GOLD RUSH

TRIPS TO LAPLAND – TOURS OF FINNISH LAPLAND

SÁPMI (LAPLAND)

Sápmi is a vast region (380 thousand km²) in the northern parts of Norway, Sweden and Finland and the Kola Peninsula in Russia with a record low population density (i.e. even less than 2 people per km² in Finnish Lapland). The Laplanders (Saami) are the indigenous inhabitants whose quite a large group just like centuries ago are busy with reindeer herding. Lapland is a true wildlife sanctuary – one of the largest on the continent. At the end of World War II many Norwegian and Finnish towns in the North were completely destroyed by the retreating German army.

INARI

Picturesque village upon Inari lake – the largest in Sápmi (Lapland), in a place where the Juutuanjoki River flows into the lake. It is considered being the capital of Finnish Lapland. It is a place where the Sami Parliament gathers. There is also the Sajos Culture Centre and one of the finest open-air museums – Siida. The Inari commune with the area of 17 300 km² is the largest in Finland but inhabited only by 600 people.

LAPPLANDERS (SAMI PEOPLE)

Lapplanders (Sami people) are descendants of a pre Indo-European nomadic tribe that inhabited Fennoscandia over 10 thousand years ago. They speak Sami languages belonging to the Uralic language family. Sami people are not related to any other Scandinavian nation. The origin of word Lapp is probably derived from Swedish term for a ‘patch’ which meaning is perceived as pejorative. That is why today’s commonly used term is ‘Sami people’.

MIDSUMMER DAY

25 MAY UP TO 20 JULY

PIELPAJÄRVI CHURCH

Built in 18th century, the Pielpajärvi church used to be a spiritual centre for the neighbourhood. Now it is situated in a distant place from inhabited areas.

SIIDA

Open-air museum documenting Saami culture, presenting their live not only in Finland but in the entire region of Sápmi. The traces of human settlement dating back from before 6 thousand years were found at the area of Siida. One of the most interesting museums in Finland.

THE JUUTUANJOKI RIVER

The area along the Juutuanjoki River is very important for the Sami community. First Sami settlements were built here. It is also a place for traditional meetings and of course a source of fish. A beautiful hiking trail allows reaching spectacular cascades on the river. Other thrilling attraction is crossing the river over a rope bridge.

THE UKKO ISLAND

Saami’s sacred island. Even in the beginning of the 19th century it was a place of sacrifice to divine pagan beings. Pagan elements are still present in Sami traditions. The Sami people adopted Christianity late (mainly in 18th century). In Finnish and Estonian mythology Ukko is a god of sky, weather and nature. It is a divine being responsible for the crops.

URHO KEKKONEN NATIONAL PARK

It’s a second largest national park in Finland (over 2500 km²). Many legends of hermits and reindeer breeders originated from the area. The hiking route passes the Iisakkipää plateau abounding in remains of the ice age. A magnificent view of the rocky Iisakkipää plateau and the Pääsiäiskuru valley is the main attraction of the trip.

Walking tour across Urho Kekkonen National Park

(6 km)

Nature study

LEMMENJOKI NATIONAL PARK

The largest of Finnish national parks, located in the basin of the gold-bearing Lemmenjoki River. Beware of the risk of being affected by a gold rush. Lemmenjoki together with Norwegian Øvre Anárjohka National Park is the largest protected area in Europe. Traditional reindeer breeding in the region of Lemmenjoki is continuously cultivated here by the Sami people.

Boat cruise on the Lemmenjoki River

Gold panning

Traditional Sami dishes by the bonfire

Sami culture and traditions

Joiking

Visit to the Sami settlement

Meeting with reindeers

Felt making show 

OTSAMOTUNTURI PLATEAU

The Otsamotunturi plateau is a place with a magnificent view of the Inarijärvi and Muddusjärvi lakes, the Hammastunturit, Muotkatunturi and Joenkielinen plateaus as well as Lemmenjoki National Park and the Juutuanjoki River.

The above offer is intended as information and does not constitute a commercial offer within the meaning of article 66 § 1 of the Polish Civil Code and other relevant legal provisions.