Tromsø: Reindeer Feeding & Chance of Northern Lights Viewing

The Arctic has more than one kind of magic. This evening trip takes you from Tromsø to Breivikeidet, where you can feed reindeer, hear Sámi stories, eat Bithos, and look for the Northern Lights beneath the Lyngen Alps. I especially like the close contact with the reindeer and the chance to learn directly about Sámi life. The main drawback is simple: the aurora depends on clear skies, and the coach ride can take a good part of the evening.

This is not a quick photo stop. You spend real time at the camp, first with the animals and later inside a traditional gamme, a Sámi wooden shelter. The setting is beautiful, the meal gives the visit a local focus, and guides such as Michael and Lisa have been praised for making the cultural talk warm and easy to follow. Large groups can make dinner feel crowded, though, and the muddy ground may call for waterproof boots.

At a glance: reindeer, Bithos, and mountain skies

• Feed reindeer at close range: Hold food in your hand and let the animals approach you inside the fenced camp.
• See the Lyngen Alps: Breivikeidet sits among dramatic mountains, with very little artificial light around the camp.
• Learn from Sámi guides: Hear about reindeer herding, Arctic life, clothing, practical traditions, and Sámi history.
• Eat a traditional meal: Bithos is a reindeer stew served for special occasions, with a vegetarian soup option available.
• Search for the aurora: The camp is well placed for Northern Lights viewing, but no display can be promised.
• Warm up between activities: Coffee, tea, fires, warm clothing, and shelter help take the edge off the cold.

The ride from Tromsø to Breivikeidet

Your evening starts at the main entrance of the Radisson Blu hotel in central Tromsø. Look toward the side shared by Rorbua Pub and Scandic Ishav Hotel. Guides wait on the sidewalk by the revolving doors, wearing blue ponchos marked with the Tromsø Lapland logo.

There is no hotel pickup, so give yourself enough time to find this meeting point. Custom pickup and drop-off are not available. Once everyone is aboard, the coach heads out of town toward Breivikeidet in Innlandet County.

The journey is part of the outing, but it is not a minor transfer. Depending on the route and conditions, the ride may take about 45 to 90 minutes. Several reports describe comfortable buses, including newer coaches with useful lighting for the return through snowy conditions. If you are short on patience, bring a quiet plan for the ride. If you enjoy watching the Arctic scenery change outside the window, the trip gives you time to settle into the evening.

The camp sits among mountains, with the Lyngen Alps providing the first big visual reward. The dark setting also matters. Tromsø itself has plenty of city light, while Breivikeidet offers a better chance of seeing a faint aurora overhead.

Meeting the reindeer in their enclosure

After stepping off the coach, you follow the guide to the reindeer fence. The animals are used to people and are generally calm, friendly, and eager to eat. You receive food and can offer it by hand, then pet the reindeer when they come close.

This is the part most likely to delight children, animal lovers, and anyone who has only seen reindeer in holiday decorations. The animals are not presented as passive props. They push forward for food, jostle with one another, and can be surprisingly cheeky. One practical warning from the camp experience: a hungry reindeer may try to take your whole bucket, especially if you are small. Keep a firm grip and follow the feeding instructions.

You should also remember that these are animals, not plush toys. Their antlers and feeding habits require sensible care. Do not crowd them, and keep your face clear of sudden movements. Clear eye protection was suggested by one visitor, though it is not listed as required equipment.

You may spend around an hour near the reindeer, depending on the evening schedule. That is a useful amount of time. You are not rushed through one quick feeding turn, and you can step away to warm up before returning to the fence. Fires around the camp offer welcome relief, particularly on clear winter nights.

Rain and thaw can turn the enclosure into mud. Waterproof trousers and sturdy boots are a smart choice if you have them. Boot covers, warm boots, extra gloves, and other outdoor clothing may be available when needed, but your own waterproof layers are still worth bringing.

Inside the gamme: Sámi food and Arctic traditions

After feeding the reindeer, you go inside a gamme, a traditional Sámi shelter. This is where the evening shifts from animal encounter to cultural visit. The setting is simple and practical, and the warmth of the hut or nearby fire matters just as much as the meal.

The main dish is Bithos, a traditional Sámi reindeer stew associated with special occasions. It gives the meal more meaning than a standard tour buffet. You are tasting food connected to reindeer herding and Sámi life, not simply being handed a generic Norwegian dinner.

The stew has been widely enjoyed, though taste is personal. Some people find it hearty and delicious, while others consider it merely good. A vegetarian soup is available, and basic accompaniments can include bread, butter, biscuits, cookies, coffee, tea, and hot chocolate. Gluten-free catering has also been provided, including separate bread, butter, and cookies, but you should confirm your needs when booking rather than assume every dietary request is covered.

The meal is welcome after time outside, but the hut may feel crowded when the group is large. One practical complaint was that it could be difficult for everyone to fit comfortably at dinner. Another evening had a problem with the central gas fire, leaving the tent colder than expected. Fires and warm drinks help, but dress for the outdoors from the start.

Hearing Sámi stories from Sámi guides

The cultural talk is one of the strongest reasons to choose this outing instead of a simple reindeer photo visit. Guides explain how Sámi families live in the Arctic, how reindeer herding works, and why traditional clothing is designed for practical use. You can see and touch handcrafted garments and ask questions about daily life.

The quality of this section depends partly on the guide, and the named guides Michael and Lisa received especially warm praise for their clear explanations and friendly approach. The talk is not only about the past. It connects clothing, food, animals, weather, and work to life in the north today.

I like this balance. You get an enjoyable animal encounter, but the visit also gives you a better understanding of why reindeer matter to Sámi communities. It is worth slowing down here rather than treating the presentation as something to endure before the aurora appears.

