Reisadalen

Reisadalen is in the Reisa National Park, which covers {{convert|166|km2}} and is home to the Reisaelva River.{{Cite web |last=Thorsnæs |first=Geir |date=April 24, 2020 |title=Reisaelva |url=https://snl.no/Reisaelva |access-date=May 4, 2023 |website=Store norske leksikon}}{{Citation |last=Ryvarden |first=Leif |title=Reisa nasjonalpark |date=2023-04-07 |url=https://snl.no/Reisa_nasjonalpark |work=Store norske leksikon |access-date=2023-05-05 |language=no}} The park also has diverse flora and fauna, including rare bird species such as the white-tailed and golden eagles.{{cite web|url=http://english.dirnat.no/content/500044122/Reisa-national-park|title=Reisa national park|publisher=Norwegian Directorate for Nature Management|format=PDF|accessdate=2023-04-05|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://archive.today/20130419023239/http://english.dirnat.no/content/500044122/Reisa-national-park|archivedate=2013-04-19}} There are hiking trails in the area.{{Cite web |title=Reisadalen - Kilpisjärvi Bikepacking |url=https://ridewithgps.com/routes/33899941 |access-date=2023-05-05 |website=ridewithgps.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Reisa National Park {{!}} The Far North, Norway {{!}} Attractions |url=https://www.lonelyplanet.com/norway/troms/attractions/reisa-national-park/a/poi-sig/1544182/1319554 |access-date=2023-05-05 |website=Lonely Planet |language=en}}

The Mollisfossen Waterfall is also in Reisadalen. The waterfall is located on the Reisaelva River and has a height of {{convert|269|m}}.{{cite book|first1=Tom|last1=Schandy|first2=Tom|last2=Helgesen|title=100 norske naturperler|language=Norwegian|year=2006|publisher=Forlaget Tom & Tom|isbn=978-82-995682-8-9|location=Norway}}{{Cite web |title=Mollisfossen |url=https://www.europeanwaterfalls.com/waterfalls/mollisfossen/?lang=nl |access-date=May 4, 2023 |website=European Waterfalls}}

File:Mollisfossen in Reisa.jpg

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.{{Cite web |title=About the national park |url=https://reisanasjonalpark.no/en/about-the-national-park/ |access-date=2023-05-05 |website=Reisa Nasjonalpark |language=en-GB}}

The local area has been used by reindeer herders and the local population, which is of Norwegian, Sami and Kven (Finnish) origins. 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.{{Cite web |title=Heritage Trail Reisadalen |url=https://reisanasjonalpark.no/wp-content/uploads/engelsk-brosjyre.pdf |access-date=May 4, 2023 |website=Reisa nasjonalpark}}

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.{{Cite web |title=World War II {{!}} Facts, Summary, History, Dates, Combatants, & Causes {{!}} Britannica |url=https://www.britannica.com/event/World-War-II |access-date=2023-05-05 |website=www.britannica.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2020-09-02 |title=In Nazi-Occupied Norway, Glimpsing the World Hitler Wanted |url=https://time.com/5885434/nazi-norway-history/ |access-date=2023-05-05 |website=Time |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=The Occupation of Norway |url=https://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/world-war-two/world-war-two-in-western-europe/the-attack-on-western-europe/the-occupation-of-norway/ |access-date=2023-05-05 |website=History Learning Site |language=en-GB}}

File:Reisadalen upper part.JPG

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

The river comes from the Norse word "rísa," meaning "to rise." 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.

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.{{Cite web |title=Experience the Sami culture |url=https://www.visitnorway.com/typically-norwegian/sami-people/ |access-date=2023-05-05 |website=www.visitnorway.com |language=en}}

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.{{Cite web |title=Experience northern lights in Tromsø |url=https://www.visittromso.no/northern-lights |access-date=2023-05-05 |website=Visit Tromso |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Best place to see the northern lights |url=https://www.visit-lyngenfjord.com/northern-lights-norway/best-place-to-see-northern-lights |access-date=2023-05-05 |website=Visit Lyngenfjord |language=en}}

{{reflist}}

Category:Valleys of Troms