Tourist Attractions & Monuments en Laponie

It can be reached from Longyearbyen, after a three-hour navigation. The glacier is 5 km wide, 30 km long and almost 50 m high, so it is very impressive, especially when you approach it by kayak. The name of the glacier comes from an old name of Sweden. Of course, one does not venture there without a guide, except for extreme adventurers, in which case you may not have this guide in your hands! Don't get too close because of the frequent ice falls. You will be surprised by the noise that a glacier makes!

The Svalbard Museum is a museum of natural and cultural history. Of educational interest, its purpose is to present the Arctic, as well as to highlight its history, beauty and the environmental problems that it faces today. The museum therefore presents several themes, from the discovery of the territory to its mining, until the arrival of current tourism. In 2008, the Svalbard Museum received the prize of the Council of Europe Museum for the best European museum. You are strongly recommended!

It was designed by Jan Inge Hovig, and built mainly of concrete. Its architecture symbolizes the summer light and the winter night. It is one of Tromsø's proudest achievements and can be seen from the fjord when you arrive by boat. The large 23 m high glass mosaic is the work of Victor Sparre. The ishavskatedralen is not strictly speaking a cathedral, but a parish church. Tromsø Cathedral is the only wooden cathedral in the country.

The Sámi Dáiddaguovddáš Museum specializes in the exhibition and sale of Sami art and crafts. The center, established in 1986, is one of the most important channels for the dissemination of contemporary Sami art. The museum is a meeting place for visitors and contemporary artists. The museum has several permanent exhibitions as well as temporary exhibitions on various themes. A mandatory stop for all art lovers who wish to discover the work of Saami artists, local or not.

The centre offers exhibitions on whales and reports on the research carried out by Norwegian scientists on these fascinating mammals. This is where you can book the 2-hour guided birdwatching tours to the Bird Rock in the Andenes Archipelago (season from¹ June to 20 August). A local fishing boat travels daily to this island where puffins, black-legged kittiwakes and many other seabirds can be seen!

The site of Lofotr delivered the most important remains Vikings, discovered in recent years. Thus, the site is the largest farm village Viking ever unearthed. The new museum Viking is built around the excavation of the public house, long of 83 m. Tassée and collected on itself, it is both ingenious, practical, impressive and perfectly demonstrative of the political and economic structures. Exhibitions of objects found during the excavations, the Vikings boats of 23 and 30 m which take on board volunteers, the plays and meals, all are made to immerse yourself in the heroic times. Fantastic.

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.

In a listed customs house, there are exhibitions on hunting and scientific research in the polar regions, as well as photos of Amundsen's expeditions. In the summer many activities for children are organized. Go to their website to plan your visit and book places. Permanent exhibition on what Svalbard was like in the 17th and 18th centuries. The museum also organizes temporary exhibitions.

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.

A comprehensive tourist office at the level of brochures, on-site information, possibility to purchase tickets for excursions, good information in English. Very practical. Possibility to download the tromso visit application.

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.

Dating from 1912, this very pretty church built on the model of a Lappish hut is worth seeing. As you get closer, you notice that it seems to be entirely covered with red wooden tiles. The bright gold-plated statues that adorn it create a striking contrast with the dark red colour of the rest of the building. Inside, the magnificent sculpture of St. George and the dragon, the altar and, just above, the frieze painted by Lotten Zeinwoldt are worthy of note.

Very well done museum about the Swedish mountains and the Sami. Indeed, Jokkmokk is the center of the Swedish Sami culture, it is normal that the museum presents the Swedish Lapland and of course the culture of the Sami people. Through eight rooms, you will discover all the aspects of the life of this people: craft industry, customs, traditions, folklore, history, way of life... Think of asking for the explanatory guide in French available free at the entrance, because the texts are in Swedish inside the museum. The name Ajtte means "the barn" in the Saami language.

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 Museum of Perspective aims to be provocative and full of humanism, respect and open-mindedness through its collections and exhibitions. It offers temporary photo exhibitions on the history of the city of Tromsø, as well as exhibitions of contemporary art, with the aim of presenting history from different angles. Anyone who loves photography will be satisfied. A beautiful black and white exhibition takes you back to Tromsø and Norway in the 1960s. A good introduction to the city, its region and its people, quick and free.

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!

As the owner of one of the largest husky farms in the world (nearly 450 dogs), the centre offers a variety of activities all year round. In the summer, the guides introduce you to the animals and their work as sled dogs, and in the winter, we get into the action with safaris. Also reindeer sledding, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, igloo overnight stays and multi-day hikes. In summer, it's canoeing, rafting, fishing and hiking. Our favorite safari in the region with a warm welcome and good guides, do not hesitate to go there!

