Tourist Attractions & Monuments Finnish Lapland

A must-see cultural and architectural site in Rovaniemi, with its glass roof stretching over 170 m along the banks of the Ounasjoki River. Comprising the Arctic Center of the University of Rovaniemi and the Provincial Museum of Lapland, the complex is dedicated to the nature and cultures of the peoples of the Far North. History is not forgotten, with the painful episode of the Second World War: in October 1944, the German army destroyed 90% of Rovaniemi.

It's hard not to be impressed by the quality of the exhibits and the educational aspect of the displays. We learn a whole host of things, from the fact that "Arctic" comes from Arktikos in Sami, meaning "land of the great bear", to the fact that the giant crab was introduced by man into the Barents Sea, throwing the entire ecosystem out of balance. In short, this entertaining tour is highly instructive. Everyday objects are on display, and good films are shown to help you learn more about the Sami people. Allow at least 2 hours for your visit.

The museum regularly offers temporary exhibitions, which are less costly to enter (usually 5 euros), and allow you to rediscover the site over and over again. They also offer a less time-consuming and different approach to the museum, for visitors in a hurry who would still like to enter this incredible building. It's a must-see!

Little bonus: the café-restaurant in the center is delicious! Perfect for a gourmet break after your visit.

This is one of the most interesting attractions in Hetta. This farm has more than 150 sled dogs, huskies, and breeds common in the far north. In the winter, you can conquer the surrounding plains. In the summer, we discover the farm, the breeding method, the agility training , etc. This farm is one of the most popular in Lapland, both for locals and tourists. This is due to the fact that the dogs are treated very well - every dog keeper knows the name and the history of each dog - but also for the very good welcome to tourists.

An agency that is both professional and on a human scale. Here, you will not be drowned in groups of tourists. You will be spoilt for choice when it comes to excursions: a night outing on a snowmobile to discover the Northern Lights, a magical sled dog tour, snowshoe hiking on the heights of Rovaniemi, cross-country skiing outings? In the summer, you can raft down a river, and much more! In addition, guides will pick you up and take you back to your accommodation, and in winter, you will be provided with head-to-toe outfits!

The museum is dedicated to the Finnish painter Reidar Särestöniemi (1925-1981) and presents nearly 500 works including pastels, watercolours, oil paintings, drawings and woodcuts. The exhibitions change every six months according to the theme. The artist, who studied in Helsinki, returned to live and paint all his life on his native farm, drawing his inspiration from the Lapland landscapes and nature. Also temporary exhibitions.

This 1,020 ^km2 national park was established in 2005. It covers several municipalities from Kolari (Akaslompolo, Yllasjarvi) in the south to Enontekio in the north. The landscape is very hilly, and made up of fells, the bare hills typical of Lapland. Ideal for wandering from pass to pass and watching the Northern Lights in winter, it's also a veritable paradise in summer. There's nothing better than watching the midnight sun from the top of a tunturi!

Among the marked routes, the magnificent hiking or skiing in the heart of the Pallas National Park, the third park of Finland by its area of 510 km ². Between Pallas and Enontekiö, or the opposite, you cross a plateau of mountains, including the respective summits, the Outakka (Ounastunturi) and the Taivaskero (Pallastunturi), peak at 723 m and 807 m. A half-way, conifers give way to stunted birch, whose red filled flames nature during ruska, the autumn Sami. Côté fauna, elk, bear, lynx and gloutons elected home in the area. In summer, many migratory birds are also in the park. Plan for 2 days of minimum walking (authorized camping) in September because, during summer, mosquitoes are legion and rather voracious.

Reservation required for the three golf courses (€ 10 per night). Information from the Pallastunturi or Enontekiö information centres, which will provide you with the keys and all the useful information.

This national park is located on the Russian border. It is especially known for the Karhunkierros Trail, which is one of the most popular hiking trails in Finland. Here you can observe all the surrounding nature from the park's hilltops, through pine forests and along rivers. It is suitable for both beginners and experienced hikers. Maps and all information for camping sites in the park can be found at the Hautajärvi Visitors' Centre in Hautajärvi. An accessible and resourcing place in the wilderness!

