To get to our final destination, we have to change trains once at Oslo airport and then drive for 7 hours from Tromsø via Finland. But, we are used to something. We also took this route two years ago.Then we braved snow storms and ice slippery roads. Not a snowflake in the sky today. Instead we drive under a beautiful clear blue sky with a lovely sun.
On the way through Norway and Finland
In Tromsø we picked up our white Ford Fiesta this morning. A nice little car that we as oldtimer enthusiasts and owners really enjoy. The car starts when necessary, warms us when we want it and even the music can be played via our own mobile. Of course we enjoy it to the full, although we never trade in our old Beetle and T2 van.
Well, once across the border in Finland we decide to have another meal in an old road cafe. Last time we were the only guests, not so bad with the weather at the time. This time it is busy, many customers enjoying a round of cross country skiing or snowmobiling in the area. On such a beautiful day, the frozen lake is an excellent opportunity for Finns and Norwegians to enjoy a day of sport on the ice. By the way, they simply call cross-country skiing here, which caused us some confusion. No high mountains to ski from, but nice hills to cross-country ski up and down again.
Karesuando, the northernmost town in Sweden
After a pizza with reindeer meat we are on our way again. We still have a long way to go and although it doesn’t get dark until late (around 9.30) we still want to arrive a little on time. But, don’t be in a rush. So we certainly still have time for a short trip to the Swedish Karesuando. It is the most northerly settlement in Sweden and has a beautiful church. It is really all that. The village is split in two. One half is on the Finnish side of the river and the other on the Swedish side. Yet for the people who live there it is one village. They speak Swedish, Finnish and Norwegian.
Kautokeino, the final destination
Time to drive on to Kautokeino where we arrive at 5:30 PM. Before we go to Jonny and Kirsten, our friends we stayed with last time, we decide to do some shopping. Kautokeino is not a very large village and yet it is of immense value to the Sami. It has, next to Karasjok, the greatest Sami density and reindeer and of course the largest Sami Easter celebration in the country are still held here. We traveled here for the latter. Although we soon hear from locals that Karasjok is trying to steal their festival a bit and attract the big Sami names.
The largest Easter festival in the Sami
Such an Easter party lasts all week and mainly means that there is a lot of partying, from the age of 18. If you are younger than 18, you are not welcome at the parties. Competitions are held for ice fishing, reindeer racing, snowmobile racing and joik singing. They also have a competition that is very similar to the Eurovision Song Contest, only they call it the Grand Prix here and only Sami’s are invited. We are all going to experience it.
At this time we are looking out over the valley and a beautiful purple sunset. The sky is still very clear and there is not a cloud to be seen. This could mean that we might be able to see the Northern Lights tonight. Although the chance is small because it is only dark for about 5 hours, and not pitch dark. But who knows … we are not giving up yet.
And yes, between 11 and 12 the Northern Lights were clearly visible. Not as we have seen before, but it certainly did not spoil the fun.
