Miessemánnu - Reindeer calf month

Be our guest among a precious reindeer herd. Receive first-hand information by your host who tells you about reindeer husbandry as a lifestyle based on traditional Sámi knowledge. Round off your visit by savouring a traditional Sámi meal in a lávvu tent whilst sitting around a crackling open fire to get a real taste of Sápmi.

A host fron Nutti Sámi Siida will meet you at Icehotel for transfer by minibus, towards Silkkimuotka and the Geasasjohka reindeer corrals (approx 1.5 hour one-way). Upon arrival to the forest in the middle of Sápmi, the reindeer welcomes you. You will learn about the reindeer, reindeer husbandry and its challenges, for example climate change.

The month of May is called miessemánnu in North Sámi language and means month of the reindeer calf. And this is usually the season when calving starts, continuing into June. If weather and other conditions allow you will have the chance to see new-born reindeer calves taking their first steps. These reindeer will be released to the mountains when the calves have grown a bit and are strong enough to embark on the long migration journey.

The calving season is one highlight within reindeer husbandry and of vital importance. Herders monitor the herds to safeguard them from disturbances. And that is why such a visit must be done with caution and respect.

After meeting the reindeers, you will be invited into a lávvu, i.e. a traditional Sámi tent, where you take a seat on reindeer skins around a sparkling and warming fire whilst talking and learning more about the indigenous Sámi people’s culture, history, and modern way of life. You will be served the Sámi signature dish suovas, which is smoked reindeer meat, fried over the open flames and served on gáhkku bread with a dash of lingonberry jam. It is eaten like a wrap and tastes best with fresh boiled coffee sipped from a guksi, a drinking cup carved from birch burl.

The bright hours of the midnight sun are approaching and will provide a wonderful setting for your visit to the Geasasjohka reindeer corrals and for your transfer back to Jukkasjärvi. ICEHOTEL only work with companies with ethical treatment of animals.

Booking Information

For all our tours that include food we need to know your diet restrictions or food allergies. Please fill in this information in the booking flow.

At the activity day, we gather at Meeting point 15 minutes before start time, equipped and ready. Please note that you as a guest are personally responsible to wear clothes accordingly to weather. Read more important information down below.

Practical information about our tours

ICEHOTEL only work with companies with ethical treatment of animals.