For travellers seeking an experience far beyond the standard getaway, a unique opportunity to live alongside the indigenous Sami people and participate in their ancient reindeer herding traditions is now available in West Sweden. This immersive cultural holiday, offered for the 2025/26 season, promises an authentic insight into a way of life intricately connected to the Arctic landscape.
Living with the Last Indigenous People of Europe
The Sami, recognised as Europe's only indigenous population, have inhabited the northern reaches of Scandinavia for millennia. Their culture, language, and entire societal structure are deeply woven around the reindeer. This holiday, hosted by the Johansson family on their ancestral lands near Idre in Swedish Lapland, invites guests not as spectators but as temporary members of the community. The experience is facilitated by tour operator Off the Map Travel, which specialises in authentic Arctic adventures.
Participants will stay in a traditional wooden cabin or a cosy wilderness lodge, stepping directly into the daily rhythm of a Sami herding family. The focus is on hands-on learning and genuine cultural exchange, moving past mere observation to meaningful participation.
The Hands-On Herding Experience
The core of the holiday involves practical work with the herd, which can number up to 8,000 animals. Under the guidance of experienced herders, guests will learn essential skills that have been passed down through generations. Activities are dictated by the season and the needs of the reindeer, offering a true taste of the herder's year-round responsibility.
Key tasks guests may assist with include feeding the reindeer, an essential duty during the harsh winter months. The holiday also involves the crucial practice of ear-marking the new calves in spring, a traditional identification method where unique cuts in a reindeer's ear denote its ownership. Furthermore, participants will learn the art of lassoing (lassoing), a skill vital for managing and handling the animals. The experience is rounded out by the chance to drive a snowmobile or dog sled across the pristine, snowy terrain while following the herd.
Cultural Depths and Culinary Traditions
Beyond the physical work with the reindeer, the holiday delves into the rich tapestry of Sami culture. Guests will have the opportunity to gather around the fire inside a lavvu (a traditional Sami tent) and listen to joik – the unique, evocative form of Sami song that often expresses a person, place, or animal. This is a profound cultural expression, offering a window into the Sami worldview.
The culinary aspect of the culture is also explored. Guests will sample traditional Sami food, which may include dishes featuring smoked reindeer meat, a staple of the local diet. This holistic approach ensures visitors gain a respectful and comprehensive understanding of Sami life, from practical survival skills to spiritual and artistic expression.
Practical Details and Ethical Tourism
The reindeer herding holiday is available for the 2025/26 winter and spring seasons. A typical stay lasts for four days and three nights. The package is all-inclusive, covering accommodation, all meals, activities, and the invaluable guidance of the Sami hosts. It represents a significant investment in a transformative travel experience, with prices starting from approximately £1,500 per person.
This initiative stands as a leading example of ethical and sustainable indigenous tourism. It is designed and operated by the Sami community themselves, ensuring that the benefits – both economic and cultural – flow directly to them. It provides a sustainable income stream that supports the preservation of their traditional lifestyle while offering a platform for cultural education and exchange on their own terms. For the responsible traveller, it is a chance to contribute positively while embarking on an unforgettable Arctic adventure.
This holiday is more than a trip; it is an invitation to temporarily share in the life of Europe's last indigenous people, gaining a deep appreciation for their resilience, knowledge, and enduring bond with the reindeer and the land.
