Vibrant Farming Community   The Krutfjell Road has a concentration of small-scale local producers that is not equalled anywhere else in Västerbotten or Helgeland. There are nine suppliers of produce and five establishments that serve local mountain food. Several of these are part of the joint promotional organisation Fjellfolket Helgeland (Mountain Folk of Helgeland). Some have a long tradition in supplying produce and are well known across the border. The Krutfjell Road runs through an area of lush mountain countryside that lies between the Vindelfjällens Nature Reserve in Sweden and the Borgefjell National Park in Norway. Nature is generous providing the perfect conditions for growing produce of the highest quality and a short but intensive summer grazing that results in excellent meat from reindeer and sheep. Using these ingredients the Krutfjell Road has a well established tradition of preparing local food. In addition salted, smoked and dried food are age old methods still in general use by Swedes, Norwegians and southern Sami. New generations are carrying these traditions forward – you could say it is in the blood. Local producers have set the standards and know that they have to build on these. Tradition is alive and well along the Krutfjell Road.   Agriculture is of major importance in Hattfjelldal. Many younger couples have moved in to take over small farm holdings. It is not unusual to see children playing in the farmyards surrounded by chickens, cats and dogs. There is air of optimism that is generated by the influx of a new generation. Hattfjelldal is vibrant community.   Tärnaby has long been associated with tourism. Quite apart from the active Sami culture, visitors enjoy the a whole range of outdoor activities and a large number of hotels and excellent restaurants. Hiking, fishing and hunting during the summer months are exchanged for skiing and snowmobiling during winter.   When tourism began to establish itself as an industry local families could either leave and receive - a good price for their property or choose to remain and build cottages for rent. The income from these red painted cottages replaced income from traditional farming and the buildings became known has “wooden cows”.   In the border region of Atoklimpen, the Sami communities of Vapsten and Umbin continue with reindeer herding – just as they have done for many hundreds of years.   Atoklimpen Cultural Reserve Atoklimpen is Scandinavia’s first Sami cultural reserve. The many archaeological offer a fascinating insight into how man has lived off the areas area's resources. Atoklimpen has another dimension, the remains, myths, religion and traditions are all intertwined with the natural world. You will find a fense for reindeer holding at the parking place.   Borderless co-operation It is common practice for locals to take a trip over the border, either to shop, visit someone, party or enjoy outdoor pursuits. Swedes and Norwegians are like old comrades. Unfortunately, due to customs regulations, food and, in particular meat, are difficult to promote across the border.   Tärna Vilt in Joesjö and the arctic charr fish farm, Borgefjellfisk, is an excellent example of transnational co-operation. The fish is sold fresh to Tärna Vilt and then introduced to the Swedish market. The Sami cultural centre in Hattfjelldal, Sijti Jarnge, is probably of equal importance to the Swedish Sami as it is to the Sami living in Norway as the Sami culture is not separated by borders.     Krutådal Gård Laila Hoff from Krutådal Gård claims that it is she who decorates the mountains. She has over three hundred fluffy white happy sheep and lambs that add mobile light touches to the landscape. But they are not only pretty to look at – Laila produces smoked meat and various sausages from the animals – all produce is sold in Hattfjelldal. You simply must taste laijpie (sami bread). Laila is an important entrepreneurial personality and there are several local businesses that have been set up by younger people.     Byrkije Kjøtt og Villmarksprodukter The family of Sparrok Larsen owns a herd of reindeer in the Børgefjell and Krutfjellet area. They have begun to sell reindeer meat prepared according to south sami traditions. They willingly emphasis the link between quality of the product and their culture, their care for the reindeer and the natural world. The butcher’s, Byrkije Kjøtt shares premises with other local ventures, Dalen Gårdsmat, Kvalpskarmo and Solheim Gård in central Hattfjelldal. Ragnhild serves south sami food and can tell many tales about the sami and the unique environment of Hattfjelldal.

Anna from Tärna Vilt makes dried meet of reindeer.   Siri from Sæterstad Gård with one of the happy and healthy goats.   Cheese of goat is a speciality from Sæterstad Gård.  Dried reindeer meet from Byrkije Kjøtt is nice for the mountain tracking, but also for important dinners.   Cheese in the coffee is a local tradition - coffee for real mountain people!      Smoked arctic char from Sæterstad Gård is a favorite!    Byrkije Kjøtt, Ragnhild Sparrok will tell you about the south sami tradition based on her family costums from Børgefjell Nationalpark.   Laila Hoff is taking good care of the lamb.   Hans with the very good arctic charr from Børgefjellfisk.