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Snåsa

Saemien Sijte - South Sami Museum and Cultural Centre

  • Looking at on of the exhibition displays
  • Sami man walking with the new museum buildings in the background
  • Girl looking at the Bindals Drum
  • Girl looking at the museum exhibition
  • Boy looking at the artwork "Bissie giebnie" by Tomas Colbengtson. It was created specifically for the museum as it moved to its brand new location in
  • Man ina Gapta - traditional Sami national costume
  • Mother and 2 children walking outside
  • Girl admiring the Bindals drum
  • Bonfire in gamma
  • 3 kids enjoyng themselves on a reindeer skin covered bench in front of the fire place
  • Inside the new South Sami museum, Saemien Sijte. Photo: Aina Bye
  • Girl and boy playing on a wooden animal sculpture
  • Outdoors at the new museum
  • Play area outside
  • Food traditions are strong in the Southern Sami culture
  • 2 women enjoying Sami food in the museum cafe
  • Lady checking out the museum shop
  • Information boards
  • Saemien Sijte - traditional costume. South Sami museum in Snåsa
  • Saemien Sijte - traditional belt for a man. South Sami museum in Snåsa

Saemien Sijte is a museum open all year where visitors can explore South Sámi culture through exhibitions, food experiences and living storytelling.



In the summer of 2022, the museum moved into a new building at the idyllic Horjemstangen, on the shores of Lake Snåsavatnet. The museum building is constructed using natural materials and features architectural design inspired by traditional South Sámi building practices. In 2026, Saemien Sijte was awarded the title Museum of the Year.



Here, you can find peace and quiet in a traditional gåetie (Sámi hut), or try your hand at lasso throwing. Oral storytelling holds a strong place in Sámi culture, and a guided tour of the museum is therefore highly recommended. During the summer season,b are offered daily, while tours in the off‑season must be booked in advance. The museum features both permanent and temporary exhibitions throughout the year.



Main Exhibition

Gïejide goerebe – We Follow the Traces



About the exhibition: Most of what has been written about the Southern Sámi throughout history has been told by others. Now we tell our own story. The exhibition takes you back to the time when the ice melted 14,000 years ago, and follows the traces up to the present day. Through archaeological finds and historical sources, as well as objects, stories, language and joik, you encounter a living culture – told from a Southern Sámi perspective, in a Southern Sámi voice.



Museum Café



In the museum café you can experience Sámi food traditions in a new and modern form and flavour. Respect for nature and the way the seasons shape access to ingredients are central elements of Sámi culture.



Museum shop



In the museum shop you can purchase duedtie (traditional Sámi handicrafts), Sámi literature, music, gifts and much more. Saemien Sijte also has an online shop – visit it here.



<>Saemien Sijte also has an online shop – visit it here.



We welcome visitors all year round. Advance booking is recommended for groups and school classes. Guided tours are tailored to group size, age, special needs, and individual wishes.



Saemien Sijte is open all year, with extended opening hours in the Summer season (June - August).



Opening Hours – Off‑Season



Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday: 11:00–15:00 Thursday: 14:00–20:00

Every Thursday features a new dinner menu. Coffee and free admission to the exhibitions are included.

Book a table to secure your place:

[email protected]

Tel: +47 741 38 000



Admission Prices – Off‑Season




  • Adults: NOK 100


  • Seniors / students / pupils: NOK 80


  • Children under 15: Free admission




Opening Hours – Summer Season



19. June – 16. August 2026

Open daily: 11:00–17:00



Admission Prices – Summer Season




  • Adults: NOK 140


  • Seniors / students / pupils: NOK 110


  • Children under 15: Free admission


  • Guided tours are included in the admission ticket during the summer season, with scheduled departure times.




Would you like a guided tour or a customised programme?




  • 45‑minute guided tour with a tailored theme





Welcome!




Bron: Innherred Reiseliv