Discover Sweden's traditional Sámi culture and way of life

At one with nature, the Sámi people inhabit parts of Sweden, Norway, Finland and Russia – a borderless area known as Sápmi, the land of the Sámi. In the Swedish community, many Sámi live in Swedish Lapland – a vast landscape stretching from Sorsele and Skellefteå in Västerbotten province all the way to the country’s northernmost tip. However, Sámi enclaves also exist further south, in Dalarna county. For thousands of years, the Sámi have cared for these pristine, seemingly untouched areas with deep respect. Their connection to the land is so profound that they have divided the year into eight distinct seasons, naming every mountain, stream and valley around them.

Today, many Sámi people live "modern" lives while staying true to their cultural heritage and traditions. Reindeer herding remains both a way of life and a vital source of income for many, with around 5,000 reindeer owners, counting even those with just a single animal. The Sámi also hold one of Europe's oldest musical traditions: the 'Joik'. These unique, powerful songs often "call" a mountain, a wild animal, or a person, expressing emotions ranging from joy to sorrow.

Sami handicrafts – known as ‘Duodji’ – are an important part of their cultural identity. Crafted from natural and surplus materials such as wood, bark, and every part of the reindeer – including the hide, antlers, and bones – Sámi artisans waste nothing. They were living sustainably long before the concept of eco-friendliness became a global trend.

In Swedish Sápmi, you can experience Sámi culture in an authentic and educational way, thanks to around 40 small-scale businesses, many led by entrepreneurial Sámi women. These businesses often combine reindeer herding with visitor experiences, giving you the opportunity to explore this remarkable lifestyle through culture, food, and outdoor activities – sometimes with curious, friendly reindeer joining in.

Swedish Sámi experiences – from reindeer feeding to guided hikes

The range of adventures awaiting you across Sápmi is as diverse as the destinations themselves. To ensure sustainable and responsible travel, look for the ‘Sápmi Experience’ seal of quality.

Jukkasjärvi, near Kiruna – home to Sweden’s famous Icehotel – is a hub for Sámi experiences. Just a short walk from the hotel, you'll find Nutti Sámi Siida, a leading organiser of activities year-round. In spring, you can join a reindeer herder to witness new-born calves taking their first steps. Your guide will provide fascinating insights into traditional reindeer husbandry, while you refuel with a Sámi meal served inside a 'lávvu' (a tent similar to a tepee). In winter, the magic of the Northern Lights awaits, accompanied by atmospheric Sámi folktales – storytelling being a cherished part of their heritage. Accommodation is available at Reindeer Lodge, situated right next to Nutti Sámi Siida's reindeer herd, which you might even get to help feed in the morning.

Another great option is Geunja Sámi Eco Lodge, beautifully secluded in Ammarnäs, Swedish Lapland. Run by the Vinka family, this off-grid retreat offers an immersive experience of the traditional Sámi way of life. You can explore the surrounding area through boat trips, fishing, bird watching and invigorating hikes in forests and mountains teeming with wildlife like wolverines and lynx. Meals feature freshly caught fish and traditional dishes such as reindeer stew cooked over an open fire. You’ll stay in authentic goahti huts (traditional wooden Sámi huts) or grass-roofed log cabins, enhancing the rustic charm of your visit.

For hiking enthusiasts, the Laponia World Heritage Site in Swedish Lapland is a dream come true. This extraordinary area, one of the few UNESCO sites inhabited by indigenous people, is home to seven Sámi villages engaged in reindeer herding. Surround yourself with breathtaking Arctic landscapes as you explore national parks and nature reserves like Sarek, Padjelanta, Stora Sjöfallet and Muddus.

Marked trails wind through Muddus’s enchanted old-growth forests, while Sarek challenges experienced hikers with its dramatic glaciers and 2,000-metre-high peaks. The Padjelanta trail is a beloved route, and Kungsleden – Sweden’s iconic long-distance trail – passes along the eastern edge of this wilderness, leading to the Kebnekaise mountain range. For a unique stay, check out Sapmi Nature Camp, where you can glamp in a traditional 'lávvu' tent, meet a local reindeer family and explore the snowy trails on wooden skis or snowshoes.

Swedish museums with notable Sámi collections

Sweden's rich Sámi heritage can also be explored through museums across the country. A major highlight is Ájtte Mountain and Sámi Museum in Jokkmokk, the main museum and archive for Sámi culture in Sweden. It offers extensive insights into both the culture and the natural environment of northern Sweden’s mountainous regions.

