Credits: Mikko Ryhänen
The best way to learn about this Arctic culture is to meet the Sámi at home in places like Siida and Sajos in Finnish Lapland. Here are some tips for an informative and respectful visit with the Sámi.
Siida, Cultural and Nature Centre of the Sámi, and Sajos, the Centre of Sámi Culture and Administration, are both located in the heart Inari and are just a 10-minute walk apart.
At Siida, you can get to know Sámi culture and explore the wonders of Arctic nature. The museum’s exhibitions showcase the Sámi people’s strong connection to nature, and you’ll actually be able to feel for yourself the local northern cycle of the year. In addition to rotating indoor exhibitions on culture, art and nature, Siida also offers an open-air museum during the summer.
The Sámi Parliament’s main office and parliament hall – together with various other Sámi organizations – are housed in the beautiful wooden building of Sajos. You can visit the Sámi Parliament House as part of a guided tour.
Lapland's great and vast outdoors are largely part of Sápmi. As a visitor, please be considerate and leave no trace of your travels. Take your trash with you. To protect the area’s natural environment, always use existing routes and trails.
Please be respectful when visiting sacred places and heritage sites – and when you encounter the locals. If you visit a sacred place such as Pielpajärvi Wilderness Church (which was built in 1760 and sits in the old centre of Inari), follow signs and instructions. Finally, respect the locals’ privacy – for example, don’t take pictures of children at play or enter into a reindeer paddock.
Finnish Lapland is a diverse area that’s home to multiple cultures and districts. Homeland of the Sámi is a cultural region that stretches to the northern parts of four countries: Finland, Sweden, Norway, and Russia. Sámi culture has often been commercialized and misappropriated for monetary gain, so please be sure you’re learning about and visiting with the Sámi in a respectful, ethical way.
Learn more about the ethical guidelines at Samediggi.fi.