Must see attractions in Saariselkä

Sights in Saariselkä

In 1868 the remote area of Tankavaara on the Ivalojoki, 32km south of Saariselkä, experienced a gold rush, with a community of up to 500 panners seeking their fortune. The story is related in this museum, which also covers gold production around the world. A cubic metre of sand is on display, along with the sobering 2g of gold it normally contains here. In summer try your luck and pan for gold. There's an original smoke sauna and octagonal hut.

Sights in Saariselkä

Next door to Tankavaara's gold-panning museum, Kultamuseo, this nature centre has advice on activities and trekking in Urho Kekkonen National Park. Good exhibitions cover the local environment, including a display on raptors; you can also watch a half-hour audiovisual presentation. It sells maps and fishing permits, and has keys to the huts in the national park. Circular nature trails (1km to 6km) arc out from the centre.