Marita Sikku starts new Sami experience in Luleå

Dálvvás means “over the winter” in Sámi – and that is Marita Sikku’s plan. To offer visitors a Sami experience on the outskirts of Luleå during the winter months. When we visit, the reindeer have just arrived in the pasture.

“With me, visitors can learn more about Sami culture and reindeer herding. I invite my guests into a traditional lávvu* where we sit around the árra** and enjoy Sámi delicacies, while talking about Sámi culture,” says Marita Sikku.

Marita grew up in a reindeer herding family and still lives with reindeer herding together with her family. She has worked as a vocational teacher in the hotel and tourism program for 10 years and, after moving from Kiruna to Luleå, has now decided to start her own business in the hospitality industry.

“I want to offer a genuine experience where I am the Sami guide, but where the conversation can also be guided depending on the guest,” she says.

Guests can also feed the reindeer and try lassoing reindeer horns. The company’s name, Dálvvás, means over the winter, and when spring comes, the reindeer move back up to the mountains, where they can graze freely.

“It’s great that Marita is starting up the experience right here, we see a need for more genuine Sami experiences in the Luleå area, says David Lind, Travel Trade Manager at Swedish Lapland Visitors Board.

Marita is based at First Camp Arcus, just 20 minutes from Luleå by bus. The first season is already underway and bookings are made via the website: www.dalvvas.se

*Lávvu – Sami tent hut
** Árran – the fire