Feeding Arctic reindeer in Tromsø

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I'm not an animal lover. I mean, yes, I am a vegetarian and, yes, when I was young, I had one of these cute green badges from Blue Peter, but that was more due to general environmental protection than love.

I am suspicious of dogs, cats towards no matter and I am known to ask me how often people trim their kittens (answer: never). Against this background, you will understand why I was not sure about our Arctic reindeer trip in Tromso.

There was no snow on the floor, so sledding was excluded, and we were not even sure whether the reindeer would make it out of the mountains in good time (two weeks before the official start of the season).

Nevertheless, we had a day and decided to spend him at Tromso Arctic Reindeer, 16 km from the city center.

We were picked up by Peter, one of the founders of the camp and I listened to the usual jokes that are exchanged when my Peter hits another Peter. (It happens more often than you think ...)

Peter told something about the background of the camp and explained that he and co-founder Johan-ISSAK had set it up last year to educate tourists about the Samic people and of course offer their thrill to feed arctic reindeer.

alt = "Arctic reindeer in Tromsø"> Atlas & Boots Peter feeds Arctic reindeer in Tromsø

The Sami are an indigenous people who lives in the Arctic region of Lapland, which extends over the northern foothills of Norway, Sweden, Finland and the Kola peninsula in Russia. Like many indigenous peoples around the world, the Sami found their way of life upside down by modern “progress”.

Your belief, your language and your right to land have long been threatened by oil production, mining, dam construction, deforestation, climate change and commercial development.

These threats are part of the motivation behind the camp at Tromso Arctic Reindeer.

"If we can show that there is interest in Samic culture and support for their preservation, then we may be able to stop the apparently inevitable development," said Peter.

We soon arrived at the camp and met Johan-ISSAK, who comes from a long line of Samic reindeer breeder. With ice blue eyes and an ax in hand, it is the epitome of Arctic charm.

alt = “Kia and Johan-ISSAK feed arctic reindeer in Tromso”> Atlas & Boots Kia helps Johan-ISSAK to feed his arctic reindeer

Johan-ISSAK took us to meet the Arctic reindeer, which was a bit like entering a Disney scene.

The reindeer were graceful and playful; Hungry, but gently. They gathered around the food box and fought for space. We shoveled little buckets with food and fed the deer by hand, whereby we made sure not to bend too deep so that we couldn't get an antlers.

Alt = “_ Fütter-Arktischer Reniere-in-Tromso-19 ″> Atlas & Boots Peter feeds an arctic reindeer by hand

Your antlers was dangerous, but majestic. We have learned that reindeer antlers are not static appendages, but living masses made of blood and mark. The antlers hardened over time and is thrown annually to make room for a new couple. Like a person's fingerprint, no two reindeer anti -anti -reindeer is.

alt = “”> Atlas & Boots directly from a Disney film ...

While we fed the arctic reindeer, knelt Johan-Iissak at a nearby pond and broke through the ice with his ax to give the herd access to water. It was clear that he had a close affinity for his animals.

Peter told us that a week earlier they had worked until the early hours of the morning to guard the reindeer and work in the warehouse. When they were finished at 4 a.m., Johan-ISSAK said that he would "only" lie down between the reindeer for a while to enjoy the calm and peace. It spoke of a way of life that we have long forgotten in London.

alt = "A silly-looking arctic reindeer in Tromsø"> Atlas & Boots A playful arctive reindeer

The reindeer was indeed calming: good -natured, gentle and absolutely delightful. Before we said goodbye, we met one of the older leaders. We were told that his name is John Deere. Peter and Johan -issak clearly shared the sense of humor with my very own compatriot.

After that we let ourselves down in a lavvu, a traditional Samic tent, for a delicious meal with soup (for me vegetarian), chocolate cookies and tea and learned a little more about Samische Kultur. Johan-ISSAK performed a Joik, a traditional form of the Samic song. It was cute and moving - the more the more he asked us not to record it. It, he told us, is very personal.

alt = "warm and comfortable in the lavvu"> atlas & boots warm and comfortable in the lavvu

Our visit to the Arctic reindeer camp was a highlight of our trip, right after the northern light. The camp not only ensures a living, but also a way of life. His customers help to demonstrate the rulers that it has an inherent value of preserving Sami culture; not to roll through areas just because it has commercial value.

So if you make it to Tromso, please go to Johan-ISSAK. Get to know his reindeer - and not just to drive with them. Get to know the Sami way of life, eat your food, feed your animals and use your tourist collar for something good. Trust me as an animal lover: you will have a magical time.

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  • Alt = "Feeding of Arctic reindeer in Tromsø">
  • Alt = "Feeding of Arctic reindeer in Tromsø">
  • Alt = "Feeding of Arctic reindeer in Tromsø">
  • Alt = "Feeding of Arctic reindeer in Tromsø">
  • Alt = "Feeding of Arctic reindeer in Tromsø">
  • Alt = "Feeding of Arctic reindeer in Tromsø">
  • Alt = "Feeding of Arctic reindeer in Tromsø">
  • Alt = "Feeding of Arctic reindeer in Tromsø">
  • Alt = "Feeding of Arctic reindeer in Tromsø">
  • Alt = "Feeding of Arctic reindeer in Tromsø">
  • Alt = "Feeding of Arctic reindeer in Tromsø">

Arctic reindeer: the essentials

what: Feed Arctic reindeer in Tromso and learn something about Samische Kultur.

Where: We stayed in the Scandic Ishavshotel, an excellent alternative to the huge cycling next door. The Ishavshotel located directly on the water offers a panoramic view of the port of Tromso, the Tromso bridge and the Arctic Cathedral as well as easy access to local sights-the Polar Museum is only a few minutes away.

Our room had room -high windows and was equipped with the important heating and carpeting, which was a cozy refuge in the cold after a day (or one night!).

When: From November 14th to March 31st you can feed arctic reindeer in Tromso. Reindeer sled trips have to wait until there is enough snow on the floor, so choose data between December 1st and March 31st.

like: We did the reindeer feeding and the Samic history (3-4 hours) with Tromso Arctic Reindeer. The price is typical of Norwegian with 995 NOK ($ 118) per person, but contains transfers, guided storytelling, a warm lunch, coffee and snacks.

You can choose a number of other activities, including a reindeer sled package that includes a 35-minute drive. There was interest of the guests in longer trips, but please do not urge it; Half an hour works best for the reindeer.

take warm clothes, gloves, a hat and good winter boots with you. After all, it is the Arctic!

The best way to get to Tromsø is to fly from Oslo. Book through Skyscanner at the best prices. From the Tromso Airport you can take the Flybusseksprresse to the city. These cost 60 NOK ($ 7.3) and drive off directly in front of the airport. The somewhat cheaper option is the "state bus" (white -colored). You can buy tickets in the newspaper shop at Tromso Airport (36 NOK or 50 NOK on board). You can reach the right bus stop by crossing the parking lot underground or bypassing above ground. Just ask an airport employee if you are not sure.

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