Created more than 2,000 million years ago, the amethyst mine was formed in the bowels of ancient mountains. The only amethyst mine in Europe, you can admire this stone and discover how it is extracted. During the visit, in addition to enjoying a superb view from the top of the hill, you can even dig yourself to bring back your own stone, which has become a good luck charm. The visit is fascinating and you learn a lot! Afterwards, you can have a snack or a drink at the Lampivaara café.

This complex allows visitors to take their brands to discover the region and especially the Pallas-Yllastunturi National Park. An auditorium presents a little film of about minutes on Lapland and its landscapes, a temporary exhibition returns to the customs and habits of the inhabitants of the region, finally an information point allows to find brochures, maps, information about possible activities. Also a nice boutique and coffee.

One can follow step by step the destruction of Narvik, the Allied landings, life under German occupation until the end of the Second World War. The museum has recently moved, modernised and is now located in the centre of Narvik, at Kongens Gate, in the same hall as the Library and Tourist Office. The museum is very well detailed and provides a better understanding of the history of the town. There are regular temporary exhibitions...

Big sister of Haukland Beach, Uttakleiv is less known but no less beautiful. There are two ways to get there, by road, take the tunnel and follow the signs from Haukland Beach, or by the coastal path that starts from Haukland. The path makes the arrival on Uttakleiv more spectacular than ever. It is the most photographed beach in Norway. In summer, it is one of Norway's favourite destinations for watching the midnight sun, for campfires and camping, on the beach or on the dunes!

On the riverbank outside Kautokeino, Frank and Regine Juhls have created a veritable folk art sanctuary. For more than 40 years, they have been doing more than just creating jewellery in this silver workshop. The beauty of Saami art reveals its deep artistic meaning here. The jewellery (especially the knives, with their reindeer antler handles finely decorated with animal or symbolic motifs) are true marvels. In addition to the goldsmiths at work, you can also see the sheep, horses and chickens on the farm.

Unusually, the building was built as a museum. At the time it was simply a museum of the fishing industry, but in 1947 it became a cultural museum. The museum traces the town's cultural history, from the Vikings to the Sami to the daily lives of the Lofoten Islands' peasant-fishing families. In front of the entrance is a Stone Age menhir. A 20-minute film in the small black room traces the history of Bodø before the outbreak of war.

You will appreciate the atmosphere of this beautiful church, whose interior turns blue in winter, because of the snowy reflection through the windows. The somewhat naive representation of the aurora borealis behind the altar is truly magical. It is the work of the painter Ivar Hjertqvist. This church dates from 1902; it replaces an older one that was demolished. It was designed by the architect Gustaf Hermansson in an experimental neo-gothic style and has 3 naves. Its architecture is inspired by the church of Jokkmokk, erected 15 years earlier.

In this beautiful park of Salla Poropuisto, there are about thirty reindeer that can be approached quite easily. For more complicity, you can make a circuit pulled by a reindeer. It is also possible to make a dogsled ride and even in summer by canoe. A beautiful place to visit in all seasons, to experience Finland the way you like it! There are activities for everyone at affordable prices.

This charming little museum explains the harsh living conditions in these regions where one man in four dies at sea. How, by the way, have we been living at the 71st parallel for 10,000 years? That's what this museum explains. Eiderdown mining on the island of Store Tamsøy ceased after the war, as all the houses in Northern Norway were razed to the ground by the Nazis. From an already fragile economic equilibrium, the situation of the islanders never recovered.

A concept that's part museum, part study center and part theme park, opened in 1998. The architecture is appealing, in the shape of a block of ice, and the attractions - mainly adorable seals - are well designed to bring visitors closer to the wildlife of extreme cold. Seal feeding at 3 p.m. in summer and at 12.30 p.m. from September¹. A great place for the whole family to discover the underwater fauna and flora of the waters of the Far North. You can sponsor the seals to improve their daily lives...

Completed in 1752, the church is located in the heart of the forest. You can reach it through a 5 km trail. it's a magical place, where some couples get married.

This impressive church, consecrated in 1961, is known for its original architecture, which was inspired by the cod drying sheds that once stood in the village. It is reminiscent of the architecture of the Arctic Cathedral in Tromsø. Located in the city, caught between the mountain and the shore, it is the successor to the many churches that the city has known. The last two were burned down, one by the fire of 1890, the other by German troops.

In Abisko, you can see the Northern Lights 200 days a year. The Aurora Sky station is set up high up, away from the artificial lights; you can sit outside with a blanket waiting for them. In summer, the station is transformed into a midnight sun observatory (from mid-June to mid-July). There is also a restaurant for an unforgettable dinner. The guided tour, although instructive, is not essential. We will gladly take you up for the panoramic view of the Abisko Park, and for a snack with a view!

