Varanger Sami Museum
Varanger Sami Museum (Várjjat Sámi Musea) is a Coastal Sami museum located in Varangerbotn, Nesseby Municipality. The museum preserves and presents the Coastal Sami cultural history of Varanger, Sami history, archaeology, and contemporary Sami life.
The museum’s main building, constructed in 1994, features distinctive architecture inspired by traditional Sami building techniques and the surrounding landscape.
In the main building, visitors can explore the permanent exhibition “Mearrasápmelaččat – The Coastal Saami”, which traces the development of the region over the past 10,000 years. Among its highlights is a small figure carved from reindeer antler, over 4,000 years old, discovered in Karlebotn. It is known as “The Karlebotn Man” and has also inspired the museum’s logo.
Sami applied arts and handicrafts (duodji) form an important focus for the museum, and a dedicated handicrafts exhibition is currently being developed for the summer season. We also host temporary exhibitions of art and handicrafts. Indoors, younger visitors can enjoy a playroom inspired by the Stállu cave.
In 2002, the outdoor area was completed and now includes sheep enclosures, a traditional turf hut (goahti), a shed, a fire pit, and a birdwatching area. On the last Saturday in August, the museum hosts the popular handicrafts market, Vuonnamárkanat.
The museum also manages the cultural heritage site Mortensnes (Ceavccegeađgi), one of the largest and most significant heritage landscapes in Scandinavia.
In addition, the museum hosts a varied programme of events throughout the year.
Facilities:
- Permanent and temporary exhibitions
- Museum shop
- Museum café with coffee and waffles during the summer season
- Tourist information
- Indoor playroom and outdoor playground
- Guided activities and tailored lectures
