Arctic Adventure with Reindeer and Northern Lights Hunt 18:30 pm

A Unique Arctic Adventure: Reindeer Feeding and Northern Lights Hunt near Kiruna

Imagine standing in the deep silence of the Arctic winter, surrounded by the soft glow of the polar night, as reindeer gently nibble at food you’ve helped provide. For about $250, and just five hours of your evening, you can join a tour that combines feeding reindeer, exploring Sami culture, and hunting for the elusive Northern Lights. With a convenient pickup from Kiruna, this experience is designed to give you a taste of authentic Arctic life, with a dash of magic and adventure.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the chance to interact closely with reindeer—animals that usually roam freely in the tundra—while learning about their survival challenges during harsh winters. Second, the combination of culture and nature, where you’ll hear about the Sami people’s way of life and enjoy the stunning Arctic scenery.

However, a potential consideration is the weather—cloudy skies can mean missed aurora sightings, which is always a gamble with Northern Lights hunts. Still, the experience of being in this pristine environment, especially with guides who seem genuinely passionate, makes it worth considering. This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy animal encounters, are curious about indigenous cultures, and are flexible when it comes to chasing the aurora.

Key Points

• Authentic reindeer interaction: Feed and learn about reindeer in their winter habitat.
• Cultural immersion: Gain insights into Sami traditions and lifestyle.
• Northern Lights hunt: Experience the Arctic night sky, with some luck in spotting the auroras.
• Small group setting: Max 8 travelers, offering a personalized experience.
• Scenic transport: 90-minute bus ride from Kiruna to Övre-Soppero through Arctic landscapes.
• Weather dependent: Aurora sightings depend on clear skies; cloudy nights might limit views.

The Itinerary in Detail

Starting Point: Kiruna at 6:30 PM

The tour begins in the early Arctic evening, ideal for making the most of the polar night. The small group size, capped at 8, ensures a more intimate and relaxed atmosphere—perfect if you prefer personal interaction and detailed explanations.

Minibus Ride to Övre-Soppero

The journey from Kiruna to the Sami village takes about 90 minutes. Along the way, you’ll enjoy views of snow-covered forests and frozen lakes, setting the perfect scene for your Arctic adventure. The guides often share insights about the landscape, climate, and local history, enriching your understanding of this remote region.

Reindeer Feeding Experience

Once at Övre-Soppero, the highlight for many travelers is the reindeer feeding session. Unlike animals confined to a zoo, these reindeer roam freely in winter, eking out a living in tough conditions. This year, due to drier summers and rainy autumns, the reindeer face extra hardships, so your hosts have prepared special food to help sustain them through the cold months.

The reviews highlight this as a “brilliant” moment—walking among these gentle creatures, petting them, and learning about their resilience. One reviewer said, “Walking around feeding the reindeer was brilliant,” and many others describe the experience as “magical” or “once-in-a-lifetime.” The guides often share stories about Sami culture, reindeer herding practices, and the animals’ importance to local life.

Aurora Hunting

As you help feed reindeer, the guides keep an eye on the sky, hunting for the Northern Lights. This tour is marketed as a “combo” experience, meaning aurora sightings are a hopeful bonus rather than guaranteed. Some travelers, like Diego, noted that cloud cover prevented a sighting, but appreciated being out in the Arctic night and still enjoying the atmosphere.

According to reviews, guides like Patia and Joel do their best to find dark, clear spots where the auroras might appear. If the skies cooperate, you’ll get a spectacular display of dancing lights—an unforgettable moment. But even if clouds obscure the sky, many still cherish the peaceful beauty of the Arctic night and the chance to see reindeer and Sami culture up close.

Return to Kiruna

After about 5 hours, you’ll head back to Kiruna, often chatting about the experience and sharing photos. The tour ends around 11 PM, making it suitable for those with evening openers and a sense of adventure.

Authentic Reindeer and Sami Culture

One of the most valued aspects of this tour is the cultural component. The Sami people are the indigenous inhabitants of northern Scandinavia, and their traditions center around reindeer herding. Guides often share stories of Sami life, their struggles, and their connection to the land and animals.

