The Sami are the northernmost indigenous people of Europe, and the attractions on the Norwegian tundra all reflect Sami history, heritage, and life today. No wonder, as nine out of ten people here are Sami. Go dog sledding or skiing on the rugged Finnmark plain, camp in a traditional lavvu (Sami tent), or get a glimpse of reindeer husbandry. At winter nights, wonder at the northern lights that dance above your head.

The town of Karasjok, with its recognised Sami institutions and living Sami culture, is the Sami capital with almost 3,000 inhabitants… and some 60,000 reindeer. At The Sápmi Culture Park you can experience the Sami way of life. Here, you can try Sami cuisine by the open fire, hear the traditional songs (the “joik”, one of Europe’s oldest surviving music traditions), and meet Sami people in colourful local costumes. The town also hosts the Sami parliament, shaped as a lavvu.

Even though Karasjok is Sami Norway’s indisputable capital, the neighbouring municipality Kautokeino has more Sami residents.