Arktikum Museum in Rovaniemi

Arktikum in Rovaniemi is the main Arctic museum in Lapland

Discover Arktikum, the museum in Rovaniemi, Finland about nature, culture and life in the Arctic region. Info, tickets and tips for your visit.

What is Arktikum?

Arktikum is one of the most important attractions in Rovaniemi. This unique museum and science centre takes visitors into the world of the far north and tells the story of life in the Arctic region. In the museum you can discover everything about the nature, history and culture of Lapland and the regions around the Arctic Circle. Arktikum is not only a museum, but also a research centre where scientists study the Arctic. Because of this, the Arktikum Museum combines historical information with modern insights into topics such as climate change and the future of the Arctic region. The museum is located close to the centre of Rovaniemi, on the banks of the Ounasjoki River. For visitors who want to learn more about Lapland, this is the perfect place to visit.

The unique architecture of Arktikum

The museum opened in 1992 and was designed by Danish architects. The most striking feature of the building is the long glass tunnel that leads towards the river. This glass corridor, about 170 metres long, was designed to let the special Arctic light enter the building. In winter, when the sun stays low above the horizon, the light shines beautifully through the glass roof. In summer, visitors can enjoy the bright light of the midnight sun from inside the corridor. A large part of the Arktikum museum is also located underground. This helps keep the temperature inside the building stable and allows the design to blend perfectly with the rugged natural surroundings of Rovaniemi in Lapland.

What can you see in the Arctic museum?

Inside the Arktikum museum you will find both permanent and temporary exhibitions that focus on life in the Arctic region. The displays are modern and interactive, making the museum interesting even for visitors without prior knowledge. A large part of Arktikum is dedicated to the nature of Lapland. Here you can learn more about the unique ecosystems of the Arctic, the long winters and the short but intense summers. You will also discover which animals live in the Arctic region, such as reindeer, Arctic foxes and various bird species. In addition, there is a strong focus on the history of Lapland. The museum shows how people have lived in this extreme environment for centuries and how they have adapted to the climate. Visitors gain a good understanding of how the region has developed over time.

The Northern Lights and Arctic nature

One of the topics extensively covered at Arktikum is the Northern Lights. Several exhibitions explain how this natural phenomenon occurs and why it is mainly visible in regions around the Arctic Circle. Through films, interactive displays and informative panels, visitors learn how charged particles from the sun collide with the Earth's atmosphere, creating the famous green and sometimes purple waves of light in the sky. Besides the Northern Lights, the museum also explores other unique natural phenomena of the far north. For example, the polar night, when the sun does not rise above the horizon for weeks, and the midnight sun during the summer months. Climate change and its impact on the Arctic region are also discussed in detail.

Arktikum for children

Arktikum is not only interesting for adults, but also for families with children. The museum offers several interactive exhibitions where visitors can discover and try things themselves. Children can learn how people protect themselves against extreme cold or explore how animals in Lapland survive the long winter. Through videos, models and interactive displays, the information is presented in a fun and engaging way. In addition, temporary exhibitions and activities for families are regularly organised.

Where is the Arctic Museum in Finland?