Northern Norway is home to the Indigenous Sámi, a people whose lives are centered around the spectacular and vast natural backdrop of the Far North.
There are myriad Sámi-led tour companies in the region to learn more and experience some of their culture. With a genuine eagerness to engage every visitor, you can expect to be offered delicious local Sámi food served under a blanket of starry skies and Northern Lights.
Whether you’re seeking silence and solitude or an itinerary full of action-packed activities, we cover the best places to explore and appreciate Sámi communities and culture in Norway.
Note: place names can differ in Sámi and Norwegian. In this article, we use the Sámi names, with Norwegian in brackets afterward.
Who are the Sámi?
The Sámi are the Indigenous people of Northern Europe. Their traditional regions stretch over Northern Sweden and Finland, the North-Western corner of Russia, the Northern half of Norway, and some of the southeast.
The Sámi have a stronger legal standing in Norway than in the other countries, with Sámi being an official language alongside Norwegian. Moreover, they have a Sámi parliament, alongside counterparts in Sweden and Finland, and laws to strengthen, protect, and develop Sámi languages (there are ten), plus Sámi culture and communities.
After 150 years of assimilation policies which officially ended in the 1960s, though perceived by many Sámi to have been effective, some areas have seen a thriving revitalization of Sámi clothing, food, religion, and philosophy. However, Sámi areas are increasingly attractive to mining and wind power companies. Consequently, this has led to struggles and demonstrations against the Norwegian government, which has allowed access to land used by Sámi for traditional reindeer husbandry, for example.
The cultural revitalization we have witnessed over the last forty years has created a new pride among the Sámi people, making this fascinating culture more accessible for visitors. Community-led Sámi experiences are offered throughout much of Norway, but the cultural heart remains in the North.
Road Trip Through Ancient Sámi Origins Along Norway’s Coast
Start your exploration of Sámi culture in the northernmost county of Norway, Finnmark. Fly to Girkonjárga (Kirkenes in Norwegian), rent a car, and take the scenic 90-minute drive to Vuonnabahta (Varangerbotn), passing nature reserves, fjords, and stunning coastal scenes. The coastal Sámi culture exemplifies a harmonious combination of fishing and small farming.
Head to the Várjjat Sámi Musea for an interesting overview, featuring history exhibits, examples of traditional housing, and the fish and animals that formed the basis of Sámi livelihood. The museum also has a selection of souvenirs and books for those interested in learning about the different Sámi cultures.
See the Archaeological Site of Ceavccegeađge (Mortensnes)
Twenty kilometers east of the museum lies Ceavccegeađge (Mortensnes), where archaeological findings trace human presence back 10,000 years. Although it is hard to determine specific ethnic traits from that long ago, Sámi cultural traits appear from approximately 2000 years ago, with traces of burial sites and settlement continuing to the present Sámi population.
The area is covered in snow during winter; however, from May to October, you can follow tracks and signs from the parking lot to see early settlement sites and a sacrificial stone within a labyrinth made of small stones. This phallic stone was placed there hundreds of years ago as a site of sacrifice for fishing and hunting luck.
Hear Traditional Sámi Singing at Kjöllefjord
To dive deeper into the coastal side, head further north to Gilevuotna (Kjöllefjord), a fishing village near the reindeer’s summer grazing areas. Davvi Sámi Siida offers delicious seasonal dishes featuring reindeer meat, alongside storytelling through luohti (also called yoik), the traditional Sámi singing style.
The accommodations here are also traditional; perhaps spending a night in a lávvu, the Sámi’s traditional summer tent, will be tempting? Comfortable cabins are available during the winter months. Additionally, the area is excellent for hiking, skiing, and fishing in lakes or the ocean.
Contemporary Sámi Art on the Tundra
The highlands and tundra represent the heartlands of the northern Sámi reindeer lifestyle. En route from the coast, stop at Sámi DáiddaGuovddáš (Sámi Center for Contemporary Art) in Kárášjohka (Karasjok). Throughout the year, they showcase a variety of exhibitions by Sámi visual artists, including installations, paintings, video, photography, textiles, and sculpture. While many Sámi artists today are rooted in ancient techniques and materials, others present entirely modern expressions. At the center, a good selection of Sámi art books and music, both contemporary and traditional, can also be found.
Go for a Free Tour of the Sámi Parliament
On your way out of Kárášjohka (Karasjok) towards the beautiful river valley village of Máze (Masi), you’ll pass the Sámi Parliament building, recognized for its lávvu-shaped architecture. You can hop on a guided free tour every Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday at 1 pm, with exceptions in the weeks when the parliament assembles (please check the calendar online for details).
