Visit Natives

Visit Natives

Visit Natives offers adventures in Lapland that include authentic stays with the Sami reindeer herders in Norway. Travelers can explore Arctic wilderness and the unique culture of the European Union's only indigenous people - the Sami. Every experience provides opportunities for the Sami people to earn a living while continuing on their proud cultural traditions.

Right for You?

Style

Cultural Immersion, Connect with Nature and Off the Beaten Path

Price

Mid-range

Location

Mountains and Rural Communities

Connect with Visit Natives

Foreign Owned Social Enterprise
Visit Natives
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Speaks: English and Other Local Language

Why Lokal Recommends Visit Natives

Background

Social Enterprise started in 2017| Foreign Owned with 95% local staff

A Unique Story

The founder of the company, Anniina Sandberg, studied anthropology and spent time living alongside the Maasai pastoralists' in East Africa. Ever since, she has sought out travel opportunities to live with native people and learn from the culture and the nature around them. 

Years went by and Anniina eventually moved back to her homeland in Finland and decided to start Visit Natives - offering unique trips for people who want to experience the beauty of Lapland with the Sami people in her own and neighboring countries.

Deep Community Connections

Visit Natives support local Sami reindeer herders who receive 80% of the payment. Sustainable indigenous tourism is very important for the Sami as it allows them to earn additional income and sustain their traditional livelihood and reindeer husbandry.

Active Environmental Stewardship

All our experiences are based on sustainability which is also very important for the Sami as they live from the Arctic nature. No infrastructure is built for the travelers. Visit Natives' tours only accommodate small group of people, keeping in mind long-term sustainainability and customer's experience. Meals are local and traditional Sami food and guests generally sleep in wilderness cabins and tents that are used by the herders. Visit Natives doesn't take on more guests than housing and energy resources can effectively support.

Exceptional Quality and Authenticity (Culture)

Vist Natives' tours directly support the preservation of the traditional way of life for the Sami people. Fewer and fewer Sami are actively working to maintain their heritage as their opportunities to earn a living through reindeer herding are limited. Tourism provides a new opportunity and way for these traditions to continue long into the future.

Verifications

Full Application Review

Location

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