November - May

REINWORK

Reindeer Herding in Finnmark

Live and work with a Sami reindeer herder

This is not tourism. This is work.

For 1-2 weeks, you live in the mountains with Ailo and the other herders. You wake when they wake. You ride a snowmobile to where the herd is. You tend reindeer, provide feed, search for animals that have wandered to neighboring herds.

You live as they live. Nothing is staged.

What this is – and what it isn't

Let's be honest from the start

There are many 'Sami experiences' out there. Most last a few hours. You get to feed a reindeer, eat a meal in a lavvo, hear a joik. Then you're back at the hotel.

That's not what we offer.

Here, you live in the mountains – in mountain cabins where the herders actually stay when they work. You're not a guest at a cultural show. You're part of the job.

That means:

Long days on snowmobile in arctic terrain
Early mornings and late evenings when the work demands it
Simple conditions – mountain cabin, not hotel
Real work with the herd, not posing for photographs

Who is this for?

People who want to understand, not just see. Who have time to be away for 1-2 weeks. Who can handle cold, simple conditions, and days without a plan – because the reindeer decide.

Ailo Siri – fourth-generation reindeer herder

Your host in the mountains

Ailo isn't hired as a guide. He is a reindeer herder. That's what he is, that's what his family has been for generations.

When you're with Ailo, you're part of his working life. Some days you herd the flock. Other days you drive to neighboring siidas to collect reindeer that have wandered. Some days you repair equipment or wait for the weather to turn.

It's not a program. It's a life.

Ailo shares his knowledge because he wants people to understand what reindeer herding actually is – not the romanticized version, but the reality. The challenges of climate change. The pressure on grazing land. Why this life is worth fighting for.

What you experience

A week – or two – in the herder's life

No two trips are the same. The work follows the seasons, the weather, and the reindeer's movements. But here's what you can expect:

Traditional Sami turf hut (gamme) with smoke rising from chimney on the Finnmark tundra

Daily work with the herd

The reindeer must be followed, counted, fed. You learn to read the terrain, understand animal behavior, and use the snowmobile in arctic landscape.

Searching for lost animals

Reindeer wander. Sometimes you find animals from your herd with the neighbor – and vice versa. Then you drive there and sort them.

Feeding in difficult periods

When ice covers the grazing ground, the herd must be fed. You're part of that.

Life at the mountain cabin

Evenings are quiet. Simple food. Conversations about reindeer herding, about life, about how climate is changing everything. Perhaps northern lights above the cabin.

Transport by snowmobile

All movement happens by snowmobile. You learn to drive in arctic terrain – safely, but with respect for the forces.

The seasons

November to May – each period is different

Finnmarksvidda tundra at blue hour with snowmobile tracks

November

Early winter. The dark period arrives. The herd is gathered before the harshest cold.

December - February

Polar night and arctic winter. Short days, long evenings, northern lights. The herd is kept together, fed when necessary.

March - April

The light returns. Longer days in the mountains. Calving season approaches.

May

A relaxing period with nice weather. The reindeer calves are born, and the days become long and bright.

We don't operate in summer. The reindeer are at summer pasture, and the herders take the rest they need.

Practical information

What you need to know

Duration

1-2 weeks. Shorter doesn't make sense – you need time to settle into the rhythm.

Number of guests

Maximum 4 people at a time. This is not mass tourism.

Accommodation

Mountain cabins that the herders use. Simple, but warm and safe. Not hotel standard – don't expect it to be.

Transport

Snowmobile for everything. You learn to drive yourself under guidance.

Food

Traditional food, often reindeer meat. Simple meals, but you won't go hungry.

Physical requirements

You don't need to be in top shape, but you must handle cold and long days. Let us know about limitations – we adapt where possible.

Equipment

We have arctic clothing available. You don't need to invest in expedition gear.

Aerial view of reindeer herd migrating across the Finnmark tundra

Why we do this

More than tourism

Income from these trips goes to one thing: strengthening reindeer herding culture and reindeer welfare in a time of climate change.

Grazing conditions are changing. Ice comes at the wrong time. Old patterns are breaking. Reindeer herding – one of the world's oldest ways of life – is under pressure.

