Dedicated to the history and customs of the Sami people, Sápmi Park is among the most iconic destinations in Northern Norway. The park features multimedia presentations, workshops and dwellings spread across a large complex. Learn about the Sami as a resourceful people who have played an important role in the country’s culture.
In the Magical Theater, watch the Stálubákti – Mountain of the Spirits film about the history of the Sami civilization. It presents a brief introduction to the peoples native to this snowy region. Learn about their pre-Christian beliefs on creation, life and death.
Get a sense of Sami customs by listening to traditional songs and trying the food at the Restaurant Storgammen. On the menu are exotic dishes, such as reindeer meat, cloudberries and fish specialties. Enjoy hot beverages and snacks from the Cafeteria Sápmi.
The complex contains huts that served various purposes in a typical Sami village. Appreciate the differences between the summer and winter dwellings. Note that most of the inhabitants of the small town of Karasjok speak Sami. The municipality contains about 60,000 reindeer. Watch for them grazing in autumn and winter. Bring your kids to feed these majestic creatures and have a good time learning to lasso.
Visit the Boble Glasshytte, which is the only glass-blowing workshop and gallery in the county of Finnmark. Learn how gifts and artifacts are made using these fascinating techniques. The adjacent shop has glass products on display. Browse the ornaments, books and other items in the large Sami Handicraft shop.
There is an admission fee for the park, with half-price discounts for kids. Check the official Sápmi Park website for seasonal opening times but generally the park opens daily from morning until afternoon, with later opening times in summer. It closes in the early afternoon during dark winter days. The restaurant is open only in summer.
Sápmi Park is in the heart of the town of Karasjok in northeastern Norway. Get around the small town center on foot. Make sure to see the nearby sights, such as the Sami Parliament of Norway, the Kárášjohka River and the RDM – De Samiske Samlinger Museum.