Things to see and do Karasjok

Building housing the democratically-elected Sami delegation to Norway's general elections. The president is Silje Karine Muotka. Guided tour every hour. The Saami delegation is elected every four years. Superb architecture, well worth a visit, and don't hesitate to enter if you can, as the wooden balustrades, lamps and large windows overlooking the forest give quite a magical impression, especially for such a public place! Library containing books in all Sami languages.

The Sámi Dáiddaguovddáš Museum specializes in the exhibition and sale of Sami art and crafts. The center, established in 1986, is one of the most important channels for the dissemination of contemporary Sami art. The museum is a meeting place for visitors and contemporary artists. The museum has several permanent exhibitions as well as temporary exhibitions on various themes. A mandatory stop for all art lovers who wish to discover the work of Saami artists, local or not.

5 km from Karasjok is a nature park with barbecues, a rain shelter, toilets and a children's playground. Of course, you should check the weather conditions (or just look at the sky!) before venturing into a nature area, even if this one is equipped and is really not far from Karasjok. Not very well signposted but the tourist office will be able to explain the route. Bring something to light the barbecue!

Library specialized in the Saami universe. A unique collection of Saami literature in several languages.

Small wooden church. Built in 1974 to replace the one built in 1807 which had become too small. It is one of the oldest in Norwegian Lapland, and also the only monument that was not destroyed by the Germans during the Second World War. It is worth a visit if you are in the area. The church is still in operation and you can, if you wish, hear a mass in Norwegian or Sami. There is also singing from time to time. The shape of this church is unusual!

This park dedicated to Sami culture opens with a 25-minute film on the history of the Sami people, followed by a tour of several buildings that recreate the Sami way of life during the summer (traditional tents or lavvu, food shelters, a reindeer pen). The premises aren't very big, and you quickly get the hang of it, unlike the store, which is huge. All the staff are dressed in traditional costume. An opportunity to discover a little more about Saami culture, the original people of these northern lands.

Founded in 1972, this museum is Norway's first Saami cultural institution. Dedicated to Saami culture, it is both an open-air museum and a gallery with several collections. It includes a "river house" and a model reindeer herders' camp. It exhibits some 5,000 traditional objects of all kinds: traditional costumes, handicrafts... It's the ideal place to discover or deepen your knowledge of this people.