Fascinating northern cultures – from history to the living today

The culture of our region is rich and many-faceted. Original livelihoods, farming, hunting, fishing, livestock raising and reindeer herding are still key components of the everyday lives of many of the North’s inhabitants. The Sámi culture and their languages have retained their vitality, and the culture, history and traditions of both the Sámi and the majority populations continue to be cherished and esteemed. Vuotso, which is Finland’s southernmost Sámi village, lies on the borderline between the fell and forest zones of Lapland and reindeer herding plays a major role as both a means of livelihood and an aspect of the culture of the people who live there. Our region is home to tens of thousands of Sámi. They speak either Northern Sámi, Inari Sámi or Skolt Sámi.

Two excellent museums present the lives of our indigenous people.
They are:

Siida in Inari

Sápmi in Karasjokk

The Gold Museum in Tankavaara, is also well worth a visit.