ON THE TRAIL
Kautokeino
Situated on the Finnmark Plateau , Kautokeino is the spiritual home of the Sámi reindeer herders who have plied routes between Norway ’ s interior and coastal pastures for centuries . Immersive lessons in reindeer husbandry are offered by outfitters such as Sokki Adventure . In April , multi-day expeditions to follow the seasonal migration are led by members of the Johtit Project , a network of Sámi-owned tourism businesses . Kautokeino announces the coming of spring with its Easter Festival , timed to coincide with Resurrection Sunday . There ’ s a great lineup of events , including the World Championship in Reindeer Racing , which sees riders on skis and sleds battle it out for the Sámi Grand Prix cup .
SÁMI CULTURE IN NORWAY
The enduring culture of Europe ’ s northernmost indigenous peoples is both extraordinary and crucially important , says Emily Lush
Residing in Finnish Lapland and the far-northern reaches of Norway , Sweden and Russia ’ s Kola Peninsula , the Sámi people trace their roots back 10,000 years to the end of the last Ice Age . In Norway ’ s remote arctic interior and spectacular fjordlands — part of the traditional territory known as Sápmi — custodians of Sámi culture work to keep their languages , folklore and gastronomy alive . Each of these five locations illuminates the Sámi way of life through immersive museums , vibrant festivals and hands-on adventures .
Karasjok
Karasjok is Norway ’ s Sámi capital and main hub for politics and arts . It ’ s home to Sápmi Park , which introduces visitors to various customs through an interactive model village . Staffed by Sámi guides , the Sámi Museum displays traditional clothing and hunting tools , while the Sámi Center for Contemporary Art contributes 21stcentury perspectives . The Sámi Parliament Building has a shard-like design inspired by tent dwellings called lavvu . More than 30,000 volumes in all 10 Sámi languages are contained within its larchwood library . illustrations : Lis watkins
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