Image credit: Marten Bril
Day Trips & Excursions

Reindeer Farm Visit near Bodø with Sami Storytelling

Visit a reindeer farm near Bodø and get up close to the animals – feed them straight from your hand and enjoy an authentic, arctic experience. Your host, a local reindeer herder, will share insights into the reindeer’s life and offer a personal glimpse into Sami culture in Northern Norway.

Reindeer at a reindeer farm in Northern Norway. Photo: Pavall Sami Family.

Step into Sami Culture: The Sami are the indigenous people of Northern Norway, with a rich culture deeply connected to nature. While most Sami today work in modern professions, a small percentage still make their living from reindeer herding. During your visit, you’ll gain a small taste of the Sami perspective on life – one that values ancestral knowledge and harmony with nature.

Reindeer Feeding Bodø, Northern Norway.
Reindeer feeding in Bodø, Northern Norway. Photo: Ørjan Bertelsen

Stories around the fire: Your experience begins in a cozy lavvu (traditional Sami tent), where the warm fire sets the scene for storytelling. While enjoying coffee prepared on the fire, your host will share insights into Sami life, traditions, and the tools used in reindeer husbandry. You’ll learn about the care the reindeer need to thrive and hear stories that have been passed down through generations of herders, particularly from the Pavall family in the Duokta district.

Reindeer in Bodø, Northern Norway. Photo: Ørjan Bertelsen

Meet the reindeer up close: After the storytelling, you will meet the reindeer, who are curious and friendly animals. During winter, some animals from the herd stay close to the farm, which gives you this special opportunity for a close, personal encounter. You’ll learn how to behave around the animals, and you’ll get an opportunity to try feeding them. Each reindeer has its own personality, and you’ll quickly notice the unique character of these gentle, arctic animals.

Reindeer feeding in Bodø, Northern Norway.

Nature, Heritage, and Challenges: Located at Vatnvatnet, just 30 minutes from Bodø, the farm offers a peaceful setting amongst the mountains. While you experience this unique blend of nature and culture, you’ll also gain insights into the challenges facing Sami reindeer herders today, e.g. land exploitation, natural predators, and climate change. This will give you a deeper understanding of the Sami way of life and reindeer herding, which continues to endure and adapt in today’s world.

Please note that there is a small boutique on site, which sells handcrafted Sami & local souvenirs.

We were really lucky to meet with the reindeer herders, visit the Sami farm near Bodø and feed the reindeers. This was really magical and we couldn't have hoped for a better start of our holiday! Thank you so much Ivar and we will definitely book another tour!
Giulia Sardano

Price

NOK 1900

per person (adults)
Minimum 2 people.
Check Currency Calculator to convert into your currency.

  • Level

    Easy. Most people can participate in this activity. Please see details in the FAQ section below.

  • Duration

    The tour takes approx. 2 hours. Please note that this tour is "meet on location" - see further details in the FAQ section below.

  • Group size & Capacity

    2 - 15 people. Larger groups on request.

  • Season & Availability

    October - April. For the summer season you can participate in Sami reindeer herders` work. Please contact us for details.


FAQ - Reindeer Farm Visit Bodø

  • What do I need to bring?

    Warm outdoor clothing and good shoes.

    We recommend bringing gloves and a hat and your camera!

  • Where and when do we meet?

    This tour is “meet on location”

    In case you don’t have the option to drive yourself, you can get in touch for a tailor-made tour, which includes transportation.

    • When do we meet? We operate this tour at fixed times. Please see availability and book your preferred slot in the booking calendar.
  • Can I book if I’m on my own?

    Absolutely! Solo travellers are welcome.

    The tour requires a minimum of 2 participants to operate, which means we’ll match you with another small group if needed.

  • Serving?

    We serve a warm cup of coffee inside the lávvu by the fire.

  • How should I dress?

    Dress for arctic conditions, even if the weather looks mild. Wear several warm layers such as wool, and make sure your outer clothing blocks wind and moisture. The weather can change quickly and it’s always better to be too warm than too cold.

  • Do I need any outdoor experience?

    Not at all! This is an easy activity, focused on enjoying time with the reindeer and learning from the Sámi hosts.