Tankavaara Travel Guide

Visit Tankavaara, a small village in Finnish Lapland, to experience a perfect combination of culture, nature, and adventure. Read our comprehensive travel guide for things to do, places to visit, where to stay, and more.


Introduction to Tankavaara

Tankavaara is a small village located in Sodankylä, in Finnish Lapland, which is known for its stunning natural beauty and cultural significance. It is situated in Northern Finland, which lies in the Nordic countries of Europe. With its breathtaking sceneries, rare wildlife, and traditional Finnish lifestyles, Tankavaara is an ideal destination for nature lovers, culture enthusiasts, and adventure seekers.

List of Places to Visit in Tankavaara

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Gold Prospector Museum: This museum showcases the history of gold mining in Finnish Lapland. It features a collection of gold mining tools and equipment used by the first gold prospectors in the region.

  • Siida Museum: The Siida Museum offers a glimpse into the history and culture of the Sami people, who are the indigenous inhabitants of Lapland. The museum has collections of traditional Sami clothing, jewelry, and artifacts.

  • Inari Sámi Museum: The Inari Sámi Museum is another museum that is dedicated to showcasing the culture and history of the Sami people. It features exhibitions on Sami handicrafts, shamanism, and the traditional way of life.

Natural Attractions of Tankavaara: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Urho Kekkonen National Park: This park covers an area of over 2,500 square kilometers and is home to several trails for hiking and biking. The park’s plethora of natural attractions including waterfalls, rapids, and lakes, make it an excellent destination for nature lovers. Visitors can also participate in activities such as fishing, skiing, and snowmobiling.

  • Lemmenjoki National Park: If you are looking for a more remote adventure, then Lemmenjoki National Park is the place to be. Known for its untouched wilderness and rugged landscape, this park has several hiking and trekking trails. Kayaking and canoeing on the rivers are other popular activities in the park.

  • Tankavaara Gold Village: The Tankavaara Gold Village is where visitors can learn about the gold mining history of the region. They can participate in gold panning sessions and even keep what they find.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Tankavaara

  • Tankavaara Gold Prospector Trail: This 3-kilometer trail is suitable for both hiking and biking. It takes visitors through some of the most scenic views of Finnish Lapland and offers them a chance to learn more about gold mining history and techniques.

  • The Kiilopää Fell Trail: This 12-kilometer hiking trail offers breathtaking views over the surrounding landscape. A winding path through the forest, skirting around a lake passes through the Kiilopää Fell. The trail is popular with hikers in both the summer and winter seasons.

Best Things to Do in Tankavaara: Activities and Tours

  • Aurora Hunting: Tankavaara is one of the best places to see the Northern Lights in Lapland. Visitors can take one of many tours offered by local companies to experience the beauty of the Aurora Borealis.

  • Reindeer and Husky Safari: Visitors can take a ride on a sled pulled by reindeer or huskies and experience a traditional Finnish way of life.

  • Snowmobiling: Visitors can also explore the Lapland wilderness on a snowmobile. A snowmobile excursion takes visitors through the beautiful snowy landscape of Finnish Lapland.

Week-Long Itinerary for Tankavaara

Day Activities
Day 1 Visit the Gold Prospector Museum and try gold panning at Tankavaara Gold Village
Day 2 Hike the Tankavaara Gold Prospector Trail
Day 3 Spend a day in Lemmenjoki National Park
Day 4 Take a reindeer sled tour and Aurora hunting at night
Day 5 Explore the region by snowmobile
Day 6 Visit Siida Museum and Inari Sámi Museum to learn more about the indigenous Sami culture
Day 7 Relax at Kiilopää Fell Resort or explore Urho Kekkonen National Park

Food and Drink Scene of Tankavaara

Must-Try Dishes

  • Kalakukko: This is a traditional Finnish fish pie that is made with salmon or other freshwater fish. It is usually served hot and is the perfect meal for anyone who loves fish.

  • Karjalanpaisti: This is a hearty meat stew that is typically made with beef and root vegetables.

  • Leipäjuusto: This is a traditional Finnish cheese that is often served with fresh berries or cloudberry jam.

Local Beverages

  • Salmiakki Koskenkorva: This is a popular Finnish spirit that is made using vodka and salmiakki, a salty liquorice candy.

  • Finnish beer: Visitors can try various locally brewed beers such as Sori Brewing and Maku Brewing.

