Bleikvasslia: Sámi Architecture and Cross-Country Skiing

Sámi architecture shapes the view of Bleikvasslia, especially in Sørfjelltunet and at Køtaplassen. Cross-country ski trails, Kamkaka, and rental options for canoes, kayaks and a sauna add specific activities to the mix. When planning your trip, pay particular attention to the different endpoints of the trails and the seasonal opportunity to watch the baking.

Cultural heritage at Sørfjelltunet and Køtaplassen

The name Sørfjelltunet refers to the area containing Gammelskolen and Køtaplassen in Bleikvasslia. Sørfjelltunet includes an authentic Sámi turf hut and a reconstructed Sámi settlement. The old boarding school at Sørfjelltunet has been restored. Køtaplassen is home to Køta, a South Sámi turf hut built according to the original local building tradition. The names distinguish the authentic hut and reconstructed settlement from Køta, whose construction draws on local tradition.

In 2017, Bleikvassli Bygdelag received the national quality mark Olavsrosa for its efforts to preserve the cultural heritage in this area. Sørfjelltunet is near Villmarksveien.

In addition to the turf hut, the facilities at Køtaplassen include a covered barbecue area, tables, benches and a toilet. Check the condition of the facilities on site before your visit. Coming from Korgen, turn off the Fv. 806 shortly after the school and follow the gravel road to the site.

Cross-country skiing, paddling and Kamkaka

An overview of the local trail network published on 2 January 2025 lists route L10 from Bleikvassli to Røssvassbukta and route L11 from Bleikvassli to Tustervassdammen. The respective destinations help you tell the two routes apart. Check the current trail conditions before setting out. Another connecting trail runs from the shop in Bleikvasslia to Stormyra.

At Sørfjelltunet, you can rent canoes and kayaks through Bleikvassli Bygdelag. A sauna is also available to rent there; it opened in 2021. Check the current availability of rental options before your trip.

Sørfjelltunet has a year-round bakehouse for Kamkaka, a local specialty. In summer, visitors can watch Kamkaka being baked at Gammelskola. Check the current dates for this seasonal experience before visiting.

Other cultural sites in the wider destination of Hemnes

In the wider destination of Hemnes, the Ume Sámi Resource Centre offers insights into Sámi culture, heritage, history, language and way of life by appointment. During a visit, you can listen to stories in a lavvu and learn to recognize Sámi traces in the landscape. The experience also includes homemade local and Sámi specialties, as well as coffee prepared over an open fire.

Hemnes bygdetun in Bjerka showcases a typical farm in the region. Its buildings include an Årestue dating from 1830 and a main house dating from 1750. Sjøforsbrua in Hemnes is a protected arched bridge made of hand-hewn stone; it was built in 1905.

Discover other destinations: Korgen, Hemnesberget.

Return to the overview of the wider destination: Hemnes.