Karasjok, Kautokeino and the plateau
Inner Finnmark is vast and wide, and the distances are part of the experience. A week gives you time for both the Sámi culture of Karasjok and Kautokeino, life on the plateau, and a detour towards the Porsanger Fjord — without rushing. This is a suggestion you can adjust by season and your own interests.
Day 1–2 — Karasjok (Kárášjohka)
Start in Karasjok, the political centre of Sápmi. Visit the Sámi Parliament, the Sámi Collections and Sápmi Park for an introduction to Sámi history and the present day. Eat traditional food, and spend the evening chasing the aurora outside the centre.
Day 3–4 — Kautokeino (Guovdageaidnu)
Drive on to Kautokeino, the cultural and educational centre. Experience Juhls Silver Gallery, the Sámi national theatre Beaivváš in the Čoarvemátta building, and the open-air museum. In winter: join a reindeer-sledding trip or ice fishing on the plateau.
Day 5 — The plateau and reindeer herding
Spend a full day on the Finnmark plateau itself. Depending on the season you can join an experience by ATV or snowmobile out to a lavvu, hear stories and joik, and get close to the reindeer herding that shapes life here.
Day 6 — Porsanger and Lakselv
Drive north towards the Porsanger Fjord and Lakselv (Leavdnja), where the inland meets a milder coast. Here you find Sea Sámi culture, fjord life and a hub with an airport (Banak) if you are travelling onward.
Day 7 — Heading home
End the week calmly. Adjust to your departure times and leave a good margin — the distances in Inner Finnmark are large and the weather can turn quickly. Fill up on fuel in the towns before the long legs.
🗓️
7 days
Recommended length
🏛️
Karasjok
The Sámi Parliament and museums
🎭
Kautokeino
Beaivváš, duodji and the university
🦌
The plateau
Reindeer herding, lavvu and aurora
🚗
Long distances — plan the driving
Inner Finnmark is vast. Fill up in the towns, check weather and road status, and book accommodation in advance — there are few beds on the plateau. Winter driving requires studded tyres and good preparation.
Plan the week
- 📅Book accommodation for the whole week before departure — capacity on the plateau is limited.
- ❄️In winter: swap summer experiences for reindeer sledding, ice fishing and northern lights.
- ⛽Plan fuel/charging around the long legs.
- 🧥Pack for all seasons — the inland is cold and the weather changes fast.
Klar for Sápmi?
Se opplevelser, overnatting og restauranter på kartet.