Visit Tankavaara Gold Village & Learn about Lapland's Gold History
Discover the thrill of gold panning at Tankavaara Gold Village near Saariselkä, Lapland. Learn from expert prospectors, pan for real gold, and take home your personal treasure in this unique Arctic adventure.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
4 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; involves standing and light walking on uneven terrain.
Wildlife
History
Tankavaara became a key gold prospecting center in the late 19th century, influencing local settlement and culture.
Conservation
Tankavaara Gold Village emphasizes sustainable tourism by promoting responsible interaction with the delicate Arctic ecosystem and minimizing environmental impact.
Northern Lights Village Saariselkä
Visit Tankavaara Gold Village & Learn about Lapland's Gold History
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.
Bring Waterproof Footwear
Streams and panning areas are wet and rocky; sturdy waterproof shoes will keep your feet dry and comfortable.
Dress in Layers
Lapland weather can change quickly, so layering helps you adjust to cool mornings and warmer afternoons.
Arrive Early for Best Experience
Smaller groups in the morning allow more one-on-one instruction and a relaxed pace at the panning sites.
Protect Your Camera
The outdoor river setting can be splashy; use waterproof cases or zip-lock bags to protect your gear.
Waterproof Hiking Boots
Needed for standing in streambeds while panning gold comfortably.
summer
Weather-Appropriate Layers
To adjust quickly to Lapland’s changing weather conditions.
Sunscreen and Sunglasses
Protect yourself from sun reflection off water and open landscapes.
summer
Reusable Water Bottle
Stay hydrated throughout the experience.