Journey through the Sami way of life and timeless heritage in the Narvik region.

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, northern lights 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.

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 relationshipwith the environment, rooted in their traditional livelihoods of hunting,fishing, and reindeer herding.

Sami culture emphasizes a harmonious coexistence withnature, and have developed a wealth of knowledge and skills to survive in theharsh Arctic climate. Today, the Sami people continue to preserve theircultural heritage while also promoting sustainable practices that protect thenatural world, they hold so dear.

Visit the Oskal family and their reindeer at Aurora HuskyCamp in Målselv. Discover Sami history, culture, and traditions from a local Sami family who continue their ancestral way of life, herding reindeer andpreserving their heritage.

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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.

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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 inEurope and remains vibrant to this day. A Joik is a song dedicated to anindividual, an animal, or a location, with the melodies reflecting thecharacteristics of the subject being sung about. If you wish to strike up aconversation with someone, attempting to "Joik" them might provequite impactful!

If you have ever heard a Joik, you will likely be struck by theemotive power of this form of expression. The singing is often accompanied bygestures and movements, making the performance a full-bodied experience. The deepconnection between the singer, the subject of the song, and the audience createsa shared emotional experience that can be quite moving.

Fashion & crafts

The traditional Sami clothing, known as "Gákti,"isa 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 ownfashion preferences, and the "kofte" (a type of sweater)reflects suchchanges in fashion.

Sami crafts are also deeply valued and maintained, with a focuson tin embroidery, pearl embroidery, shoelace weaving, jacket seams,woodcarving, and knife-making, all under the Sami word for "craft", duoddji.Sami boots, filled with blister sedge, provide better warmth than modernsurvival gear and are a popular choice when temperatures plummet below-40.

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