Traditional folk music is also part of the evening program. Along with the stories and clothing, it helps make the visit feel rooted in Sámi culture rather than shaped only for photographs. The experience is still designed for visitors, and buses can bring a sizable crowd, but the personal explanations give it substance.

Searching the sky for the Northern Lights

The camp is arranged for aurora viewing, with limited artificial light and open mountain surroundings. Guides keep watch while you eat and listen to the talk, and they may call you outside if the lights appear. On strong nights, the aurora can be visible for a long time, with green bands or brighter, more active displays.

This can be an extraordinary setting. Feeding reindeer with the Northern Lights above the fence is the kind of combination that makes the evening feel unusual, not just another winter excursion. Guides may turn down lights and help with photographs, which is useful because bright camp lighting can ruin both your eyes’ adjustment and your camera exposure.

Still, treat the aurora as a bonus, not the product you are buying. Clouds can block the sky, and even a clear night may produce only a faint glow. Several outings have had no Northern Lights at all and were still considered worthwhile because of the reindeer and cultural program. That is the right way to judge this tour.

The timing also matters. One person wished the bus had stopped when the aurora was dancing strongly during the ride. That is a fair limitation. If the lights appear while you are on the coach, you may have to watch through the windows rather than step outside for photographs. The camp itself remains the main viewing location.

Bring a hat, gloves, scarf, and warm layers even if the company supplies clothing. You will spend time outside, and standing still while looking up can feel colder than walking. Strong fragrances are not allowed, which is considerate around both animals and other people.

What the $177 price really buys you

At $177 per person, this is not a cheap evening. The price includes transport from the central meeting point, reindeer feeding, the Sámi meal, coffee and tea, warm clothing, the cultural presentation, and the Northern Lights search.

The value depends on what you want from Tromsø. If your only goal is to see the aurora, a dedicated Northern Lights chase may give you a better chance because this outing stays tied to one camp. If you want a single evening that combines animals, food, culture, mountains, and possible aurora viewing, the price is easier to justify.

I would also factor in the setting. You are not simply paying for a meal and a bus ride. You get access to a reindeer camp at Breivikeidet, time to feed the animals, and direct contact with Sámi guides. The experience is strongest when you value the cultural side even if clouds hide the sky.

For a family, the cost adds up quickly. The animal encounter is likely to hold children’s attention, and the camp has fires, food, and indoor shelter, but a large group can make the dinner portion less relaxed. Couples and small groups may find the price easier to accept, especially if a strong aurora appears.

Who will enjoy this Tromsø evening

I would recommend it to you if you want more than a Northern Lights bus chase. It suits people who like local food, short cultural talks, wildlife encounters, and a structured evening with transport already arranged.

Families can do well here, provided everyone can handle cold, mud, and a fairly long coach ride. Teenagers may especially enjoy the combination of reindeer and aurora. The activity also works for visitors who are curious about Indigenous culture and want to ask questions rather than only take photographs.

It is less suitable if you have significant mobility limitations or use a wheelchair. The activity is specifically not recommended for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users. Outdoor ground, a reindeer enclosure, and a traditional shelter make this a poor choice for anyone who needs fully accessible surfaces.

You should also reconsider it if you dislike group outings. Two large buses have been used, and the dining area can feel tight. The atmosphere remains friendly, but this is not a private camp visit.

Useful preparation before you leave Tromsø

Wear warm clothing even though extra gear may be supplied. A hat, gloves, scarf, and waterproof outer layer are the basics. Waterproof boots or sturdy shoes are particularly useful because the reindeer area may be muddy.

Do not wear strong fragrance. Pets are not allowed. Keep your camera ready, but do not let photography distract you from the feeding instructions or from watching the animals’ behavior.

The tour lasts 270 minutes, or four and a half hours. Starting times vary, so check the available departure when you book. English and Norwegian are the tour languages.

Cancellation is flexible up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. That helps when your Tromsø schedule depends on weather, though it does not solve the basic uncertainty of aurora viewing.

FAQ

Where does the tour meet in Tromsø?

Meet in front of the main entrance of the Radisson Blu hotel, on the side where Rorbua Pub and Scandic Ishav Hotel are located. Guides wait on the sidewalk by the revolving doors and wear blue ponchos with the Tromsø Lapland logo.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, and custom pickup or drop-off points are not available.

How long does the experience last?

The activity lasts 270 minutes, or four and a half hours. Check the available starting times when booking.

Can I feed and pet the reindeer?

Yes. You can feed the reindeer at the enclosure and pet them when they come close. Follow the guide’s instructions because the animals can jostle for food.

Is the Northern Lights viewing guaranteed?

No. The camp has limited artificial light and is arranged for aurora viewing, but clouds and natural conditions can prevent a sighting.

What food is served?

The traditional meal is Bithos, a Sámi reindeer stew. A vegetarian soup option is available, along with coffee, tea, and other simple refreshments such as bread, butter, biscuits, cookies, or hot chocolate.

What should I bring?

Bring warm clothing, a hat, gloves, and a scarf. Waterproof layers and sturdy footwear are useful because the reindeer area may be muddy.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want a well-rounded Arctic evening and would still value the reindeer, Sámi food, and cultural talk without an aurora. The strongest parts are the close animal encounter, the warm and personal guiding, and the unusual chance to connect food and reindeer herding with Sámi life.

Skip it if a guaranteed Northern Lights sighting is your only goal, or if you dislike long coach rides and group dining. At $177, it asks a fair amount, but for the right visitor, the combination of reindeer under the mountains, Bithos in a gamme, and a possible sky full of green light can make it one of Tromsø’s most memorable outings.