Experience the Sami Culture in Norway

Who are the Sami?

The total population of Sami in Norway, Sweden, Finland and Russia is estimated to approximately 80,000 about half of whom live in Norway. The vast majority of settlements are located in Northern Norway.

Many think that the Sami traditions consist of nothing more than colourful clothing and catching reindeer with lassos. But the truth is that Sami culture and traditions can be found in everything from rap music and modern architecture to contemporary art and cutting edge design. Modern Sami are everything from an award-winning filmmaker to a reindeer herder on a snowmobile. Both may feel the asme deep relationship with nature.

If you visit Northern Norway, Trøndelag or Røros, you can experience the Sami way of life. Enjoy storytelling in a traditional lavvo [Sami tent], get a close encounter with reindeer, take in a Sami art exhibition and much more.

The Renaissance of Joik

Joik - the folk music of the Sami is one of Europe’s oldest song traditions. It has unique vocal characteristics and is performed as a dedication to a person, an animal, or a place.

The survival of the Joik thought the centuries, despite acculturation and assimilation pressure from the Norwegian government, is in itself a remarkable phenomenon. Many young artists include Joik as an element in contemporary music, and it has become increasingly popular to combine Joik with various other styles as jazz, metal and rock.

Doudji - Sami Craftsmanship

Doudji includes tools, clothes and accessories that are both functional and incorporate artistic elements. Although there have been slight changes in the traditional doudji, many traditional forms of craftsmanship - such as pearl embroidery, weaving shoelaces, wood carving and knife-making are well maintained. Today, traditional doudji are considered to be valuable pieces of art by collectors from all over the world.