Visiting Tankavaara Gold Village and Trying Gold Panning

1. Research and Plan:

Before visiting Tankavaara Gold Village, it's essential to do some research and plan your trip accordingly. Consider the following:

• Check the village's operating hours and seasons.
• Find out about entry fees, if any.
• Look for accommodation options nearby or within the village.
• Check for any necessary permits or permissions.

2. Choose the Right Time to Visit:

Consider visiting during the summer months when the weather is more favorable for outdoor activities like gold panning. This is typically from June to August in Finland.

3. Getting to Tankavaara Gold Village:

Depending on your location, there are various ways to reach Tankavaara Gold Village:

• By Flight: If you are travelling from a far distance, you can book a flight to Ivalo Airport, which is the closest airport to Tankavaara Gold Village.
• By Car: If you prefer a road trip, you can drive to Tankavaara Gold Village. It is situated along the E75 highway, which connects Rovaniemi and Ivalo.
• By Public Transport: Alternatively, you can use public buses operated by Matkahuolto to reach Tankavaara. Check the bus schedules and routes beforehand.

4. Arriving at Tankavaara Gold Village:

Once you reach Tankavaara Gold Village, follow these steps:

• Head to the reception or visitor center to gather information about gold panning opportunities.
• Ask the staff about equipment rental or if any guided tours are available.
• Pay any necessary fees or purchase tickets for gold panning activities.

5. Participating in Gold Panning:

After necessary arrangements, it's time to enjoy gold panning. Here's what to expect:

• You will be provided with gold panning equipment, usually a pan, shovel, and instructions on how to pan for gold.
• Head to the designated gold panning area, which may be along a river or within a specially designated spot.
• Follow the instructions given by the staff to effectively pan for gold.
• Taking your time, carefully swirl the pan in the water to separate the heavier gold particles from the sand and gravel.
• Continue the process until you find some small gold flakes in your pan.

6. Enjoying the Gold Village:

Aside from gold panning, there are usually other attractions and activities available at Tankavaara Gold Village:

• Explore the Gold Museum to learn about the history and significance of gold in the region.
• Visit the gift shops to purchase gold-related items or souvenirs.
• Take part in cultural events or demonstrations.
• Enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings and take a walk in the village.

7. Leaving and Completion:

Once you have finished gold panning and exploring the village, follow these steps:

• Return any rented equipment and thank the staff for their assistance.
• If you have any gold flakes or particles you found during gold panning, ask the staff about the options to process or keep them.
• Collect any belongings you may have stored or left at the reception.
• If you booked accommodation, check-out following the appropriate procedures.

Remember to follow any specific rules and guidelines provided by the Tankavaara Gold Village staff to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.