HISTORY AND TRADITION IN FINNMARK NORWEGIAN LAPLAND

The history of Norwegian Lapland is strongly characterised by its proximity to the countries that border on it. Finnish language and culture are still alive after extensive immigration from Finland in the 1800s, and coastal Norwegian Lapland has long traditions in trade with the East – the so-called Pomor Trade. Through the “Footprints in the North” project, you will gain knowledge about some of Norwegian Lapland’s history, and the food establishments that are included in “Arktisk Meny” (Arctic Menu) provide you with some insight into the county’s culinary traditions.

“FOOTPRINTS IN THE NORTH”
- an exciting voyage in the footprints of our forefathers. Each municipality has selected one cultural memorial, and these combine to form a broad portrayal of this region’s people, nature and occupations over the past ten thousand years. The individual cultural memorials are all accessible via cultural trails, signposts or exhibitions. More information on the different footprints is available from Tourist Informations or from museums around the region.

NATIONAL TOURIST ROUTE
The itineraries chosen present to tourists some of the best of Norwegian scenery. Norwegian Lapland has two tourist routes under planning; Varanger – the road to the Arctic Ocean and Havøysund – the farthest north. The road to Havøysund follows the ocean in a landscape of bare rock and wild, naked scenery.
www.turistveg.no


ARCTIC MENU - A TASTE OF NORTHERN NORWAY
North Norway’s many culinary temptations from a plentiful pantry can be experienced through traditional and new dishes in one of our “Arktisk Meny” eating establishments. Choose between fresh delicacies from the sea, lamb with a taste of sea and herbs from grazing along the coast, delicious berries and vegetables matured in the light of endless summer days, and game of reindeer and grouse. Let the chef enrich your experience.

UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE
The UNESCO convention for the protection of worldwide cultural and natural heritage was established in 1972. The World Heritage List is aimed at increasing awareness and protection of our shared natural and cultural heritage. The WHC (World Heritage Committee) is responsible for the list and therefore responsible for ensuring that future generations may inherit the treasures of the past. Norway has seven sites on the list, two of which are in Finnmark Norwegian Lapland; the Rock Art of Alta and the Struve Geodetic Arc (four measurement points: one marked by the Struve Monument in Hammerfest, one in the municipality of Alta and two in the municipality of Kautokeino).

THE SAMI - INDIGENOUS PEOPLE OF THE ARCTIC
The Sami are an indigenous people resident in Norway, Sweden, Finland and Russia. Estimates show that there are about 50-100 000 Sami living in these countries, and that slightly more than half of them are resident in Norway.

The Sami have lived in Finnmark Norwegian Lapland since the time before Christ. Karasjok is home to the Sami parliament, elected by the people, and working to represent the Sami population, to strengthen the Sami political standing and promote Sami interests in Norway.

The Sami culture is flourishing, with a reborn interest in the Sami language, knitwear, music and handicrafts (duodji). There are several Sami festivals in Finnmark Norwegian Lapland, particularly during Easter which is the most important time for the Sami. It is very popular to arrange weddings and christenings at Easter, and these are huge celebrations. It is not uncommon to invite over 1000 guests to a wedding, and they all take part in the ceremony and enjoy the traditional meal of bidos, made from reindeer meat and vegetables! The Easter festivals are a great opportunity to experience Sami culture, with the World Championships in reindeer racing and the Sami Grand Prix.

The Sami people have one Sami flag, no matter where they live. The flag is red, blue, yellow and green and has a circle symbolising the sun (red) and the moon (blue).

REINDEER
There are close to 100,000 reindeer in Finnmark Norwegian Lapland, and you are almost guaranteed to meet one or more during your stay here! During the summer, the reindeer graze out by the coast, then move inland during the winter. The Sami move the reindeer to the coast in April/May, and back inland before the snow comes in September/October. Reindeer meat is one of the healthiest meats you can eat, and is served at most restaurants in Finnmark Norwegian Lapland.

A SHORT COURSE IN SAMI:
Hello: Buorre beaivi
My name is..: Mu namma lea ...
How much does it cost?: Man ollu máksá?
Reindeer: Boazu (single), Bohccot, (plural)
I love you: Mun ráhkistan du
Where are the Northern Lights?: Gos lea Guovssahas?
Thank you!: Giitu!

To learn more about the Sami people, go to:
www.samediggi.no and
www.samitour.no 

WORLD WAR II
In autumn 1944, almost all of Norwegian Lapland was burned to the ground during the German retreat. Only a few small places were left untouched, among them Hamningberg and Bugøynes. Today, these places serve to remind us of building traditions and culture in Norwegian Lapland prior to the outbreak of war in 1940. The Reconstruction of Norwegian Lapland commenced as soon as the war was over. For the most part, people rebuilt their homes where they had been before.