Lulea

The gemstone gallery offers a large collection of gemstones and minerals with great diversity. The spectacular crown designed for the King of Finland, a replica of the Imperial State Crown of Great Britain, a replica of the lavish 647-diamond necklace of Marie Antoinette and much more. http://www.kemi.fi/english/experience-kemi/attractions/

Santa Claus has opened his official port office in Kemi Inner harbor! Santa Claus and his Elves love spending time in Kemi by the sea enjoying the fresh air and the easy living that the city offers. This traditional Sea Lappish cottage is open in both the Summer and Winter. http://www.visitkemi.fi/en/seaside-office

The SnowCastle is situated within walking distance from local hotels and the railway station. Distance from the airport by car 10 minutes.The SnowCastle is a large area with the SnowHotel, the SnowRestaurant and the SnowChapel located inside the walls of the Castle. http://www.visitkemi.fi/en/component/travius/31173

When you arrive at the Market square, the local Toripolliisi (Market square policeman) welcomes you. At market square, you can get to know the products and visit the old granaries, which serve as gifts shops, clothes and shoe stores as well as lovely cafeterias and restaurants. In the traditional market hall you can buy fresh bread, meat and fish. Market square also has numerous markets. Market square, granaries and market hall is a great place to just walk around, enjoy refreshments as well as find souvenirs and presents. https://www.discoveringfinland.com/destination/oulu-market-square-hall/

The Northern Ostrobothnia museum (Pohjois-Pohjanmaan Museo in Finnish) was founded in 1896 by the Museum Society which donated the museum to the City of Oulu in 1969. The museum’s region of interest is the City of Oulu and Northern Ostrobothnia of Finland. The culturally historic county museum is located in Ainola Park. The building is designed by architect Oiva Kallio and completed in 1931. http://www.discoveringfinland.com/destination/northern-ostrobothnia-museum/

The Oulu Museum of Art’s changing exhibitions focuses on topical contemporary art without forgetting local and regional perspectives. The art museum’s second floor is home to themed collections. Visit our website to find out more about our broad variety of public events and workshops. Our museum shop, Ainoa, offers a range of top-quality, distinctive gift items and interior decoration products for people of all ages. The Oulu Museum of Art is one of the Museum and Science Centre Luuppi sites. https://visitoulu.fi/en/tuote/oulu-museum-of-art-2/

Science Centre Tietomaa has given unforgettable experiences to visitors since 1988. Finland’s first science centre is the perfect place for learning, enjoying yourself, putting your brain and body at test or simply spending some time engaging in entertaining exploration. Science Centre Tietomaa is a household name in Oulu and the entire Northern Finland. It has been one of the best-known attractions in Oulu for years. Many generations have visited it with school groups or their families with more than one million total visits to date – and many come back year after year. The themed exhibitions of the Science Centre Tietomaa feature more than 150 hands-on attractions and demonstrations. New exhibitions are opened every year, and the highlights of past exhibitions become part of the permanent exhibition. Our exhibitions explore different fields of science and technology and give food for thought for all audiences. The sea-themed exhibition called M.O.B. gives you a taste of saltwater and breathtaking speed. Try out hand in magic sand landscapes, test your skill in a sailing competition and try the speedboat simulator – but do not make yourself seasick! http://www.discoveringfinland.com/destination/tietomaa-science-centre/

The Kierikki Stone Age Centre will take you on a journey back in time. A Stone Age Village complete with habitations will show you what daily life was like on the banks of the River Ii thousands of years ago. An easy-to-walk boarded walkway leads from the village and its neighbouring snare path to the Kierikki Stone Age Centre, where you can learn more about Stone Age life and artefacts through films and an exhibition. The Stone Age Village has been constructed on the basis of data from archaeological digs. These types of villages were located in the Kierikki area, in the delta of the River Ii, as long as 5,000-6,000 years ago. The village contains different types of buildings, mainly single-room houses but also large terraced buildings. There are fire sites around the houses, and a river running past the village. The inhabitants rowed in flat-bottom boats made from single tree trunks. https://visitoulu.fi/en/tuote/kierikki-stone-age-centre/

Koitelinkoski is a beautiful place for nature lovers, both local daytrippers and visiting tourists. The Koiteli region is surrounded by rolling forested hills and rich vegetation, and its many islands provide excellent opportunities for fishing, canoeing and kayaking, and trekking. The Koitelinkoski rapids are part of the free-flowing River Kiiminki. The rapids are about four kilometres from downtown Kiiminki and a quick 24-kilometre drive from Oulu. It’s easy to explore the area on foot, following marked paths that wind along the mainland and across the islands. You can reach several of Koiteli’s islands (Pikkusaari, Sahasaari and Pikniksaari) with suspension bridges – an adventure that sticks in children and young people’s minds in particular. The rocky cliffs on the shore are comfortable places to sit and observe the natural world. There are also several campfire sites where you can prepare your food and enjoy some refreshments. https://visitoulu.fi/en/tuote/koiteli-2/