Of equal significance is Silvermuseet (The Silver Museum) in Arjeplog, which showcases the history and cultural importance of Sámi silversmithing through a remarkable collection dating back to the Middle Ages.

In Östersund, Jämtland – part of the South Sámi region – Jamtli Museum features interactive Sámi exhibits and cultural events. Meanwhile, Stockholm’s Nordiska Museet (The Nordic Museum) holds the world’s most extensive Sámi collection. The museum regularly hosts exhibitions on Sámi culture, though the full collection is not always on display. Be sure to check their website for current exhibitions before your visit.

Support local craft by taking home a Sámi handicraft souvenir

Traditional 'Duodji' handicraft is deeply interwoven with Sámi heritage, with techniques and skills passed down through generations. These handmade treasures vary widely in form and texture. Many have practical uses – beautifully hand-carved birchwood bowls and ladles, for example – while others, like reindeer leather bracelets and bags, offer wearable elegance. These are intricately embroidered with pewter thread and often feature buttons made from reindeer antlers. Sustainability is at the heart of Sámi craftsmanship, with surplus natural materials carefully repurposed.

Looking to bring home a Sámi handicraft? Jokkmokk is a must-visit destination, rich in stores that showcase authentic 'Duodji'. Start with Sámi Duodji, run by the Sámi craft association, Sameslöjdstiftelsen, where you’ll find a wide range of items. Another highlight is Stoorstålka, a shop filled with both traditional and contemporary Sámi handicrafts, homeware and clothing – a perfect blend of heritage and modern design.

In Vilhelmina, Risfjells Sameslöjd is an award-winning boutique that also offers an online store. Doris and Sven-Åke Risfjell craft many of the items on-site, from wool blankets to reindeer bone letter openers, ensuring a genuine connection to Sámi tradition.

Östersund offers several options. The Sámi Information Centre and Gaaltije provide a carefully curated selection of crafts, books and homeware. Jamtli Museum’s shop is another great choice, offering jewellery, books and more. In the nearby ski resort town of Åre, Åre Hemslöjd is worth a visit for high-quality Sámi-inspired crafts.

If you're in Stockholm, both Svensk Hemslöjd and Skansen’s museum shop stock a range of Sámi handicrafts, allowing you to take a piece of Sápmi with you from the capital.

Finally, don’t miss the iconic Jokkmokk Winter Market, held each February. This vibrant event, with a history spanning over 400 years, is a goldmine for Sámi culture. Here you’ll find not only 'Duodji' and food stalls but also the chance to attend lectures, Joik concerts and other cultural activities.

The Sámi food culture and its sustainable main ingredients

Sustainability and tradition are the cornerstones of Sámi cuisine. Local, seasonal produce plays a vital role, with many ingredients foraged from nature – including herbs, roots, lingonberries, and the prized cloudberry, a rare amber-coloured delicacy rich in nutrients.

Reindeer meat is a cornerstone of Sámi food culture, often enjoyed smoked – a delicacy known as ‘suovas’. In fact, in 2003, 'suovas' became Sweden’s first Slow Food Presidia product, a recognition by the international Slow Food movement for culturally significant, sustainably sourced foods. Reindeer meat is also featured in hearty stews and sausages. Elk frequently appears on the menu, while fish like Arctic char and whitefish are caught fresh from local rivers and lakes – both fishing and hunting remain central to the Sámi way of life.

Be sure to try Kalix Caviar, a unique product from Swedish Lapland and the first Swedish food to be awarded Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status by the EU – placing it alongside famous names like Champagne and Parma ham. Cheese lovers can also explore artisanal offerings from small-scale dairy farms across Sápmi, with Svedjan Ost in Västerbotten being a notable example.

No Sámi experience would be complete without 'kokkaffe' – coffee brewed over an open fire – accompanied by dried, smoked reindeer meat and a breathtaking view of the Swedish highlands. This is how the Sámi often take their coffee break while keeping track of their reindeer herds.

For a more extensive culinary experience, try the tasting menu at The Veranda, the fine dining restaurant at the Icehotel. Another excellent option is Huuva Hideaway, a retreat in the village of Liehittäjä, where you can enjoy immersive dining experiences rooted in Sámi tradition.

Wherever you travel in Swedish Sápmi, you’ll encounter the origins of sustainable ideals that continue to influence Swedish culture today. As a visitor, it’s important to respect the Sámi culture and customs, remembering that you are a guest in Sápmi – the ancestral land of the Sámi people.