Join our family and experience Sámi culture in the Arctic nature of Lakselv, Norway

Details

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  Description

  We (Sara (34) and Simon (33)) are a family living in Porsanger in Finnmark, Northern Norway, above the Arctic Circle. We are both teachers and reindeer herders. Our family consists of two adults, a two-year-old boy, twins born in March 2026, and our friendly family dog.
  
  Our home is located along the famous Lakselva River, one of Norway's best-known salmon rivers. We are surrounded by pine forests, mountains and beautiful Arctic nature, enjoying a peaceful lifestyle close to the outdoors. Depending on the season, visitors can experience the midnight sun, northern lights, fishing, hiking and authentic Arctic life.
  
  We are looking for friendly, responsible and independent people who would like to become part of our family for a while.
  
  We prefer Workawayers who can stay for at least one month, as this gives everyone time to settle in, become part of the family, and get the most out of the experience. Longer stays are always welcome.
  
  For us, Workaway is about cultural exchange and sharing everyday family life. We enjoy welcoming people from different backgrounds into our home, learning about their culture, and sharing our own way of life in Arctic Norway.
  
  As with any busy family, there are always everyday things to do. We appreciate someone who enjoys being part of family life and is happy to lend a hand with shared daily routines such as preparing meals, tidying up, laundry, spending time together with the children, walking the dog and helping out where needed. We usually do these things together as a family.
  
  Reindeer husbandry is an important part of our lives and identity. If you're interested, you're welcome to accompany us during family activities related to Sámi culture, outdoor life and reindeer husbandry. These experiences are offered as part of the cultural exchange and are never expected or required.
  
  Throughout the year, guests may experience different aspects of life in Northern Norway. Depending on the season, this may include spending time at our mountain cabin, fishing, hiking, enjoying the midnight sun or northern lights, and learning about traditional Sámi culture and our family's connection to reindeer husbandry.
  
  We are proud to continue a traditional way of life while balancing family life, teaching and our Sámi heritage.
  
  Both at our home and at our mountain cabin, Workawayers will have their own private accommodation. We want our guests to feel like part of the family while also having their own space and privacy.
  
  In return, we offer accommodation, meals, cultural exchange and the opportunity to experience everyday life in Arctic Norway.
  
  We look forward to welcoming people from different cultures and sharing our home, our lifestyle and our corner of the Arctic with you.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Animal Care

  Babysitting and creative play

  Creating/ Cooking family meals

  Help around the house
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  Interests

  

  Pets

  

  Culture

  

  Gardening

  

  Cooking & food

  

  Hitchhiking

  

  Animals

  

  Nature

  

  Camping

  

  Winter sports

  

  Sailing / Boating

  

  Mountain

  

  Water sports

  

  Outdoor activities

  

  Hiking

  

  Cycling

  

  Adventure sports
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  UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

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  What's this?
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  We believe that cultural exchange is one of the most rewarding parts of the Workaway experience. By staying with us, you'll experience everyday life in Arctic Norway as part of a local family, while we also have the opportunity to learn about your culture, traditions and way of life.
  
  We're always happy to share our knowledge of Sámi culture, reindeer husbandry, outdoor life, fishing, Arctic nature and local traditions. If you're interested, you're welcome to join us during family activities throughout the year. Depending on the season, this may include visiting our mountain cabin, spending time in nature, hiking, fishing, gathering around the campfire, or learning more about our family's connection to reindeer husbandry. These experiences are shared as part of our everyday life and cultural exchange.
  
  We also love learning from our guests. We hope you'll share your own traditions, favourite recipes, language, music, stories and experiences with us. One of the things we enjoy most about hosting is discovering how families live in different parts of the world.
  
  Our hope is that, by the end of your stay, you'll leave not only with wonderful memories of Northern Norway, but also feeling like you've been part of our family.

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  Au Pair Help

  This host is looking for Au pair help.

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  Help

  The main focus of staying with us is sharing everyday family life through cultural exchange. Like any busy family with three young children, we appreciate an extra pair of hands with the small things that are part of everyday life.
  
  Every day is a little different, but this may include:
  
  Spending time with the children as part of our family life
  Preparing simple meals and helping in the kitchen
  Helping with everyday household routines such as tidying up, laundry and keeping shared spaces organised
  Joining us for outdoor activities and family life
  Helping care for our friendly family dog
  Pitching in wherever an extra pair of hands is appreciated
  
  If you're interested, you're always welcome to accompany us during family activities related to Sámi culture, reindeer husbandry, outdoor life and life in Arctic Norway. Depending on the season, this may include visiting our mountain cabin, spending time in nature, learning about reindeer herding traditions, fishing, or experiencing the northern lights or the midnight sun. These experiences are offered as part of the cultural exchange and are never expected or required.
  
