On an overnight private tour from Tromsø, experience the magic of the Northern Lights and the rich traditions of the Sámi people. Your private tour will begin with a visit to a family-run Sámi camp, where you’ll hand-feed reindeer and listen to traditional joik singing around the fire inside a cozy lavvu tent.

Check into a boutique lodge and take some time to relax ahead of an exciting evening. As daylight fades, the adventure continues with an evening outing to chase the Northern Lights. You’ll be accompanied by an expert guide, taking you to an optimal viewing area to experience the magic of the aurora. After a magical night, your private guide will return you to Tromsø the following morning.

The itinerary below is a sample itinerary to show you what you can expect from this private tour. All tour itineraries can be customized to suit your group’s individual needs perfectly.

Private Itinerary for Northern Lights & Sámi Experience

Your personal driver guide will collect you from your accommodation in Tromsø to begin your private tour. Enjoy a scenic drive out of Tromsø through fjords and forests towards Tamok Valley, an excellent aurora zone and home to traditional Sámi settlements. Along the way, your private guide will share insights into Sámi heritage and what to expect from the Northern Lights.

Camp Tamok (Traditional Sámi Camp)

After a scenic drive, arrive at Camp Tamok, a traditional Sámi reindeer camp, where you’ll be greeted by a friendly Sámi host. You’ll be escorted to a traditional Sámi tent, where you’ll sit around the fire with your travel group and Sámi host.

Enjoy a special performance of joik, the Sámi style of singing that’s deeply personal and emotional. The performer will share the meaning behind their song and explain how this tradition has been passed down through the generations. Around the fire, your Sámi host will share stories to help you gain a deeper understanding of Sámi culture and way of thinking. There’s also time for you to ask questions and have an open conversation to connect with Sámi life and heritage.

Traditional Sámi Lunch

To fully experience Sámi culture, you’ll also get to enjoy a traditional Sámi lunch. Feel like a member of the Sámi community and enjoy traditional dishes such as bidos—a hearty reindeer stew with root vegetables. Vegetarian options are available to help if you prefer.

Reindeer Feeding & Sledding

After lunch, enjoy a memorable experience interacting with reindeer. Led by your Sámi hosts, you’ll be given a handful of special lichen or feed, and the reindeer will eagerly approach. Just imagine their soft noses brushing against your hand as they eat! If you’re lucky, you may even get some reindeer to pose with you for a selfie! As you interact with the reindeer, your private guide will help you learn more about the fascinating animal, including its life cycle and the deep connection between reindeer and the Sámi people.

Depending on the time of year of your tour, finish with one of the most traditional ways of traveling in this area, with a reindeer sled ride. You’ll sit in a low, wooden sled while the reindeer gently leads you through the snowy trails. Reindeer sledding is slow-paced, giving you plenty of time to appreciate the Arctic surroundings.

Hotel Check In

After spending the day immersing yourself in Sámi culture and making some reindeer friends, your private guide will take you to a local boutique lodge, where you can take some to relax after a busy day. Enjoy a beautiful Arctic dinner with your loved ones, discussing the exciting activities of the day and building anticipation for a magical night ahead.

Northern Lights Hunt

After dinner, your private guide will lead you into the Arctic night to get a glimpse of the Northern Lights. Depending on the weather forecast and solar activity, your guide will choose the best possible locations for spotting the aurora. As you wait for the lights to appear, enjoy hot drinks and snacks as your guide tells you fascinating stories about the Northern Lights. Learn the science behind the phenomenon and how the Sámi people viewed the aurora as a powerful spiritual force. This makes the experience all the more special, as you get a glimpse into the impact the aurora had on local life.

When the lights appear, it’s nothing short of spectacular. It often begins with a faint green glow on the horizon before the sky comes alive with a wave of colors. No two displays of the Northern Lights are ever the same, making it even more special knowing that you are seeing something unique that can never be repeated.

After the aurora has ended, your private guide will take you back to your hotel safely. You may not go straight to sleep, with aurora gazers often left awestruck and deeply moved.

Return to Tromsø

The following morning, your private guide will be waiting to take you back to your accommodation in Tromsø. You’ll arrive back in Tromsø with a deeper appreciation for Sámi culture, how amazing reindeer are, and the surreal existence of the Northern Lights.