Johan P. Eira from Čávžo Safari at the old church in Maze

People looking at the northern lights in Finnmark

The midnight sun shining over the vast plains in Karasjok

Overview of an almost 15 metre long river boat in Maze.

Reindeer on the Finnmark plateau in summer

Inside the main entrance of Čoarvemátta in Kautokeino

Dine Arnannguaq Fenger Lynge and Lina Márjá Karlsen in front of "Pile o Sápmi" artwork by Anders Sunna and Linda «Zina» Aslaksen

Regine Juhls in front of her mosaic at Juhls Silver Gallery

Silver necklaces on a rock in Juhls Silver Gallery

Drone shot over Kautokeino with Juhls Silver Gallery in the foreground.

A couple on the steps outside a Engholm Design Lodge in Karasjok

Steve Strømeng showing off the traditional Sami knife at Knivsmed Strømeng.

Kirsti Gulsrud showing off fabrics that are for sale at Sapmi Park in Karasjok

Iver Jåks sculpture that fills and entire wall at the Sami Museum in Karasjok

The Sami Heartland

Kautokeino and Karasjok

On the vast Finnmarksvidda, Norway's largest plateau, about two hours from Alta, you'll find the largest concentration of Sami people in Norway.

“My family has lived in this area for generations. I really enjoy sharing our history with others.”

Johan P. Eira

Owner, Čávžo Safari in Máze

The Sami history and culture are deeply rooted in Arctic nature, which has played a leading role in their traditional nomadic lifestyle for centuries ...

...where the reindeer have played the most important part.

Before becoming domesticated and herded, the animals were hunted in the wild. A great deal of Sami clothing, crafts, and food come from reindeer.

Why not learn throw a lasso or go reindeer sledding during the winter months at Sokki Adventure in Kautokeino?

Speaking of winter, you should also go hunting for the northern lights! Enjoy undisturbed views of the night sky amid the peaceful stillness of the surrounding nature.

Remember to bring warm wool clothing, as temperatures in this area can sink as low as minus 30 to 40 degrees Celsius!

Or how about endless summer nights? Experience a different way of life with constant daylight from the midnight sun.

Gain a better understanding of fascinating local history in the small yet historic village of Máze, also known as Masi, on the way to Kautokeino and Karasjok from Alta.

Here, Čávžo Safari offers Sami experiences all year round. Cruise in a boat on the Alta River, while discovering the history of what is known as 'the Alta controversy', an event that changed Sami lives in Norway and led to the creation of the Sami Parliament.

Spend some time on the famous Finnmarksvidda, the Finnmark Plateau, hiking and fishing (as long as you have purchased a fishing permit). You'll probably run into a reindeer or two. Do keep in mind that they also cross the main roads, so drive safely.

Embark on a wilderness adventure with Engholm Husky or Hættas Opplevelser.

The Sami have lived off the land and been guided by the seasons for generations. Many of the early artisan traditions, called duodji, are still alive and well today.

The duodji traditions are passed on to younger generations at Čoarvemátta, which houses both the The Sámi National Theater, Beaivváš, and the Sámi High School and Reindeer Herding School.

This striking building in the town of Kautokeino, also known as Guovdageaidnu in Northern Sami, is inspired by both the shape of the innermost joint of a reindeer horn and the form of lavvo tents.

Renowned Norwegian architects Snøhetta designed the building in cooperation with 70°N arkitektur and the artist Joar Nango.

Kautokeino and Karasjok have become thriving hubs for contemporary Sami art. The works frequently depict real life, Sami history, and a deep spiritual connection with nature.

“We've noticed an increased interest in indigenous people and authenticity on a global basis. ”

Dine Arnannguaq Fenger Lynge and Lina Márjá Karlsen

Dáiddadállu Sami Artist Network in Kautokeino

Ancient traditions also meet modern art, design, and architecture at Juhls Silver Gallery, a true fairytale in Kautokeino!

Each room in this extraordinary gallery/shop is a testament to a different decade and houses the life's work of the adventurous, multicultural, and talented Juhls family.

Treat yourself to a unique souvenir by purchasing one of Juhls's exclusive and iconic designs.

There's also a myriad of other interesting products and art made by external designers on offer.

Read the amazing story about Juhls

Kautokeino has achieved the certification Sustainable Destination. Although this does not mean that the destination is completely sustainable, it has made a commitment to work systematically to reduce the negative effects of tourism, while strengthening its positive ripple effects.

Did you know that Norway has a Sami Parliament?

