Karasjok

Norway's Sámi cultural capital, home to the Sámi Parliament, museums and a theme park, with reindeer and dog-sled rides and the northern lights in winter.

Kárášjohka (Karasjok in Norwegian) lies in the interior of Finnmark, Norway's northernmost county, on the eastern Finnmark Plateau. The Karasjokka River runs through town, and the Finnish border is only about 18 km away. With fewer than 2,000 residents, it is nonetheless the political and cultural heart of Norway's Sámi people: the Sámi Parliament of Norway, the Sámi Museum, the Sámi Library and Sámi Radio are all based here. Most residents speak North Sámi, and reindeer herding remains an important industry. The town is small, and its main sights can be linked on foot. In the morning, take a guided tour of the Sámi Parliament building to learn about Sámi self-government and the tent motif in its architecture. Then visit the Sámi Museum for traditional costumes, silverwork and reindeer-culture exhibits, and head to the SápmiPark theme park for its multimedia theatre and traditional tent camp. In the afternoon, visit the old church by the river. Built in 1807, it is the oldest surviving church in Finnmark. Seasonal differences are extreme. From December to March, temperatures often drop to -20 to -30°C; this is the season for reindeer sleigh rides, dog-sled rides and the northern lights. Clear inland nights with little light pollution give better aurora odds than the coast. Polar night runs from late November to mid-January. From late May to late July comes the midnight sun, when you can take a river boat, go salmon fishing or hike, but mosquitoes are abundant, so bring repellent. Getting there: the nearest airport is Lakselv (about 75 km). You can also drive from Alta (about 180 km) or Kirkenes. The E6 and Route 92 meet in town, and long-distance buses run to Alta, Kirkenes and toward Inari in Finland. Plan to stay 1–2 days. For a winter visit, book campsites and sleighs well in advance. If driving, use winter tyres and check for road closures.

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