Samuelsberg: Culture and history

The permanent exhibition “De čalbmi ii olat guhkibuidda – So when the eye no longer” opened in Samuelsberg on 6 February 2024. It gives the place a specific cultural focus; further cultural and landscape attractions can be found in the wider destination of Kåfjord. When planning your trip, it is helpful to distinguish between the exhibition theme in Samuelsberg and attractions in Kåfjord.

Exhibitions and Sea Sámi culture

Senter for nordlige folk offers packages featuring talks and seminars on Sea Sámi culture and food. Alongside the permanent exhibition, these formats also focus on culture and food. The centre’s gallery hosts temporary exhibitions several times a year in the municipality of Kåfjord. The two types of exhibitions offer different points of interest: a permanent exhibition and a programme that changes over the course of the year. If you would like to see a particular temporary exhibition, check what is currently on display before your visit.

The Center for Northern Peoples is a museum of the Coastal Sámi in Manndalen. The Sea Sámi cuisine at Senter for nordlige folk includes local food traditions and dishes from North Troms; food can be ordered for gatherings and celebrations. The cuisine complements the culture and food themes also featured in the talk and seminar packages, without implying that the centre operates a regular restaurant.

Cultural attractions in Kåfjord

An annual event in Kåfjord is Riddu Riđđu Festivála, an international Indigenous Peoples’ festival. It takes place every July in Manndalen. The programme includes music, courses, performing arts, literature, a children’s festival, a youth camp, seminars, art exhibitions, and film. The festival is held mainly outdoors; ticket holders can pitch their tent at the campsite free of charge. The programme and practical details may vary from year to year. Check the dates and programme for the relevant edition before travelling.

A historical walking tour of Manndalen, published by Manndalen Ungdoms- og Idrettslag, begins its account in Samuelsberg in the 1950s. In Čáhput/Svartskogen, you can explore the local history of the Manndalen valley, along with its stories and legends, on a cultural trail. The two activities have different focuses: the walking tour covers a specific period, while the cultural trail is connected with the valley’s stories and legends.

Holmenes farm in Kåfjord also offers a glimpse into history: it is the main site of the North Troms Museum. The farm dates from around 1850 and was inhabited until 1964. Its buildings have been restored or reconstructed and returned to their appearance around 1930. At Birtavarre’s tidal zone, boathouses and sheds bear witness to Coastal Sámi building traditions and maritime fishing traditions from the 19th century.

Landscapes and hikes in Kåfjord

The protected landscape area preserves a distinctive high-mountain region with deposits of great natural-historical significance and offers opportunities for outdoor recreation. It includes the municipalities of Kåfjord and Nordreisa. The Gorsa Bridge spans a 153-metre-deep gorge in Kåfjorddalen. The hike to the bridge starts at the car park above Ankerlia, is signposted, and covers 1.8 kilometres each way; the walking time is about 25 minutes. Road and trail conditions may vary, so it is worth checking them before setting out.

The hike to Dalberghytta is listed as approximately 3 kilometres and about 3 hours. Dalberget is located in Djupvik in the municipality of Kåfjord and is described as a half-day hike to an open-access cabin with panoramic views of the Lyngen Alps. The time estimates give you a concrete basis for comparison when planning: the hike to Dalberghytta is described as taking several hours, while the walk to Gorsa Bridge takes about 25 minutes. Keep in mind that the distances and approximate times describe different hikes.

For the wider travel overview: Gáivuotna-Kåfjord.