  • Blueberry Juice: Fresh blueberry juice is a traditional Finnish drink, and it can be found in most local cafes and restaurants.

Where to Stay in Tankavaara: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Kiilopää Fell Resort: Situated in Urho Kekkonen National Park, this resort offers traditional Finnish cabins, apartments and hotel rooms. The resort has a sauna and a restaurant serving traditional Finnish cuisine.

  • Tankavaara Gold Village: This village is a popular spot for visitors interested in gold mining history. It has accommodation in log cabins, apartments, hostel rooms, and camping.

  • Holiday Resort Naava: This resort is located in a breathtaking location by the Lemmenjoki River and offers hotel rooms and cabins. It has a restaurant and is an ideal location for outdoor activities.

What to Buy in Tankavaara: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Finnish Knives: Finnish knives are world-famous for their quality and are the perfect souvenir to bring back home.

  • Reindeer Products: Reindeer leather gloves, hats, and jackets are a popular souvenir to bring back home. There are also shops selling reindeer antlers and hides.

  • Sami Crafts: Sami crafts, such as jewelry, clothing, and wood carvings, are a significant part of Lappish culture.

Local Culture and Customs of Tankavaara

The Sami people make up a significant part of Lapland’s population and have a unique culture. Visitors should be respectful of their customs and traditions, which include reindeer herding, handicrafts, and their native language. Finnish cultural customs such as sauna culture and sisu, the Finnish spirit of strength and perseverance, are equally important to understand and embrace in Tankavaara.

Best Time to Visit Tankavaara

The best time to visit Tankavaara is during the winter months from December to March to experience the beautiful winter landscapes and the Northern Lights. During the summer months, from June to August, the weather is milder, and the days are longer. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and kayaking then.

Do’s and Don’ts of Tankavaara

Do:

  • Respect the local culture and customs.
  • Dress in layers for the weather.
  • Enjoy the Northern Lights.
  • Participate in outdoor activities and adventures.

Don’t:

  • Litter, smoke, or pollute in the national parks.
  • Disturb the wildlife in the region.
  • Touch or disturb the indigenous Sami people’s herds of reindeer.

Safety and Health

Safety in Tankavaara

The biggest safety concern for visitors in Tankavaara is the harsh weather conditions. Temperatures can drop to -40°C during the winter months, and visitors should be prepared with adequate clothing and gear. Visitors should also stick to the designated trails for hiking and biking.

Health in Tankavaara

Visitors should take precautions regarding food and water hygiene when traveling to Tankavaara as tap water is not potable in some areas. The availability of medical facilities is limited, and visitors should be prepared with adequate medication and insurance.

Getting to Tankavaara: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Tankavaara

  • Rovaniemi Airport, situated approximately 250 km from Tankavaara, is the nearest international airport.
  • Ivalo Airport, situated approximately 170 km from Tankavaara, is a more regional airport serving flights from other parts of Finland and Europe.

Bus Stations Near Tankavaara

  • Rovaniemi bus station is the nearest bus station that offers regular services to Tankavaara.
  • Sodankylä bus station is another bus station that offers regular services.

Other Options

  • Renting a car is an excellent option for visitors who want to explore Lapland at their own pace.
  • Taking a taxi or private transport is also an option for visitors who don’t want to rent a car.

How to Get Around in Tankavaara

The best way to get around in Tankavaara is by car or bike in the summer months. During the winter months, snowmobiles are available for hire. Visitors can also join guided tours for exploring the region.

Where to Go Next from Tankavaara: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Saariselkä: Saariselkä is a popular ski resort situated approximately 100 km from Tankavaara.
  • Inari: This small town situated approximately 120 km from Tankavaara offers a mix of culture, nature, and history. Visitors can explore the Inari Sami Museum and the Sámi Siida Outdoor Museum and enjoy activities such as fishing and hiking.

Conclusion

Tankavaara is a unique destination that offers visitors a perfect blend of nature, culture, and adventure. Whether you want to hike through national parks, go gold panning, explore Sami culture, or experience the Northern Lights, Tankavaara has something for everyone. Follow our comprehensive travel guide for things to do, places to visit, where to stay, and more, and make your trip to Finnish Lapland an unforgettable one.

Gold mining in Tankavaara in 1934 Gold mining in Tankavaara in 1934 Exhibition hall Exhibition hall Flume for preliminary washing of the dirt, keeping heavier material at ribs on the bottom Flume for preliminary washing of the dirt, keeping heavier material at ribs on the bottom