Be a part of the Sami culture

Do you want to know what it’s like taking part in Sami culture? At our camp we offer reindeer sledding, a known way of transportation for the Sami people, but while being here you will also get to experience a lot of other aspects of the Sami culture.

Read more about the Sami experiences we offer here

The traditional Sami culture

The Sami people have been present longer than the vikings. Evidence from petroglyphs suggests that their existence dates back to 10 000 years ago.

The culture of the Sámi people is that of the indigenous people from northern Europe, found in countries such as Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia. The Sámi culture is known for:

• Their Nomadic lifestyle: Historically, the Sámi people were semi-nomadic, moving between coastal and mountain areas with their reindeer herds. For this they would work in big groups. It was (and still is) normal to gather all of family and friends to help with the migrating of the reindeers. 
• Reindeer herding: Reindeer have been a central part of Sámi life for thousands of years, providing food, clothing, tools, and transportation.
• Their rich oral traditions: Sámi storytelling, music, an d folklore are an important part of the culture and have been passed down from generation to generation.
• Spiritual connection to nature: The Sámi have a deep spiritual connection to the natural world and believe in a pantheon of spirits associated with different elements of nature.
• Handicrafts: The Sámi are known for their intricate handicrafts, including weaving, leatherworking and knife making.
• Language: The Sámi have their own unique language, related to the Finno-ugric family, with several dialects almost unintelligible between them.

Despite having previously been under suppression and forced assimilation, the culture of the Sami has managed to survive and continues to live in both more modern and Sami cultural ways.

Learn about the Sami Culture now and before

It is important for the Sami people not to forget how things used to be. Many Sami people are now retreating to more traditional ways of living after having taken part in a more modern world for a long time.

During your visit to our Sami camp, guides will share their personal experience with you. They will tell you about the culture, how they themselves are living and how life as a Sami person was before, how they grew up, how they work with reindeers and more about Sami traditions.

Did you know that the Sami people did not own reindeers before 300 years ago? Before that, they would seek out locations to hunt the reindeers. As mentioned, the reindeers play a huge part for the Sami people. They are used for feeding, clothes, furniture, lavvos, tools and more. When visiting our camp area you will see elements from the reindeer all around.

Our camp is truly an amazing way to experience some of the Sámi culture and we hope to see you soon!