It's located the town of Karasjok, about a 1.5 hour drive east of Kautokeino. Members are democratically elected by the Sami.

Learn more about the history that led to its opening on October 9th, 1989, and how it works today, on a guided tour.

Local nature was a strong inspiration for the Parliament building. Sami sayings adorn the walls in pewter, such as "an itchy ear means wonders you'll hear".

Appreciate a truly original stay at the Engholm Husky Design Lodge, just outside of Karasjok. Sven Engholm has built all the cabins himself and much of the interior is also homemade, using local materials.

It also offers several exciting activities, including dog sledding, skiing, hiking, and canoeing.

Karasjok offers several types of duodji, also known as handicrafts or applied art.

Watch as classic Sami knives are made at Knivsmed Strømeng and pick up some warm wool products or Sami shawls at Sara Duodji.

Learn more about duodji at Sapmi Park. The colourful gift shop here sells beautiful fabrics that are used to make traditional Sami clothing, also known as a gákti/kofte. Watch glassblowing and silversmiths in action, and enjoy a meal in a cosy peat hut at Storgammen Restaurant.

During the summer months you can enjoy the outdoor area containing reindeer and a lavvo, where you can also try throwing a lasso.

Located in Karasjok, RiddoDuottarMuseat, The Sami Museum, was the first Sami cultural institution in Norway. Learn more about Sami history and culture through both indoor and outdoor exhibitions.

It's also the home of the impressive sculpture Dance of the Gods by Sami artist Iver Jåks.

For more art, check out Sami Daiddaguovdas, The Sami Center for Contemporary Art.

Experience the beating heart of Sami culture firsthand in Karasjok and Kautokeino, through history, reindeer, art, crafts, architecture, language, clothing, and cuisine.

Although located far north, Karasjok and Kautokeino are fairly easy to reach by plane and by road. The closest airports are Alta (about 2 hours from Kautokeino) and Lakselv, which offers connection to several Norwegian cities. Alta also has some international flights.

It takes around an hour and a half to drive from Kautokeino to Karasjok and the North Cape is about a four-hour drive from Karasjok. You can also travel north on a Hurtigruten or Havila ship from several places in Norway, and disembark along the coast in the North. Some cruises also dock in Alta.

Experience dog sledding or skiing on the rugged Finnmark Plateau, listen to local stories in a traditional lavvo (Sami tent), and see reindeer husbandry. On clear winter nights, gaze at the northern lights that may come out to dance high above you.

Visit Kautokeino in spring to experience the Sami Easter festival, or in summer to see the wildlife and thousands of fishing ponds and lakes – and, of course, the midnight sun.

The town of Karasjok, with its key Sami institutions and thriving culture, is the unofficial Sami capital with just over 2,500 inhabitants… and more reindeer than people! Kautokeino is home to around 1,500 inhabitants.

Most people here speak a native Sami language, and the area is officially bilingual. Nomadic reindeer herders have lived in this part of Norway for centuries, and the traditional lifestyle is still very much alive.

The main hotels in the area are the Thon Hotel Kautokeino and the Scandic Karasjok.

Find more inspiration on Northern Norway’s official website.

nordnorge.com

Explore all the options below, or go directly to:

Top things to do

Don't miss these highlights.

