The Sami Experience
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Port
Hammerfest, Norway
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Activity Level
Moderate
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$139.95
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 2 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
From the pier, you'll drive the short distance up Mount Salen. At only 262 feet tall, it is really just a hill, but when one lives in the Arctic, such distinctions are trivial, and Mount Salen offers an excellent view of the town and surroundings.
Approximately 10% of the Sámi population still lives nomadically, following the reindeers' seasonal movements. You'll learn more about Sámi history and culture in Mikkelgammen. Take a seat on a reindeer skin placed upon springy birch twigs directly on the ground, arranged around an open fire. Learn about the special chant or joik used by the Sámi. The joik has no actual words and can describe many things — a special mood, nature, the character of a person, etc. This is a difficult concept for Westerners to grasp. Amazingly, every single member of the Sámi population has a personal chant dedicated just to them.
Taste some traditional Sámi food and interact with your hosts wearing their colorful national costume. The materials and meaning will be explained in detail before you return to the ship.
Notes:
Although much of Hammerfest is readily accessible on foot, Holland America Line has partnered with a tour operator here to offer a local perspective and commentary that would not be present when exploring on your own. Outside revenue sources are scarce in small villages such as Hammerfest, and the local population benefits from tour participation. Children under the age of 3 must be secured in a child's car seat on the transportation. These are not available through the tour operator; you must bring your own from home.