Experience the Gateway to the North with Rovaniemi's Premier Science Centre & Museum
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Immerse yourself in the stories of the North at Arktikum, Rovaniemi's architectural masterpiece and cultural heart. This dual-functioning Science Centre and Provincial Museum offers a profound deep dive into the survival, history, and nature of the Arctic. Walk beneath the spectacular 172-meter glass tunnel that serves as a 'Gateway to the North', offering front-row seats to the Northern Lights in winter and the Midnight Sun in summer. Through interactive exhibitions like 'Northern Ways' and 'Arctic Opposites', you will gain a new perspective on the resilience of the Sámi people, the diverse Arctic ecosystem, and the history of Lapland. Whether you are exploring the impacts of climate change or admiring traditional Lappish handicrafts, Arktikum provides the essential context for your entire Lapland adventure.
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Winter for snow and Auroras|Summer for Midnight Sun|Autumn for 'Ruska' fall colors
Dress in layers for the indoor/outdoor transition|Warm coat for the Arctic Garden|Comfortable walking shoes|Hat and gloves for winter exterior viewing
Opened on Finland's 75th Independence Day in 1992|Designed by Danish architects Birch-Bonderup & Thorup-Waade|Focuses on the survival of life in the north
Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for most tours|Full refund if cancelled within the window|Check specific tour terms at checkout
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Real experiences from real travelers
The glass tunnel is absolutely stunning! We booked a combo tour that included the museum and Santa Village. The guide was fantastic at explaining the Sámi history. Highly recommend visiting in the afternoon to catch the twilight views.
A must-visit for anyone interested in the Arctic. The 'Northern Ways' exhibition gave us so much context about Lapland before we headed further north. The cafe serves excellent lunch too.
My children loved the interactive science center. The ice cave simulation was very cool. It can get crowded in December, so booking a tour with skip-the-line access was a good idea.
The building itself is art. We learned so much about the flora and fauna of the region. It's a warm and educational escape from the cold outside. Don't miss the short film about the Northern Lights.
We spent about 3 hours here. The exhibits on the war history of Rovaniemi were very moving. The tour transfer was seamless and the guide was very knowledgeable.
Seeing the snowy landscape through the glass roof was magical. The museum shop has high-quality local souvenirs, not just cheap trinkets. Very accessible for wheelchairs as well.
We combined this with a husky safari. It was the perfect balance of adventure and culture. The museum isn't too big, so it's not overwhelming.
As a fellow Nordic, I still learned a lot about the specific Lapland history. The architecture by the Danish firm is impressive. Good value for money.
Everything you need to know for your journey
Generally, Arktikum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00. In the peak winter season (December), it is often open daily. Always check the specific date before visiting.
Most visitors spend between 2 to 3 hours to fully explore both the Provincial Museum and the Science Centre exhibitions.
Yes, Arktikum is very family-friendly. The Science Centre has many interactive elements, and there is a 'cold room' experience that kids love. Strollers are also available to borrow.
Yes, the glass tunnel and the Arctic Garden outside are popular spots for viewing the Aurora Borealis, as they are away from the brightest city lights and offer a view north.
Yes, the Arktikum Café serves a popular lunch buffet and coffee/snacks. It is a great place to taste local Nordic flavors.
Yes, the entire museum is wheelchair accessible with elevators and ramps. Wheelchairs can also be borrowed from the info desk.
Photography is generally allowed for personal use, but flash and tripods may be restricted in certain sensitive exhibition areas.
The Glass Tunnel is a 172-meter long structure that forms the main corridor of the museum. It points north toward the Ounasjoki River and is designed to reflect the Arctic seasons.
Most of the combo tours listed on our platform, such as the 'All In One Rovaniemi Day Tour', include hotel pickup and drop-off for your convenience.
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