  We usually do things together and enjoy sharing our knowledge of Arctic life, Sámi culture and outdoor traditions. At the same time, we love learning about our guests' cultures, traditions and everyday lives.
  
  No previous experience is required. We are simply looking for someone who is positive, adaptable, enjoys family life, and is happy to become part of our everyday routines during their stay.

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  English: Fluent
  Norwegian: Fluent
  Sami: Fluent

  This host offers a language exchange
  This host has indicated that they are interested in sharing their own language or learning a new language.
  You can contact them directly for more information.
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  Accommodation

  Workawayers will stay in a comfortable caravan located next to our home or at our mountain cabin, depending on the season and where we are spending most of our time. The caravan has electricity, heating, Wi-Fi, a comfortable bed and everything needed for a pleasant stay.
  
  Although you'll have your own private accommodation, you're always welcome to spend time with us and use the facilities inside our home or cabin, including the kitchen, bathroom, laundry facilities and shared living areas. We want our guests to feel like part of the family while also having the freedom to enjoy their own space whenever they wish.
  
  As a family with three young children, our evenings are usually calm after the children have gone to bed. Sometimes we'll spend time together, play a board game or watch a movie, while other evenings everyone enjoys some quiet time. We believe the best Workaway experiences come from finding a natural balance between shared family life, cultural exchange and personal space.
  
  All meals are included, and whenever possible we enjoy sharing meals together as a family.

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  What else ...

  PLEASE READ BEFORE APPLYING
  
  We live in a rural area, so enjoying nature and a quiet lifestyle is important. Lakselv has shops, cafés, a gym, a swimming pool and all the basic services you need, but this is definitely not a big-city experience.
  
  A driver's licence (manual or automatic) is a big advantage, but it is not essential. We are happy to help with transport whenever possible.
  
  Life with our family can be busy, active and sometimes unpredictable. Much of our everyday life follows the seasons, the weather, family life and Sámi traditions. Flexibility, kindness and a positive attitude are far more important to us than previous experience.
  
  If you're planning a trip north of the Arctic Circle, it's important to come prepared for Arctic weather and outdoor life. We have some spare clothing and equipment in certain sizes, but we recommend bringing your own suitable outdoor gear.
  
  We recommend bringing:
  
  • Wool base layers
  • Warm mid-layers
  • Waterproof rain gear
  • Warm hat and gloves
  • Durable outdoor footwear
  • A hat or head net for protection against insects during summer
  • Outdoor clothing suitable for Arctic weather and outdoor activities
  
  Please don't bring your favourite expensive outdoor clothing. Children, weather and outdoor adventures can be tough on clothes and equipment.
  
  WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
  
  • Previous Workaway or similar volunteering experience is an advantage
  • A valid driver's licence (manual or automatic)
  • Someone who enjoys spending time with young children
  • A positive, open-minded attitude
  • Good physical health
  • Good communication skills
  • Reliable, practical and happy to help where needed
  • Comfortable sharing our family meals, including reindeer meat, which is a regular part of our diet
  • Happy to take part in everyday family life
  • Able to take initiative without needing constant direction
  • Flexible and adaptable when plans change
  
  Above all, we're looking for someone who would enjoy becoming part of our family for a while. We believe the best Workaway experiences come from openness, mutual respect, curiosity and a willingness to learn from each other.
  
  TO APPLY
  
  Please start your message with the words:
  
  "I have read your entire profile."
  
  Then tell us:
  
  • A little about yourself and where you're from
  • Why you'd like to stay with our family
  • Your preferred dates and how long you'd like to stay
  • Any previous Workaway or volunteering experience
  • Any experience with children
  • Whether you have a driver's licence
  • Any allergies, dietary restrictions or anything else you'd like us to know
  • Whether you'd be happy to have a video call before arriving
  
  If you're interested in Arctic nature, Sámi culture, outdoor life and everyday family life in Northern Norway, we'd love to hear from you.

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  A little more information

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    Internet access

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    Limited internet access

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    We have pets

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    We are smokers

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    Can host families

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  One

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  My animals / pets

  Ce

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