Norway Holidays 

Norway Holidays

 
SAMI
The Sami are an indigenous people, numbering almost 100,000, resident across four countries: Norway, Sweden, Finland and Russia, with just over half living in Norway. Sami culture dates back at least 2000 years and many of its traditions have been kept alive since then – they may now use snowmobiles and mobile phones to round up the local herds but many of the ‘old ways’ are still evident today.

Sami culture has always been closely connected with the reindeer, hunting and fishing and at the Sami Cultural Centre in Karasjok, visitors can have a fascinating ‘living history’ experience.

ALTA
Alta is Finnmarks’ largest town with 15,000 inhabitants – a burgeoning trade, cultural and educational centre and it’s got some pretty good shops too! Alta is well known for its huge concentration of prehistoric rock carvings, found just out of town and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site back in 1985. Sadly however, during the winter months these carvings are often buried beneath a think blanket of snow but the adjacent Alta Museum, has some examples on show and is a fascinating place to visit. Being set on the edge of the Alta Fjord, the views from the coffee shop are wonderful.

The Alta area is perfect for outdoor activities and the snow covered landscapes around town offer visitors a variety of adventures. Just a 5 minute drive is the Husky Centre – after instruction on how to ‘mush’ correctly, take a trip through the forest behind a team of eager and friendly Alaskan huskies. Learn how they are trained for the annual 1000km Husky Endurance Race, held in March and perhaps return to join in the festivities in town when the 800 dogs set off in search of the coveted prize.

The Gargia Fjellstue centre is a 15 minute drive – following the course of the Alta River. The activity centre is another location for some excellent adventures by snowmobile with routes through the forest up onto the breathtaking Finnmarksvidda plateau – time for some excellent photo opportunities before heading back to base and a warming cup of chocolate and a cinnamon bun!

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