Originally, Kokelv is an old sea Sámi settlement. The Sami language was the official language long before the Norwegian state decided that this should be a banned language. There are still people living in Kokelv today who speak their former mother tongue. This story alone is a story in itself about the oppression of culture and language implemented by the country's authorities. For the generation born after World War II, Norwegian is the only language they speak, in addition to the foreign languages learned at school.

Kokelv has its own official Sami costume (gakti) which represents the Sami people living by the sea. This suit is made of the original design people used to wear before the whole society was Norwegianized. Today, more and more people associated with the area wear this costume with pride on formal and festive occasions.

Visiting this area so far north means you can experience everything from the midnight sun and bright summer nights, northern lights, winter storms, rainy days and sometimes even heat waves from Russia, depending on the season you come.

 

HOW TO GET TO KOKELV

Fly

Usually people fly to Alta because there are several flights daily. In winter, however, Lakselv should be considered as a flow destination to avoid closed mountain passes.

Car rental

If you rent a car in the period October - May, you should choose a car with four-wheel drive.

Estimated driving time from Kokelv to nearby areas:

• Kvalsund - 1 hour
• Havøysund - 1 hour
• Salmon river - 1 hour and 20 minutes
• Hammerfest - 1 hour 30 minutes
• Honningsvåg - 1 hour and 40 minutes
• Alta Airport - 1 hour and 50 minutes

The times are calculated using google maps.

WELCOME TO US!