Varanger samiske museum

About the museum

Varanger samiske museum is located in Varangerbotn in Nesseby kommune and is a coastal Sámi museum. It documents and presents the coastal Sámi cultural history of Varanger, Sámi prehistory and contemporary Sámi life. Duodji, Sámi applied art and crafts, is an important focus area, and the museum also shows art and crafts in temporary exhibitions.

The main building of the museum was erected in 1994. The architecture is based on traditional Sámi building practice and the surrounding landscape. The outdoor area was completed in 2002 and has sheep pens, a turf hut, an outbuilding, a fireplace and a place for birdwatching. The museum also manages the cultural heritage site Mortensnes, and in addition to the exhibitions the building functions as a cultural centre for the local population, with many events throughout the year.

The basic exhibition Sjøsamene (The Coastal Sámi) presents Finnmark’s prehistory and archaeology over around 10,000 years. One of the highlights is the Karlebotn man, a figure of reindeer antler over 4,000 years old. The museum is part of Tana og Varanger museumssiida, and on the last Saturday in August the craft market Vuonnamárkanat is held.

Highlights

• The basic exhibition Sjøsamene on around 10,000 years of history
• The Karlebotn man, a figure of reindeer antler over 4,000 years old
• Duodji and Sámi crafts
• Outdoor area with a turf hut, fireplace and birdwatching spot
• Play room and playground for children

Permanent exhibition

• Sjøsamene – Basic exhibition on coastal Sámi culture and Finnmark’s prehistory, covering around 10,000 years of history, with the Karlebotn man as a highlight.

Founded

1983

Operated by

Tana og Varanger museumssiida

Admission & discounts

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Playground / play area

Indoor play room inspired by the Stállu cave and an outdoor playground. Special offers for children and young people.

Getting there & parking

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop
• Wi-Fi

Museum café with coffee and waffles in the summer season, museum shop and tourist information. Wireless internet.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

The museum rents out meeting rooms.

Plan your visit