Major city · Finland
Tankavaara
One night is enough: gold museum, panning and a short national-park trail. Stop here only if you are already driving or busing the E75 north.
Tankavaara is a small gold-prospecting village on the E75 in Finnish Lapland, 90 km north of Sodankylä and 30 km south of Saariselkä. It holds a gold museum, a panning outfit, a hotel and the trailheads of Urho Kekkonen National Park. There is no rail and no airport: you arrive by car or coach, and most people give it one night or a half-day on the way north.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- EUR
- Best months
- Jun–Sep for trails and panning; Dec–Mar for snow, snowshoeing and auroras
- avoid Nov (dark, wet, little open); late Apr–May mud season
- Airports
- IVL · RVN
- Nights
- 1
Rules in force · 7Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- Nordic countries ↗Decide light or dark before anything else: summer trips (June–August) and aurora trips (September–March in the Arctic) need different countries, clothes and bases.
- Nordic countries ↗Sweden, Norway, Finland, Iceland and the Faroes sell stronger alcohol only in state shops with short hours; buy before evening and before Sundays and holidays.
- Finland ↗Finland is in the EU and the Schengen area. Check the entry rules for your passport on official sources; the EU's Entry/Exit System registers non-EU visitors at the first Schengen border.
- Finland ↗The land border with Russia is closed to travellers; do not plan a route across it.
- Finland ↗Everyman's rights let you walk, camp for a night and pick berries on most land, but not near homes, and not to make fires without permission.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Tankavaara112 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Tankavaara, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the euro (EUR, €).Finland-wide
- SIM or eSIMEU roaming applies.Finland-wide
- Tap waterTap water is excellent.Finland-wide
- TippingRestaurant: Not expected; round up for great service.Finland-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/F. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Finland-wide
- SafetyVery low crime; the real risks are cold, dark and distance.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree in libraries, malls and many stations; some charge €1 (≈ US$2) by card.Finland-wide
- Emergency numbers112 emergency (police, fire, ambulance) · 116 117 Medical helpline (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysMuseums often close Mondays; many summer cafés and island services open only June–August.Finland-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportIVL Ivalo Airport (About 60 km (37 mi) north; the usual arrival airport, then coach or car south on the E75).IVL Ivalo Airport (About 37 mi (60 km) north; the usual arrival airport, then coach or car south on the E75).
- Getting aroundThe village is small: walk everywhere, including from the hotel to the museum and the trailheads.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffeecheck€3–5 (≈ US$4–6)
- Sit-down mealLunch or dinner maincheck€15–25 (≈ US$18–30)
- Beer0.5 lcheck€7–9 (≈ US$9–11)
- Museum or sight ticketGold museum entry€10 (≈ US$12) adult, €8 (≈ US$10), €5 (≈ US$6); free for ages 7–16
- Budget bedCamping pitch, a night, per room€20 (≈ US$25)
- Mid-range bedGold Village cottage, a night, per room€70 (≈ US$85)
- High-end bedGold Village cottage, a night, per room€80 (≈ US$95)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget €60 (≈ US$70) · Mid €100 (≈ US$120) · High €160 (≈ US$190)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- IVL Ivalo Airport (About 60 km (37 mi) north; the usual arrival airport, then coach or car south on the E75) · RVN Rovaniemi Airport (About 230 km (143 mi) south; railhead and the start of most coach services north)IVL Ivalo Airport (About 37 mi (60 km) north; the usual arrival airport, then coach or car south on the E75) · RVN Rovaniemi Airport (About 143 mi (230 km) south; railhead and the start of most coach services north)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
−9°C (16°F)16°F (−9°C)
Feb
Best
−9°C (16°F)16°F (−9°C)
Mar
Best
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
Apr
Avoid*
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
May
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Jun
Best
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Jul
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Aug
Best
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Sep
Best
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Oct
not flagged
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
Nov
Avoid
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
Dec
Best
−7°C (19°F)19°F (−7°C)
Best: Jun–Sep, Dec–Mar. Avoid: Apr–May, Nov. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)), coolest Jan (−19°C (−2°F)−2°F (−19°C) low), wettest Jul (11 rain days), driest Feb (8). Averages, not a forecast.
* only part of the month (early, mid or late).
Weather and climate
Tankavaara: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
−9°C (16°F)16°F (−9°C)
−19°C (−2°F)−2°F (−19°C)
9 rd
Feb
−9°C (16°F)16°F (−9°C)
−19°C (−2°F)−2°F (−19°C)
8 rd
Mar
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
−15°C (5°F)5°F (−15°C)
8 rd
Apr
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
−8°C (18°F)18°F (−8°C)
8 rd
May
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
9 rd
Jun
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
10 rd
Jul
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
11 rd
Aug
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
11 rd
Sep
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
10 rd
Oct
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
10 rd
Nov
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
−10°C (14°F)14°F (−10°C)
10 rd
Dec
−7°C (19°F)19°F (−7°C)
−16°C (3°F)3°F (−16°C)
9 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The village is small: walk everywhere, including from the hotel to the museum and the trailheads. A car is needed for Vuotso, Sompiojärventie and the wider park. Coaches on the E75 stop at 'Tankavaara th' on the main road, which is a short walk from the village.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Saariselkä
goDoor to door: About 30 min by car
Coach or car north on the E75
More beds, shops and fell trails; the practical base if Tankavaara is full.
