- Where to go
- Northern Sweden
- Swedish Lapland
- Sápmi and the Sami
Sápmi and the Sami
The Sami are one of the world’s indigenous people with their own language, culture and customs that differ from the societies around them. And a tip from us; put a smile on the face of a Sami by calling them just that and referring to their land as Sápmi.
Sápmi is a land of snow-capped mountains, wild rivers, pristine lakes and streams, tundra and forest. It is an area of outstanding natural beauty, peace and quiet and is a perfect get-away-from-it-all destination.
The Sami have lived here since time immemorial and their forefathers were hunters and fishermen and gathered wild plants and berries. Basically they lived off the land and did not exploit it, and this thought is very much at the heart of the Sami-owned and run activity operators in the region. You’ll recognize them from their ’Sápmi Experience’ quality label.
Inspiration: Sami culture
Ovdaneapmi-intro, Dan Jonasson
Sami culture
About 20,000 Sami live in Sweden – with their own cultural heritage, language, flag and parliament. Eco-tourism is a relatively new way for Sweden’s native population to make a living. Guided tours of northern lights and rides in reindeer sleds are examples of popular activities provided by Nutti Sámi Siida, which is one of the tourism companies in Swedish Lapland.
Photo: Anna Öhlund/imagebank.sweden.se
Sami culture
Photo: Anna Öhlund/imagebank.sweden.se
Sami with reindeer
Photo: Lola Akinmade Åkerström/imagebank.sweden.se
Sami
Photo: Lola Akinmade Åkerström/imagebank.sweden.se
Reindeer meat
Photo: Pernilla Ahlsén/imagebank.sweden.se
Reindeer
Reindeer are a central element of how the Sami live their lives, a legacy from the hunter/gatherer period with the herders following the reindeer on their ancient migration routes and seasonal foraging grounds, from winter to spring, summer to autumn.
If you want to go for the full-on reindeer experience then visit Nutti Sámi Siida for a reindeer sledding trip, or try hiking with a Sami guide and make your base the wonderful Reindeer Lodge. The centre is close to Jukkasjärvi, the site of the ICEHOTEL. Open year-round.
There are many things to do in Sápmi, including horse riding, world-class fishing and hunting, nature tours and many, many others.