Tankavaara: Gold History and Nature Trails

Tankavaara brings together the history of gold prospecting in Lapland with museum exhibits, gold panning and nature trails. If you are planning a stay here, you can organise your activities around your own interests: from gold history and Lapland’s rocks to trails across the terrain.

Gold History and Museum

The Gold Museum in Tankavaara presents the history of gold prospecting in Lapland. The “Golden World” exhibition broadens the perspective, telling the story of gold in more than 20 countries. The “Golden Tour” focuses on the gold history of Ivalojoki, Lemmenjoki and Tankavaara, as well as the people connected with it. The museum brings together a Lapland perspective and an international view of gold.

The gold panning site is also part of the area’s history: the tourist attraction was established in 1970. In summer, a traditional outdoor gold panning site is open in Gold Village, by the gold-bearing Hopiaoja stream. Gold panning is also available at the Gold Museum in summer and, in winter, at the indoor panning facility. If you are planning to visit the outdoor site, check its seasonal opening arrangements for your visit. The Finnish Gold Panning Championships are held in Tankavaara every year; the specific dates may change.

The “Gold Prospector Starter Package” includes admission to all exhibitions, a short guided tour and gold panning with loaned equipment. Participants may keep any gold and gemstones they find. Programme times and booking options may change; check them before your visit. The “Kullan kaverit” tour has a different focus, introducing visitors to the world of Lapland’s rocks and minerals. Participants may find gold as well as various rocks and minerals. The tour is particularly suitable for families with children. The museum-related activities therefore differ in focus, ranging from gold history to discovering rocks and minerals.

Nature Trails and Viewpoints

The nature trails of UKK National Park run through the Tankavaara area. Trails also lead from Tankavaara to viewpoints on the summits of nearby Tankavaara Fell. The Koppelolenkki nature trail is 2.4 kilometres long, and the geological trail is 6.6 kilometres long. The snowshoe routes are Kuukkelilenkki, at 4.7 kilometres, and Urpiaislenkki, at 0.9 kilometres. The distances and the specified activity give you a concrete basis for comparison when choosing a route. Trail conditions may change; check them before planning a hike.

There are also two campfire sites along the trails, maintained by Metsähallitus. If you plan to visit one, check its current condition in advance. Another aspect of the local trails is history: the military history trail in Tankavaara features remnants from the Lapland War.

Tankavaara is located on Finnish National Road 4. This gives you a range of options to consider when planning your trip: gold history and guided tours, gold panning indoors or outdoors in season, and nature and snowshoe routes with specified distances.

Discover more destinations: Tornio, Enontekiö, Muonio, Luosto, Kilpisjärvi, Nellim, Räisälä, Pello

View the main travel overview: Lapland.