Urho Kekkonen National Park trails from Tankavaara
goDoor to door: On foot from your bed
Walk from the village to the trailheads by Tankavaara Wild
Nature trails of 1, 3 and 6 km (3.7 mi), plus a 7-km geological trail; the 1-km route is wheelchair-accessible in summer if assisted.Nature trails of 1, 3 and 3.7 mi (6 km), plus a 7-km geological trail; the 1-km route is wheelchair-accessible in summer if assisted.
Pyhä-Nattanen fell and Sompio Strict Nature Reserve
goDoor to door: About 1 h from Tankavaara
Car to Vuotso, then 9 km (5.6 mi) along Sompiojärventie to the trailheadCar to Vuotso, then 5.6 mi (9 km) along Sompiojärventie to the trailhead
Circle trail over the fell; stay on marked trails inside the reserve.
Door to door: About 45 min by coach
Coach or car north on the E75
Airport, shops and services; useful on arrival or departure day.
Sodankylä
cautionDoor to door: About 1.5 h
Coach or car south on the E75
The administrative centre for the area; a supply stop rather than a sight.
Door to door: About 3 h by coach
Coach south on the E75, or drive
Railhead and airport; too far for a comfortable return day.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Gold Village (Kultakylä), Tankavaarantie 31
The only real base: hotel rooms, cottages and camping in one place, with the restaurant and panning on site.
Vuotso, 10 km south
Small village with a grocery store; only useful if Gold Village is full.
Saariselkä, 30 km north
Far more beds, shops and services; sleep there and visit Tankavaara as a half-day.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- €60–90 (≈ US$70–110) excl. bed
- Mid
- €90–140 (≈ US$110–170) excl. bed
- High
- €140 (≈ US$170)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Hotel twin room with shower1 × 1 night × €120 | €120 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × €100 | €200 |
| Gold panning, 1 hour2 × €12 | €24 |
| Gold panning, family day1 × €60 | €60 |
| Gold museum entry2 × €10 | €20 |
| Coach Ivalo → Tankavaara2 × €10 · check | €20 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | €44 |
| Trip total≈ €244 per person per day, bed included | €488≈ US$600 |
2026 estimate in euro; travel to Tankavaara excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffeecheck | €3–5 (≈ US$4–6) |
| Lunch or dinner maincheck | €15–25 (≈ US$18–30) |
| Beer, 0.5 lcheck | €7–9 (≈ US$9–11) |
| Gold panning, 1 hour | €12 (≈ US$14) |
| Gold museum entry | €10 (≈ US$12) adult, €8 (≈ US$10), €5 (≈ US$6); free for ages 7–16 |
| Coach Rovaniemi → Tankavaaracheck | €30–40 (≈ US$35–50) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- No rail and no airport: plan around coach times or drive; the nearest railhead is Rovaniemi, 230 km (143 mi) away.No rail and no airport: plan around coach times or drive; the nearest railhead is Rovaniemi, 143 mi (230 km) away.
- Coaches stop on the E75 at 'Tankavaara th', not at the door: check the walk to your bed before booking a late arrival.
- Old German Schutzwall structures from the Lapland War are unrestored and can collapse: look, do not climb.
- The trail from Tankavaara into Sompio Strict Nature Reserve is closed; use the Vuotso trailheads instead.
- Winter trails are snowshoe routes: check snow and daylight before setting out, and carry a headlamp.
- Fuel, groceries and pharmacies are limited: fill up and stock up in Sodankylä, Ivalo or Saariselkä.
Emergency numbers
- Emergency (police, fire, ambulance)
- 112
- Medical helpline
- 116 117
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
TankavaaraTankavaara
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Tähän osoitteeseen, kiitosTo this address, please
Emergency
- Emergency112
- Medical helpline116 117
Embassy
No embassies in Lapland; most are in Helsinki. US, UK, Canadian and Australian travellers should register with their embassy in Helsinki before heading north (check).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Coach Ivalo → Tankavaara: about €10 (≈ US$12), 45 min (check)
- Coach Rovaniemi → Tankavaara: about €30–40 (≈ US$35–50), 3 h (check)
- Gold panning, 1 hour: €12 (≈ US$14) per person
Say or show
- Hei — Hello (hay)
- Kiitos — Thank you (kee-toss)
- Paljonko se maksaa? — How much is it? (pahl-yon-ko se mak-sah)
- Voinko maksaa kortilla? — Can I pay by card? (voyn-ko mak-sah kor-til-la)
- Missä on vessa? — Where is the toilet? (mis-sa on ves-sa)
- Tarvitsen apua — I need help (tar-vit-sen ah-poo-ah)
Postal code 99695 Tankavaara. Free Wi-Fi at the Prospectors Restaurant.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Tankavaara. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Jun–Sep for trails and panning; Dec–Mar for snow, snowshoeing and auroras · avoid Nov (dark, wet, little open); late Apr–May mud season · month by month →
- 2 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 6 day-trips, door to door
- 6 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contracts for IVL and RVN: last coach times north and south, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Walking cluster map for the village: hotel, museum, Tankavaara Wild, trailheads, war-history trail.
- Place pages with verified opening hours for the gold museum and Tankavaara Wild, and eat pages with last orders at the restaurant and saloon.
- Winter fixtures: snowshoe-route status, daylight hours and aurora-night guidance so gates A–D can go green.