Experience the
Sami culture in Norway
Deeply rooted in nature. In old, profound traditions.
But also with a vibrant voice for the future.
The Sami culture is as diverse as the nature surrounding it.
After many years of harsh historical repression, the Sami have reclaimed their heritage!
This indigenous group of people from the North has historically supported itself through hunting, fishing and foraging.
Traditionally the lives of Samis in coastal areas have been more settled with a focus on farming, fishing and hunting, whilst the Samis in the mountainous areas are known for reindeer herding and a nomadic lifestyle guided by the seasons.
A lot of Sami people still make a living from reindeer herding today.
Sami culture is also flourishing in modern art, crafts and clothing, all of which have been noticed internationally.
Young people today proudly learn Sami traditions and you can watch Sami theatre at the powerhouse of Čoarvemátta in Kautokeino.
It houses the Sámi High School and Reindeer Herding School, and the Sámi National Theater, Beaivváš.
Bures boahtin Sápmái! Welcome to Sapmi!
Inspired by Sami culture
A lot of modern architecture has been inspired by Sami culture and traditions.
In 1989, the Sami Parliament was opened after numerous protests in the 1970s and 1980s against the construction of a hydroelectric power plant in the Altaelva river in Northern Norway, known as the “Alta controversy”.
Since then, the Norwegian Sami have been able to elect representatives to a parliament that solely focus on Sami issues.
The eye-catching piece of architecture located in Karasjok in Finnmark (known as the Sami capital) is shaped like a lavvo – a Sami tent – which has always been a symbol of their nomadic culture.
Visitors are welcome to participate in guided tours of the parliament building, given in Sami, Norwegian, and English.
Explore Čoarvemátta in neighboring Kautokeino, designed by the renowned Norwegian architects, Snøhetta, in cooperation with 70°N arkitektur and the artist Joar Nango.
It houses the The Sámi National Theater, Beaivváš, and the Sámi High School and Reindeer Herding School.
The name Čoarvemátta comes from the Sámi words for horn and root. The innermost joint of a reindeer horn is the inspiration for the building's shape, while the exterior resembles a lavvo.