How to Experience Sámi Culture in Finland

There’s nowhere closer to the beating heart of Sámi life than the village of Inari, nestled on the banks of Lapland’s largest lake, Inarijärvi. Its Siida museum and nature centre offers a unique opportunity to learn all about the cultural heritage and livelihood of the Sámi community. Don’t miss its superb shop with fine examples of local handicrafts and jewellery.

Preserving the Sámi way of life, its language, culture and traditions is the core purpose of the Sajos cultural centre. This striking wood-and-glass building also houses the Sámi parliament; taking a guided tour is the best way to appreciate all it has to offer. Sit in on a parliamentary plenum session or book a place at a craft workshop, where you’ll learn the basics of Sami duodji – including embroidery, jewellery making and wood carving.

Speeding out to the middle of the frozen Lake Inari on a snowmobile is all part of the experience of ice-fishing. You’ll try your hand at drilling a hole in the thick ice, and get your own rod to try to catch a fish, but there are no guarantees! Even if you don’t manage to hook an arctic char, perch or brown trout, simply being out on the ice with your Sámi guide is an unforgettable experience.

Reindeer racing takes place in early spring all across northern Lapland, culminating in the Reindeer Racing Championships on Lake Inari. Competitors, or jockeys, don’t sit on the reindeer, but get pulled behind it on skis, at startling speeds. The races are an important cultural event on the Sámi calendar and you can expect craft markets, food stalls and a jovial atmosphere at the tournaments.

Reindeer husbandry and herding is one of the oldest traditional livelihoods of the Sámi people, dating back to the Stone Age. These days, herding is most often combined with other occupations, commonly in the tourism sector. So finding a friendly local to take you out on an enchanting sledge ride is not too difficult.

Foraging is a classic Finnish pastime. The long summer nights and midnight sun create the perfect environment for ripening all kinds of delicious berries – including cloudberries, lingonberries, blueberries, crowberries and cranberries. Finland’s policy, “everyman’s right,” ensures you’re free to pick whatever you find, and a local expert will be able to show you the best places to look.

Have you ever tried reindeer meat? Or what about “arctic gold,” the rare, highly nutritious cloudberry? Sample some on soft bread, cheese, or leipäjuusto, for a truly local delight. Fish such as brown trout and salmon are cooked slowly on an open fire, and mushrooms are in abundant supply. Sámi cuisine is simple but fresh and delicious, sourced straight from the land, lakes and rivers. Ask for the traditional salmon soup in any tavern and you won’t be disappointed.

The eight Sámi seasons form the backdrop of the community’s relationship with the natural world. The significance of the seasons can be found in their traditional jewellery, which is still made with time-honoured methods. One of the most symbolic pieces is the risku or solju, decorated with tiny silver or gold plates, and is reminiscent of the sun. The risku is worn at weddings, on the brightly coloured national dress, to keep the scarf in place.

If you’re in Inari in January, you must go along to the Skábmagovat (Reflections of the Endless Night). This is no ordinary film festival, and you may want to swap your popcorn for hot chocolate – watching a Finnish film in a theatre made entirely of snow, in sub-zero temperatures, is an experience you won’t soon forget. The festival aims to strengthen mutual relations among the indigenous people, but welcomes visitors from all different cultures.

February 6th is the biggest day in the Sámi calendar and dates back to 1917 when the first international Sámi congress was held in Trondheim, Norway. The Sámi people celebrate all over the Arctic circle on this day, with concerts, cultural events and much feasting and merriment. The community dress up in their national costume, and sing the national anthem in the traditional Sámi language, while hoisting their colourful flag.