For 30 years, guests have been able to discover fifty Arctic and northern wild species here, in nature in a park where the majority are in semi-liberty. The zoo has three polar bears (and recently a bear la ligera called Ranzo!). Also see the wolves, gloutons them, lynx and other carnivorous. Plan 2:00 for a full tour. At the time of Christmas, the zoo offers the opportunity to take a ride to dogs, reindeer or snowmobile at reasonable prices.

The Finns are also gifted with talented designers. This design house, created by a passionate couple, Hanneli and Pekka Sillfors, opened its doors in 2005. Set in the heart of nature, its workshop and showroom are housed in a handsome wooden building complete with a Lappish tent. Here you'll discover the full range of contemporary design: glass, wood, metal and lighting in all shapes and materials. The exhibition changes every year, with several designers in the spotlight each time.

This café-gallery is absolutely exceptional. Lea Kaulanen and her husband Juha have turned it into a magical place with a warm and enchanting folklore atmosphere. This is due to the fact that Lea and Juha make puppets representing the maahinen, small forest dwellers from the Lappish legends. You can have a coffee in the big warm room, on the wooden tables, while tasting one of Lea's tasty pastries. And you can't miss listening to her tell one of the legends of the Lappish forest.

Ideal if you want to find out more about the search for and exploitation of gold: the exhibition presents the history of gold prospecting in Lapland, from the rush on the Ivalojoki River in 1868 to the present day. Also on display is an overview of gold prospecting around the world, the working conditions of gold miners, and a collection of precious stones. Bonus: the gold site offers you the chance to pan for gold yourself (outdoors in summer, or inside the panning site in winter).

The Polar Explorer, a 1960 icebreaker converted into a cruise ship for tourists, carries up to 150 people for 3-hour polar safaris. We watch the pieces of ice cracking and being pushed out with a certain fascination. The highlight of the trip is the bath in the icy water. We lend you a survival suit, before you are lowered into the water. You can watch an introductory film and visit the engine room with a guide.

Lapland Safaris offers winter and summer excursions to enrich your stay and keep you entertained. In winter, snowmobile rides, reindeer- or husky-drawn sleighs, hole fishing, dinner and overnight stay in an igloo... In summer, traditional boat cruises, visits to reindeer farms and a wide range of activities to do on your own. Thanks to its network of service providers, the agency can offer stays throughout Lapland. Beware, however, that this is group tourism, and you'll often be working with large groups.

Here it is, the famous village that draws crowds from all over the world. Santa's workplace. You can even take a photo with him, or send a card from his post office! As for the rest, Santa's village is nothing more than an open-air shopping mall, where you can find absolutely every Lapland souvenir you can imagine, from Lappish handicrafts to Christmas decorations, and where you can indulge in all the typical activities. The place is fun, but the prices are exorbitant.

It's the hub where you can schedule safaris or get information on everything. Previously, the tourist office was located at Lordi Square: Lordi was the pseudonym of a singer before becoming the name of a Finnish hard rock band formed in 1996. A jack-of-all-trades, Mr. Lordi, the band's lead singer, began making demos on his own before forming his own group. The band won the Eurovision Song Contest in 2006. Their victory prompted the town of Rovaniemi to rename a square in their honor. A fitting tribute!

This "tourist" attraction allows visitors to discover Saami culture and to get up close to reindeer. Indeed, visitors are taken to an enclosure where several reindeer live in freedom with the possibility to feed them and touch them. Explanations on reindeer breeding, then demonstration of lasso throwing, and discovery of Saami traditions over tea or coffee and interpretation of traditional songs. Shop on site.

This reliable and quality tour operator offers you all the great classics of Lapland. And you can even tailor-make them on request if you prefer. You can buy tickets for the Siida, rent a canoe, book an ice fishing trip, a night outing on cross-country skis or snowmobile to see the Northern Lights, a husky sleigh ride, a visit to a reindeer farm with a craft demonstration, a Lappish cooking class, a horse ride, etc... In short, no time to get bored!