Lapland: Home of the Sami People

Day 1 USA

Depart on your independent flight to Oslo.

Day 2 Oslo, Norway

Arrive in Oslo this afternoon and make your way to the Radisson SAS Airport Hotel. Gather this evening for a welcome dinner and briefing.

Day 3 Oslo / Kirkenes

This morning board your short flight to Kirkenes. Located on the extreme northeastern coast of Norway along a branch of the Varanger Fjord, Kirkenes is surrounded by rolling granite hills dotted with numerous lakes. Upon arrival we transfer to the Snowhotel for lunch. Made entirely of snow, a new structure is built every year, complete with ice-carved bed platforms, furniture, and decorations. This afternoon attend a dog mushing lesson. If the night is clear, walk to a viewpoint to watch for the northern lights.

Day 4 Kirkenes / Svanhovd

Today enjoy a city tour of Kirkenes, including the Borderland Museum and the Andersgrotta, a bomb shelter where town residents sought refuge from Russian air raids during World War II. After lunch at a local restaurant, attend a short snowmobile lesson. Board your snowmobile for a leisurely ride though scenic wilderness to arrive at the Svanhovd National Park Center.

Day 5 Svanhovd / Kirkenes / Vardo / Kongsfjord

After breakfast, ride your snowmobile back to Kirkenes to board the Hurtigruten ferry. Cruise past photogenic coastal scenery as you enjoy lunch on board. Make a brief stop in Vardo, a small town that is famous for its Salem-style witch hunts and burnings during the 16th century. A walking tour takes you past the witch hunt monument and a display of art that commemorates those dark days. Re-embark the ferry and continue your relaxing cruise. In Batsfjord we board buses for Kongsfjord. If the night is clear, you will have excellent opportunities to view the northern lights as you travel down this dark road. Dinner and overnight at the Kongsfjord Gjestehus.

Day 6 Kongsfjord

Kongsfjord is a tiny fishing village whose waters were fished out in the late 20th century, causing many people to move away. Now the fish are coming back, and so are the people, many for the quaint, slow-paced lifestyle. Don snowshoes to explore the charming settlement, then continue to the peninsula beyond town for impressive views. Here you will also find ruined fortifications installed during World War II. After lunch take a stroll through town, stopping at galleries and gift shops filled with local products and folk art. Those who are up to the challenge may join a local crabber to hunt for the region’s giant king crabs. Enjoy your catch of the day for dinner this evening. Overnight at Kongsfjord Gjestehus.

Day 7 Kongsfjord / Hillagurra

This morning board buses for a scenic drive to Hillagurra. Here you will meet the Gaups, a Sami family who live in a modern house (for part of the year), but continue to make traditional clothes by hand, follow the summer reindeer migration, and celebrate Sami festivals. Take an exhilarating ride in your own reindeer-drawn sleigh, or you may choose to ride behind a reindeer on skis. Dinner is a traditional Sami meal which will likely include reindeer stew prepared over an open fire. This evening our hosts regale us with folktales and explain the language, customs, beliefs, clothing, and crafts of the Sami people.

Tonight you have the unique opportunity to sleep in a traditional Sami lavvu—a cozy, communal tent made of reindeer hide with wooden floors.

Day 8 Hillagurra / Karasjok

In addition to its beautiful surroundings, Karasjok is the social and cultural center of the Norwegian Sami. Important Sami institutions have been established here, including the Sámediggi (the Sami Parliament) and a Sami language radio station. At the Sami museum you will see excellent displays of traditional garments, tools, and crafts. Afterwards, visit a Sami knifesmith who crafts reindeer-herder knives. These knives have a distinctive look and are an integral part of Sami culture; they range from workaday to decorative, and make a memorable souvenir. Dinner and overnight at Rica Hotel Karasjok.

Day 9 Karasjok / Ravnastua

Today we meet Sven Engholm, an eleven time winner of Europe’s longest dog sled race, Finnmarksløpet, with a distance of over 600 miles. Visit the kennels to meet his highly trained sled dogs, then board your own sled to make the 12-mile journey to the Ravnastua Mountain Lodge. Your accommodations tonight are rustic cabins equipped with cozy wood-stoves and hand-carved furnishings. Behind the main house is a separate building with a clever wood-fired hot tub and sauna, the perfect way to unwind after a busy day. This evening enjoy a hearty meal prepared by our host accompanied by a performance of accordion music and traditional Sami songs.

Day 10 Ravnastua / Kautokeino

Today we mush our sleds back to Kautokeino and enjoy lunch with Sven, before boarding buses for the short drive to Kautokeino. The “secret capital” of the Sami, Kautokeino hosts the annual Sami Easter Festival. This afternoon take a stroll around town to observe the bustle of activity. You may also want to visit Juhl’s Silver Gallery and workshop where you will find beautiful jewelry and decorative items using traditional Sami designs and motifs. Dinner and overnight at Thon Hotel Kautokeino.

Day 11 Kautokeino

Today the festivities culminate as you witness a variety of unique events including reindeer races, snowmobile races, ice fishing competitions, yoik concerts, and theater productions. Easter has traditionally been the time when the Samis gather to celebrate weddings and confirmations, presenting excellent photographic opportunities. A celebratory farewell dinner will include a special yoiking performance. Overnight at Thon Hotel Kautokeino.

Day 12 Kautokeino / Alta / Oslo

After breakfast drive to Alta for your flight to Oslo. The afternoon is at leisure with dinner and overnight at the SAS Radisson Hotel.

Day 13 Oslo / USA

Depart on your independent homeward flight, arriving in the USA the same day.