Tankavaara Gold Prospector Museum is situated in the genuine gold district of Sodankylä, in Northern Lapland (30 km to the South from Saariselkä). Tankavaara’s Gold Prospector Museum was founded in 1973 and it is the only international museum in the world displaying the past and the present of gold panning and prospecting. The basic exhibition presents the history of gold prospecting in Finnish Lapland, and the giant gold pan-shaped roof covers the Golden World, the international section of museum with more than 20 countries all over the world. There is also an extensive collection of gems and minerals in Härkäselkä building. On the outdoor museum area called “Auraria” you can see a collection of scale model replicas from gold rush centers around the world. The indoor pool in the museum also provides a chance to try one’s panning skills in the winter.
Opening hours
- Summertime 1 June – 30 September: Daily 9 am-5 pm
- Wintertime 1 October – 31 May: Mon-Fri 10 am – 4 pm
More information: Tankavaara Gold Prospector Museum