Mack's Brewery is the northernmost brewery in the world, that's all! Take advantage of your time in the city to follow a tour and take part in a tasting in the oldest bistro in the city dating back to 1928. For purists! This beer is a real institution. It is still as popular as it has been since its launch, and it would be a shame not to taste this 100% local pleasure. Mack also has its own shop, Kjeller 5, its Ølhallen bar, and offers courses for those who would like to learn how to brew their own beer!

The elves have finally authorized the disclosure of the location of this unique place in the heart of the forest where everyone can discover the true story of Christmas. True tradition lovers will be happy to discover this address lost in the middle of nature, where many superb activities await them. But this dream comes at a (very expensive) price, because there's no question of coming by car and spoiling the fairy-tale atmosphere. We will pick you up in town or you will have to take a shuttle.

Established in 1909, when the first laws on nature conservation were passed, Abisko National Park, classified as Natura 2000, covers 77 km² of plains, lakes, mountains in the Scandinavian Alps... beautiful and varied landscapes that never fail to surprise in all seasons. Abisko Turiststation is also the northern entrance to the royal trail, Kungsleden Trail, which runs from Abisko to Hemavan. It is a privileged place for hunting the Northern Lights.

Experience 365 has been designed to offer you a multitude of activities adapted to the climatic conditions and geographical location of "Sea Lapland". In winter, break the ice aboard the Icebreaker Sampo; in summer, enjoy the beach and activities available once the ice has melted. And don't forget SnowCastle, a village of villas with sea views, restaurants and an indoor ice sculpture park open in winter.

Kopara Reindeer Park organizes beautiful, authentic experiences with reindeer and professionals. By choosing the offer that suits you best, you'll have the chance to walk with reindeer, be pulled, feed them, and learn about their lives, all in the company of an experienced guide. Experiences last between 30 minutes and an hour. If the park offers other activities outside winter, these reindeer experiences usually take place from November-December to mid-April. On-site restaurant and store.

A beautiful gallery that exhibits and sells Saami crafts. The place is constantly developing new projects that highlight Saami artisans and their know-how. Recently, a project mixing Saami gastronomy and crafts was born, in order to pay tribute to the people who perpetuate ancestral traditions and who continue to develop their knowledge and their arts. Worth a look. There is also a restaurant and a store near the gallery, to do some shopping before leaving!

A stop at this centre overlooking the river is a must. Open all year round, there is a small museum, information on all the prehistoric sites in this part of the country between Umeå and Östersund, and a very well made film (in English only). Children can dress up as hunters from those ancient times in the reconstructed stone village next door, try their hand at harpoon fishing and pretend they are cavemen!

This is a little known site, but it has the largest concentration of rock engravings in Northern Europe, made between 4000 and 1500 BC. The tribes and groups of hunters and fishermen who populated this valley have left thousands of frescoes, drawings and symbols on the rocks. Characters, elks, footprints, tapered boats... These works can be seen every day from June 15 to August 15, when the water level drops due to the action of dams.

Rich in animals, forests, marshes and meadows, the Muddus site is part of the Unesco World Heritage in Lapland. Perfect for long hikes, there are trapper's huts to spend the night. Here live lynxes, bears, and a remarkable flora. Information at the tourist office, where you can ask for the services of guides. Walking along the trails, you will see the traces of people who lived in this area long ago. For example, you can see the foundations of houses built 100 years ago.

A guided tour of the largest underground iron ore mine in the world. The tour takes you 540 meters underground on an underground track that the bus can take (the mine has 400 km of them)! The development of the mine, its impact on the city - and the ongoing displacement of certain neighborhoods - and the processing of iron are explained in broad strokes, before showing some old machines and other tools in a small museum.

Follow Norra Strandgatan, then Fagerlinsvägen, and take the small shady path to the small, pleasant and quiet public beach of Gültzauudden, almost in the center of town. It is a nice beach among the many swimming spots in the area. It is a very popular place among the locals, especially for children. In the summer you can enjoy a nice swim in the sun with an ice cream. Less popular in winter, but why not visit anyway. The coastline always invites for a meditative walk!

In the basement of this large building, a museum is dedicated to the memory of the Sami people, now largely a minority in their historical territory. Objects, clothing, accessories used by this people are exhibited and a traditional Saami tent is reproduced. Only three rooms, not very large but interesting if you take the time to read the explanations in English. Thus, we will learn more about the noaidi, this priest-medic who ensured the link between the spirits and the natural world, or about Lars Nilsson, Saami martyr burned for example.

A museum housed in the barracks of the former A8 regiment, which tells the military history of Sweden, in times of peace and war. Miniature reconstruction of the Boden fort, collection of uniforms, insignia and especially, outside, many equipment of the Swedish army (tanks, artillery pieces, military trucks...). A few steps from the Patinamuseet and near the river, you can stop by the museum during your walk or during your visits.

The official site of the Saami Parliament. Learn about political issues, democratic organisations and their constitution. In English.