Kautokeino
Kautokeino Church
Kautokeino Church is one of the churches with the most churchgoers in Norway, and is particularly busy during Easter.
Karasjok
Loppa Island
Loppa Island - The island that gave the municipality its name. In earlier times, it was an old trading post and centre of the municipality. There are white sandy beaches, steep nesting cliffs (now a nature reserve) and a slate quarry. Great terrain for outings on your own.
Northern light safari
As far up from the River Karasjoka as you can hear a dog barking is the Haldecohkka (the Halde top). From this holy mountain you enjoy a 360 degree view of the sky, making it a perfect place to experience the magical Northern Lights.
Karasjok
Finnmark Platau Skiing Expedition with Turgleder
The Finnmark Plateau – The name alone brings to mind images of grand nature and magnificent experiences for many European adventurers. The endless rolling terrain, the northern light and the silence will burn into the memory of those who see it.
Karasjok
The Sámi Museum in Karasjok
Sámiid Vuorká-Dávvirat – The Sámi Museum in Karasjok was founded in 1972 as the first Sámi cultural institution in Norway. The museum is a part of the RiddoDuottarMuseat museum foundation.
Karasjok
Sapmi Park - a sami cultural park
Meet Sami culture, history and mythology in an engaging, informative and entertaining way.
Juhls’ Silvergallery Kautokeino
The first silversmith in Norwegian Lapland has now reached its 50th anniversary (established 1959). A lifework built up by Frank and Regine Juhls.
Karasjok
The sami reindeer migration
We join the native reindeer herders - the Sámi - in their annually reindeer herd migration to the Arctic coast. The tour is unique and this opportunity is a rare privilege, provided by sami reindeer herders.
Karasjok
Sami Adventure with Turgleder
The arctic north offers fantastic experiences based on the endless plains and the dramatic costal nature of Finnmark.
8 days - Sámi reindeer spring migration – Tour of a lifetime
Join the Sámi herders and experience the reindeers on their annual spring migration from their winter pastures on the inland to their summer calving and grazing areas on the coast. This adventure is a unique privilege made available for the very few by Sámi families from Finnmark.
Karasjok
Northern Light Safari- by Turgleder
As far up from the River Karasjoka as you can hear a dog barking is the Haldecohkka (the Halde top). From this holy mountain you have a 360 degree view of the sky and a perfect place to experience the magical northern light (Aurora Borealis).
Karasjok
Dog sled expedition to the Arctic sea with Engholm Husky
Suitable for experienced outdoor people who looking for something special.
Karasjok
TURGLEDER
Turgleder makes the Arctic wilderness accessible. The howling wind or the sound of silence, it`s the wilderness that calls! Have you ever considered doing something "wild and challenging"? Maybe it`s already your habit? Even if it is not, we offer an opportunity for you to fulfill your dreams of the arctic Norwegian nature in an eco friendly, safe and comfortable way.
Kautokeino
Pikefossen falls
Pikefossen falls is the only waterfall (8 metres) on the Kautokeino/Alta River.
Karasjok
Husky safary on the Finnmarksvidda plateau with Engholm Husky
Extraordinary escape for the unique minded.
Karasjok
One night in the wild with Turgleder
Feel the pleasure of being out in the wilderness and the rewarding feeling of having spent a night out in the fresh air.
Karasjok
Guided fishing with Turgleder
It may take years of exploration to become familiar with a new river or lake. With a limited holiday schedule, hiring a fishing guide can be a good investment when you come to a new area. The Guide will be updated on the latest changes in the rivers and will be able to show you the best spots for your type of fishing. The guide will do his/her outmost to give you the best possible experience. We will make sure you get the right guide for your type of fishing.
Reindeer herder experience
A day trip to visit a reindeer herder. You will spend the day with a Sámi reindeer herder and his flock and experience their daily work with the reindeers in their natural environment. You will be picked up by the herder with his snow mobile and taken to the herd.

Where to stay

Book comfy hotels or cosy cabins. Find your home away from home.

Karasjok
Karasjok Camping
The camping area consists of cabins, a camping area with room for around 50 campers and caravans, two sanitation facilities, TV-room, sami tent, big grillhut, playground, finnish sauna with panoramic windows and an outdoor jacuzzi.
Karasjok
Scandic Hotel Karasjok
Accommodation in Karasjok: Modern hotel with distinctive architecture and inspired by Sami culture, located in the middle of Karasjok city centre, in the heart of Finnmark. The hotel also has it's own Restaurant. We also have a nice, big sauna and relax area. The surrounding landscape is rugged and beautiful. Try snowscooter safaris, husky or reindeer racing.
Karasjok
Engholm Husky Design Lodges
Hand made design log cabins, some with sitting groups and fireplaces.

Experience the Sápmi heartland

Get to know the Sami people on a photographic journey of genuine curiosity with Italian photographer, Maria Di Stefano.

Learn more about joik with Elle Maija
Meet the reindeer herder Aslak
Sami design with duodjar Ann-Sofie
The Sami culture through Maria's lens
Sami inspired architecture
Visit the heart of Sami

Getting here and around

Get in-depth travel information on Northern Norway’s official website.
Plan your trip on Entur.

Plan your trip and buy tickets for public transportation with Entur, Norway's national travel planner.

Seasons and climate

Kautokeino and Karasjok have a cold and temperate climate.

During summer (June–August), daytime temperatures typically range between 10 °C and 25 °C.

In the depth of winter (December–February), temperatures can drop as low as -45 °C and lower.

The annual average temperature over the last 30 years is -2.7 °C.

During five weeks of summer, the sun doesn’t set, and during six weeks of winter, the sun doesn’t rise.

Average precipitation is 360 millimetres per year.

Get the latest weather forecast on yr.no. Read more aboutthe northern lights.

Take advantage of top offers

See our selection of trusted companies that work hard to make you happy all through your trip.

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