Skoganvarre between nature and history

Skoganvarre lies on the E6 in the Lakselva Valley. Woodland nature and a rich local history shape the themes you can discover here. The Skoganvarre Nature Reserve is nearby; in the village, an exhibition and a memorial recall the history of Finnmark. This means you can tailor your stay to different interests: those who want to spend time outdoors will find information about trails and activities, while culture enthusiasts can explore traces of the Second World War and Sámi history.

Forest, limestone pines and trails

The Skoganvarre Nature Reserve protects a forest area, its plant and animal life, and natural ecological processes. A distinctive type of limestone pine forest grows there, found only in scattered stands in Finnmark. The woodland therefore offers something to explore in its own right, alongside the historic memorial sites in the village.

In summer, an open trail passes through parts of the nature reserve to Savngŋojávri. You can also walk and ski in the protected area. Berries and mushrooms can be picked there, and hunting and fishing are also permitted.

The summer access to the nature reserve branches off the E6 about 30 km south of Lakselv, heading south towards Savgŋojohka.

Day-use cabin and getting your bearings

The Stálločohkka day-use cabin is located in Skoganvarre. The trail starts at a car park on the other side of the bridge over the Lakselva. From Skoganvarre Villmark, drive about 750 m along the E6 towards Karasjok.

The road network is also part of the village’s character: Skoganvarre lies on the E6, and the winter road from Alta to Válljohka near Tana crosses the E6 there. Skoganvarre is also a checkpoint for the Finnmarksløpet.

Memorial sites and Sámi history

During the Second World War, Skoganvarre was a transport hub between Karasjok, Alta and Lakselv. German troops used the village and, among other things, detained prisoners of war there. The exhibition “Spor etter krig” (“Traces of War”) is housed in the old school in Skuvvanvárri, also known as Skoganvarre. Outside the old school, a memorial honours the efforts of Norwegian soldiers during the liberation of Finnmark. The exhibition and memorial represent different aspects of local history.

Another historical trace can be found on Offerholmen in Øvrevatnet: a pre-Christian Sámi sacrificial site associated with the hunting of wild reindeer is located there. For families and other travellers who want to include different themes in their trip, nature, wartime history and the Sámi past can all be explored side by side.

Holiday homes as accommodation

Villa Skoganvarre, a detached holiday home with a sauna, is located in Skoganvarre. If you’re looking for a holiday home, you can consider whether the location on the E6, the nearby nature reserve or the historical themes are the deciding factors when choosing your destination. The natural area and the memorial sites offer different starting points for planning your trip.

More places to explore: Lakselv, Lakselv, Smørfjord, Russenes, Indre Billefjord and Børselv.

For the broader travel overview: Porsanger.