Immerse yourself in one of the planet’s most treacherous environments and discover how humans and animals have adapted to make it their home.
Enjoy the greatest light show on earth at the Arktikum and find out if you could survive in the Arctic. Stare into the eyes of a polar bear and discover the weird and wonderful creatures that live year-round in the Arctic.
The vast glass tunnel that holds the Arktikum is a fitting space for one of the most exciting and groundbreaking museums in Finland. Step inside and you will find that one side focuses on the most extreme environments in the country while the other looks farther afield to the plants and animals of the Arctic in other countries.
Head to the Northern Ways exhibit where fascinating tales of daring and disaster in Lapland are recounted with the aid of detailed models, collages and immersive videos. See how the clothes worn in this freezing environment have changed and find out the tricks that were used to survive in ancient times.
Don’t miss the display of plants that somehow manage to flower in grueling conditions. Learn about the animals that have adapted to the Arctic’s sub-zero temperatures over thousands of years. Farther along, view the beautiful polar bear and an assortment of other Arctic creatures.
Across the hall, the second part of the Arktikum is the Arctic in Change area. Gain fascinating insight into how Arctic eco-systems are produced and maintained. Then explore the effects of climate change on these environments. Put your body to the test in the cold room, lined with blue ice. Relax for a remarkable 3-D animation of the northern lights projected onto a part of the ceiling.
The Arktikum is located in the northern part of Rovaniemi, a 20-minute walk from the city center. The museum is open all week in the summer and from Tuesday to Sunday in the winter. There is a small admission fee to enjoy a visit to this land of ice and snow.
