Discover Smørfjord: Coastal Sámi culture and river landscapes

Smørfjord can be explored through two themes: the history of the coastal Sámi at Sjøsamisk Tun and the river and natural landscapes of the surrounding area. When planning your trip, you can consider a visit to the cultural site separately from activities in the wider area.

Sjøsamisk Tun and the history of settlement

Sjøsamisk Tun was officially opened in 2004. The museum is a reconstruction of a traditional coastal Sámi settlement as it might have looked around 1900. The grounds include a protected cultural heritage site with two remains of old settlements dating from the late 19th century. Two reconstructed gammer, which are part of the museum, are located nearby. The grounds also feature turf buildings. A well-marked path leads through the village and into the surrounding landscape. This brings together a reconstruction of what the settlement may have looked like around 1900 and preserved settlement remains from the late 19th century on the same grounds. In the wider area, traces of cultural heritage in Smørfjord date back to the Stone Age.

Ways of life and traditional boats

Traditional Sámi buildings and objects in the museum illustrate the everyday life of the coastal Sámi and their close relationship with nature. Two ways of life are represented: a nomadic way of life based on reindeer herding, and a more settled one involving fishing, hunting, and farming. The site also includes a boathouse with traditional boats. Sjøsamisk Tun features two types of boat, the Spissbåt and Nordlandsbåt, offering another perspective on coastal culture alongside the settlements and their buildings. Visitors who would like to learn more about local history, customs, and traditions are welcome. Sjøsamisk Tun is also a meeting place for local residents.

Smørfjordelva and the surrounding area

Smørfjordelva is a small salmon river that flows into the Porsangerfjord near the village of Smørfjord. When the river was protected in 1980, its importance as a spawning and rearing area for salmon and Arctic char played an important role. The nature around Sjøsamisk Tun offers hiking opportunities, and there are many good places to fish nearby. This connects the village’s cultural and historical focus with a river landscape that was also important for fish species. Smørfjordelva is easily accessible from a road. European route E69 crosses the river near its mouth, while county road 889 runs parallel to the river along its lowest stretch. It is best to check specific access points and fishing conditions locally.

Opening hours and kiosk

The Sjøsamisk Tun kiosk offers local products, souvenirs, and refreshments; visitors can also try traditional foods. If you are planning to sample or buy something, check current availability before your trip. The summer season is listed as running from June 20 to August 20, with daily opening hours from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Check these hours before visiting to make sure your plans fit the seasonal schedule.

The wider travel destination of Porsanger

The wider travel destination of Porsanger also offers other nature-related attractions. Porsanger has more than 4,000 fish-rich lakes and three salmon rivers. In addition, 648 kilometers of snowmobile trails can be used for fishing or recreation in winter. Stabbursdalen National Park lies mostly within Porsanger municipality. The park has hiking trails as well as open cabins and gammer for simple outdoor activities. These regional features complement Smørfjord’s local history with further opportunities across the wider destination.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Børselv, Skoganvarre, Russenes, Lakselv, Lakselv, Indre Billefjord

Back to the wider travel overview: Porsanger.