Sami Culture
The mountainous inland areas of the Narvik region, bordering Tromsø to the north, offers a range of activities reflecting the Sami people's culture and heritage. Dog sledding, shamanic ceremonies, reindeer husbandry, and witnessing the northern lights are popular attractions. These activities allow visitors to experience the beauty of the Arctic landscape while gaining a deeper appreciation of the Sami people's rich cultural heritage.
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Two reindeer winters grazing on lichen in the snow-covered Arctic landscape, showcasing their resilience and adaptation to the northern wilderness.
Tommy Simonsen
A deep connection to nature
The Sami people have a strong and deep attachment to nature, which is evident in their way of life and culture. They have a unique relationship with the environment, rooted in their traditional livelihoods of hunting, fishing, and reindeer herding.
Sami culture emphasizes a harmonious coexistence with nature, and have developed a wealth of knowledge and skills to survive in the harsh Arctic climate. Today, the Sami people continue to preserve their cultural heritage while also promoting sustainable practices that protect the natural world, they hold so dear.
Visit the Oskal family and their reindeer at Aurora Husky Camp in Målselv. Discover Sami history, culture, and traditions from a local Sami family who continue their ancestral way of life, herding reindeer and preserving their heritage.
The Sámi drum is a ceremonial instrument that holds significant cultural and spiritual importance for the Sámi people.
Edelweiss_Ervin Bedeli
Shamanic Ceremonies
Experience the mystique of Sami culture and their profound connection to nature at Husky Isogaisa in Gratangen. Savor traditional Sami dishes like biidus, listen to captivating tales from Sápmi, and take part in ancient ceremonies.
According to Sami folklore, the souls of our ancestors dance within the Northern Lights on cold winter nights. Join a shamanic ceremony to prepare to greet your forefathers and invite them to reveal themselves for you. A sacred drink made from chaga, a non-psychedelic Arctic fungus with roots in herbal medicine, is shared during the ritual. Close your eyes as the shaman guides you through joik, drumming, and fire, creating a truly unforgettable experience to connect with the spirits of your ancestors.
The traditional Sami joik transports you to a world of mystique and wonder.
Reinhardtsen Media
The Joik
In Sami culture, various distinctive means of expression exist. Among them is the Joik, which stands as one of the oldest song traditions in Europe and remains vibrant to this day. A Joik is a song dedicated to an individual, an animal, or a location, with the melodies reflecting the characteristics of the subject being sung about. If you wish to strike up a conversation with someone, attempting to "Joik" them might prove quite impactful!
If you have ever heard a Joik, you will likely be struck by the emotive power of this form of expression. The singing is often accompanied by gestures and movements, making the performance a full-bodied experience. The deep connection between the singer, the subject of the song, and the audience creates a shared emotional experience that can be quite moving.
The vibrant colors and intricate designs of Sami traditional clothing.
Michael Ulriksen
Fashion & crafts
The traditional Sami clothing, known as "Gákti," is a living tradition that is still in use today, primarily during festive occasions. Although some may argue otherwise, there is no harm in following one's own fashion preferences, and the "kofte" (a type of sweater) reflects such changes in fashion.
Sami crafts are also deeply valued and maintained, with a focus on tin embroidery, pearl embroidery, shoelace weaving, jacket seams, wood carving, and knife-making, all under the Sami word for "craft," duoddji. Sami boots, filled with blister sedge, provide better warmth than modern survival gear and are a popular choice when temperatures plummet below -40.