By bringing you into this life, we do two things:

You understand what's at stake
Your payment contributes directly to keeping this culture alive

100% Sami-owned. 100% Sami-operated. 100% Sami-controlled.

This is not a non-Sami company selling Sami culture. This is reindeer herders opening the door to their own lives.

What this is NOT

To avoid misunderstandings

This is not 'stay with a Sami family'

The families live in the village. Children go to school. Women have their lives. You're with the men who work in the mountains. That's something completely different – and that's what we offer.

This is not 'Lapland'

We're in Finnmark, Norway – not Finland. Lapland is a Finnish marketing term. We don't use it.

This is not a photo safari

You don't come here to take pictures of 'authentic Sami in traditional dress'. You come to work, learn, and understand.

This is not a fixed program

Each trip adapts to season, weather conditions, and the herd's needs. We can't tell you exactly what you'll do on day 3 – because the reindeer decide.

Is this for you?

Honest questions before you contact us

?Do you have 1-2 weeks to spend on this?
?Can you handle cold, simple conditions, and unpredictability?
?Are you more interested in understanding than photographing?
?Can you accept that the program changes based on weather and the reindeer's needs?
?Do you want to contribute with work, not just observe?

If yes to all, get in touch for a non-committal chat with Ailo Siri.

If you hesitate on any points: this might not be right for you, and that's completely fine. We'd rather you find an experience that fits than come here and be disappointed.

Reindeer herd resting at dusk on the Finnmark tundra

Get in touch

Each trip is tailored

We don't list a fixed price because no trip is the same. Timing, duration, number of guests, and what the season brings – everything affects the arrangement.

Get in touch for a no-obligation conversation. We can discuss:

Which period suits you
What you can expect at that time
Whether this is actually for you

411 22 155

Or send a message – we'll respond shortly.

Your guide

Ole Nils Ailo Siri

Sami reindeer herder and lead guide

Growing up as a reindeer herder, hunting and fishing have been part of my life since I was a child — not a hobby, but a way of living. I grew up in Kautokeino, and the plateau has always been my map. Few know the Finnmark plateau the way a reindeer herder does: the seasons, the terrain, the wildlife, the waters. That is the knowledge I bring to every trip with my guests.

More tours

Explore our other guided arctic experiences across Finnmark and Troms.

Ptarmigan hunting on the Finnmark plateau — hunter with pointing bird dog in autumn colours

September – October

Ptarmigan Hunting in Finnmark

Guided willow ptarmigan hunting on the Finnmark plateau — full camp, bird-dog hunts, first into the terrain.

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Fly fishing for trout in a Finnmark plateau river — guide casting in pristine water

June – August

Wild Trout Fishing in Finnmark

Guided fly fishing for wild brown trout on the Finnmark plateau. Lodge base, daily trips, midnight sun.

Learn More

Arctic char fishing at a Troms mountain lake with tent camp — exclusive helicopter fly-out

July – August

Helicopter Fishing in Norway

Helicopter fly-out to remote mountain lakes in Troms. Arctic char fly fishing, midnight sun, tent camp.

Learn More

Questions we get

Do I need snowmobile experience?

No. You learn as you go. But you must be willing to learn.

What if I don't speak Norwegian?

Ailo speaks English. Communication is not a problem.

Can I come alone?

Yes. Many do.

Is it dangerous?

Arctic nature demands respect. You're never alone, and you get thorough training. But this is not a controlled tourist attraction – you're in real wilderness.

Can I bring children?

It depends on the child's age and maturity. Get in touch and we'll discuss.

What about the northern lights?

We're north of the Arctic Circle, right in the aurora belt. When the sky is clear and the sun is down, you see northern lights. But we don't chase them – they come when they come.

Ready for something real?

or call 411 22 155

Not sure if this is the right fit?

Take the quiz and get a personal recommendation.

Back to experiences

Let's be honest from the start

There are many 'Sami experiences' out there. Most last a few hours. You get to feed a reindeer, eat a meal in a lavvo, hear a joik. Then you're back at the hotel.

That's not what we offer.

Here, you live in the mountains – in mountain cabins where the herders actually stay when they work. You're not a guest at a cultural show. You're part of the job.