Bleikvasslia: Sámi cultural heritage and cross-country ski trails

Bleikvasslia combines Sámi cultural history with outdoor experiences. At Sørfjelltunet, the old school, the turf hut and a depiction of a Sámi settlement reflect the area’s cultural character; local cross-country ski trails, Kamkaka, and kayak, canoe and sauna rentals complement it. This lets you plan your stay around the balance of cultural heritage and activities you want.

Sørfjelltunet and Sámi cultural history

Sørfjelltunet is the name for the area that includes Gammelskolen and Køtaplassen. The køta in Bleikvasslia is a South Sámi turf hut built according to the original local building tradition. The old boarding school at Sørfjelltunet has been restored; the cultural exhibition there also includes a recreated Sámi settlement. The area’s local cultural history is reflected in its traditional building methods, Sámi settlement history and school history. In 2017, Bleikvassli Bygdelag received the national quality label Olavsrosa for its efforts to preserve the cultural heritage in this area.

Køtaplassen and directions

Køtaplassen in Bleikvasslia has a covered barbecue area, tables, benches and a toilet. Check the condition of these facilities before your visit. Coming from Korgen, turn off the Fv. 806 shortly after the school and follow the gravel road to the site. Sørfjelltunet is also close to Villmarksveien.

Cross-country skiing, paddling and sauna

For winter, a municipal notice dated 2 January 2025 lists route L10 from Bleikvassli to Røssvassbukta and L11 from Bleikvassli to Tustervassdammen. It also lists a connecting trail from the shop in Bleikvasslia to Stormyra. Check the current condition of the trails before setting out. At Sørfjelltunet, you can rent kayaks and canoes through Bleikvassli Bygdelag. A sauna is also available to rent there. If you plan to use any of these services, check availability before your trip.

Kamkaka and the wider Hemnes region

Sørfjelltunet has a year-round bakehouse for the local speciality, Kamkaka. In summer, visitors can watch Kamkaka being baked at Gammelskola. Check the current dates for this seasonal experience before your trip. In the wider Hemnes destination, Kamkaka is baked mainly in Bleikvasslia and Korgen. Also within the wider Hemnes destination, Okstindan Nature and Culture Park extends across the entire municipality, from Hemnesberget to Okstindan. Hemnesberget lies on a peninsula surrounded by fjords and mountains. This broader perspective complements Bleikvasslia’s own highlights around Sørfjelltunet and the local cross-country ski trails.

Choose accommodation to suit your travel plans

When looking for a holiday apartment in Bleikvasslia, it helps to first decide what you want to focus on during your stay. Sørfjelltunet and the køta are the main draws for cultural history; in winter, the listed cross-country ski trails are another option. Kayaks, canoes and a sauna are additional rental options; check their availability in advance. Watching Kamkaka being baked is also seasonal, so check the dates. This will help you match your preferred travel dates with the experiences that matter most to you.

Discover more destinations: Korgen, Hemnesberget

For the overview of the wider destination: Hemnes.