In addition to hosting concerts by the Lapland Chamber Orchestra and art exhibitions in the Rovaniemi Art Museum, Korundi House of Culture has a wide variety of events and conferences. The building now housing the Korundi House of Culture was originally an old post bus depot dating back to 1933. The modifications and expansion completed in 2009 and 2010 were designed by architect Juhani Pallasmaa. He also had a hand in the design of the Rovaniemi Art Museum, which has been in the old depot since 1986. https://www.discoveringfinland.com/destination/korundi-house-of-culture/

The present church in Rovaniemi was completed in 1950. It was designed by the architect Bertil Liljequist. The interior of the church is dominated by a huge fresco behind the altar. It’s called the Source of Life and it was realised by Professor Lennart Segerstråle in 1951. The church seats 850 people and it features a 45-key organ from the Christensen Organ Factory. http://www.visitrovaniemi.fi/see-do/sights-and-attractions/

Are you attracted to northern forests? If so, your place is Pilke in Rovaniemi in Finnish Lapland near the Arctic Circle. The science centre’s exhibitions will allow you to explore current forest issues, while the Pilke Shop offers forest products that appeal to all of the senses. The Pilke Science Centre is a memorable and interactive place to visit for people of all ages whether the reason for your visit is work, study or vacation. The exhibition at the Science Centre teaches visitors about sustainable use of the northern forests and about the diverse range of products and commodities connected to the forests. Pilke’s life is rooted in the present moment and in the bright future of finding many uses for the forests. https://www.discoveringfinland.com/destination/pilke-science-centre/

Arktikum is a science center and museum that lets you experience northern nature, culture, and history up close. Housing the University of Lapland’s Arctic Center and the Regional Museum of Lapland, Arktikum stimulates thought, encourages debate, and provides a deeper understanding of the Arctic. Arktikum exhibitions lead guests on an adventure through Finnish Lapland and the Arctic region. The review of the history of Finnish Lapland spans from Rovaniemi to Upper Lapland and from prehistory to about the 1970s. The Arctic region is examined in light of the Arctic research of today and that planned for the future. The exhibitions provide a comprehensive overview of the history and culture of Lapland as well as of Arctic knowledge. https://www.discoveringfinland.com/destination/arktikum-museum-arctic-science-centre/

Ounasvaara Ski Resort is located almost close to the centre of Rovaniemi city. From the Northern side of Ounasvaara mountain, you’ll find a modern ski resort where you can downhill ski, snowboard, or ski while enjoying the international atmosphere. Ounasvaara’s slopes are suitable for both beginners and professionals. The resort features two slope areas, Ounashissit and Tottohissi. The latter has the 3 most challenging slopes, including an FIS-competition slope, and it is consequentially favoured by professional and more experienced skiers. It is often used by Finnish athletes as a training area. Ounashissit has four slopes ranging from beginner to expert, and also includes a ‘street’ for snowboarders and freestyle skiers with many numerous jumps, rails, press boxes and a Super Pipe. https://www.discoveringfinland.com/destination/ounasvaara-ski-resort/

Santa Park is located in an underground cavern just a few kilometres north of Rovaniemi. Along with Santa Claus, the cavern is home to countless happy and helpful elves, and children are able to spend time in Elf School learning their tricks. There is also a bakery where you can help the elves decorate gingerbread, a restaurant, and an ice bar and gallery. Every 2 hours the elves put on an entertaining show for the children on the stage, and there is a charming train to take you around the different areas of the cavern. Santa Park also provides plenty of outdoor fun for the family, including Husky sledge rides, Reindeer sleighs, Skidoo and mini-Skidoo, and sledging – don’t worry about the cold as SantaPark provides arctic wear for the outdoors activities, and there are several open fires and hot berry juices to keep the chill-out. https://www.discoveringfinland.com/destination/santa-park/

You can meet Santa Claus and cross the magical Arctic Circle every day at the Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi in Lapland, Finland. Santa Claus spends his time at Santa Claus Village every day of the year to take care of his mission in life; to enhance the well-being of children and the kindness of grown-ups, as well as spread the message of love and goodwill and the Christmas Spirit across the globe. You can find many programme service companies, souvenir shops as well as Santa’s Main Post Office, and cafes and restaurants in Santa Claus Village. And of course, Santa is there too, in his chamber every day of the year! https://santaclausvillage.info/

Experience the atmosphere of authentic Finnish Christmas in Santa Claus Village at the Arctic Circle. Meet Santa Claus in the Christmas House of the Santa Claus Holiday Village, and discover the unique Christmas exhibition, explaining the Christmas traditions around the World. http://www.visitrovaniemi.fi/see-do/sights-and-attractions/

