Reindeer husbandry
Illustration Anders Sunesson

Sami culture & reindeer herding

Gold of Lapland is part of Sápmi, the land area on which the indigenous Sami people have lived and worked for thousands of years. This means that we live in the same mountains, forests and landscapes where several Sami villages conduct reindeer husbandry. Reindeer are sensitive to disturbance from other land users and predators, so it is important that you as a guest know how to best behave when you encounter them.

Sápmi extends over large parts of Norway, Sweden, Finland and Russia. It is extra sensitive when spring grazing and calving land are exposed to disturbances. Other occasions are when the reindeer are driven in herds to the reindeer enclosure for calf marking or separation. If the reindeer are frightened, the whole herd can turn around and several days' work can be in vain. Even when resting and grazing during movements, the reindeer need to be allowed to remain undisturbed. If you see reindeer, it is very important not to disturb them by approaching them to take pictures - sit down and enjoy the experience instead!

Learn more about reindeer husbandry and the the Sami culture here or see the movie about one year with Malå forest sameby.