Traditionally, the reindeer swam across to the island on their way to and from the summer grazing grounds. Today, the herds are transported over by barge in late April, or by trailer on the ferry to northern Seiland. The females calve on the island in spring, and the herd remains there throughout the summer to take advantage of the rich pastures.
In September, the reindeer are gathered for corralling and barging, and you may notice increased activity in the mountains during this period. In some years, the animals are also gathered in July for calf marking. Barging back to the mainland takes place in early October, when the reindeer migrate to their winter pastures in inner Finnmark.
A few reindeer may stay on the island throughout winter, and in some years the northern Seiland herd has remained on the island year‑round. You may therefore encounter reindeer even during winter.
Bilde 1: Seiland reindeer in the autumn. Photo: Per Arne Askeland Bilde 2: Photo: Marit Helene Eira
ATV tracks from reindeer husbandry in the south-east part of the national park. Photo: Ingunn Ims Vistnes
You will find traces of reindeer husbandry in several places. These may include ATV tracks, fences and corrals, as well as occasional herders’ cabins.
Reindeer are adapted to migrating between winter and summer pastures. Seiland is a summer paradise for the reindeer, and to cope with the long winter, it is important that the animals use their time on the island to feed and build up body reserves. In spring and summer, the reindeer take advantage of the fresh green shoots that appear as the snow melts up the mountainsides. On warm summer days, they move high into the mountains—to patches of snow and ice, or to windy ridges—to escape insects and find peace for grazing. During summer, the reindeer usually do not gather in large herds but spread out across the landscape in smaller groups.
Reindeer in their early-summer pasture. Photo: Ingunn Ims Vistnes
Females and calves peacefully grazing. Keep your distance! Photo: Ingunn Ims Vistnes
If you encounter reindeer
Seeing reindeer up close is a great experience. Make sure it’s a good experience for the reindeer too, by remembering the following:
- Keep your dog on a leash. Reindeer may perceive a running dog as a threatening predator. From 1 April to 20 August, dogs must be leashed by law. Even outside this period, you are required to keep your dog under control. Loose dogs can disturb reindeer, sheep, ground‑nesting birds, and other wildlife.
- Take a detour if you see grazing reindeer.
- If a herd is moving toward you, crouch down and wait until the animals have passed.
- In spring, reindeer are especially vulnerable after a hard winter, and the females are calving. If a female is frightened away from her calf, the calf’s life may be at risk. When encountering reindeer in spring, stop and assess how you can move without disturbing them. Turn back and choose another route if necessary.