Indigenous people originating from Lapland, the Sami have been herding reindeer for millennia and are the only officially recognized indigenous people in Sweden. Their culture, deeply rooted in traditions, is expressed throughreindeer herding, crafts, traditional clothing and events such as the festival Jokkmokks Marknad, where we discover their cuisine and their captivating songs, the famous joïks.
During our stay in Swedish Lapland at Lev Naturanda, we had the chance to meet Borje, a Sámi reindeer herder, and learn more about his way of life.
If, like us, you dream of getting up close to these fascinating animals while discovering a rich and little-known culture, this article is for you!
Where to see reindeer in Sweden? Head to Vildmarkscamp Malå
No need to travel all the way to the far north of the country to meet reindeer herders! Börje and its camp are located in the municipality of Mala, in the county of Västerbotten, at about 3 hours west of Umeå and 2 hours from Skellefteå.
The journey is well worth the detour: even if some roads can be bumpy, the magnificent landscapes of the Lappish countryside more than compensate for the bumps of the journey.
Meeting with a Sámi reindeer herder
When we arrived there, we found ourselves in the heart of nature, far from the tourist hustle and bustle. Here, there were no mass visits: only another family and our hosts shared the experience with us, making the exchange even more authentic.
Börje welcomed us warmly and took the time to tell us about the history of his people. He explained to us how thereindeer herding is passed down from generation to generation and how the Sami today continue to adapt their way of life in the face of contemporary challenges.
We discovered the harshness of their daily lives, between the extreme climatic conditions (The cold is obviously not a problem, but the ice is. It has been particularly present this winter, where temperatures have continued to play a roller coaster.) which complicate the search for food for the reindeer and the presence of predators like bears. Börje also told us about the difficulties related to government decisions which impact their profession, an often overlooked aspect of Sámi culture.
Even before meeting the reindeer, we were already captivated by this sincere and exciting exchange, which allowed us to better understand the importance of these animals for the Sami.
Approaching reindeer in Swedish Lapland
After this moment of sharing, we headed to the enclosure to meet the reindeer! Contrary to what we thought, these animals are not domesticated and do not live in captivity. They roam freely vast territories and simply return to the breeders to feed themselves.
Before entering, Börje explained to us how approach the reindeer and gave us some moss to offer them. It was a magical moment: some approached slowly, willingly accepting our offering, while others, more timid, preferred to keep their distance.
We were struck by their calm and their delicacyUnlike other animals that can be pushy about food, reindeer beg with an almost polite gentleness. They are completely free to leave if they wish, which further reassured us thatethics of this experience.
A moment out of time, which we are not likely to forget.
More than just a meeting with the reindeer
If you want to experience this unique experience, go to the website of Vildmarkscamp Malå to book your visit.
In addition to the reindeer activity, the camp offers other experiences such as a traditional lunch, of the fishing trips and various outdoor games.
So, ready to meet the reindeer in Lapland and to learn more about the Sami today ?
And to follow all our adventures, go to Instagram !
