hotel in Kirkenes (Thon & Scandic) or from Snowhotel if you staying with us

TERMS

Duration: 1 hour

Children: No age limit

Physical difficulty level Easy

Cancellation policy:

See terms

What do I need to bring?

Appropriate outdoor clothing for the season

Starting point: Snowhotel*

*No transfer included for this product

THE SAMI

The North Sami people, indigenous to northern Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia, have a rich cultural heritage. Traditionally, they were nomadic reindeer herders, fishermen, and hunters. Their language, part of the Uralic family, is distinct from the surrounding Indo-European languages. The Sami are known for their traditional clothing (gákti), joik singing, and intricate handicrafts.
In Neiden, 50 km from here, there is also historically a community of the Skolt Sámi, or Skolts, also in present day. Indigenous to the borderlands of Finland, Russia, and Norway, they are part of the eastern Sámi group, distinguished by their language and traditions.

Historically, both Northern and Eastern Sami groups have faced challenges like forced assimilation and land loss but have preserved their cultural identity. Today, there’s a cultural revival with efforts to revive the language and traditions. Modern Sami communities balance traditional lifestyles, such as reindeer husbandry, with contemporary professions.

The Sami Parliament in Norway, Sweden, and Finland advocates for their rights and culture. They celebrate their heritage through festivals, reindeer races, and cultural events, ensuring traditions are passed down to future generations.

REINDEER

Reindeer in northern Scandinavia are fascinating creatures, well-adapted to the harsh Arctic environment.

Reindeer are integral to the culture and livelihood of the Sámi people, who have herded them for centuries. In the municipality of Sør-Varanger there are ca 10 000 reindeer, the same amount as people. Even though roaming free throughout most of the year, all reindeer here are owned.

Reindeer have specialized noses that warm the cold air before it reaches their lungs. Their nasal passages contain a complex network of blood vessels that help to heat the air and retain moisture, preventing the loss of body heat.

Their fur is dense and consists of two layers: a soft, insulating undercoat and a layer of hollow guard hairs. The hollow hairs trap air, providing excellent insulation and buoyancy, which is useful when swimming.

Reindeer are herbivores, primarily feeding on lichens, known as "reindeer moss," during the winter. In the summer, their diet expands to include leaves, grasses, and herbs. They are also known to eat mushrooms and occasionally dig through snow to find food.

The mating season, occurs from late September to early October. During this time, males fight for dominance, often using their antlers, which they shed after. Females, however, retain their antlers through the winter until their calves are born in spring.

Reindeer meat is a staple in the diet of the Sámi people. It is lean, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin The Sámi utilize every part of the reindeer for food. This practice reflects their deep respect for the animal and their sustainable way of life.