Skaller
©Petr Pavlíček

Culture

Kåfjord is known as the cultural municipality of Troms, and the Kåfjord culture is characterized by the meeting between Norwegian, Kven, and Sami language and culture.

The Kåfjord culture is also strongly characterized by being framed by a very mountainous municipality with terrain that allows for development both on foot, on skis, by bike and on snowmobiles.

 

Meeting of the Three Tribes

The term "meeting of three tribes" is used to describe the culture around the Lyngenfjord. For centuries, Norwegians, Sami and Kvens have lived and worked side by side. This has had a strong influence on place names, language, traditions and way of life. 

 

Centre for Northern Peoples - Manndalen

The Centre for Northern Peoples is an active Sami cultural centre and indigenous centre in Manndalen with the High North and Sápmi as work areas.

The centre houses a museum, gallery, gift shop, cultural hall, Sea Sami kitchen, Riddu Riddu Festivala, Sami library service, NRK Sápmi, Giellasiida – Sami language centre, the Sami Parliament and Nord-Troms museum.

 

Hotel Savoy

One of Jan Baalsrud's hiding places in the spring of 1943, from 12 to 25 April 1943. Hotel Savoy is located in Kåfjord municipality, and when you cross the municipal border to Kåfjord municipality, Hotel Savoy is located on the shore to the left. There is currently no sign for the Hotel Savoy, so we recommend that you use Google Maps

 

Baalsrudhula - Manndalen

Baalsrudhula was one of the residences of the famous resistance fighter Jan Baalsrud during World War II. This was one of the places of residence of the famous resistance fighter Jan Baalsrud, who fled from the Germans from Rebbenesøya to Sweden during WW2. 

The tour description can be found here.

 

Sandeng cemetery - Manndalen

Baalsrud's last wish before he died in 1988 was to be buried in the cemetery in Manndalen. His tombstone is modestly placed on the left side by the fence when entering, and is no different from the others except by the epitaph "Thank you to everyone who helped me to freedom in 1943."


Holmenes Sea Sami Farm - Birtavarre

At Holmenes farm you get an insight into how a Sea Sami family living by the Lyngenfjord lived before the war. The farm dates from around 1850 and was inhabited until 1964. A visit here will give you an important insight into life then and now!

Ankerlia - Birtavarre

Throughout the 20th century, mining was one of the largest sources of income in Kåfjorddalen. To this day, the consequences of mining can be seen. The area is characterized by ancient trees that died from toxic sulfur smoke and weathered ruins of melting huts and houses. Old paths, remnants from former cable cars and old entrances to, today, abandoned mines are part of the mystery surrounding this old mining site in Ankerlia. 

 

Halti - Birtavarre

Finland's highest mountain, Halti, is actually easiest to walk to from the Norwegian side. It is interesting to note that this peak is actually located in Norway, only 150 meters from the border!

There are several high peaks in this mountainous area. The highest, Ráisduottarháldi 1361 meters above sea level, is located in Norway and not far away is Finland's highest peak 1331 meters above sea level.


Husfliden - Manndalen, Birtavarre, Olderdalen

In the 3 largest villages in the municipality you can visit Husfliden where you can see and learn ancient weaving techniques, and buy handmade products such as mittens, hats and jackets; It's simple, beautiful and functional.

 

Spåkenes coastal fort - Djupvik

Spåkenes is located on the municipal border between Kåfjord and Nordreisa. Today there are several remains on the many gun emplacements and bunkers that you can enter. The coastal fort was built in North Troms by the Germans during World War II. You can read more about the coastal fort at Spåkenes on the many information signs that have been set in the area.

Read more about Spåkenes here.

 

The beach bothies in Birtavarre

North of Birtavarre you can find several beach bothies by the seaside. These were made in the 17th and early 18th century, and was used for storing fishing equipment.

Read more about the beach bothies here.