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Visit Mikkelgammen |
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Mikkelgammen (gamme = a turf hut) is at Salen, about ten minutes
drive from the centre of Hammerfest. This form of dwelling has been
used by the Sami for a very long time. At Mikkelgammen the hosts
take their visitors on a journey through time and space a journey
through Sami culture past and present. One of Mikkels many skills
is as a joiker, a story-teller with a difference. No-one knows the
secrets of the plateau (big and small), its capricious character
and the sheer extent of it better than he who since childhood has
migrated with the herd over vast areas. Sami culinary specialities
will be served in the warmth of a delightful open fire. As the fire
crackles, you get an insight into Sami traditions. One obvious ingredient
is a good joik. |
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Experience Porsa |
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Porsa lies in idyllic surroundings in Vargsund, about an hours drive from Hammerfest. Mikkelgammen offers overnight accommodation in a traditional Sami
lavvu, food included. Or you can make do with a brief visit if you
prefer. Porsa is beautifully situated with excellent fishing in
the sea as well as the mountain lakes if you would like to catch
you own supper and have it cooked over an open fire. We can also
serve tasters based on the best raw materials found in this part
of the world. In addition you can of course try your skills as a
lavvu-erector (its more difficult than you think!) or throwing a
lasso. Or you can simply snuggle closer in to the fire. Let the
quiet and the chatter take over. Now is the time for short, low-voiced
stories. They whisper of the past and what happened yesterday. That
is what Sami culture is all about. |
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Visit the siidas summer settlement Aisaroive |
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Get to know the reindeer herdsmen's summer settlement in Aisaroaivi,
which lies on the E6 between Alta and Hammerfest. The history of
Aisaroaivi goes back a long way, and is closely related to the history
of reindeer herding, and in particular the "invisibility"
of Sami history in the cultural landscape. Sami culture has never
left distinctive marks in the natural environment. The Sami have
never built large structures. This is closely related to respect
of, and close dependency on surroundings that have demanded humility
and caution. This is the story told by Aisaroaivi, a story which
provides insight into reindeer herding today and the history of
reindeer herding in the area, with a presentation of the day-to-day
lives and lifestyle of the Sami reindeer herdsmen. |
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Life with the herd |
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Very few people get the chance to experience this, and we have
no intention of making any attempt to hide the fact that you need
a certain stamina. Life in the mountains constitutes a meeting with
a mighty, merciless natural environment. Weather conditions in the
Arctic are changeable. Even though we have sound knowledge of the
land we cover and move over large distances in great safety, the
going can get tough times. Moving a herd of reindeer requires tremendous
sensuousness and being on guard 24 hours a day. We are dealing with
reindeer and not people who strike camp and set off on a hike. You
have the chance to join us, to be with the reindeer herdsmen and
take an active part working with the reindeer in the mountains.
The days can be very long and the work hard. Everybody knows that.
But at the same time, you get the reward of being along and being
part of the plateau in motion, of a herd of reindeer meandering
like a river. In the evening when we get together around the fire
and put a pot of bouillon on to boil and talk about the little things
that happened during the day as night gradually falls. Youre miles
from roads and built-up areas, in Europes last wilderness.
And youre together with people who have this way of life under their
skin. They can tell you a thing or two, but maybe the work itself
tells the most important tales. Of Sami culture and perhaps something
about yourself, too. We will pick you up at the nearest main road. |
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Winter nights in ice-land |
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In winter the plateau is in darkness. It can get bitingly cold,
as low as 40 degrees Celsius below zero. At the same time, the Northern
Lights (aurora borealis) and the starry sky can transform the landscape
into a surging, endless ocean. The reindeer graze peacefully on
their winter pasture. The herdsmen live in their small, simple huts,
vigilantly watching over the herd. We welcome visitors!. You could
have the unique opportunity of visiting a reindeer siida
(village) in the midst of this winter landscape. Many an account
has been written by those who have experienced the atmosphere this
winter landscape has to offer. You need to be well-equipped; and
we can help you there. You will get the opportunity to visit the
reindeer herd and will live the life of a herdsman. You will drive
out through the crystal-covered wastes to tend the herd. Hang pots
over the fire in the evenings. Tell stories. Sami winter living. You will be picked up at the nearest main road. |
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Mikkelgammen |
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