The indigenous Sami people live in northern Scandinavia and maintain traditional reindeer herding practices. They offer unique experiences such as reindeer sledding and storytelling in Sami tents (lavvu).

Population

~80,000

Origins

The Sami are the indigenous people of the northern regions of Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia’s Kola Peninsula. They have lived in the Arctic region for thousands of years, traditionally engaging in reindeer herding, fishing, and hunting.

Customs and Culture

Sami culture is characterized by traditional practices such as joik (a form of singing), colorful clothing called gákti, and their semi-nomadic lifestyle centered around reindeer herding. They have their own languages, which belong to the Uralic language family, and hold onto traditional beliefs alongside modern lifestyles.

Activity

Tourists can experience reindeer sledding, Sami storytelling sessions, traditional joik performances, and nature-based activities like dog sledding and northern lights viewing.

Other

Best visited during winter for traditional reindeer sledding