Episode 01: Finnmark Plateau
The first episode takes us to Alta in Finnmark, the northernmost county of Norway. Out on the vast Finnmark Plateau Arne, Frida and Stig learn how the indigenous people fish during the cold winter months, before they are served a classic reindeer stew at a mountain lodge completely sheltered from wind, snow and subfreezing temperatures. After a good night sleep, the hosts continue the journey to meet with Johnny Trasti, a celebrated Sami chef. Together with his wife Trine they have established a restaurant and accommodation by the legendary Alta Salmon River.
HAVILA
Southbound: The Arctic Dream
Kirkenes → Tromsø (2 days)
While the ship does not stop in Alta directly, you can always take the Southbound Short Voyage (The Arctic Dream) from Kirkenes to Tromsø and disembark a bit earlier in Hammerfest or Øksfjord on the second and last day of the journey. The trip to Alta from each port takes about two hours by bus or car. As you disembark during the final hours of your voyage, you still have the opportunity to fully experience a Northern Norwegian adventure along the way. The journey begins on the edge of the Arctic, in a truly unique landscape and climate. In winter, the Northern Lights dance across the sky, and in summer, the golden midnight sun never dips below the horizon.
ALTA
Alta is the largest town in the northernmost county in Norway, Finnmark. It is an ideal hub for exploring the vast Finnmarksvidda plateau. This magnificent and wild plain is the home of the indigenous Sami-culture. They are reindeer herders and traditionally the only nomads in the Arctic. As a traveller there are many opportunities to get to know these fascinating people. Explore arctic living at visitalta.no
STAY AT TRASTI & TRINE
You can visit sami villages by snowmobile or by handling your own dog-sled at Trasti & Trine, a wonderful camp built by Iditarod celebrity Trine Lyrek and her husband, award winning chef Johnny Trasti. His cooking is based on his sami knowledge and includes both reindeer, game and local seafood.
VISIT OR STAY AT
Mollisjok Lodge, the historic hunting lodge in the middle of Finnmarksvidda, where Per Edvard Johnsen offers delicious homemade food, warm lodging, entertaining tales, and a roaring fireplace.
THIS EPISODE DRINK
Tyttebær og blodpannekake
4 cl Gin
1,5 herbal bitter
1 spoon lingonberries
Stirred with ice, poured over to a chilled Cocktail glass. Garnished with a blodpankake
