Snowshoeing Adventure to the Amethyst Mine

Your guide will drive you in small groups from Rovaniemi to the national park of Pyhä-Luosto, located 1h30 away. You will then enter the old forests on snowshoes, for a great hike on deep snow. Your guide will take you to the top of the fells where you will have a splendid view to the horizon! Pyhä-Luosto national park consists of a fells chain ("tunturi"), which offers impressive landscapes that you cannot find in Rovaniemi area. In wintertime, on top of the fells and hills, you can wander between the cotton-like snowy trees and feel like in a fairy tale! 

You will continue your off-track hike until you reach the Lampivaara amethyst mine. This is a unique place in Lapland, hidden inside one of the hills that you can only reach by a snow-train called "pendolino". The pendolino will take you to the top of the hill and you will have the opportunity to explore the mine with a guided visit. You will then learn more about local geology, the formation of the precious amethyst and the story of the mine. At the end of the visit, you will dig the soil to find your own amethyst that you can keep!

After the visit you will have time to enjoy a typical lunch snack around the fire, prepared by your guide. You will then continue your snowshoe adventure off the beaten path to reach the starting point and return to Rovaniemi. 

This trip is also possible on Altai Skis instead of snowshoes (on request).

What’s included

• Hotel pick-up
• Transportation
• Snowshoes & poles (if needed)
• Expert outdoor guide
• Snow-train ride to the top of the hill
• Visit of the amethyst mine & dig your own jewel
• Barbecue snacks & hot drinks
• All handling fees and taxes

Requirements

Please dress appropriately according to the weather, with warm clothes, good winter boots, gloves, hats and thick socks. Note that temperature may feel even colder when on the lake due to the wind. You may rent professional winter overalls and winter boots for an extra cost of 5€/set.

In case of any questions, you may find your answers in our FAQ (Click here).

Attention

We recommend to book in advance, as availability may be limited in peak seasons.

A minimum of 2 paying adult participants is required for the trip to operate. We reserve the right to cancel the trip if the group is too small or because of bad weather conditions.

If you are a solo traveler, you are very welcome to join any departing trip at the standard price or we may organise the trip just for you at some extra costs (please contact us).

Child prices apply only to children under 14 years old. Children must be accompanied by one adult. The child rate only apply if the conditions of two paying adult participant is met.

A certain amount of walking is involved. This tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers, for people with heart conditions or with limited mobility. We do not recommend for children under 12 years old to join the trip either.

Meeting Time & Pick up : Note that the pick up time is for information purpose; thus, the exact pick up time will be communicated to you via email the day before the experience.

We offer free pick up and drop off services in a 8km range from the city center which includes for example Ounasvaara and Santa Claus Village. For ecological and logistical reasons, we may kindly ask you to walk directly to our office (Pekankatu 7, 96200 Rovaniemi) when your accommodation is located less than 500 meters from our Nordic Odyssey office in the city center. Airport transfers or transfers from more than 8km from the city center may be arranged upon request at extra cost.

Preparation before the tour: We recommend that you eat well before the experience, and dress properly according to the weather conditions. In case of any questions, you might find your answer in our FAQ (Click here).

Exclusions

• Winter overalls and boots (can be rented for 5€ only)