The merriest place on the Arctic Circle. Snowman World gives you all the joys of winter in a single location next door to Santa Claus on the Arctic Circle – all with just one ticket. The speedy but safe slide is big fun for grown-ups and children too. You can skate on ice or dive in a snowball pit or go into orbit with a sleigh-go-round. Admire ice sculpture in the ice bar and cafe while we serve kids with raspberry red beverages and adults with icy clear drinks. And the drinking glasses are made out of ice, of course. Around of snow and ice, there is the Snowman World you can meet three happy snowman siblings. Ice Hockey promise Flake is the wildest of the three and you might get him to teach you how to shoot the puck on the ice. You will probably find rock star Frost somewhere playing the air guitar. He believes he can make northern lights appear by finding just the right chords. Aurora, sister to these two rowdy brothers, is a dreamer. She loves poems and artistic ice sculptures but nothing gets her more excited than seeing the beautiful northern lights, Aurora Borealis, of which she has been named after. You might also meet the groundskeeper Snowman who takes care of our guests and watches over the whole world of snowmen. The parents of these siblings will not meet in the Snowman World. They work during winters in the snowball factory in Kaamanen where they store snow to a secret place, in case of the warming of the climate. The snowman siblings spend their winters in the Arctic Circle studying winter sports, ice and snow sculpting and aurora hunting. They will take you to enjoy the arctic outdoors and help you try new things like sliding down the ice hills, ice skating and ice sculpting. https://www.discoveringfinland.com/destination/snowman-world/

Come and experience a real reindeer sleigh ride in wintery nature – right in the backyard of Santa’s house at the Arctic Circle. With our guidance, you can rein the reindeer by yourself or just sit comfortably under warm blankets and enjoy the snowy views. You can choose to have a ride with just one reindeer or several reindeers in a line. After the ride, you can an by the open fire where we serve hot juice and experience the magic of the firelight and a real Lappish atmosphere. Explore the snowy forests with your friends on a reindeer sleigh ride and discover the northern lights. The path leads over frozen marshes and spruce woodlands to a winter hut, where we wait for the Northern Lights. While waiting, savour grilled sausages, drink campfire coffee and mulled wine, and enjoy the tranquillity of the wilderness. At the end of the safari, we are feeding a reindeer herd of up to one hundred in their paddock, where you can capture the moment on camera and feed the reindeer. https://www.discoveringfinland.com/destination/santa-claus-reindeer-reindeer-sleigh-ride/

Everyone who wants to learn more about life in Västerbotten and its history should visit Västerbottens museum.It tells how the Sami people populated the forests and mountains, how fishing peoples lived along the coast and about the importance of skis as a form of transport in this region. https://www.visitumea.se/en/book/to-do/a470539/vasterbottens-museum/showdetails?filter=t%3DV%C3%A4sterbottens%20museum%3Bc%3D24264

The opera was founded more than 40 years ago and has evolved from a regional opera ensemble to a performing arts house with a broad range of activities. There is a symphony orchestra and departments for opera, dance, music and contemporary art. Visit Norrlandsoperan´s website for the current programme. https://visitumea.se/en/norrlandsoperan

Umeå brothers Åhdén possess one of the world’s largest privately-owned collections of guitars. You can visit the experience-based exhibition of electric guitars, basses, amps and music accessories at Umeå Guitar Museum. Do not miss the guided tours! https://visitumea.se/en/guitars-museum

Bildmuseet in Umea is a visual meeting place for the curious. The museum exhibits both national and international contemporary art not seen anywhere else in Sweden. Paintings, sculptures, drawings, graffiti, videos, installations, photojournalism, design, architecture and the visual world of science are presented in about 15 exhibitions per year. https://www.visitumea.se/en/book/to-do/a470526/bildmuseet/showdetails?sorting=aa&filter=t%3Dbild%3Bc%3D24264

One of Europe's most prestigious sculpture parks is located in Umeå, in the Umedalen district. The Umedalen area was established in the 1930s as a mental hospital but was phased out and sold by the County Council in 1987 to the real estate company Balticgruppen. Umedalen Sculpture park has one of Northern Europe’s leading sculpture collections, with over 40 pieces by artists such as Tony Cragg, Louise Bourgeois, Antony Gormley, Jaume Plensa and Anish Kapoor. The park is located in Umedalen, Umeå and opens all day, every day of the year. Free entry. https://visitumea.se/en/umedalens-skulpturpark

