Meet the reindeer and the people who care for them. An authentic Sámi experience in Sweden offers a personal introduction to a culture closely connected to the land, the seasons and everyday life in the north. At Go To Sápmi, we welcome you into our world in northern Sweden, where caring for the animals is part of our daily routine.
We are Anna and Jon-Anders. Together, we organise small-scale trips and experiences in Sápmi. Jon-Anders is Sámi and a reindeer herder. Through sharing stories and answering your questions, he introduces you to his work, his family background and his way of life.
The Sámi people and their homeland
The Sámi are the Indigenous people of Sápmi, a homeland extending across parts of Norway, Sweden, Finland and Russia. Their connections across this land go back further than the borders between these countries.
You may have come across the name Swedish Lapland while planning your trip. We prefer to use Sápmi when talking about the Sámi homeland, because it recognises the people and culture connected to it.
The landscape varies enormously, from mountains and inland waters to pine forests and the coast around Luleå. A journey here gives you the opportunity to discover how people live and work within these different environments.
What makes a Sámi experience authentic?
For us, authenticity starts with the person telling the story. On a Sámi-led experience, Sámi people choose which parts of their heritage, customs and daily lives they want to share.
Sámi culture is diverse. Reindeer herding is an important part of that heritage, but only a minority of Sámi work with reindeer. Sámi people also work in many other professions, and their culture continues through language, family life, art and contemporary society.
At Go To Sápmi, you get to know Jon-Anders and his own experience of Sámi life. What does herding reindeer involve? What knowledge has he learned from others? What changes when the weather turns? These conversations create a more personal understanding of the place you are visiting.
Meeting reindeer in northern Sweden
Seeing reindeer close up is a memorable part of many winter trips. Yet there is much more to these animals than a photograph in a snowy field. Each has its own behaviour: some are curious, while others prefer to keep their distance.
During our reindeer experience, Jon-Anders explains how he cares for the animals and how the work changes throughout the year. You can ask questions and observe the herd at a gentle pace. For children, it can be an engaging introduction to animals they may only have seen in pictures.
That close bond comes with responsibility. We give the reindeer space and follow their pace. Always listen to your guide and let the animals decide how close they want to come.
Reindeer herding through the seasons
Reindeer herding depends on detailed knowledge of nature. Different grazing areas provide food at different times of year, while snow, ice and changing weather influence where the herd can travel and feed.
The traditional Sámi calendar recognises eight seasons. These reflect changes such as calving, grazing and seasonal movements, alongside the work of the herders. The timing and migration routes vary between areas and herding communities.
Climate change adds further challenges. Less predictable weather and ice forming within or over the snow can make it harder for reindeer to reach their food. Knowledge passed between generations remains essential, alongside modern equipment and the ability to adapt.
For a visitor, snow-covered trees may simply look beautiful. For a reindeer herder, the same forest raises practical questions about grazing conditions and the animals’ needs.
Language and Sámi traditions
Language carries knowledge, memories and ways of describing the world. There are several Sámi languages, including North Sámi, Lule Sámi and South Sámi. Not every Sámi person speaks a Sámi language, and some are reclaiming a language their family lost.
There is no single Sámi way of life shared by everyone. Traditions and customs differ between families and regions. Listening to an individual’s stories helps you understand those differences while recognising the deep connection many people feel to their heritage.
Sámi handicrafts and traditional clothing
Sámi handicrafts, known as duodji, bring together practical skills, material knowledge and artistic expression. Objects made from wood, leather or antler can reflect both everyday needs and the maker’s own style.
Traditional clothing is also personal. Often called kolt in Swedish, its appearance varies across Sápmi. Clothing, jewellery, hats and other accessories can express regional connections and identity. Many people wear this clothing with pride at celebrations and special occasions.
Joik is a traditional form of Sámi vocal expression. Often described as singing, it can evoke a person, an animal or a place. Alongside crafts and language, it is one of the many ways cultural knowledge and connections continue.
Understanding Sámi history
Learning about Sámi culture also means recognising its history. Sámi communities have experienced discrimination, forced displacement and policies that damaged their languages and ways of life.
This history helps explain why protecting language, land and cultural knowledge matters today. A respectful visit allows space for these stories alongside the experiences that first drew you to the north.
Traditional dishes and Sámi food
Food offers another introduction to Sámi culture. Reindeer meat is an important ingredient in many traditional dishes. Suovas, smoked reindeer meat, is one well-known example. Fish such as Arctic char and whitefish also feature in regional food traditions, reflecting connections to lakes, rivers and fishing.
Many cultural experiences bring people together around an open fire, with warm food and time for conversation. The dishes served depend on the host, the season and the programme. If you need vegetarian options or have allergies, tell us before your trip so we can check what can be arranged.
A winter trip with Go To Sápmi
A reindeer experience fits naturally into a winter stay around Luleå. You can stay at Brändön Lodge, on a peninsula surrounded by forest and sea, and combine your visit with other guided tours.
Spend a day ice fishing, explore the snow on snowshoes or join a dog sled adventure. Evening tours offer another way to experience the landscape, with the chance to look for the northern lights when conditions allow.
We help you plan a trip that suits your interests and pace. Whether you are travelling as a couple, with friends or as a family, there is time for activities and quiet moments outdoors.
Discover our life in Sápmi
If you would like to learn more about reindeer and Sámi culture, we would love to welcome you. Our experiences are small-scale, with personal attention and room for questions.
Contact Go To Sápmi to plan an authentic Sámi experience in Sweden or a tailor-made journey through the north.
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