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.
Fun Facts 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...
Things to See & Do
Here’s an overview of some of the best things to see and do in Karasjok
The Sami Collections
The Sami Collections is the main museum for Sami art, culture and history. About 5,000 objects are preserved here.
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.
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.
Here are some things that you must do and try in Karasjok
Sami Parliament
The Sami Parliament is Norway’s representative body for preserving and protecting Sami culture.
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.