Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
WESTERN FINNMARK
Finnmark's wild northern coast is dotted with fishing villages and riven with grand fjords,
while the vast interior is dominated by the broad Finnmarksvidda plateau, a stark wilder-
ness.
History
Finnmark has been inhabited for around 12,000 years, first by the Komsa hunters of the
coastal region and later by Sami fishing cultures and reindeer pastoralists, who settled on
the coast and in the vast interior, respectively.
More recently, virtually every Finnmark town was decimated at the end of WWII by re-
treating Nazi troops, whose scorched-earth policy aimed to delay the advancing Soviets.
Towns were soon reconstructed in the most efficient, yet boxy, building style, which is
why, in contrast to the spectacular natural surroundings, present-day Finnmark towns are,
for the most part, architecturally uninspiring.
MIND THAT REINDEER
Do keep an eye out for reindeer on the road. They're not dangerous and they're decidedly
more charming than annoying. But they might slow your progress and bring you to a very
abrupt halt if you hit one at speed. Sometimes wandering alone, now and again in herds,
they might not be fazed by your inanimate car. If they refuse to budge, just get out, walk
towards them and they'll amble away.
Alta
Pop 19,822
Although the fishing and slate-quarrying town of Alta lies at latitude N 70°, it enjoys a rel-
atively mild climate. The Alta Museum, with its ancient petroglyphs, is a must-see and the
lush green Sautso-Alta canyon, a quick hop away, is simply breathtaking.
