Culture and history

Målselv has a distinctive culture with deep roots tracing back to the original settlers more than 200 years ago. Settlers moved from Østerdalen and Gudbrandsdalen in south-eastern Norway to this fertile land far north.

Culinary, music, dance and dialect traditions are kept alive by today’s residents. During a visit, we can offer a wide selection of both musical and other cultural performances.

At Rundhaug, a twenty minute drive from Bardufoss, Rundhaugmartnan is arranged annually, the first week of December. This special event features stalls selling traditional baking and handicrafts.  Horse-drawn sledges, concerts and the national championship in snow and ice sculpturing, make this an event well worth visiting.

Arne Lyngås is Målselv's most loved and respected poet. He sadly passed away in May 2004, but his poetry has affected several generations. Bardufoss Hotel is proud to own a number of paintings that illustrates a selection of Lyngås' poetry, painted by Alvin Jensvold. The paintings decorates the hotel.