Storli Camping and Aernie – accommodation and a Sámi experience

Aernie offers a culinary and cultural experience that highlights the Sámi heritage. Accommodation options include spending the night in a luxurious traditional tent (goahti), or staying in a cabin, caravan, camper or a conventional tent. Aerni and Storli Camping are situated by highway E6, a 20-minute drive north of the town of Mo i Rana.

Hearty dining at Aernie’s
Aernie offers traditional Sámi dishes, as well as regional specialities such as rengakaka. Everything on their menu is homemade with the best ingredients. Consider ordering suovas with salad and fresh-baked Sámi bread. Aernie’s café is open 5–10pm, Wednesday through Sunday, starting on 10 July. For updated information, please see their Facebook page.

The Sámi experience
The word aernie means hearth – gathering around the fire is central to Sámi culture. As you help prepare a delicious meal and listen to the tales of the storyteller, you will find yourself immersed in the fascinating Sámi culture.

For the entire family
Guests young and old will learn to light a fire, fashion useful object with a knife, and bake bread and roast reindeer meat on the hearth. Listen to ancient legends and joik, the traditional Sámi song. Afterwards, perhaps you would like to compete in lasso throwing, an important skill for Sámi reindeer herders. Duration: 2–2.5 hours. When: from 12 noon. Must be booked in advance.

For adults
You get to take part in preparing your own Sámi lunch while gaining key insights into the Sámi heritage and history. The key ingredient of this traditional meal is reindeer meat roasted on the fire. To your hosts, the taste of reindeer is the very flavour of nature, as well as Sámi community and culture. Guests are encouraged to ask questions. You can always ask questions to learn more. Duration: 2–2.5 hours. When: from 12 noon. Must be booked in advance.

Spend the night in a luxurious Sámi goahti
For an exotic experience, consider spending the night in a traditional Sámi tent (goahti). Ours is quite luxurious and beautifully situated on a sheltered spot in the woods by the Ranelva river. The goahti is furnished with two beds, a table with chairs, refrigerator and electric kettle. Linen, towels and breakfast are included. Showers and toilets are located in the nearby service facility.

Storli Camping
This campsite offers two cabins, each equipped with two beds, a refrigerator and an electric kettle. Breakfast, linen and towels are included. Showers and toilets are located in the nearby service house. In addition to the cabins, there are spots for caravans, each with a power hook-up. The campsite also has places where you can pitch a tent. All guests have access to the service facility, which has showers and toilets, a fully-equipped kitchen, and a laundry room with washer and tumble-drier. Outside the kitchen is a patio with tables. Storli Camping opens in early June.

Read more about Helgeland at www.visithelgeland.com