Davvi Siida - Sami Culture

Booking information
The excursions on this page may be booked as part of Hurtigruten voyages. We also offer similar excursions that can be booked through our contact form.

Explore genuine Sami culture and history.

You will meet the Utsi family in their traditional Sami attire, and be invited to their lavvu (Sami tent). Here the crackling fire, steaming broth and joik (sami traditional chanting) provide a magical setting for listening to their stories of Sami culture and way of life.

After the lavvu session, we go outside to see the reindeer. The Utsis teach you about reindeer herding, and you can try your hand at lasso throwing!

Sami culture and reindeer herding

In the month of April, the Sami herders drive their reindeer from the inland to the coast, where they have their summer grazing grounds. The calves are born in May, and while they are very young the herds tend to stay away from roads and populated areas. But the Nordkyn reindeer population reaches 5000 in the summer, and during this time they roam in small herds all over the peninsula - often visible from the roads. In September/October, the Sami round up the herds and start the trek toward winter grazing close to the Finnish border, a trip of about 200km (130 miles).