Updated November 2025
Almost a year later, I still can’t get over this experience! I close my eyes and can vividly see the bright blue authentic luhkka (cape), the reindeer fur shoes (nutukas), and her white hat made of baby goat skin — walking alongside a reindeer in a stunning white winter landscape, sharing stories about her Sámi culture… A dream come true!
If you’re planning a trip to Lapland, you can’t miss an authentic Sámi Cultural Experience. Whether you’re deciding between Swedish Lapland or northern Finland, let me tell you why Luleå, Sweden, should be at the top of your list.
This charming Arctic town offers one of the most genuine and unforgettable ways to connect with Sámi culture, thanks to Marita and her family-run experience, Dálvvás. Unlike staged tours or commercialized “Sámi safaris and “Shaman ceremonies” (and trust me, I’ve seen them all!), THIS EXPERIENCE IS THE REAL DEAL and can guarantee you’ll never forget!
Here’s a detailed account of my unforgettable adventure with Dálvvás through the Luleå: Sámi Culture & Reindeer Winter Experience
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EXPERIENCE:
- Meet and walk with Marita, a Sámi person, alongside her reindeer.
- Listen to Sami stories in a traditional Sámi tent, the lavvo
- Learn the technique to catch a reindeer with a lasso
- Feed the reindeer (Never gets old)
- Try Sámi snacks like flatbread, dried reindeer meat, and cloudberry jam
Practical Information for Your Sámi Experience with Dálvvás in Luleå
- Available: Daily, December–March
- Time: Starts at 10:00 AM (Approx. 2 hours)
- Price:
- Adults: 1995 SEK (180€)
- Children (3–12): 995 SEK (€91)
- Group Size: Minimum 2 adults, maximum 12 people
- Location: Arcusvägen 110, Luleå, Swedish Lapland (Next to First Camp)
- 10 min by car
- You can get there by public transport
Snacks Included: Smoked and dried reindeer meat, Sami flatbread, cloudberry jam, lingonberry juice, coffee, and tea
A DECADE IN LAPLAND AND NOTHING LIKE THIS!
Let me be honest. I’ve lived in Finland for over 10 years. I’ve done countless tours in Finnish Lapland and this is NOT one of those “tourist trap” experiences where someone throws on Sámi clothes and talks about “Sámi life”, “Life in Lapland” and make generic “spiritual ceremonies”, tell “shaman stories” or reindeer safaris with guides dressed up in costumes to “look Sámi.” Trust me, I’ve been there before, and I know how disappointing those can be.
With Dálvvás, you get the real deal. Marita Sikku, the owner, is a Sámi person* herself. Her stories, clothing, and lifestyle are not for show—they’re part of her culture and identity. That authenticity shines through, making this the most beautiful Lapland experience I’ve had so far!
Now, let me share the details of my Sámi cultural experience in Luleå, Swedish Lapland, with Marita at Dálvvás.
If you can’t wait, check my full videos on TikTok: Sámi Culture Experience: Part 1 & Part 2
* The Sámi people, also spelled Sami, are the Indigenous people of Sápmi, spanning northern Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia. Known for their traditions like reindeer herding, handicrafts (duodji), and joik singing, they maintain a strong connection to their ancestral lands. Despite historical challenges, the Sámi continue to preserve their language, culture, and identity.
THE SÁMI CULTURE EXPERIENCE:
Walking With a Reindeer Across a Frozen Lake
During our tour, Päri—the reindeer—was the lucky one to join us. We visited on January 11, 2025, and the day was nothing short of magical.
The sun was shining brightly (which also meant it was freezing cold at -23°C), and the trees were beautifully frosted from the cold weather in the prior days—a rare winter phenomenon that creates a fairytale-like landscape. While tourists often hope for snow-covered trees, I can tell you that frosted trees with sunlight are equally breathtaking, if not more so.
Marita welcomed us warmly and handed us bags of lichen (in other places they only give you a bunch of lichen) to feed the reindeer. Soon after, she caught Päri and we began our walk across a frozen lake.
In a cheesy way: a dream come true! After living so many years in Finland and seeing pictures of Sámi people, this felt surreal. My eyes couldn’t believe the beauty of the moment I was experiencing—a bright blue authentic luhkka (cape), reindeer fur shoes (nutukas), and her white hat made of baby goat skin—walking alongside a reindeer in a stunning white winter landscape telling you stories about her culture…! It was like stepping out of a post card, SO MAGICAL!
Stories, Snacks, and Joik in a Sámi Tent-Lavvo
The part I hear the tourists complaining the most? The trap to kill time with hot berry juice, cookies, firebun in a tent to get warm! Not this time!
After the walk, we gathered inside a lavvo, a traditional Sami tent, to warm up. But this wasn’t just about escaping the cold—it was a deep dive into Sámi culture.
Marita shared fascinating stories about her childhood summers, and personal stories even the meaning behind the lavvo’s structure, and the importance of every detail, like how the firewood is arranged and its meaning, She also showed us her handmade reindeer-skin coffee bag and explained the practicality and traditions behind Sámi clothing like her shoes that actually belong to her grandma and are over 50 years old and during the summer she keeps in the freezer and her beautiful wooden “kuksa” wooden cup made by Sámi friend!.
We also enjoyed authentic Sámi snacks, including handmade flatbread, dried reindeer meat, cloudberry jam, and coffee! Funny fact! She used the palm of her hand to count the spoons to prepare the coffee. Then, the highlight of the lavvo experience: Marita sang (joik) for us!
Her joik—a song she used to sing to her son—was deeply personal and emotional. Hearing it inside the lavvo felt sacred, like a glimpse into her soul and the Sámi way of life.
Omg! How much I enjoyed this!
Learning to Catch a Reindeer With a Lasso (Suohpan)
Just when I thought it couldn’t get better, it did. Marita taught us how to use a lasso, or suohpan, to catch a reindeer.
While we didn’t practice on live reindeer, we aimed for antlers. No worries if you catch it or miss it the first time. She said: the first one doesn’t count, so in case you have fail. Marita’s encouragement will make the activity fun and exciting and if you got it on your first try, you must prove it was not beginner’s luck!
This hands-on moment gave me an even greater appreciation for Sami herders and their incredible skills and strength.
Marita, Dálvvás, and Lapland: A Journey Straight to the Heart
This is how our experience with Dálvvás came to an end! It was definitely THE BEST EXPERIENCE I HAVE HAD SO FAR IN LAPLAND, and it’s one I will cherish forever in my heart!
I can’t recommend enough visiting Luleå and meeting Marita—she will steal your heart and, most likely, make you want to come back to Swedish Lapland again!
Tips for Your Trip Lapland
- Dress warmly—temperatures can drop below -20°C!
- Book activities in advance, as winter is the peak season.
- Stay open to new adventures—Lapland offers endless magic and huge amount of unique winter activities.
Ready to book your Sámi culture & reindeer walk in Luleå?
Reserve your spot with Dálvvás now and and create memories that will last forever!
