Review: Lapland Sami Experience – A Day on the Trail

Visiting Lapland has been, very simply, a dream I’ve cherished for a rather long time, you know? It’s almost like stepping into a postcard with snow-dusted forests, the Northern Lights painting the night sky, and this really unique culture of the Sami people. That said, I finally got the opportunity to spend a day on a trail designed to introduce visitors to Sami traditions, and I thought I should share my experiences, I mean, hopefully this account will offer, well, a bit of useful insight if you are thinking of, perhaps, taking a similar trip!

Getting Acquainted with Sami Culture

So, the Sami, also known as the Sámi, are this indigenous group who inhabit Sápmi, which spans areas of Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia. They have had a culture that’s so intertwined with the Arctic environment for thousands of years. When you are on the trail, that part of the story really begins to open up. We, sort of, heard about their history, their traditional livelihoods like reindeer herding, fishing, and handicrafts, from our guide. This, that part, added such depth to the whole visit. Like, I always had this sort of superficial picture of “Lapland,” but it became immediately obvious to me that the Sami were a really important and living piece of that landscape, almost. It’s one thing to read about a people, it’s very another to, you know, spend a day sort of in their world.

Reindeer Herding and Sledding

You could say, for lots of folks, me included, the prospect of interacting with reindeer is just one big highlight when visiting Lapland. That said, a central part of the Sami culture sort of involves reindeer herding, and a lot of tours include, basically, opportunities to get very up close and personal with these animals. Our day, as it turns out, did involve feeding the reindeer, which, to be honest, was very delightful. Those furry creatures are so gentle! And you do get to hear the stories about the significance of reindeer for the Sami lifestyle; from transportation to clothing to food. It’s almost hard to overestimate how central reindeer were, and frankly still are, to life for the Sami. Oh! The other best bit? A sled ride pulled by reindeer through the snowy forests. A truly magical experience and all that, yet the understanding and appreciation of their crucial role in the Sami community kind of, well, gave the ride that something else.

Traditional Sami Crafts and Arts

Oh! One aspect of the trail which really struck me was the emphasis put on traditional Sami handicrafts. These crafts, well, aren’t just simple things people make and sell. It’s very obvious, in a way, that they tell stories and represent the region’s soul and this cultural legacy. We, very briefly, saw demonstrations of traditional crafts like Duodji – Sami handicrafts using materials from nature, such as wood, reindeer antler, and leather, you know? Very talented people create all sorts of useful and also, sometimes, decorative objects, like, knives and jewelry to clothing. I had the chance to try my hand at some basic techniques. I failed, by the way. It really gave me a deeper level of respect for the artists and, too it’s almost like, artisans keeping these, you know, old skills alive.

Sami Food and Storytelling

Basically, no cultural experience is completely the same without a, just a little, taste of the local cuisine. As it turns out, we were lucky to sample some traditional Sami fare, which really focuses on simple ingredients but big, heartwarming, flavors. The, I mean, traditional foods feature reindeer meat (which is really something that most people should try), fish, and berries. It’s often cooked over an open fire. Like the main event, for us anyway, was, for example, hearing Sami stories shared around the fire while eating. In some respects, these stories really added to what you are experiencing by teaching you so much more about Sami values, beliefs, and their historical dealings with the environment.

Practical Tips for your Sami Trail Day

Arguably, to get the maximum enjoyment from a day touring the Sami Trail, keep these pointers in mind. Firstly, as it turns out, you should dress in layers, you know? Arctic temperatures can, actually, fluctuate wildly, so it’s, may be, a better plan to prepare for both extreme cold and slightly milder temperatures, actually. Secondly, it seems like showing respect for the Sami culture, yet very actively taking an interest and engaging respectfully, really can go a long way. So, ask all those questions. Listen carefully. Value those, very unique, viewpoints that people will share with you. That seems fair, don’t you think? Thirdly, seemingly, don’t be afraid to try new experiences, but, well, maybe stay away from anything illegal. Participate as much as possible in those activities that are on offer. And that also includes trying new food! Oh, I almost forgot to mention… take your camera to take some pictures of Lapland!