Kåfjord: Coastal Sámi Culture and Mountain Landscapes
Accommodation in Kåfjord
Kåfjord showcases two impressive sides of North Troms: the history and culture of the Coastal Sámi, and a mountain landscape with gorges, protected areas and hiking destinations. The annual Riddu-Riđđu Festival adds a vibrant cultural highlight; in Kåfjorddalen and around Ráisduottarháldi, nature and hiking take centre stage. Which side interests you more may also influence your choice of location for a holiday rental.
Mountain Landscapes and Hiking
The Ráisduottarháldi Protected Landscape Area preserves a distinctive high-mountain area with deposits of great natural-historical significance. It covers the municipalities of Kåfjord and Nordreisa and provides the public with opportunities for outdoor recreation. Ráisduottarháldi reaches an altitude of 1,361 metres; the nearby Finnish peak Halti is 1,331 metres above sea level. Guolasjávri in the Kåfjord valley is a starting point for hikes into the protected area and onwards to Reisa National Park. To hike to Halti or Ráisduottarháldi, turn off the E6 at Birtavarre and drive through Kåfjorddalen.
A prominent destination in the valley is the Gorsa Bridge, which spans a 153-metre-deep gorge. The signposted hike starts at the car park above Ankerlia, is 1.8 kilometres each way and takes about 25 minutes. The trail from Ankerlia to the bridge passes the ruins of a mine that operated until 1919. The former mining area still has weathered smelting huts and houses, old paths, remains of cableways and entrances to abandoned mines. Bungee jumping from the bridge is available from 15 June to 30 September with advance booking.
Dalberget in Djupvik, also in Kåfjord Municipality, offers another hiking option: the half-day hike leads to a freely accessible cabin with panoramic views of the Lyngen Alps. The hike to Dalberghytta is approximately 3 kilometres long and takes about 3 hours. You can use these approximate figures when planning your day. Birdwatchers will find an observation tower at Spåkenes, where around 60 different species have been observed.
Coastal Sámi History and Culture
The Coastal Sámi Holmenes Farm is the main site of the North Troms Museum in Kåfjord Municipality. The farm dates from around 1850 and was inhabited until 1964. Its buildings have been restored or reconstructed and returned to their condition around 1930. In Birtavarre’s tidal zone, boathouses and sheds bear witness to Coastal Sámi building traditions and the maritime fishing traditions of the 19th century.
The Centre for Northern Peoples, a Coastal Sámi museum, is located in Manndalen. The Museum of Northern Peoples presents the permanent exhibition “De čalbmi ii olat guhkibuidda” as well as temporary exhibitions in its museum gallery. The centre’s kitchen also reflects the region: it focuses on local food traditions and serves Coastal Sámi dishes from North Troms. Food can also be ordered for gatherings and celebrations.
The international Indigenous Riddu-Riđđu Festival takes place annually in Kåfjord and offers a wide-ranging programme of music, courses, performing arts, literature, seminars, art exhibitions and film. It also includes a children’s festival and a youth camp. The festival takes place mainly outdoors; ticket holders can pitch their tents free of charge at a campsite. Those visiting Kåfjord for the festival can make its cultural programme the focus of their trip.
More to Discover and Local Pages
A coastal fort from the Second World War is located at Spåkenes, on the border between Nordreisa and Kåfjord. Several bunkers and gun emplacements remain and can be explored. Another historic site is Baalsrud Cave, at the upper end of the Manndalen valley. Jan Baalsrud hid there while escaping from the Germans during the Second World War. On a cultural trail in Čáhput/Svartskogen, you can follow the local stories and legends of the Manndalen valley.
To get to Birtavarre, take bus route 150 from Tromsø or Alta, or route 160 from Storslett or Tromsø. Other local pages within the municipality: Olderdalen, Kåfjord and Løkvollen. This lets you match your choice of location with the experiences that matter most for your trip.
For the broader travel overview: Troms.
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