Review excerpts reveal that guides like Nils and Juampi are knowledgeable and passionate, making the cultural exchange genuine. Travelers appreciate being able to see, pet, and feed reindeer, as well as listen to stories about Sami crafts, language, and lifestyle. This authentic engagement adds depth to what might otherwise be just a sightseeing trip.

Transportation and Group Size

The minibus ride is a comfortable way to cover the roughly 90 minutes between Kiruna and Övre-Soppero. Since the tour group is limited to 8 people, you’ll likely have a more personal experience, with ample opportunity to ask questions and interact with the guides. The small group size is particularly appreciated by travelers who dislike large, impersonal tours.

Pickup service simplifies logistics, especially if you’re staying in Kiruna, saving you the hassle of arranging transportation. The mobile ticket system makes it easy to join the tour without printing anything.

The Value of the Experience

At $250, this tour offers a well-rounded Arctic adventure—combining wildlife interaction, cultural insights, and the chance to witness the Northern Lights. While the aurora hunt depends on weather conditions, many travelers have found the overall experience worth every penny. The price includes transportation, guiding, and the memorable reindeer encounter, which would be difficult to replicate independently.

The recurring praise for guides like Joel, Nils, and Patia highlights the importance of knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides. Their storytelling and dedication turn a simple reindeer feed into an engaging cultural lesson and a window into the Arctic way of life.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience suits travelers who are curious about indigenous cultures, enjoy animal encounters, and are comfortable waiting for a natural phenomenon like the Northern Lights. It’s perfect for those who appreciate authentic, small-group experiences and want to avoid the crowds often found on larger tours. If your goal is to combine nature, culture, and a bit of hope for aurora viewing, this tour checks those boxes.

However, if you’re mainly seeking guaranteed aurora sightings, keep in mind that weather plays a big role. Cloudy skies could limit your chances, so temper expectations accordingly.

The Sum Up

This Arctic tour offers a warm, genuine taste of northern Scandinavia’s wildlife and culture, wrapped in a compact five-hour package. You’ll love the personalized interaction with reindeer, the insights into Sami traditions, and the chance—though not guaranteed—to see the Northern Lights. The small group size, expert guides, and scenic journey all contribute to a memorable Arctic evening.

While weather can influence the aurora experience, many travelers find the overall adventure deeply satisfying, especially those who cherish authentic moments over commercialized attractions. It’s a great choice for anyone wanting to connect with nature and culture in a peaceful Arctic setting.

If you’re looking for a meaningful, well-organized tour that balances wildlife, culture, and scenery, this outing from Kiruna is hard to beat. Just remember to bundle up—layers, wool, and synthetic clothing are the way to go—and keep your hopes high for a glimpse of those legendary Northern Lights.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, most travelers can participate, but it’s best suited for those comfortable with being outdoors in cold weather and walking around feeding reindeer.

How long is the bus ride to the Sami village?
The minibus ride from Kiruna to Övre-Soppero lasts about 90 minutes each way.

Will I definitely see the Northern Lights?
Not necessarily. The tour includes an aurora hunt, but sightings depend on weather and solar activity. Some nights are cloudy, which can obscure the lights.

What should I wear?
Dress in layers of wool and synthetic clothing—cotton is not recommended. Warm hats, gloves, and waterproof boots are also advised.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance. Within 24 hours, no refund is available.

Is food provided during the tour?
The tour mainly involves feeding reindeer and enjoying the Arctic scenery. There are no mentions of meals or snacks included.

How many people will be in my group?
The maximum group size is 8 travelers, making for a more personalized experience.

Are transportation and pickup included?
Yes, pickup from Kiruna is offered, making logistics easy for travelers staying in town.

What makes this tour different from others?
The focus on authentic Sami culture, the close-up animal encounter, and the small group size set this tour apart.

Is there a chance to learn about reindeer herding?
Absolutely. Guides share stories about reindeer survival, Sami traditions, and the animals’ role in Arctic life.

This tour delivers a genuine slice of Arctic life, perfect for curious travelers eager for authentic cultural and wildlife experiences.