Smørfjord: Coastal Sámi History and Landscape

Smørfjord invites you to explore coastal Sámi history through a specific place: Sjøsamisk Tun brings together a reconstructed settlement, traces of earlier settlement, traditional boats and an interpretation of life on the coast. Nearby, you will also find paths, river scenery and fishing opportunities.

Coastal Sámi history at Sjøsamisk Tun

Sjøsamisk Tun is a reconstruction of a traditional coastal Sámi settlement as it might have looked around 1900. The site was officially opened in 2004. The grounds also include a protected cultural heritage area with the remains of two old settlements dating from the late 19th century. The reconstruction and the older remains highlight different periods and bring Smørfjord’s history to life in one place.

Near the settlement remains, two reconstructed turf huts form part of the museum; buildings made of turf are also visible on the grounds. Traditional boats are housed in the boathouse. Among them, Sjøsamisk Tun showcases the two types of boat known as spissbåt and Nordlandsbåt. Together with the traditional buildings and objects, they illustrate the everyday life of the coastal Sámi and their close relationship with nature.

The exhibits in Smørfjord cover both a nomadic Sámi way of life based on reindeer herding and a more settled way of life involving fishing, hunting and farming. Cultural remains dating back to the Stone Age are also part of the area’s history. Visitors wishing to learn more about local history, customs and traditions are welcome at Sjøsamisk Tun; it is also a meeting place for local people.

Local products, souvenirs and refreshments are available at the kiosk. You can also try traditional food there. Check before your trip whether the kiosk and food tasting are available on your dates. Daily opening hours of 11 am to 5 pm are listed for the summer season from 20 June to 20 August; check the hours before your visit.

Paths, river and nature

A well-marked path runs through the village and into the surrounding landscape. The local area also offers hiking opportunities, and there are many good spots for angling and fishing nearby. These opportunities complement a museum visit with time outdoors. For specific access points and local conditions, it is advisable to get your bearings locally.

The Smørfjordelva is a small salmon river that flows into the Porsangerfjord near the village of Smørfjord. At its mouth are beach meadows on a sheltered island, with botanical, zoological and scenic qualities. The river’s importance as a spawning and nursery area for salmon and Arctic char also played an important role in the protection decision made in 1980.

For orientation in the river area: European route E69 crosses the Smørfjordelva near its mouth, while county road 889 runs parallel to the river for its lowest few kilometres. The river is easily accessible from a road. These road connections describe the river and its lower course, not a route through the village.

Porsanger as a wider travel destination

The natural environment of the wider Porsanger destination extends well beyond the immediate surroundings of Smørfjord. Porsanger has more than 4,000 fish-rich lakes and three salmon rivers. In winter, the region has 648 kilometres of snowmobile trails that can be used for fishing or recreation. These are features of the wider Porsanger destination; they do not describe individual offerings in Smørfjord.

This gives you two scales to consider when planning your trip: coastal Sámi history and the river landscape near Smørfjord, and the broader natural opportunities in Porsanger. If you are looking for a holiday rental in Smørfjord, you can choose where to focus your plans based on which of these themes you want to shape your trip. If your itinerary extends beyond the village, it is worth planning your chosen destinations in Porsanger separately.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Lakselv, Børselv, Skoganvarre, Lakselv, Indre Billefjord, Russenes

For the wider travel overview: Porsanger.