Reisadalen
Floor elevationAverage: 20 metres (66 ft)
Naming
Native nameKven: Raisinvankka
English translationReisa Valley
Geography
CountryNorway
Population centersStorslett, Sørkjosen
Coordinates69°35′00″N 21°20′00″E / 69.583333°N 21.333333°E / 69.583333; 21.333333 
RiverReisaelva

Reisadalen or Reisa Valley (Kven: Raisinvankka) is a valley in northern Norway stretching over 100 kilometres (62 mi) from the Finnish border to the Balsfjorden. Mountains, birch and pine forests, and rivers surround the valley.[1][2] About 1700 people live in the valley.[3]

Geography

Reisadalen is in the Reisa National Park, which covers 166 square kilometres (64 sq mi) and is home to the Reisaelva River.[2][4][5] The park also has diverse flora and fauna, including rare bird species such as the white-tailed and golden eagles.[6] There are hiking trails in the area.[7][8]

The Mollisfossen Waterfall is also in Reisadalen. The waterfall is located on the Reisaelva River and has a height of 269 metres (883 ft).[2][9][10]

Mollisfossen in Reisa

History

The remains of several tar kilns can still be found in the valley. Further up the valley, you can find remains of Sami (or Sámi) Sárran (fireplaces) and ancient pitfall trapping systems for wild reindeer.[11]

The local area has been used by reindeer herders and the local population, which is of Norwegian, Sami and Kven (Finnish) origins.[11] During the 18th century there was a marked increase in the migration from northern Finland and the Torne valley in northern Sweden to Reisadalen. This resulted in Reisadalen being recognized as a core area for Kven settlement.[12]

During World War II, Reisadalen was occupied by German forces, who built a military airport in the valley. The airport transported troops and supplies to the northern front and played a significant role in the German war effort. After the war, the airport was decommissioned, and the area was returned to civilian use.[13][14][15]

Etymology

Upper part of Reisadalen

The name "Reisadalen" is Norwegian for "Reisa Valley." It is derived from the Reisaelva River, which flows through the valley.[4]

The river comes from the Norse word "rísa," meaning "to rise."[11] The river is known for its strong currents and rapids, which made it an essential resource for the Sami people, who used it for transportation and fishing. The valley's name, therefore, reflects the river's significance to the region's history and culture.

Other information

Reisadalen hosts several festivals throughout the year that celebrate Sami culture and heritage. The most significant is the Easter Festival, which includes traditional Sami music, dance, and food.[16]

It is also possible to view the Northern Lights, which are visible from late August to mid-April. The valley's remote location and lack of light pollution make observing this natural phenomenon possible.[11][17][18]

References

  1. ↑ Thorsnæs, Geir (April 4, 2023). "Reisadalen". Store norske leksikon (in Norwegian). Retrieved May 4, 2023.
  2. 1 2 3 Thorsnæs, Geir; Engerengen, Lars (2023-01-26), "Nordreisa", Store norske leksikon (in Norwegian), retrieved 2023-05-05
  3. ↑ "208/1 Reisavassdraget (Ráiseatnu) - NVE". nve.no (in Norwegian). Retrieved 2023-05-08.
  4. 1 2 Thorsnæs, Geir (April 24, 2020). "Reisaelva". Store norske leksikon. Retrieved May 4, 2023.
  5. ↑ Ryvarden, Leif (2023-04-07), "Reisa nasjonalpark", Store norske leksikon (in Norwegian), retrieved 2023-05-05
  6. ↑ "Reisa national park". Norwegian Directorate for Nature Management. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2013-04-19. Retrieved 2023-04-05.
  7. ↑ "Reisadalen - Kilpisjärvi Bikepacking". ridewithgps.com. Retrieved 2023-05-05.
  8. ↑ "Reisa National Park | The Far North, Norway | Attractions". Lonely Planet. Retrieved 2023-05-05.
  9. ↑ Schandy, Tom; Helgesen, Tom (2006). 100 norske naturperler (in Norwegian). Norway: Forlaget Tom & Tom. ISBN 978-82-995682-8-9.
  10. ↑ "Mollisfossen". European Waterfalls. Retrieved May 4, 2023.
  11. 1 2 3 4 "About the national park". Reisa Nasjonalpark. Retrieved 2023-05-05.
  12. ↑ "Heritage Trail Reisadalen" (PDF). Reisa nasjonalpark. Retrieved May 4, 2023.
  13. ↑ "World War II | Facts, Summary, History, Dates, Combatants, & Causes | Britannica". www.britannica.com. Retrieved 2023-05-05.
  14. ↑ "In Nazi-Occupied Norway, Glimpsing the World Hitler Wanted". Time. 2020-09-02. Retrieved 2023-05-05.
  15. ↑ "The Occupation of Norway". History Learning Site. Retrieved 2023-05-05.
  16. ↑ "Experience the Sami culture". www.visitnorway.com. Retrieved 2023-05-05.
  17. ↑ "Experience northern lights in Tromsø". Visit Tromso. Retrieved 2023-05-05.
  18. ↑ "Best place to see the northern lights". Visit Lyngenfjord. Retrieved 2023-05-05.
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