Hunting for the northern lights with the Sami

We have taken David Spinx to a Sami lavvo at Radius Kirkenes in Northern Norway, to learn about the Sami people and their relationship to nature and the northern lights.

- Because we believed the lights were the souls of our ancestors, we learned to respect the northern lights. And never tease them, explains Josef around the fireplace. And then he sings a Sami joik. Spinx is paying attention. Humbly.

Hunting the northern lights

After more stories, joiks and reindeer meat, it is time to go looking for the lights. The experience cannot really be described with words, but we can try: The sky flares up with in enormous dancing lights in different colours. New Year's fireworks pale in comparison. It is one of those things you should make en extra effort to experience in this life. The word "magical" is not enough to explain. We will not say more. You need to see the film.

Find more information about the northern lights.

Dog sledging and snowmobile safaris

In addition to the Sami experience in the lavvo, and meeting the reindeer, Radius Kirkenes keep Alaskan huskies and offer dog sledging. Or you can go on a snowmobile safari. All in combination with hunting the northern lights. 

Getting to Kirkenes

SAS and Norwegian have direct flights from Oslo to Kirkenes daily. The flight is about two hours. There are flights to and from other destinations in Northern Norway with Widerøe.

Where to stay

It is recommendable to stay in the Kirkenes Snow Hotel.
Find other places to stay in Kirkenes.

About Kirkenes

The small town of Kirkenes is located north east in Northern Norway, close to the Russian border. Kirkenes is known as the capital of the Barents Region and the gateway to the east. Kirkenes is situated between two time zones; Helsinki and Moscow. In Kirkenes, which lies in the municipality of Sør-Varanger, people speak Norwegian, Sami, Finnish and Russian. The small mining town has approximately 3,300 inhabitants.

Stories for Life is produced by Sheriff Film Company.