Tana: River Landscape, Sámi Culture and Trails
Accommodation in Tana
Tana brings together the Tana River, insights into Sámi cultural history and various opportunities to spend time outdoors. A visit can, for example, focus on culture and nature: Deanu Musea presents the river Sámi cultural history of Tana, as well as Sámi prehistory and contemporary life. There are also trails, ski trails and activities centred around the river. When choosing a holiday apartment, it is therefore helpful to consider in advance which of these aspects of Tana matter most for your stay.
Discover Sámi History and Culture
Deanu Musea is located by the Tana River in Buolbmát/Polmak. The main building dates from around 1790 and is associated with the establishment of a trading post there. The museum is not only about the past: contemporary Sámi life and river Sámi cultural history are also among its subjects. During the summer season, a seasonal museum café complements the visit, serving coffee, tea, non-alcoholic drinks and waffles.
Another cultural site is Gollevárri, a cultural heritage area in Tana. As part of Fotefar mot nord, it is dedicated to wild reindeer hunting and includes approximately 960 trapping pits. Those interested in historic hunting methods and Sámi history will find a different perspective here than in the museum’s interpretation. A cultural trail in Sirma offers another way to connect cultural themes with a stay at a specific place in Tana.
The River and Salmon Knowledge
The Tana River shapes the way people explore the river and its surroundings. The Tana watercourse is Norway’s largest unregulated river system. Rest and parking areas have been established along the Tana River to make access to the river easier. At the Visitor Center Wild Salmon Tana Joddu, visitors can learn about the salmon’s life cycle and listen to talks about nature and research. Traditional Sámi fishing methods used in the Tana watercourse throughout history are also covered. These include weir-fence, drift-net, seine-net and rod or handline fishing. The centre also has a small outdoor exhibition during the summer months.
These themes also make Tana interesting for travellers who want to combine their stay with questions about nature and culture. The Visitor Center offers nature tours for schools and kindergartens; its talks and information about salmon are intended for visitors who would like to learn more about river ecosystems and research.
Trails and Activities in the Municipality
Tana is estimated to have around 250 kilometres of developed and marked trails and ski trails for hiking, skiing and cycling. However, no systematic survey of hiking and touring trails has been carried out, so this figure should be taken as an approximate guide. There are also specific activities at various locations: a nature trail in Bonakas, a cultural trail in Sirma, and areas for mountain biking or off-road cycling. Tana also has areas of water suitable for kayaking and canoeing.
Scooter and summer trails have been laid out throughout the municipality, making it easier to access mountain and plateau areas. If you are looking for a holiday apartment, you can match your holiday priorities to these different options—for example, the river and paddling, cycling, or trails into mountain and plateau areas. Cross-country ski trails and illuminated ski trails are also available in Tana. This does not imply any particular snow conditions; these activities are simply possible interests to consider when planning a trip.
Plan Your Stay Around Your Interests
The annual calendar also brings different occasions. The Tana Winter Festival is held annually in connection with the Finnmarksløpet; Tana serves as a checkpoint during the race. Those primarily interested in exploring cultural history can consider Deanu Musea and Gollevárri, while the Visitor Center’s content offers a focus on nature and river-related topics. For further information about the area, see TanaTana.
For the wider travel overview: Finnmark.
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