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Northern Culture and Heritage
Troms is a multi-ethnic community. Sami reindeer herders, farmers and fishermen share the land with coastal Norwegians, the Kven of Finnish ancestry and the descendants of 18th century immigrants from Southern Norway. This heritage is visible in Sami turf huts, Viking ship style boats, old farms with grassy roofs and saunas.
Glimpses into Cultures of the North
- Vilggesvarri, Blue Mountain, is a distinct Sami settlement in the southern forests
- Discover the Kven culture at the Halti Kvenkultursenter in Nordreisa.
- The Sami in Olmmáivággi have the oldest looms in Europe.
- Gratangen is the best place to study old boats.
- A Kven sauna includes whipping with birch twigs.
How can I experience Northern Cultures?
The Sami: The oldest culture in the North
Sami culture goes back at least 2000 years, and today the language and culture are alive all over Troms. Coastal Sami farm the land and fish in the fjords, inland Sami live in remote forest settlements and harvest mountains, lakes and rivers, and most of the Troms area is grazing lands for the reindeer of the Sami reindeer herders. Sami language and culture, long ignored by the Norwegian state, is now experiencing a revival that can be seen and felt across Troms.
The Coastal Norwegians: In Cod We Trust
Norse culture is evident at least the last 1500 years in Troms, and today the Norwegians constitute the vast majority of the Troms population. A distinct northern accent, strong boat-building traditions, long-time dependency on fishing and a legendary sense of humour are among the characteristics attributed to the Northern population.
The Kven: A Culture Making a Comeback
After 1700, Finns settled areas of North and Central Troms, escaping war and famine in their homeland. Essentially farmers, they also quickly learned to fish. Today, their language and culture, often referred to as Kven, enjoys renewed interest and pride in parts of Northern Troms.
The Inland Valleys: A Tale of Long-distance Migration
Inundations and over population in Southern Norway led to an migration to the inland valleys around 1800. Food specialties, traditional houses, folk music, costumes and, above all, the melodic accent still testify to their distinct character.