THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Discover Lapland's gold rush era with a hands-on panning experience at Tankavaara Gold Village. Learn, hunt, and take home your own treasure!
Discover Lapland's gold rush era with a hands-on panning experience at Tankavaara Gold Village. Learn, hunt, and take home your own treasure!
Book with Northern Lights Village Saariselkä
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Northern Lights Village Saariselkä · Saariselkä, Lappi
Located in the heart of Lapland, Tankavaara Gold Village offers a unique opportunity to sift through the sands of history while hunting for gold. This 4-hour experience is perfect for those eager to try their luck and learn about Lapland's rich gold-mining past. Established over 150 years ago, Tankavaara has long been a hub for prospectors and adventurers seeking fortune beneath the Arctic skies.
Participants will join expert guides who will walk them through the art of gold panning with hands-on instruction. Using specialized equipment, travelers get the chance to uncover real gold flakes, keeping every find in a glass vial as a memento of their adventure. The experience is designed to be accessible—no prior experience required—making it ideal for families, couples, or solo thrill-seekers.
Beyond the prospecting, the village itself is a living museum of Lapland's gold rush era, with displays and historical insights that connect visitors to the region’s past. Enjoy a warm, hearty lunch included in the package, perfect after a morning of outdoor activity. The atmosphere at Tankavaara Gold Village is both lively and welcoming, offering a glimpse into the hardy spirit of Lapland's early prospectors.
This adventure stands out not just because of the activity but because it encapsulates the essence of Lapland’s historic and natural landscape. It’s a chance to participate in a traditional activity that has shaped the region’s identity, all set amidst the stunning wilderness of northern Finland.
Whether you're hunting for gold for the thrill or simply want a memorable experience in the Arctic, Tankavaara Gold Village provides an authentic and engaging adventure that connects you to Lapland’s storied past.
easy.
4 hours.
Suitable for most fitness levels, but steady movement is required.
No experience is needed; guides will teach you everything during the activity.
Yes, children aged 8 and above can participate with adult supervision.
Wear waterproof, layered clothing and sturdy boots suitable for outdoor conditions.
Yes, all the gold you discover is yours to keep as a souvenir.
The activity runs rain or shine, but certain conditions may affect timing or safety.
Yes, booking ahead is recommended to secure your preferred time slot.
Tankavaara was the first official gold town in Finland, established during the gold rush era of the late 19th century.
The site promotes sustainable tourism by encouraging responsible prospecting and respecting natural sites.
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.
Book with Northern Lights Village Saariselkä