Reindeer meet snowshoes for a day. What makes this tour fun is the mix of calm reindeer feeding and real outdoor time, then a cozy break with lunch inside a traditional gamme. You get a simple, beginner-friendly winter plan, with hot drinks and cookies to keep things comfortable.

One thing to plan around: the tour includes snowshoes and poles, but shoes and other winter clothing aren’t included, so you’ll want to arrive properly dressed.

Key highlights at a glance

• Reindeer feeding time with the chance to hand-feed the herd
• Beginner-friendly snowshoeing for about 1 to 1.5 hours
• Lunch in a gamme with hot drinks and cookies after being outside
• Diet-friendly meal options including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices
• Transportation included by bus from Tromsø’s bus terminal
• Small group size with a maximum of 25 people

Tromsø’s reindeer + snowshoe combo that stays hands-on

Tromsø winter can feel big and wild. This tour keeps it personal. You’re not just watching wildlife from afar—you get time to meet a herd of reindeer and feed them, then you’re out on snowshoes in the Norwegian winter for a chunk of actual movement.

The best part of the format is the pacing. You’re outside, then you warm up. Then you’re outside again. That rhythm matters because cold weather tours can turn stressful fast if you stay out too long without breaks. Here, the tour builds in warmth with hot drinks, cookies, and a full meal.

Also, this is guided in a way that’s meant for newcomers. The tour is described as beginner friendly, with a minimum age of 8, and it’s aimed at people with at least a moderate fitness level. In other words, you don’t need to be a winter athlete, but you do need to be comfortable walking in snow.

A small detail from feedback that you should take seriously: the guide experience can make the whole day. People highlighted a guide named Rafa as friendly and attentive, and that lines up with what matters most during animal and snowshoe time—clear guidance and someone keeping an eye on the group.

Getting there by bus: the schedule is built for your day

This tour runs from Dec 1 to Mar 31, so it’s a winter-only plan. There are two departures, and knowing the timing helps you slot it into your Tromsø itinerary.

Morning tour:

• Pick-up at 9:40
• Return around 14:00 to 14:15

Afternoon tour:

• Pick-up at 12:40
• Return around 17:00 to 17:15

The total duration is about 4 hours 15 minutes, and you’re brought to the camp in an air-conditioned vehicle. You’ll also start and end back at the Bus Terminal in Tromsø, which makes planning easier because you’re not stuck figuring out remote drop-offs.

If you like a clean day plan (sleep in a bit, eat later, or fit it around other winter activities), this start-and-finish format is a practical win. You can also consider last-minute booking since it’s available subject to availability.

Reindeer farm time: feeding the herd at a calm, controlled pace

The first part of your day is a reindeer farm stop at Tromsø. This is where the tour earns its ticket price in a very direct way: you meet a herd of reindeer and get a chance to feed them.

What I like about this is how it turns an animal experience into something interactive, not just observational. Feeding time usually means you’re close, you’re guided on what to do, and you get to see the herd’s behavior up close. That hands-on element tends to be the most memorable part of winter animal tours.

There’s also an implied advantage in how the day is structured: the animal portion comes before the snowshoeing. You’re not cold and tired yet, so it’s easier to focus and enjoy it. And if you’re traveling with kids (age 8+), this order can help because they’re likely to be more engaged when the day starts with something simple and exciting.

Snowshoeing for 1 to 1.5 hours: easy pace, real winter effort

After the farm stop, you switch to snowshoeing. You’ll get snowshoes and poles included, and the tour is described as beginner friendly. That matters because snowshoeing has a learning curve, and having the right gear from the start makes it much easier to get moving.

The snowshoe portion lasts about 1 to 1.5 hours. That’s long enough to feel like an outdoor experience, but not so long that it becomes punishment in cold weather. You’ll be walking in snowy terrain, though, so you should have at least moderate physical fitness. This isn’t a flat indoor stroll.

Here’s how I’d think about it if you’re deciding whether you’ll enjoy it:

• If you like gentle challenges and want a guided winter walk, it’s a good fit.
• If you dislike cold movement or walking on uneven snow, you might find it more uncomfortable than fun.

Since the tour provides equipment but not clothing, the biggest variable you control is your comfort. Even a beginner-friendly snowshoe route can feel rough if you don’t have proper winter boots and layers. You’ll also be better off if you wear gloves and something warm for your head and neck, because Tromsø air can bite.

