A bit of summer and winter

I just read that spring migration of the reindeers are supposed to be one of the 50 of the world’s best guided Expeditions. That is according to National Geographic Travel and what they call Tours of a Lifetime. I have tried this some times, but not with a guide, only as a journalist following the Sámi people when they go with their reindeers every spring. And only with the South Sámi people in Central Norway. They are very few. If you want to do this as a tourist you have to go all the way up north. Where you can “live with and work alongside a Sami family during the annual reindeer migration from the inland winter habitat to calving grounds on the coast. A glimpse into one of the rare indigenous cultures left in Europe, offered by a community-based outfitter.” There is no such tourism around here, but it will sure be an experience of a lifetime.  These pictures are from “my” mountains, and there are more photos in this gallery, or this one.

Lonely Planet has chosen Northern Norway as one of the top ten regions to visit next year. I can understand that. I have been a few times up north and it is really amazing with the midnight sun (in summer), the aurora borealis (in winter), the Sámi culture and not to forget, the landscape. We have all of it in my region too, but they are much better in marketing and making it known. And I have to admit, they have more of everything. The next photo is from a summer night in Vesterålen, looking towards the famous mountains of Lofoten. If you want to see more photos from Northern Norway you find some in my galleries, on this link.