Discover Lapland's gold rush era with a hands-on panning experience at Tankavaara Gold Village. Learn, hunt, and take home your own treasure!
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
4 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels, but steady movement is required.
Wildlife
History
Tankavaara was the first official gold town in Finland, established during the gold rush era of the late 19th century.
Conservation
The site promotes sustainable tourism by encouraging responsible prospecting and respecting natural sites.
Northern Lights Village Saariselkä
Discover Lapland's gold rush era with a hands-on panning experience at Tankavaara Gold Village. Learn, hunt, and take home your own treasure!
Northern Lights Village Saariselkä is a year‑round activity hub in Saariselkä, Lappi, offering a wide selection of guided excursions, equipment rentals and practical transfers. The village arranges aurora experiences such as Aurora Camp by the Lake, Aurora Camp on the Border, Aurora hunting by snowmobile, heated sleigh or electric fat bike, and aurora photography workshops.
Winter adventures include husky safaris (5 km and 10 km), an Autumn Husky Safari with a professional musher, snowmobile safaris and kid‑friendly snowmobile rides with expert driving instructions. Reindeer experiences range from short Reindeer Express visits to multi‑hour Reindeer Day tours with feeding and a sleigh ride. Day trips feature cultural and scenic options such as Siida Museum excursions, Lake Inari cruises, Tankavaara gold panning and visits to Nellim. Active options include electric fat bike safaris and rentals, cross‑country skiing lessons, snowshoeing in the fells and survival camps. Practical services include Ivalo Airport transfers to and from Northern Lights Village and a Lunch Buffet offering on site. Many trips provide equipment, thermal clothing and local guidance where noted. The village highlights family‑friendly programming, photography expeditions like the Midnight Sun tour, and seasonal variations such as autumn and midnight sun experiences. Northern Lights Village Saariselkä operates from Saariselkä in Lappi and focuses on delivering memorable outdoor experiences in Lapland’s landscapes. Flexible rental options include convenient pick‑up and return times; transfer bookings allow time slot selection for airport arrivals and departures.
Location
Saariselkä, Lappi
Located in Finnish Lapland
Family Programs
Kids' Snowmobile
For children aged 6 and up
Airport Transfer
Ivalo Airport 30m
Bookable time‑slot transfers
Trips & Rentals
Aurora, Husky, Snowmobile
Aurora camps, safaris and rentals
Check availability for tours, transfers and equipment rentals to secure dates and start planning a Lapland adventure.
Wear waterproof clothing
Waterproof clothes and boots help keep you dry while panning in the river.
Bring a camera
Capture your gold-panning moments and the scenic Lapland surroundings.
Be patient
Gold panning requires patience; enjoy the process regardless of your find.
Arrive early
Being early ensures you get the best experience and full attention from guides.
Waterproof boots
Keeps your feet dry and provides good traction on wet or uneven surfaces.
spring;summer;fall;winter
Warm layered clothing
Layered clothing helps adjust to changing weather conditions while outdoors.
winter;fall;spring;summer
Gloves
Protects your hands from cold and improves grip while panning.
winter;fall
Camera or smartphone
Capture the moment and scenic surroundings during your adventure.