Njarka Sami Camp is situated on a peninsular in Lake Häggsjön, Åre Municipality, Jämtland. Reindeer wander freely among the traditional Sami huts and in the sparse forest. Njarka means peninsular in the Southern Sami language. It is a peaceful place - Sami people have always been drawn to harmonious places.
Our names are Maud and Mattias Mattsson and we run the Njarka Sami Camp. We want to tell people about our culture, as well as supplement our work as reindeer farmers. Everything in Njarka feels genuine. We do not welcome you to us wearing traditional Sami national costumes, but rather show you how the Sami lifestyle looks today. You join us in our everyday activities and this might feel like a whole new world for you. Try everything from lasso throwing to baking in the embers of the fire.
The large octagonal tepee-like building Jarnge is the centre point of the camp. There is also a household tepee hut. The fire is warm and stories come alive here. Sitting in a tepee is a democratic way of spending time together. Everyone is as important as each other and there are no corners to hide in. In a tepee everyone can look into the eyes of everyone else. It is a great way to get to know each other.
We are building new huts on the headland for visitors who want to stay with us a bit longer. Such as those who maybe want to take a longer fishing trip. When the sun goes down over the lake you can light the fire and feel how the stress from everyday life soon disappears. |