From the small amount of feedback available, people liked that the snowshoeing felt not too demanding, and that the guide (again, Rafa was mentioned) helped keep things smooth and enjoyable. In practice, that usually means clear instructions, pacing the group, and checking that people stay balanced and confident.

Lunch in a gamme: warm food, warm shelter, and dietary options

This is one of those tours where the warm meal isn’t an afterthought. Lunch is served in a traditional gamme, which is a traditional structure used in Sami culture. In winter, it’s a huge practical advantage: it gives you real shelter after time outside.

Your lunch is traditional reindeer stew. If you don’t eat meat, or if you have dietary limits, that’s covered too. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available, which is more useful than many people realize until they’re actually hungry and cold.

You’ll also have hot drinks available—coffee, tea, and hot chocolate—and you’ll get cookies. That’s the kind of detail that keeps the day comfortable. When you’re active outdoors in winter, sugar and warm drinks can make a difference in how you feel the rest of the afternoon.

A note from feedback worth paying attention to: the reindeer stew was described as good, and the overall meal in the gamme helped turn the outing into something more than just a short excursion. It also makes the tour feel complete, because you’re not scrambling to find food afterward.

What’s included in the price, and why it can be good value

The price is $152.16 per person, which isn’t cheap. But it’s not just a “go stand somewhere” experience either. You’re getting a bundle of essentials:

• Snowshoes and poles included
• Transportation included by bus to and from the camp
• Lunch included (reindeer stew plus vegetarian/vegan/gluten-free options)
• Hot drinks and cookies included
• A guided experience with a small cap of 25 travelers

When a tour includes gear and transport, that often reduces hidden costs. If you had to rent snow gear on your own and handle transport separately, the total can rise fast in Tromsø winter. The meal also adds real value: winter activities make hunger hit hard, and having food included means you don’t have to find the right timing for restaurants.

Another value point is the structure. The tour gives you a set block of time and a clear return window. That planning convenience is worth something when you’re juggling aurora schedules, day trips, or other Tromsø stops.

Who this tour suits best in Tromsø winter

This is a strong option if you want:

• A guided winter activity that’s beginner friendly
• A mix of animal time + outdoor time + warm shelter
• A meal that’s included and diet-aware
• A predictable, bus-based schedule starting and ending at the bus terminal

It also fits families in a specific age range. The minimum age is 8 years, so it’s not designed for toddlers, but it can work well for kids old enough to follow instructions and walk outdoors for a short session.

Who might want to think twice? If you’re very sensitive to cold or you don’t have proper winter clothing, the snowshoe portion can feel harder than it sounds on paper. The tour requires moderate physical fitness, so if mobility is limited, it’s worth evaluating your comfort with outdoor walking in snow.

Should you book Tromsø reindeer feeding and snowshoeing with lunch?

I’d book this if you want a compact Tromsø winter experience with a clear payoff: reindeer interaction, a guided snowshoe walk, and a warm meal in a gamme. The included equipment and transport help with budget and convenience, and the dietary options make it easier to travel with different eating needs.

I’d skip or research carefully if you don’t have winter clothing sorted yet, since shoes and winter gear aren’t provided. Also, if you’re hoping for a super-long snow day or an intense fitness workout, the 1 to 1.5 hour snowshoe segment may feel short.

Overall, for the time you spend and what’s included, this is a practical, friendly winter tour that hits the Tromsø basics without overcomplicating your day.

FAQ

How long is the Tromsø reindeer feeding and snowshoeing tour?

It’s about 4 hours and 15 minutes.

What are the pick-up and return times?

For the morning tour, pick-up is at 9:40 and return is around 14:00 to 14:15. For the afternoon tour, pick-up is at 12:40 and return is around 17:00 to 17:15.

What’s included in the tour price?

Included are snowshoes and poles, lunch (traditional reindeer stew), hot drinks, cookies, and travel to the camp by bus.

Are vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options available?

Yes. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available for the lunch.

Do I need to bring winter clothing?

Yes. Shoes and other winter clothing are not included, so you’ll want to come prepared for cold outdoor walking.

What happens if the tour is canceled due to weather?

The tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.