Witnessing the captivating aurora borealis while immersed in the traditional ways of the Sami people is an unforgettable experience. This tour allows travelers to journey with a reindeer herder, engage in everyday tasks, and ride in a reindeer caravan under the starry sky. More than just a chance to see the Northern Lights, it’s an opportunity to forge a deeper connection with the delicate balance of the natural world and the centuries-old traditions that have sustained the indigenous Sami community. But the true magic lies in the moments you’ll share with the herd, the herder, and the land itself.
Key Points
- The tour offers an opportunity to go aurora hunting with a traditional Sami reindeer caravan in the scenic region of Kiruna, Sweden.
- Travelers can experience the Sami lifestyle by participating in the everyday tasks of a reindeer herder during the caravan ride.
- The tour includes a transfer by minibus, provision of winter clothing, and a traditional Sami-style dinner featuring fried smoked reindeer meat and local berries.
- Participants can feed the reindeer by hand and witness the natural beauty of the region under the brilliant starry sky.
- The tour is subject to a cancellation policy, with a full refund available if canceled 24 hours in advance or in the event of poor weather conditions.
Tour Overview
This tour offers an opportunity to go aurora hunting with a reindeer caravan in Kiruna, Sweden.
Participants will follow the traditional ways of the Sami people by traveling with a reindeer herder and engaging in their everyday tasks, all while admiring the clear starry sky and searching for the elusive northern lights.
The experience includes a reindeer caravan ride through the dark under the stars, as well as the chance to feed reindeer from the hand.
Warm winter clothes and boots are provided, and the tour includes a transfer by minibus and a traditional Sami-style dinner featuring fried smoked reindeer meat, pita bread, and berries.
What’s Included
The tour includes a traditional Sami-style dinner featuring fried smoked reindeer meat, pita bread, blueberries, lingonberries, and a drink.
Travelers are also provided with a transfer by minibus from Kiruna to the reindeer corral and back, as well as winter clothes and warm boots.
Plus, participants can borrow a headlamp and have the opportunity to feed reindeer from the hand during the reindeer caravan ride through the dark under the starry sky.
The tour offers an immersive experience, allowing visitors to follow the traditions of the Sami people and witness the everyday tasks of a reindeer herder while surrounded by the natural beauty of the region.
Meeting and Pickup
Travelers are picked up from Kiruna or the Icehotel/Camp Alta between 5:20 PM and 5:50 PM.
There’s no pickup available at individual hotels or other locations – participants must be ready at the selected pickup point.
The tour’s transportation is provided by a minibus, which will take travelers to the reindeer corral, a journey of approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes.
At the end of the tour, the minibus will return participants to their original pickup location.
The key things to note are:
- Pickup times are between 5:20 PM and 5:50 PM.
- Pickup locations are limited to Kiruna or the Icehotel/Camp Alta.
- Travelers must be ready at the selected pickup point, as there are no individual hotel pickups.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation of the tour is permitted up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If canceled less than 24 hours prior, no refund will be provided. Plus, changes requested less than 24 hours before the tour are not accepted.
In the event of poor weather, the tour will be offered on a different date or a full refund will be provided. Similarly, if the minimum number of participants is not met, guests will be offered the choice of a different date/experience or a full refund.
| Cancellation Timeline | Refund Policy |
|---|---|
| 24+ hours in advance | Full refund |
| Less than 24 hours | No refund |
| Changes less than 24 hours | Not accepted |
| Poor weather | Different date or full refund |
| Minimum not met | Different date/experience or full refund |
Reindeer Caravan Experience
Visitors embark on a traditional Sami reindeer caravan, leaving the urban life behind to follow the rhythm of the reindeer and their herder.
During this immersive experience, participants:
- Travel in the dark under the brilliant starry sky, guided by the soft glow of their headlamps.
- Have the opportunity to feed the reindeer by hand, connecting with these majestic creatures.
- Savor a traditional Sami dinner, including fried smoked reindeer meat, pita bread, and local berries.
The reindeer caravan allows guests to step into the everyday life of the Sami people, fostering a deeper appreciation for their centuries-old traditions and the delicate balance of the natural world.
Sami Culture and Tradition
The Sami people, the indigenous inhabitants of northern Scandinavia, have sustained a deep connection with the land and its natural rhythms for generations.
Their reindeer herding traditions, passed down through the centuries, are a testament to their profound understanding of the delicate balance within the Arctic ecosystem.
As part of this tour, travelers have the opportunity to enjoy the Sami way of life, following a reindeer herder in their daily tasks and experiencing the centuries-old practice of reindeer caravan travel.
Viewing the Northern Lights
As the reindeer caravan ventures out into the dark, clear Arctic sky, travelers can look forward to the opportunity to witness the mesmerizing dance of the northern lights. The ethereal Aurora Borealis, a natural light display caused by the interaction of charged particles from the sun with the Earth’s atmosphere, often paints the night sky in a breathtaking array of colors.
The experience of viewing the northern lights from the reindeer caravan is truly magical:
The gentle swaying of the reindeer and the crunch of the snow underfoot create a serene and peaceful atmosphere.
The darkness of the night allows for optimal viewing, with the Aurora’s vibrant greens, pinks, and purples playing out across the sky.
The absence of light pollution in the remote location ensures an unobstructed view, making the experience all the more captivating.
Preparing for the Adventure
Before embarking on the reindeer caravan adventure, travelers should ensure they’re well-prepared for the Arctic conditions.
Warm winter attire and sturdy boots are essential, as the experience takes place in the heart of the Swedish Lapland during the colder months.
The tour operator provides the necessary winter gear, including jackets, trousers, and boots, ensuring participants stay comfortable throughout the journey. Plus, a headlamp is available to borrow, allowing for better visibility during the nighttime caravan.
Travelers should also be aware of the physical demands of the experience, as it’s not recommended for those with back problems or serious medical conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Camera Equipment?
Yes, guests can bring their own camera equipment. The tour provider provides warm winter clothes and accessories, but allows guests to use their own cameras to capture the experience.
Is There an Age Limit for This Tour?
The tour does not have a specific age limit, but it is not recommended for young children or travelers with serious medical conditions. The activity may be unsuitable for those with mobility or back issues.
Can I Bring My Own Snacks or Drinks?
You can bring your own snacks and drinks, but the tour includes a traditional Sami dinner. Bringing additional food or beverages is not necessary, as the provided meal is designed to be filling and representative of the local cuisine.
How Long Does the Reindeer Caravan Last?
The reindeer caravan lasts approximately 2 hours. It involves traveling in the dark under the starry sky with the opportunity to feed the reindeer from the hand. The caravan departs and returns via minibus to the original pickup location.
Is There a Weight Limit for the Reindeer Caravan?
There doesn’t seem to be a stated weight limit for the reindeer caravan. However, travelers should be aware that the caravan involves riding in a sled pulled by reindeer, so heavier participants may impact the activity.
Recap
The ‘Aurora Hunting With Reindeer Caravan’ tour offers an immersive experience that allows travelers to witness the natural beauty of Kiruna, Sweden.
Participants will follow the traditional ways of the Sami people, engaging in their everyday tasks and experiencing a reindeer caravan ride under the stars.
The tour includes a Sami-style dinner and the opportunity to feed the reindeer by hand, fostering a deeper appreciation for the Sami’s centuries-old traditions and the delicate balance of the natural world.