Adventure and lively activities, tranquillity, unspoilt nature, and a unique landscape carved out by the last ice age. The Rokua Geopark is part of the Global Geopark Network, a UNESCO-supported conservation group. It comprises Rokua, Lake Oulu, and the River Oulu Valley. A geopark is a geologically unique area. Rokua Geopark is the world’s northernmost and Finland’s only Geopark. In the summer, the park offers fantastic opportunities for trekking, kayaking, mountain biking, and fishing. In the winter, you can ski, snowshoe, go on a brisk husky safari, or enjoy a starlit sleigh ride through the winter night. Be part of the Arctic miracle at Rokua Geopark! https://visitoulu.fi/en/rokua-geopark-2/

Syote, Finland’s southernmost fell region, is particularly popular with families. Syote is known for its two downhill skiing slopes. Iso-Syote was chosen as ski centre of the year 2012, and Pikku-Syöte has been lauded for its snowboarding parks The Syöte National Park is an inviting place for skiing during the winter, and hiking and mountain biking in the summer. Nature safaris provide added entertainment. Hotel Iso-Syöte and Hotel Pikku-Syöte are located right next to the slopes, so you don’t need a car. The Syöte Central Booking Office provides a handy way to make reservations for the area’s extensive range of accommodation and activities. It’s easy to get to Syöte, as it’s only 140 kilometres from Oulu. https://visitoulu.fi/en/syote-2/

Located in Vuolijoki is the private Riihipiha Museum with its buildings brought to collect, maintain and exhibit the old courtyards of the Kainuu region, exactly as they were before the use of electricity became common. The collection of the 35 numerized buildings and approximately 4000 items in Riihipiha show us what life was like for the earlier generations in Vuolijoki and the Kainuu region. https://www.visitkajaani.fi/en/products/riihipiha-museum/

In Terranova you can explore and experience the beautiful archipelago of the Kvarken area with all your senses. You can admire and listen to the sounds of all common birds singing, tap a seal and have a peek at our virtual aquarium, where you will see fishes of all sizes. The mosquitoes are buzzing in the insect room, where you will also find all the beautiful butterflies of the area. All the birds and mammals of the Kvarken area are found in the scientific collections of the nature centre. In the auditorium, you may look at nature films, including a film about the Ice Age and the local phenomenon of rising land, explained to you in a clear and fascinating way. Terranova also provides information about nature tourism and special interest activities in this unique landscape. You can look around by yourself or make a reservation for a guided tour beforehand. https://www.discoveringfinland.com/destination/terranova-kvarken-nature-centre/

The Huutoniemi Church, designed by Professor Aarno Ruusuvuori, was built in 1964 and represents the 1960s modernism, minimalist architecture. The church was renovated in 2001. https://www.vaasaevl.fi/tilat/kirkot/huutoniemen-kirkko

The Kuntsi Museum of Modern Art was opened to the public in February 2007. The museum is situated in a former customs warehouse in the Inner Harbour of Vaasa. The building has 2,000 m² of space, which has been planned exclusively for museum activities. Thanks to the museum, both national and international exhibitions of modern and contemporary art are now a permanent feature of Vaasa’s artistic life. The base collection in the Kuntsi Museum of Modern Art is the Kuntsi Foundation’s art collection – one of the most important classic collections of contemporary art in Finland covering pop art, kinetic art as well as committed art, informalism, surrealism, new expressionism, postmodernism… The more than 900 works forming the collection are a cross-section of modern art history, from international modernists to the Finnish artists of today. But most of all, it is the classic collection of Finnish contemporary art created in the 1950s and onward. The Kuntsi Collection is constantly growing and other nationally remarkable private collections are both deposited and donated in connection with it. Donations and depositions continue the work started by Consul Simo Kuntsi, and increase the importance of Vaasa in the modern and contemporary art world. Regular cooperation with other museums, artists and collectors in Finland and abroad further expands the museum’s operation as well as the exhibition offerings of the most topical art. https://www.discoveringfinland.com/destination/kuntsi-museum-of-modern-art/

Björkö village church was built in 1859 and was named Maria, after the wife of Alexander II. The gallery was built in 1907, and the first organ was purchased a couple of years later. Before the village had its own church, the bible study cottage was used as a chapel. http://www.visitvaasa.fi/en/search/pages/sites.aspx?paikka=&pakti=1&a1akti=53

The museum that shows and lives in Finland-Finnish culture. http://vasabrage.fi/sv/

The old church for Paltamo congregation, the Paltaniemi Church of Paintings, was built in 1726. Another church in Paltamo was damaged in an earthquake in 1626 and a third one destroyed in the Great Northern War as the Russians robbed and burned it in 1716. A Kalevala memorial stone lies on the steps of the Paltaniemi Church of Paintings, symbolising the connection between Kainuu and Karelia. The wooden Paltaniemi Church of Paintings is decorated by paintings in the ceiling and the walls. The bell tower by the church dates back to 1769. https://www.visitkajaani.fi/en/products/paltaniemi-church-paintings/