Sami Week in Tromsø

Sami is the name of the indigenous people of Sápmi, which refers to the Arctic regions of Scandinavia. The Sami Week in Tromsø is an annual festival held in connection to the Sami National Day on February 6th. The Sami Week program is a lively and interesting mix of various cultural happenings, such as exhibitions of Sami art and handcrafts, lectures, seminars and concerts.

During the weekend the Main Square is where it’s happening. Get a real taste of the Arctic at the Arctic Market where several Sami vendors sell traditional garments, handicraft and food. On Saturday the scene is set for the thrilling Norwegian Championship in Lasso Throwing. Sunday is the spectacular and very popular Norwegian Championship in Reindeer Racing . Reindeer sprinting through Tromsø City Center truly is a sight to behold! Bring out those big lenses and dial your shutter speed because the chances of great action shots are very high!

The Sami Week in Tromsø is a unique display of the fusion of modern city life and traditional Sami values, all wrapped up together in picturesque Tromsø¸ during a few intense winter days. We hope to see you there!

Due to the covid-19 pandemic we have to cancel the Sami Week in Tromsø. This includes the lasso throwing, Reindeer race and the Arctic Winter Marked that should take place 6th and 7th of February 2021. However, there are still some digital events going on, please follow the program for more information.

Sami week in Tromsø will be visually marked with lighting of Alfheim in Sami Colors throughout the week from 1st to 7th Februar. In addition, there will be lighting of the Cable Car station and the City Hall on the Sami National Day on 6th February.

Information related to the race

Overview

Program

Results

Pictures and Videos

About Tromsø

Where should I stay during my visit in Tromsø?

Visit Tromsø lists most of the hotels, Apartments, camping sites and other accomodation info HERE. Please note that even though almost all the hotels are located in the city centre, you should always check the location before booking. The hotels in the city centre are all within walking distance from the start- and finish-area of Midnight Sun Marathon, Polar Night Halfmarathon and the reindeer racing and lassothrowing during Samí Week.

How can I travel to Tromsø?

If you are travelling from outside Norway to Tromsø, you have to fly to Oslo and take a connecting flight to Tromsø. The flight time from Tromsø to Oslo is approximately 2 hours and there are several daily flights.

If you wish to travel by sea, the Coastal steamer Hurtigruten arrives in Tromsø daily, and travelling within the region you can board the express boats from Harstad and Finnsnes. There are also bus Connections from the surrounding cities, such as Narvik, Bardufoss and Alta. Se more info about travelling within Troms region at the regional traffic site, Tromskortet.

What should I do or see when visiting Tromsø?

Visit Tromsø has info on all activities, attractions, accomodation, restaurants/cafes and shopping. Visit their homepage HERE. You can also download their app, Tromsø Official City App, so you can access all the information while you are on the go!

Reindeer race

Where can I buy tickets to watch NC in reindeer racing?

You can buy tickets for the reindeer race at the Arctic market at Stortorget (main square) the day before the race. We also sell tickets at the arena on race day, but we advise you to purchase you tickets in advance to avoid queuing. You can pay by card, cash or by VIPPS (Norwegian app).

Ticket prices: Adults: NOK 200,-// Children (until 16 years): free

How fast can the reindeers sprint?

These reindeer are trained for this purpose, and can reach a top speed up to 60km/hour. Often it is such a close race between the two reindeers racing against each other, that we have to the use finish photo who takes 2000 pictures per second to find out who the winner is! The sprint distance in reindeer racing is 201 meters, and the official world record of 14,96 seconds is held by Anders Nils K. Eira from Karasjok.

About Sami week

Where can I find photos from Sami week?

We publish reminders about the different events at Sami week throughout the week on our Facebook-page. There we also publish photos from the NC in lassoing and reindeer racing, the days after the event took place. Follow our Facebook-page to get the latest updates:)

What can I find at the Samí market?

Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th of February we arrange a Samí market at the town square (Stortorget) in the middle of Tromsø city center. Experience Sami Food, reindeermeat, and sami arts and Crafts based on natural materials- traditional duodji. You can find woolen socks, mittens, traditional sami footwear, leather hats and so on. In the lavvu the local Sami school sell homemade duodji Products, as well as cake and coffee.

Can I participate in the programme at Samí week?

Samí week is open to everyone, and we try to create an offer for all agegroups. If you are curious about Samí culture and traditions, this is the perfect opportunity to learn more!