r/tromsotravel • u/DependentAd3851 • 18d ago

Reindeer/ Summer?

Hello! I am looking for good hikes/ beaches where i may be able to spot Reindeer...
I will be there the end of june. I have heard Kvaløya
and Sandvika beach are potential spots but does anyone have any guidance? I did want to do a day trip to Sommeroy and Kvaloya. Any good hikes for this? I will have a rental car and not necessarily wanting to take a tour

2 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

3 comments sorted by

9

u/sanderpewz 18d ago

There are reindeer grazing on their summer pasture on Kvaløya, they could be anywhere on the island as there are two different herds being kept on the island, and they are usually in the mountains, not somewhere you can go by rental cars. In certain times they can go into the populated areas on Kvaløya, but it's not something I would plan a trip a month in advance to see.

If you decide to go hiking to see them, make sure to observe from a distance and not interfere with them. The reindeer are not farm animals, and this season is the calfing season so they will have a bunch of very young calves in June. Scaring the herd by getting too close could lead to the herd running away from the calves, leading to their death. It is also a punishable offence to disturb them, leading to expensive fines or even jail time if done in a negligent way.

1

u/DependentAd3851 18d ago

thank you for the informative response! yes of course I am very respectful of wildlife I was just unsure if there were any good hiking routes that I would have a higher chance be of spotting them, I have always wanted to see them in the wild. I will be there already for the midnight marathon

3

u/sanderpewz 18d ago

I would look up routes either online, or buy a 1:50 000 map when you arrive and just find somewhere you want to go, and keep your eyes peeled for the reindeer. Most of Kvaløya is popular with hikers as there are a lot of peaks to hike to, with easy paths to follow, except for the tallest and most challenging peaks.

Reindeer could be anywhere, but are usually not on the tops of mountains. Good luck!