Adventure in Norway's Finnmark Plateau

Whispers of the Past, Echoes of the Future

Today was a day of deep connection – to the land, to its people, and to the stories etched in stone and flowing in the rivers of Finnmark. It’s amazing how a single day can be filled with so much history, culture, and natural beauty. I'm so grateful to be able to share it all with you.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at the Fisherman's Cabin. The cozy atmosphere and the smell of freshly brewed coffee were the perfect start to what promised to be a day of exploration. Fuelled up, we set off to immerse ourselves in the Sámi culture at Arctic Šuorbmu - Nils Mikkelsen Sara.


Discover the heart of Sámi culture at Arctic Šuorbmu in Kautokeino—an unforgettable journey through history and stunning Arctic landscapes.

This cultural center offered a captivating glimpse into the traditions, artistry, and way of life of the indigenous Sámi people. The landscape surrounding Arctic Šuorbmu was nothing short of breathtaking, a panorama that shifts with the seasons, each offering its unique charm. While there, I found myself reflecting on my own Danish heritage, and the importance of preserving cultural identities in an ever-globalizing world. It's so important to me that we all remember where we came from. As a translator, I see how language and culture are intertwined, and how vital it is to keep these traditions alive. Hans, ever the pragmatist, was fascinated by the practical aspects of Sámi life, particularly their sustainable practices and their deep connection to the land.

The land whispers stories if you know how to listen.

Next on our itinerary was the majestic Altaelva. This river, the third-longest in Finnmark, originates in the mountains near the Finnish border and carves its way northward through stunning landscapes. We drove along the river, stopping at various viewpoints to soak in the scenery. The Altaelva has carved out Sautso, one of the largest canyons in Europe. The river's path from the high Finnmarksvidda plateau down to the sea is a sight to behold.


Experience the breathtaking beauty of Altaelva, a hidden gem in Norway, blending nature, adventure, and rich cultural heritage.

I was particularly moved by the stories of the Alta controversy in the 1970s and 80s, when the river was the site of a major conflict over hydroelectric development. It highlighted the tension between progress and preservation, a theme that resonates deeply with my interest in sustainable living. Hans, with his software engineering background, was interested in the technological aspects of the dam and the energy debate. We spent a long time discussing the importance of finding a balance between our needs and respecting nature.

Our final stop for the day was the Alta Museum - World Heritage Center for Rock carvings. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to Northern Europe's largest concentration of prehistoric rock art. The carvings, created between 7,000 and 2,000 years ago, offer a unique window into the lives, beliefs, and rituals of the people who inhabited this land millennia ago.


Explore the rich heritage of Norway at Alta Museum, home to ancient rock carvings and captivating archaeological exhibits.

As we walked along the paths, guided by the audio tour, I was struck by the sheer number of carvings – over 6,000 figures registered. The images of animals, boats, and human figures told stories of hunting, fishing, and spiritual practices. It was humbling to stand in the presence of such ancient art, a testament to the enduring human spirit. I imagined the artists, painstakingly etching these images into the rock, their lives so different from our own, yet connected by the same fundamental desires: to survive, to create, and to leave a mark on the world. The museum itself provided valuable context, with exhibitions on local culture, Sami pre-Christian religion, and the Northern Lights.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the rock art is its connection to the landscape. Researchers believe that the carvings were made at the water's edge, reflecting the importance of the sea and the land in the lives of these early people. The rising and falling of the land over centuries has changed the relationship between the carvings and the water, adding another layer of meaning to the site.

Visiting the Alta Museum made me think about my own connection to history and culture. Growing up in Svendborg, Denmark, I was surrounded by Viking history, and I've always felt a strong connection to my Scandinavian roots. Seeing these ancient carvings in Alta reinforced the idea that we are all part of a larger story, a continuous thread that stretches back through time. It also made me appreciate the importance of preserving these sites for future generations, so that they can continue to learn from the past.

After a full day of exploring, we returned to the Fisherman's Cabin for a well-deserved dinner. Over a delicious meal of local specialties, we shared our impressions of the day. Hans was particularly impressed by the ingenuity of the rock carvings, seeing them as an early form of communication and storytelling. I was moved by the resilience of the Sami culture and the beauty of the natural landscape. We both agreed that Finnmark is a truly special place, a region where history, culture, and nature come together in a unique and powerful way.

As I sit here now, writing this blog post, I can still feel the energy of the day. The whispers of the past, the echoes of the future, and the beauty of the present moment all swirling together in my mind. It's a feeling I know I'll carry with me long after we leave Finnmark.

Tomorrow, we plan to visit Divrran and Latharis Utsiktspunkt [Itinerary of Tomorrow]. I’m excited to see what new perspectives and experiences await us as we continue our journey through this incredible region. And perhaps, if we're lucky, we'll end the day with a visit to Gustus vinbar [Itinerary of Tomorrow], a perfect way to celebrate our last night in Finnmark.

The Finnmark Plateau has a way of seeping into your soul, reminding you of the interconnectedness of all things. It's a place where the past feels present, and the future feels full of possibility. I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings, as we continue to explore this amazing corner of the world.

And as we prepare to leave the Finnmark Plateau, I am reminded of a quote by the great Norwegian explorer, Fridtjof Nansen:

The history of the human race is a continuous struggle from darkness towards light. It is, therefore, of the highest importance that great care should be taken to prevent the lamp of knowledge from being extinguished through lack of oil.

Until tomorrow, tak skal du ha!