Drive it Yourself: Lakselv to Kirkenes on the E6
This is the last stretch of the E6 in 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.
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
Here are some things that you must do and try in Karasjok
The political and cultural centre of Sámi life in Norway. The striking building, inspired by traditional forms, offers guided tours that explain Sámi governance, language and identity.
Here’s an overview of some of the best things to see and do in Karasjok
The Sami Collections is the main museum for Sami art, culture and history. About 5,000 objects are preserved here.
Norway’s largest wooden church north of Trondheim, reflecting the importance of the region as a historic meeting place.
Looking to go for a hike or take part in a unique experience? Here are my recommendations!
An immersive cultural attraction showcasing Sámi storytelling, history, reindeer culture, and traditional architecture (lavvu and turf huts).
Engholm’s Husky offers winter dog-sledding tours.
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.
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.
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.
Gentle walking routes through birch forest, riverbanks and quiet tundra-like landscapes.
Follow my road-trip guides for scenic trips around Karasjok
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.
No self-guided walks are currently available for Karasjok
Watch my YouTube videos featuring Karasjok
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.
Karasjok has been a key Sámi settlement and meeting place for centuries. Traditionally home to reindeer-herding families, the town developed along trade routes across the Finnmark Plateau. During the Second World War, Karasjok suffered widespread destruction, but the community rebuilt and continued to serve as a cultural hub. When Norway established the Sámi Parliament in 1989, Karasjok became its seat, reinforcing its status as the heart of Sámi political, linguistic, and cultural identity.
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.
Fly: The nearest airport is Lakselv (Banak), around 1 hour away. Flights come from Tromsø and Oslo.
Drive: Karasjok is located on the E6 that runs along the entirety of Norway. Scenic routes across Finnmarksvidda make driving the easiest way to explore; about 4 hours from Alta and 6–7 from Tromsø. Regional buses link Karasjok with Lakselv, Alta, Hammerfest and Kautokeino.
Train: No train access
Ferry: No ferry access.
Karasjok is walkable. Cars are recommended for access to wilderness areas, hikes and day trips.
Sara Duodji AS – Shoe & warm accessories brand from Karasjok
Cafes & Bakeries
Biepmu Kafea is a nice cafe in the centre of town.
Casual Eateries
High End & Unique Eats
Gammen is the Norwegian restaurant in town.
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: 10:51am
Sunset: 12:03pm
Average Temperature: -16C (3F)
Sunrise: 7:48am
Sunset: 3:16pm
Average Temperature: -15C (5F)
Sunrise: 5:41am
Sunset: 5:14pm
Average Temperature: -9C (16F)
Sunrise: 4:19am
Sunset: 8:19pm
Average Temperature: -2C (28F)
Sunrise: 1:27am
Sunset: 11:10pm
Average Temperature: 5C (41F)
Midnight sun
Average Temperature: 10C (50F)
Midnight sun until 24 July
Average Temperature: 13C (55F)
Sunrise: 3:19am
Sunset: 9:21pm
Average Temperature: 11C (52F)
Sunrise: 5:29am
Sunset: 6:54pm
Average Temperature: 7C (45F)
Sunrise: 7:26am
Sunset: 4:39pm
Average Temperature: -1C (30F)
Sunrise: 8:53am
Sunset: 1:10pm
Average Temperature: -8C (18F)
Polar night
Average Temperature: -11C (12F)
This is the last stretch of the E6 in Norway.