Kåta means on Sami language house. The sod-house Kåta is probably the most origin building in arctic regions.

To build a sod-house you only need an axe and a shovel. It is easier to transport than all the material for a modern building. The building-material you find in the surrounding nature, but it takes a lot of time and hard work to build a Kåta.

A frame is made of wood, normally birch with the bark taken away, and then covered with a waterproof material, traditionally birch-bark. The pet is put up like brick-stones on the walls that are app. 50 cm thick. The root system in the pet makes the wall steady. To enlarge this you put the pet upside down, with the roots up so it grows one more time trough the pet when the wall is ready.

Pet is a good insulation-material. In winter this is improved because the Kåta is covered with snow that also insulates against cold. The floor keeps free from being frozen and works like a earth-heater and keeps temperature above freezing point even when the Kåta is not in use.

Traditionally an open fire at the centre where used for heating and cocking and the smoke left through a hole in the roof. In modern time stoves with a chimney are used that gives a more comfortable indoor climate.

Here you have the opportunity to experience arctic culture.