Tourist Attractions & Monuments en Laponie

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.

The museum opened in 1991, on the edge of an area excavated for rock engravings discovered in 1973. This is the largest area of its kind in Northern Europe, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was quickly voted best European museum in 1993, with 3,000 open-air engravings dating from 2,500 to 7,000 years ago. Inside the building, the museum features exhibitions on Finnmark's prehistory, Saami culture and the mysterious Komsa culture, named after the nearby mountain (viewpoint of the midnight sun). Superb.

It all began when in 1922, a young doctor came to settle in the village and never left. We discover his life, his passion for nature and of course the omnipresent Sami culture. At the top of the stairs, you will find a classroom, a sewing room and a kitchen reconstructed with objects from the 1930's; all the history of the pioneers of the time. Downstairs is the silver collection that made the museum famous, as well as a movie theater.

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.

At the end of the cliff of the North Cape was once a place of Sami ritual sacrifices. Today, only a large parking lot remains, a compulsory passage to access the tourist center hidden in the cliff and inaugurated in 1988. No way to avoid paying, the road is surrounded by barriers. Otherwise, you should know that an entry is valid for 24 hours. Many clever people come to pitch their tent in the park. A good way to benefit from an amazing place, a radically different environment, and to save a night in a hotel with a breathtaking view of the sunrise and sunset on the cape! However, you will have to deal with the incessant humming of the coaches which undeniably detracts from the majesty of the place. Anyway, the place has that magic touch because you know you are at the northernmost point, at the end of Europe, and this thought is enough. The road that leads to the North Cape has a lot to do with this. A slow progression, the aridity of the landscapes, everything contributes to make the cape a place apart. If the end of the world is fascinating, the road that leads to it is no less so.

Apart from the view towards a blue horizon, the vast tourist structure carved into the cliffs houses a modern complex of shops, cafeterias and restaurants (where prices are correct). A small museum is dedicated to the first personalities who came to the North Cape. The Italian explorer-priest Pietro Negri, in search of the end of the world, was one of the first tourists to visit the North Cape in 1664. This was followed in 1873 by Oscar II, King of Sweden-Norway, and Louis-Philippe, who had been chased out of France in 1795 and disguised as an ordinary visitor. At the time, the only way to approach the cliffs of the North Cape was by boat, and then climb the 300 m to the top, as the carriage road across the plateau was not opened until 1956. This road will soon be opened again and the physical test will give access to a sumptuous view of this cape.
Inside the hall, a "champagne bar" has been set up facing a panoramic bay with a superb view of the midnight sun which lasts from 16 May to 28 July (when there is no fog). A small outdoor terrace is hung over a 300m precipice overlooking the icy Arctic Ocean. Fog often rises from the ocean, enveloping the tip of the North Cape, which then seems to float between sky and sea. This is the end of the world! Do it if you can.

Wandering Owl is one of the best guide companies. Their guides are all professional photographers and certified nature guides. All activities will be done in small groups (or even privately), which increases the chances of seeing animals and doing your hike in peace. You can book activities such as Northern Lights hunting in winter on clear nights or kayaking in the fjords in summer! A sporty and friendly outing in perspective

In summer, Rolf takes you on an incredible journey of discovery. Whether you come to observe large birds of prey or dive in the clear waters of the fjords, you're guaranteed unforgettable encounters! In summer, enjoy a trip along the coast by boat or paddle, discovering the most beautiful panoramas and small fishing villages scattered at the foot of the mountains. You can also discover the famous Trollfjord by boat. From June to mid-August, fans of the evening colors can watch the midnight sun from the water.

Only a ten-minute walk from the cathedral, a cable car takes you up to the top of Storsteinene, from where you have a spectacular view of the city and its surroundings. Once up there, you can enjoy a meal or take a walk along the small paths to enjoy the peace and quiet for longer. Tip: buy a small pastry in the town centre and enjoy it up there, sitting on the mountain overlooking the town.

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.

The northernmost wildlife park in the world, where you can observe Arctic animals in their natural environment. The park is home to species from the far north, including 4 large predators: brown bear, wolf, lynx and wolverine. Very pleasant and amazing for children. And those who have remained so. Allow time (minimum 2 hours) because the animals are sometimes hidden and you must be patient to observe them. It is possible to book a guided tour with a zookeeper who will bring food to the predators to attract them.

Building housing the democratically-elected Sami delegation to Norway's general elections. The president is Silje Karine Muotka. Guided tour every hour. The Saami delegation is elected every four years. Superb architecture, well worth a visit, and don't hesitate to enter if you can, as the wooden balustrades, lamps and large windows overlooking the forest give quite a magical impression, especially for such a public place! Library containing books in all Sami languages.

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!

From Fredvang, several trails lead to the same place: Kvalvika. It's about a 30-minute climb to the summit (with a superb view of the beach) and about a 30-minute descent to the beach. Welcome to one of Lofoten's most beautiful treasures. Take the E10 towards Fredvang, after leaving the E10 and crossing the bridge, drive through the village for about 3 km. You'll see a boathouse with a parking lot, where you can park.

It consists of two perfect coves of very white and fine sand. As in the novels of the last century, imagining mysterious islands, Haukland shows you here that the reality is at least as amazing. At the foot of the steep mountain, the pastures where sheep graze add an unexpected note. Don't forget to bring your picnic, there is not a single shop within a dozen kilometres. One of those places at the end of the world where you feel marvellously far from any civilisation.