Drive it Yourself: Lakselv to Kirkenes on the E6
This is the last stretch of the E6 in Norway.
The Hidden North
North European travel guide
Population 2500 / 69.2 degrees north
Karasjok, Norway
Karasjok is the main centre for Sami culture in Norway with the Sami parliament being located here. Karasjok is also located on the border of Norway’s largest contiguous wilderness area, the Finnmarksvidda Plateau.
About Karasjok
Latitude: 69.2 degrees north
Population: 2,584
Sami Name: Kárášjoga
Hottest Month: August
Coldest Month: February
Wettest Month: October
Windiest Month: January
Annual Precipitation: 499mm
Karasjok Municipality
In this Travel Guide...
Map of Karasjok
Uniquely Karasjok
Here are some things that you must do and try in Karasjok
Important building
Sami Parliament
The Sami Parliament is Norway’s representative body for preserving and protecting Sami culture.
Things to See & Do
Here’s an overview of some of the best things to see and do in Karasjok
Museums
The Sami Collections
The Sami Collections is the main museum for Sami art, culture and history. About 5,000 objects are preserved here.
Hikes, Day Trips & Experiences
Looking to go for a hike or take part in a unique experience? Here are my recommendations!
Theme Park
Sapmi Park
This is kind of like Disney Land for Sami culture. There’s a theatre, cabins for rent, cafes, and a glass-blowing workshop.
Huskies
Engholms Husky
Engholm’s Husky offers winter dog-sledding tours.
Reindeer
Ravdol Reindeer Herding
This Sami run venture is a great way of learning about Sami culture and reindeer husbandry. The experience is run by Mikkel Eira, a reindeer herder.
Sami Culture
Coffee the Sami Way
On this private tour, you’ll visit a lavvu and sit and have coffee with the Sami people, discussing their culture and way of life.
Experience
Coffee the Sami Way
Join this tour to go our to a reindeer farm and feed them while learning about reindeer culture.
Experience
Reindeer Calving Experience
This tour is only available in May when the reindeer are born, but this incredible experience takes you with the Sami to watch the reindeer being born.
Road-Trips
Follow my road-trip guides for scenic trips around Karasjok
The E6 Highway from Narvik to Kirkenes
The E6 highway is the longest highway running through Norway, beginning south of Oslo and ending at Kirkenes. This stretch of the E6 covers the entire length of Arctic Norway, passing by and including some spectacular remote places.
Self-Guided Walks
No self-guided walks are currently available for Karasjok
Karasjok on YouTube
Watch my YouTube videos featuring Karasjok
Lakselv to Utsjoki
In September 2023 I took myself on a road-trip around Finnmark. The drive from Lakselv to Utsjoki on the E6 includes going through Karasjok at around the halfway mark.
History of Karasjok
Karasjok grew out of an old winter camp.
Karasjok Today
The important industries here are reindeer husbandry and agriculture, as well as outdoor industries like hunting and fishing. Administration and public services are also important to the community.
Around 80% of the inhabitants of Karasjok speak Sami. Important Sami institutions are here, such as Sami Parliament, NRK Sapmi, the national museum De Samiske Samlinger, the Sami Artist Centre, athe Sami library and the Child and Youth Psychiatric Outpatient Clinic.
Travel Information
Getting Here
Fly:
Drive: Karasjok is located on the E6 that runs along the entirety of Norway.
Train: No train access
Ferry: No ferry access.
Getting Around
Karasjok is walkable.
Shops
Places to Eat
Cafes & Bakeries
Biepmu Kafea is a nice cafe in the centre of town.
Quick Bites
Reasonable Restaurants
High End & Unique Eats
Gammen is the Norwegian restaurant in town.
Places to Stay
All my hotel recommendations are based on research and experience. I don’t recommend somewhere unless I think it is wonderful! The Hidden North focuses on accommodation that provides good quality for price or offer local or unique experiences.
Camping
Karasjok Camping is a small campsite on the hill with views out to the river.
Cabins & B&Bs
Chains & Mid-Range
The Scandic Hotel Karasjok is a nice hotel in the centre of town.
High End & Unique Properties
It is possible to stay at the Engholm Husky Design Lodge, a unique property out in the forest. There is a restaurant here, too.
Sunrise/Sunset & Weather Averages
January
Sunrise: 10:51am
Sunset: 12:03pm
Average Temperature: -16C (3F)
February
Sunrise: 7:48am
Sunset: 3:16pm
Average Temperature: -15C (5F)
March
Sunrise: 5:41am
Sunset: 5:14pm
Average Temperature: -9C (16F)
April
Sunrise: 4:19am
Sunset: 8:19pm
Average Temperature: -2C (28F)
May
Sunrise: 1:27am
Sunset: 11:10pm
Average Temperature: 5C (41F)
June
Midnight sun
Average Temperature: 10C (50F)
July
Midnight sun until 24 July
Average Temperature: 13C (55F)
August
Sunrise: 3:19am
Sunset: 9:21pm
Average Temperature: 11C (52F)
September
Sunrise: 5:29am
Sunset: 6:54pm
Average Temperature: 7C (45F)
October
Sunrise: 7:26am
Sunset: 4:39pm
Average Temperature: -1C (30F)
November
Sunrise: 8:53am
Sunset: 1:10pm
Average Temperature: -8C (18F)
December
Polar night
Average Temperature: -11C (12F)
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