Visit Sápmi

Have you ever kissed a reindeer?

Photo: Staffan Widstrand

When you travel with the Sámi you’ll experience the unique ties between reindeer and Sámi. For reindeer herding Sámi the reindeer is their prime survival resource. In the old days the nomadic Sámi used the reindeer and sled as tools to move with the herd. The sled is called akkja in Sámi and it was used on the journeys between the coast to mountains to access the summer and winter grazing grounds. Today we use a lead reindeer that we have trained to have on a rope and the other reindeers will follow this leader. Today reindeer herders do not live a nomadic life so we don’t use the old tools and the akkja. But, we still train reindeers to pull sleds and you can try it out. In the summer time it is also possible to trek in Sápmi with each guest leading a reindeer as pack animal.

When you combine old traditions, animals and nature it can stir the soul and stir deep emotional feelings. So emotional that on very rare occasions there might be a kiss.

• reindeer sled
• ráidu
• dog sled
• winter
• summer
• reindeer
• trek
• sled
• sámi
• sami
• sápmi

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