Tourist Attractions & Monuments Finland

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!

At the very top of the tower, you'll have a superb panoramic view! After taking the elevator to the top of the 122-meter tower, feel free to climb a little and take the steep stairs to the tower's terrace. From here, the view is unobstructed over Tampere, a highly industrial city seen from above. To reward you for your climb, a café welcomes you on the first floor with hot drinks and delicious doughnuts.

Created in 1893, this wonderful winter garden is a veritable oasis. Surrounded by lush, exotic plants, visitors are tempted to sit at pretty wrought-iron tables to savor the peace of the place. The beauty of the cacti, azaleas and palms that invade the glass and steel greenhouse, while listening to the lapping of the fountain... If the season is right, stroll through the formal garden that borders the greenhouse to breathe in the scent of roses.

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.

Valamo is the name of the largest island in Lake Ladoga (now in Russia), where an Orthodox religious foundation was established in the 10th century. The monastery remained for a long time the oldest and most important in Finnish Karelia. At the height of its glory, it had more than 1,500 monks. The monastery has been home to priceless religious treasures and has attracted increasing numbers of pilgrims over the centuries. During the Winter War of 1940, when the USSR troops invaded the region, a few surviving monks found refuge in Heinävesi in an old manor house. Only the precious icons from the 18th century and a few sacred objects were thus saved from the advance of the Soviets. It is here, in Heinävesi, that they will build the new monastery of Valamo.

An Orthodox Institute of Free Studies is now open. At the same time, at the end of the 1980s, the University of Joensuu introduced a course in Orthodox theology. Uusi Valamo has become an active centre of the Orthodox cultural tradition, welcoming 100,000 visitors each year, whether they are pilgrims in search of meditation or simply tourists. Faithful to tradition, the community of men lives from farming, fishing and tourism. In addition to the church, completed in 1976 (beautiful icons in silver and gold, pearls and precious stones), there is a cultural centre and an inn. New Valamo also houses one of the richest Orthodox libraries (open to visitors staying in Valamo) and the best icon restoration workshop in Northern Europe.

Reopened in the summer of 2011 after long renovations, the museum is dedicated to bringing to life the unique tradition and history of a region at the crossroads between West and East. It hosts a permanent exhibition whose title "Karelia on both sides of the border" is self-explanatory, as well as the importance of the sauna. There are also temporary exhibitions. The Carelicum cultural centre also houses the tourist office and a very nice café.