River Safaris and Resisting Hydropower in Masi
With an almost exclusive Sámi population, many living a reindeer-herding lifestyle, Máze is a tranquil spot between the city Áltá (Alta) and the town Guovdageaidnu (Kautokeino). It is also home to reindeer herder Johan P. Eira and his Sautso Safari. During the summer months, he welcomes groups for a guided river safari to a gigantic hydropower dam, sharing the story of the fifty-year struggle to save the river, which almost submerged the whole village.
After the safari, he lights a cozy fire in the lávvu and narrates stories about Sámi culture while serving reindeer meat. Imagine snow whipping in your face as you’re cozily nestled in a big fur coat on a sleigh pulled by racing reindeer! Your dream can come true, as Sautso Safari offers bold visitors exhilarating winter adventures with reindeer sledding on the frozen river.
Modern Lávu-Shaped Sámi Architecture
The Sámi reindeer culture significantly impacts the family-run Sámi Siida company just a few kilometers from the center of Áltá. At their restaurant, the blending of a modern lávvu-shaped building with gourmet traditional Sámi dishes is a winning combination. Savory smoked reindeer meat and sweet cloudberry desserts are just a few of the culinary highlights. Be sure to get close to the reindeer outside; they are friendly and enjoyable for both adults and children. Remember, reindeer only use their antlers on each other during the mating season.
Festivals, Fishing, and Alpine Pleasures
Every year, Olmmáivággi (Manndalen), located between Áltá and Romsa (Tromsø), hosts the International Riddu Riđđu Festivála. Its name means ‘little storm on the coast’ in northern Sámi and embodies a relaxed atmosphere. Both Sámi and other Indigenous artists from around the world perform at the festival in mid-July, alongside art exhibitions, theatre plays, dance shows, handicraft workshops, local food, and family-friendly activities. There’s plenty of beer for revelers, and a regular camping site for late-night enjoyment.
Throughout the year, you can go sea fishing at Manndalen Sjóbuer. Renting a luxurious cabin along with a fishing boat provides the perfect coastal Sámi experience. Lucky fishers might bring home significant cod or halibut. Furthermore, you can combine your fishing experience with bird-watching opportunities; have your camera ready to spot sea eagles. The nearby Lyngen mountains also offer alpine pleasures, including off-piste ski touring and randonné (cross-country skiing).
Chasing the Northern Lights Near Tromsø and Lofoten
Travel further south to the largest city in the region, Romsa (Tromsø), for a more metropolitan experience. Visit Tromsø Arctic Reindeer to experience reindeer sledding under the Northern Lights, followed by relaxation in a goahti (a cone-shaped building) with a three-course dinner. The large herd remains outside, offering numerous opportunities for photographing and feeding the reindeer.
If you’re seeking a faster, modern adventure, you can embark on short or long trips on snowmobiles from Romsa, Áltá, Guovdageaidnu, or various smaller villages. Chasing the Northern Lights at midnight will elevate your excitement. A local guide will always follow the trails, ensuring safety. Be sure to ask at the hotel lobby for arrangements.
Should you plan a trip to Lofoten in Nordland to catch the Northern Lights, be certain to stop at Inga Sámi Siida near Suorttá (Sortland). They offer various accommodations, ranging from glamping tents to traditional lávvus, with parts of their reindeer herd close by, and serve traditional Sámi food as well.
Southern Sámi Communities of Nordland and Trøndelag
Additionally, let’s not overlook the southern Sámi communities in Nordland and Trøndelag. Saemien Sijte serves as a southern Sámi museum and cultural center in Snåase (Snåsa), located a three-hour drive north of Trondheim.
In late August, experience Tjaktjen Tjånghkoe, a festival celebrating southern Sámi culture and language, complete with food, marketplaces, and music. This festival alternates yearly with the other southern Sámi festival, Raasten Rastah in Plassje (Røros), which is approximately a two-hour drive south of Trondheim.
If you find yourself elsewhere during the festivals, be sure to enjoy a dish of reindeer or fish at local restaurants, which guarantee local sourcing. Similar to the north, the foundation of the southern Sámi kitchen includes reindeer meat, various fish from rivers, lakes, and the sea, complemented by sweet cloudberry or tangy lingonberry.
With minimal pollution, Norway’s natural environment allows reindeer to graze year-round on mountains, forests, or islands. As a result, the Sámi reindeer families take significant pride in maintaining healthy reindeer that yield delicious, tender meat, representing an ecological and renewable resource valued by Sámi people, Norwegians, and visitors alike.
